Formula 1

I think Mercedes have done the right thing in the cold light of day. Image wise I think Mercedes come out of this as dignified in defeat despite the defeat being highly suspicious.

The fact that the FIA have launched an investigation is an acknowledgement that the rules weren’t followed despite the initial rebuttal of the appeal.

I think the likelihood of Masi being at the helm come Bahrain is highly unlikely, not just the decision but the manner in which he spoke to Toto was just outrageous.

 

Lewis Hamilton is 'disillusioned' after Abu Dhabi, says Toto Wolff - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59686315


Not surprised! Would be a big statement him calling it quits now. Doubt he will though.

 

It would have been nice for both teams to go back and run a one off race with Lewis and Max going at it for the title. Lets face it there would be more interest than the original race but then again Red Bull wouldn't agree with that.

 

If, and it is a big IF, and the FIA Do tighten the rules regs and consistent application of them AND Masi is removed ( I don't believe all the excuses some in the media have been making for him.. He has not been given enough support etc. Charlie Whiting had help.) Things may improve but not for Max Verstappen. Masi made an unbelievable decision last week but has been inconsistent throughout the season. Stewards have also been inconsistent but the two standout **** ups were SPA and Abu Dhabi both of which Masi and Masi alone was responsible for. He was also responsible for the ' horse trading' with RBR over MVs starting position after a reared flag incident. All three impacted LH adversely. Fool me once...shame on you... Fool.me twice ..etc. Little or no common sense and folds under pressure.
If the rules are tightened and clarified ( as all the drivers are asking) for then unless Max changes his driving style IMO he will not win another WDC and likely pick up so many penalty points he will get suspended from some races. The picture of his position someone posted on this thread at the first corner at Abu Dhabi where he forced Hamilton off was a perfect illustration of how he bullies the opposition.

 

What horse trading? If you mean him offering that red bull give the place back rather than go to the stewards then isn't that a pretty standard conversation that happens weekly with a lot of teams? The only difference is the media team decided it would make good TV to air it.

 

You know that is standard conversation because...? Yes team bosses have in the past talked to the Race Director but if you honestly believe Charlie Whiting would have negotiated and struck a deal with any team complaining in those circumstances then you are very much mistaken. Yet another example of MV forcing a driver off the track but it was complicated by Hamilton losing 2 places instead of 1. Masi should have told RBR what was going to happen not haggled. Too weak and indecisive.

 

It wasn't a negotiation. It was simply offering the opportunity to give the place back before stewards investigate.

Why do I know it happens regularly? Because teams are told to give places back regularly.

Did it used to happen under Charlier whiting? Yes it did. It just wasn't aired. At no point did anyone strike a deal.

He wasn't haggling. There was no negotiation, haggling. Bartering or whatever else you think there was. There was simply the standard conversation of give the place back or it goes to the stewards.

The communication from race control to the team's needs formalising and reducing massively but this example is simply an example of the media team making a story out of nothing.

 

It was a really sensible piece of officiating. Probably the only sensible thing we’ve seen all season.

 

Michael Masi has allowed five of my Christmas presents to unwrap themselves.

 

Genius sir, take a bow!!!!

 

hah! That's nothing ! Max Verstappen cut the corners off all mine!

 

A lot of talk about if Hamilton will now retire or not. I wouldn't blame him if he did because he's got nothing to prove and how he was robbed of the title quite rightly won't sit well with him.

 

Michael Masi removed as race director. Which is pretty much an admission that he didn't follow the rules, and thus, the Championship was unfairly decided.

Not going to change the result, but had to happen I guess.

Here's to Lewis winning every race this season and when doing press, he just says "I went motor racing."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/60418716

 

He doesn't need to win every race. Just win the first one and be as aggressive as Verstappen was with any "50/50" incidents for the rest of the Championship season.

 

Normally going into a new season I hope the cars are evenly matched and we get some good racing. This time I hope Mercedes just blow the rest away.
Masi had to go, his postion would have been untenable with the pressure that would have been put on him.
It's the closest we will get to a admission of guilt by the FIA.

 

As a Hamilton fan, there is a part of me that would enjoy seeing him wipe the floor with the field again. However, with the new regs and new cars, and as a fan of the sport first and foremost, I hope all 10 teams are within a tenth of each other. A completely level field.

And then watch Lewis run away with it.

 

Two race directors sharing the role may not lead to consistent decisions either.