Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton on the pole position for Melbourne, while Kimi Räikkönen has to start from position 15 due to his failed qualifying. Let the season begin...

Ferrari (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuderia_Ferrari) 1 Räikkönen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimi_R%C3%A4ikk%C3%B6nen) 2 Massa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felipe_Massa) ~ BMW Sauber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Sauber) 3 Heidfeld (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Heidfeld) 4 Kubica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kubica) ~ Renault (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_F1) 5 Alonso (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Alonso) 6 Piquet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Angelo_Piquet) ~ Williams (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WilliamsF1) 7 Rosberg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nico_Rosberg) 8 Nakajima (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazuki_Nakajima) ~ Red Bull (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Racing) 9 Coulthard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Coulthard) 10 Webber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Webber) ~ Toyota (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_F1) 11 Trulli (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarno_Trulli) 12 Glock (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timo_Glock) ~ Toro Rosso (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuderia_Toro_Rosso) 14 Bourdais (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9bastien_Bourdais) 15 Vettel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian_Vettel) ~ Honda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Racing_F1) 16 Button (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenson_Button) 17 Barrichello (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubens_Barrichello) ~ Super Aguri (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Aguri_F1) 18 Sato (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takuma_Sato) 19 Davidson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Davidson) ~ Force India (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Force_India) 20 Sutil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Sutil) 21 Fisichella (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giancarlo_Fisichella) ~ McLaren (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLaren) 22 Hamilton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Hamilton) 23 Kovalainen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heikki_Kovalainen)

So any opinions on Melbourne and Malaysia? :D

I've really enjoyed the start of the season this year. The action, for the most part *coughs* MM *coughs* has been on the track and lets hope thats where it stays.

I'll say out front here I'm not a LH fan, blame the commentators! I am a KR fan though, have been for years and NH who is just great. So from that point of view its been good to see Kimi doing well and Nick as well. The exclusion of the traction control has been fantastic, I love the fact its now back more in favour of the drivers talent than the machines brilliance.

Can't wait for the next race, Turkey, and I'm hoping that we see Heiki back and in good form.

Since Lewis Hamilton made such an exceptional race just today, I thought it could be time to dedust this thread. Anyone who wasn't impressed? It's not only a technical matter of rain it seems; he really just stayed very calm during a crazy situation.

So in second half of F1 we'll have four people being very close at the top right now. Great start for some really exciting races!

Great, exciting race today (R11, Hungary). Massa was desperatly unlucky, I really felt for him...

Personally, I'm an Alonso fan and it was a good race for him today. He (Renault) managed to keep Kimmi(Ferrari) behind him for 40-50 laps, eventually beaten by the speed of the pit stops.

I admit i missed most of the Hungarian GP...But I've watched bits of it on Youtube and i agree, Massa was so unlucky!! Yet again I felt sorry for Hamilton when his tyre punctured, but he did okay :) The start of the race was brilliant..I got so excited :clap:

I admit i missed most of the Hungarian GP...But I've watched bits of it on Youtube and i agree, Massa was so unlucky!! Yet again I felt sorry for Hamilton when his tyre punctured, but he did okay :) The start of the race was brilliant..I got so excited :clap:

Yeah, I agree about the start. I knew something was going to have to happen at the line because there is so few overtaking opportunities on that circuit. I just didn't expect Massa to just hit the zone. He was blisteringly fast for that whole race.

OK OMG what a race. In the last round!!! OMG

We were already cheering for Massa and that!!!!
I even didn't notice that Hamilton drove by, thought that 5th place must be a mistake. then I went home and they told me that Hamilton is champion. Ahhhhh

Woah - 9 posts for one season. We had a busy discussion here. :rotfl:


German TV comment spotted that Hamilton drove by, so we got to know it immediately. And obviously before Ferrari team since they were shown cheering shortly after. Poor guys.

Yeah shocking. Thought about updating it to attract some posters. :p

I didn't follow F1 at all this year, but it was still exciting.
But I said Hamilton will win. Still poor Massa though. Was watching it together with my uncle and he didn't notice as well that Hamilton drove by. And he was screaming like mad and cheering, he was supporting Massa. Must go tomorrow and tease him.

I miss watching the races. I must go find a clip on Youtube, it sounds like this race was interesting.

I'm pretty sad that Raikkonen had such a bad season, he is my favorite driver. And I'm most definitely not happy about Hamilton winning.

I. Never. Knew. We. Had. A. Thread. For. F1.
Somebody hit me for not checking sooner!!!!

:lol:, F1 is pretty much my favourite sport. Alas, this season was rather out of my reach as my father decided to cancel a subscription to Setanta (not because of F1, it had something to do with a ridiculous price increase... :rolleyes:)

Regardless, all I can receive are text based reports of the races. Today I saw the highlights (lucky me!) of the Grad Prix.

I am so disappointed that Hamilton won it. :no:. Fair dues to him, he's a good driver- but I wanted it to be Massa. He's my backup after Raikkonen, who is my favourite and has been for many years now.

It was such a disappointment for me to see that Hamilton, after losing his fifth place, got it back due to a gaffe by Toyota. A one point lead. That was it. So disappointing that it came down to something like that.

I. Never. Knew. We. Had. A. Thread. For. F1.
Somebody hit me for not checking sooner!!!! *hits* :lol:


Let's remember it next season again!

*hits* :lol:


Let's remember it next season again!

:lol: We must definitely remember it!!

*hits* :lol:


Let's remember it next season again!

... Ow.

:D

I can see myself next year talking about you and being like,

"Gertie hit me once.... It was awesome.."

;)

I'm thinking of making a trip to one of the races next season.. I always say I will and get I never get there. next year might be my year. But first, I am so getting that subscription back....

... Ow.

:D

I can see myself next year talking about you and being like,

"Gertie hit me once.... It was awesome.."

;)

I'm thinking of making a trip to one of the races next season.. I always say I will and get I never get there. next year might be my year. But first, I am so getting that subscription back....

:lol: My uncle (who lives in Germany) got invited by the McLaren team to go the German Grand Prix. He said it was one of the best experiences of his life, with the exception that the view is better on TV. :p. He has had the chance to meet several F1 drivers including Michael Shumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, and Heiki Kovalinen.

:lol: My uncle (who lives in Germany) got invited by the McLaren team to go the German Grand Prix. He said it was one of the best experiences of his life, with the exception that the view is better on TV. :p. He has had the chance to meet several F1 drivers including Michael Shumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, and Heiki Kovalinen.

I could cry, I honestly could. Lucky!!! :love:!!

I realise this season is over, but sure I can keep talking in the thread (now that I've found it..)Who were your high hopes for the season? Who did better than you thought they would? Who fared worse?

And do you think the system of sanctioning is a bit unfair? I hear a lot of people around here moaning about it, so it's worth asking. :)

I'm glad Lewis won because I think he deserved it. Massa is also a good driver and I think he's underated so it's nice to see him challenge for the title.

I really like Kubica, Bourdais and Vettell - I hope all of them will be able to challenge more next season. Although Vettel can't complain, maiden win in a Red Bull Jr. car!

I'm a Raikkonen fan, and honestly, this just wasn't his season. I would have much preferred to see Massa win the title over Hamilton though.

I'm also a Kovalinen and Kubica fan. I was fortunate enough to be in Germany and actually get to watch the race he won on TV. I hate not being able to actually watch the races in the States. (Lack of TV in my house :grumble:)

I'm glad Lewis won because I think he deserved it. Massa is also a good driver and I think he's underated so it's nice to see him challenge for the title.

I really like Kubica, Bourdais and Vettell - I hope all of them will be able to challenge more next season. Although Vettel can't complain, maiden win in a Red Bull Jr. car!

I do think Lewis Hamilton deserved it. He worked hard for the last two years and he certainly deserved (and for the future, deserves) a lot of recognition for what he's done in the sport. He's proved that you can come from nowhere to take the lead- which is precisely what he did with smoothness, determination and a lot of courage. The comments aimed at him as a result of his win are appalling, as far as I'm concerned. He's a wonderful driver, without any doubt of it. :tu:

Vettell is a one to watch! I hadn't expected a lot of him, I have to say, I thought maybe another few seasons before he would get anywhere, though I had heard good things about him. I'm delighted that more and more newbies are coming through the ranks now that Schumacher has moved on. I have no objection to him, but for a long time, there was an unhealthy assumption that he would outright win everything- which was a rather monotonous prospect, so for me the sport is definitely looking up these past two seasons.

I was a bit surprised at Alonso this season, to be honest. I had expected him to be a very high contender for the crown...

I'm a Raikkonen fan, and honestly, this just wasn't his season. I would have much preferred to see Massa win the title over Hamilton though.

I'm also a Kovalinen and Kubica fan. I was fortunate enough to be in Germany and actually get to watch the race he won on TV. I hate not being able to actually watch the races in the States. (Lack of TV in my house :grumble:)

I just feel terrible for Massa at this stage. I can't even think how he must have felt, to have his dream taken away so swiftly- I bet it was a total nightmare for him!

I'm also a Raikkonen fan- and I'm going to ignore your luck and splendour in actually being at one of the races, which is, to date, one of those things on my "to do" list... ;)

Isn't it time to revive this thread, girls ;)

"The three teams who were protested on Thursday had the last laugh in Friday’s second practice session at Albert Park, as only Mark Webber in his Red Bull was able to get among the Williams, Toyota and Brawn cars with their trick diffusers."

Complete article here: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/3/9066.html

Soo... any favourites at this stage? ;)

Pretty mean to have Hamilston slip so much because of a gearbox issue. Or at least, that's what I heard it was. I'm glad that Jenson Button got pole though, it's nice to see him succeed when he's been quite consistent for several years. If he wins the race itself... well, that will be surprising, but I expect him to do relatively well.

I'm a Raikkonen girl so that's where my favourite lies- although Massa also did very well last season and could be very strong in this season too.

Dude, so impressed with Brawn. What a coup for Ross. I think the new regs must have evened the playing field a bit. Should make for an interesting season.

Last year I wanted Hamilton to get it but I don't know who I want to win yet this year. Kubica would be awesome or Sebastian I Forget His Last Name - The Red Bull one.

Yeah, but there's this diffuser thing that hasn't been sorted out yet... :whistle:

Sebastian Vettel?

Actually, I'd love for Rubens to bag a few wins this year (though Kubica claiming the title wouldn't be bad, either). I've kept an eye on him since he started competing in 1993, and he's always been a silent favorite of mine. :)

Dude, so impressed with Brawn. What a coup for Ross. I think the new regs must have evened the playing field a bit. Should make for an interesting season.

Couldn't agree more. Seems that Brawn are really gonna make the most of this season. They clearly have the capacity to do it and I imagine they're interested enough to keep it going. Really strong opening for them, without a shadow of a doubt. It would be nice to see that continue- especially given the Ferrari dominance the past few years. It would be nice to see someone else take the Constructor's crown.

This weekend's race looks like it was a doozy. There's a report Here (http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/3/9095.html) on the F1 site. I didn't see it myself... my father cancelled my Setanta subscription so I can't watch the races anymore. :(

Disappointed that neither Ferrari finished- bit of a change for sure. Button had a great day for sure though. :D

Last year I wanted Hamilton to get it but I don't know who I want to win yet this year. Kubica would be awesome or Sebastian I Forget His Last Name - The Red Bull one.

Daggerstone's right-Sebastien Vettel is with Red Bull so you mean him. :D I do like him actually.

Massa was a screamer of a driver last year. He did so well the whole way through and really won over a lot of people. He was consistent, competitive and the dark horse for a lot of the tournament. The thing is that over the last few seasons, there were still few enough drivers pitting for the top spots- Alonso seems to have virtually disappeared, it would be good to see him make something of a return. Hamilton will likely still be fairly high on the stakes throughout the championship, and I assume Raikkonen and Massa will both pull their weight too. Barrichello would be a nice change of pace, he's always been pretty good.

ETA: Check this out. Seems that Brawn are cutting costs already: ESPN- Brawn to cut 270 staffers (http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/racing/f1/news/story?id=4025018)

Well, this was one highly satisfying season opener... *sighs dreamily* :lol:

As for Vettel and Kubica, though... Serves him right, that post-race penalisation. :grumble:

BTW, what do you think of the new win-a-few-win-the-cup rules?

And what's this all about: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/3/9070.html :err:

BTW, what do you think of the new win-a-few-win-the-cup rules?


They done away with that a few days before the race, didn't they?
I was looking forward to it, too. I thought it would have encouraged more overtaking and batteling for first position, rather than settling for a few points in second or third; much more exciting.

That Brawn car must really be very good indeed. No harm to Jenson Button, but he is decidedly average, and has a track record of being just that. Don't get me wrong, he's a reat driver by normal standards (as are all the guys who can make it in F1), but I wouldn't rate him in the top 10, or 15 even...

I think the new rules were never going to work. They're thinking of revising the points system in time for 2010, but a "win most, win all" system is unlikely to work. It means more likelihood of recklessness rather than shown skill, and sometimes vying for the smaller positions like fourth or fifth turn into the most exciting moment. It tosses all the drivers below third into a black hole straight off, which could get boring and would only lead us back to the days when Schumi won everything and people disliked the sameness of the sport. Much though I like Schumi, it did get a bit boring for a year or two.

As for that link about Universal- bit weird. What exactly are they going to do with that kind of deal? Hopefully they'll make the sport more available without turning it into the advertising/entertainment war that is NASCAR.

Hey, i don't know much about F1 so maybe you guys can answer this....I was never a Lewis Hamilton fan, in fact I always thought he was a good driver but maybe over rated because he was in a clearly superior car. I never thought he would fall flat on his face like what is happening this year. Clearly he is a better driver then this, I know the car is bad but he clearly making it worse. What's going on?

Hey, i don't know much about F1 so maybe you guys can answer this....I was never a Lewis Hamilton fan, in fact I always thought he was a good driver but maybe over rated because he was in a clearly superior car. I never thought he would fall flat on his face like what is happening this year. Clearly he is a better driver then this, I know the car is bad but he clearly making it worse. What's going on?

It's just a terrible car, that's all.
I don't like hamilton, not by any definition of the word. But I do recognise that he is a very good driver, and I respect that.

Is it just me, or is anybody else getting sick of the BBC constantly showing Jenson Button's and Lewis Hamilton's fathers watching the race on screens around the pits during the races?

Is it just me, or is anybody else getting sick of the BBC constantly showing Jenson Button's and Lewis Hamilton's fathers watching the race on screens around the pits during the races?

I'm getting sick of seeing Lewis Hamilton's girlfriend. It's bad enough she hogs all the spotlight in every Pussycat Doll video, but now she's doing it in the McLaren garage too.

As for Jenson Button, he is in trouble. He's slumped terribly over the last few races. He better hope he can improve or that his closest rivals miss the opportunity he has presented them with during the last few races.

Jenson Button wins the F1 World Championship


Great performance today. Nice guy. Worthy champion.

BrawnGP also win the Constructors Championship (in their first ever season).

Blah...Iceman out is bad; Schumi in is worse. What is F1 coming to? Hopefully all of that reverses in 2011.

At least Lotus is back, so I'll have something to watch unfold...

Blah...Iceman out is bad; Schumi in is worse. What is F1 coming to? Hopefully all of that reverses in 2011.

For some reason, I wouldn't bet on this. I just think the whole system has gone to nothing over the past two years. I used to be an avid fan, and I honestly thought that once Schumi left, the entire thing might open up and become more exciting and contested. Instead it sort of degenerated into bitterness and fighting, and a lack of adherence to rules that's laughable. There can be double standards in operation regarding rules, and generally speaking it feels to me as though all of the fun has left the sport ever since Hamilton won- not that I blame him or anything, that's just when I really changed my view on it.

And I don't think the new points system will work either, imo. I don't think that it's enough....

For some reason, I wouldn't bet on this. I just think the whole system has gone to nothing over the past two years. I used to be an avid fan, and I honestly thought that once Schumi left, the entire thing might open up and become more exciting and contested. Instead it sort of degenerated into bitterness and fighting, and a lack of adherence to rules that's laughable. There can be double standards in operation regarding rules, and generally speaking it feels to me as though all of the fun has left the sport ever since Hamilton won- not that I blame him or anything, that's just when I really changed my view on it.

And I don't think the new points system will work either, imo. I don't think that it's enough....

Well yeah, for the drivers, I think the politics is ruining it for some of them. I think it went down hill when Alonso and team cheated for the win in Singapore. I lost faith in the entire younger generation learning from the mistakes of the older. Hammy going on to cheat and lie, just kicked things downstream a bit more. Both these drivers were very talented, but like Schumacher, it is uncertain what they have done or will do for their WDCs and WCCs. Pity. But that made drivers like the quick Raikkonen, Mika and Vettel or the steady but sure Nico and the surprise in a hot car Jensen more special.

I do not like the new point system either. Was one goal to ensure that whoever won the most races would win the WDC? Was another to ensure Ferrari never ended up in 4th again? Plus the conservation of fuel and preservation of tires made for the most boring race ever - hopefully the drivers adjust and start taking risks and overtaking or we are in for a long and very boring season.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO VETTEL!!!!!!

Wow...this is seriously looking like Kimi Raikkonen 2005. Which part will break next on Leader Sebastian Vettel's car? We can make bets at this rate... :lol:

Well no one is interested in F1 anymore? lol. What a season - more happening off the tarmac than on it. But that is good since the ban on refueling has made for rather boring processional races. I'm still gunning for Vettel - but at the moment, NBA and NHL seem a bit more exciting at game time...

I'm Interested!

But i'm new here.
And i prefer weber to vettel.
Not for any particular reason but i just prefer him.

But i'd still love to see McClaren wipe the floor with them.
But wait; Didn't they do that to themselves last time out?
I'd love to have been a fly on the wall after the last race.

Whats your verdict on the return of Schumi?

Welcome to CoS! :)

Whats your verdict on the return of Schumi?I had rather prefered to see him stay out, but how it runs I like his 'comeback' more than some others we saw in sports. Make me think he really simply just wanted to do races again - that's fine imo.

I had felt the same way when i heard about his return gertiekeddle.

I'm still in two minds about his return but it did amuse me no end that, when he overtook under the safety car rules, one of the stewards who docked his points was Damon Hill.

Meh, it is Schumi's decision - what ever he wants. I figure if he hangs around long enough, he'll get the hang of it. I'd rather have Raikkonen back though.

Yeah, I was pretty disgusted with Webber - he is older, but acts like a little kid sometimes, pouting and the sour faces. I prefer Vettel still and hope he becomes the next WDC. We need new blood and good competition for the future and of the young ones, there is really only Vettel, Hamilton and Kubica on the rise so far.

Whats your verdict on the return of Schumi?

I'm a Schumi fan, and I love that hes back but in a way I'm somewhat disappointed that he's not dong as well as he probably could. I mean sure good for him, he loves to drive and thats what he is doing, but as someone else said to me hes not a racer anymore hes more of a 'polished driver' which i think in a sense is true. He has said that next year will go more his way and he will be on the rise i guess, I mean last race in Valencia definately didn't go his way.

I'm loving the McLaren drivers at the minute, think they are doing so well. I like Vettel, he definately has potential and i think sometimes he is over shadowed slightly by Webber who too is a good driver (although i not much of a webber supporter :p ) Vettel and Webber's crash showed how they didnt seem to have as much of a team connection than say other drivers, but that could just be me.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Alonso can bring out this weekend in Silverstone, he was not a happy bunny last race and i think he definately has something to prove :p

Poor Alonso, he is just having more back luck than ever and he is kind of making a lot of mistakes this year - well more than I remember him making in the past. But maybe that is because he tries too hard to overcome the bad luck going his way. So far, he is not living up to what Ferrari foretold regarding their future with the new blood - but maybe he'll come around as the season progresses. I think they made a mistake letting Raikkonen go, I always thought he was one of the best drivers on the grid, way back since the McLaren days. But I heard a rumor he might be back - although not to Ferrari.

Meanwhile Schumi is also still having a hard time. Rosberg is beating him and made another podium at Silverstone, with Michael far behind. I am still not ready to count him out, but he is not making the progress I suspected he might so far. Still, 1/2 a season to go, so who knows. Silverstone was a great race. Here on our tv feed, they were showing Vettel move from 23rd - dead last - to 7th, and that was great action. That Sutil is coming along as a blocker - Hamilton couldn't get by him in a past race and Vettel barely did this round. Sutil is growing into one tough customer. Whodda thunk it, a classical pianist race car driver. good stuff. Hopefully Germany GP will be just as good - it is a shame that generally, one of the good drivers has to be derailed for excitment, but that is what happens when you cut out refueling and stops... I want fueling back! Lots of pit stops = lots of fun times!

I am so excited to see a Formula 1 thread! I am a huge Schumacher fan and am also a bit disappointed in his form this season but my husband keeps reminding me that it's partly the car and he had a huge break. I did wonder why he's back but am not going to question a good thing! As an Aussie it's very interesting to see how well Webber is doing and it will be great if we can have a champion - it might raise the profile of the sport in this country which can only be a Good Thing. With that said, I am not impressed about the ruling that is stopping the shifty work changing the outcome of the races, I used to love Barichello stepping aside (& essentially stopping anyone else) for Schumacher to sweep in and come first. I always wondered how he felt about it but I guess he's getting a pretty nice pay cheque at the end of the day.

What a season and what a win by the youngest WDC ever, Sebastian Vettel. I was gunning for the kid all season and it was gooooood to watch him prevail in the last race, in the way that he did. In the end, talent and endurance, focus and never giving up are the key. WTG to the newest World Driver's Champion!

Glad Vettel won.

Seems like a really nice bloke.


Good to see Red Bull doing well too. Nice to have different teams winning the Constructors title.

It was a fantasic season!
Vettel did very well, he is a fantastic driver. Red Bull really flourished too, although I really wanted Webber to win this championship but I hope he really gets in there next season. I felt as though he gave up though in Abu Dhabi, just his qualifing really lacked and he just didn't seem to be fighting as much as he could have during the race.
Look forward to next season!
I look forward to looking for drivers such as Schumacher, Kubica, etc and seeing if they get in with the top drivers, I definately think its possible. I also hope Massa has a better season too.