The F1 Thread

[bodacious benny]

Hamilton might get an easy ride in the UK, that's fair to say. However he doesn't around a lot of the rest of the world, it's quite common that he's booed on the podium. Especially in other European races as he's had run ins with the likes of Rosberg, Vettel and Alonso down the years. North Americans love him as he oozes the kind of stuff that they lap up (the look, the image, the success, the dodgy American accent).

I think he is one of the best F1 drivers of all time, no doubt about that. He's the poster boy of F1, no other driver gets close to the level of media and attention that Hamilton pulls into F1 and the powers that be know that (as does Hamilton). Good as they are, the likes of Vettel, Alonso etc. aren't anywhere near Hamilton commercially. Most fans would like to see Hamilton turn his back on a lot of his off track celebrity activity but that's not happening any time soon. It's kind of at the stage where F1 needs Hamilton more than Hamilton needs F1.

[Micky Quim]

I can see why people dislike Hamilton, he's arrogant and petulant. But most sports stars are tbh. He is without doubt the best F1 driver I have ever seen - only Max Verstappen is close to him in ability, he may be better but time will confirm or deny that.

This issue with Vettel was obviously the Germans fault, but he is also arrogant and petulant and simply cannot apologise for his ridiculous mistake. But never mind that, it will make for a temper fuelled season lets hope!

[PTAO?]

I can see why people dislike Hamilton, he's arrogant and petulant. But most sports stars are tbh. He is without doubt the best F1 driver I have ever seen - only Max Verstappen is close to him in ability, he may be better but time will confirm or deny that.

This issue with Vettel was obviously the Germans fault, but he is also arrogant and petulant and simply cannot apologise for his ridiculous mistake. But never mind that, it will make for a temper fuelled season lets hope!

Agreed. No matter who you side with, if anyone, this has hopefully sparked a fierce rivalry to really make the season interesting.

[beardface]

Hamilton reminds me of McIlroy. Both absolute idiots yet seem to get a free ride. Hamilton telling Vettel to see him face to face if he wants to prove he's a man. Needs to grow up.

He meant face to face rather than having Vettel drive into him. That was pretty clear from his followup statements.

[bodacious benny]

Could be a classic season. Hopefully goes to the wire.

[ALF]

Hamilton reminds me of McIlroy. Both absolute idiots yet seem to get a free ride. Hamilton telling Vettel to see him face to face if he wants to prove he's a man. Needs to grow up.

He meant face to face rather than having Vettel drive into him. That was pretty clear from his followup statements.

Still a dick thing to say. I know he meant instead of driving into him but it's still childish.

[bodacious benny]

My money would be on Vettel tbf, Lewis wouldn't want to damage the money maker

[Alfie]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/40518666

This would be quite sad, been a few times and it's always a good atmosphere. We would lose part of British Sporting heritage.

[bodacious benny]

Would be bad news, it's all about the cost they need to pay to host a race. I doubt any other UK circuits would be able to cater for F1 without investing huge amounts of money in infrastructure first

[overseasTOON]

Would be bad news, it's all about the cost they need to pay to host a race. I doubt any other UK circuits would be able to cater for F1 without investing huge amounts of money in infrastructure first

I remember Brands Hatch were interested in taking it on but then Silverstone signed that long term contract.

London GP?

[bodacious benny]

Would be bad news, it's all about the cost they need to pay to host a race. I doubt any other UK circuits would be able to cater for F1 without investing huge amounts of money in infrastructure first

I remember Brands Hatch were interested in taking it on but then Silverstone signed that long term contract.

London GP?

Yeah I remember that but never been to Brands Hatch to see what the current facilities and set up would be.

London could be brilliant but I suspect that a lot of people might object to it. It brings money but also disruption which will affect lots of businesses.

Apparantley the casinos in Vegas blocked a race being held there as they'd lose to much money. For them it's all about how easily people can walk into the casinos, the restrictions in place if F1 was in town would be significant enough that they'd lose football despite their being potentially higher visitor numbers to the city.

[bodacious benny]

Bit of a Nothing race today bar the last few laps where it got tasty between Vettel/Bottas and Ric/Hamilton.

Bottas drove really well, Mercedes are a shoe in for the constructors Championship as Raikkonen is just too off the pace at Ferrari. I'd be surprised if they retain him next year.

[overseasTOON]

Bit of a Nothing race today bar the last few laps where it got tasty between Vettel/Bottas and Ric/Hamilton.

Bottas drove really well, Mercedes are a shoe in for the constructors Championship as Raikkonen is just too off the pace at Ferrari. I'd be surprised if they retain him next year.

Rumours are that Ferrari do want to bring in Verstappen.

[bodacious benny]

Bit of a Nothing race today bar the last few laps where it got tasty between Vettel/Bottas and Ric/Hamilton.

Bottas drove really well, Mercedes are a shoe in for the constructors Championship as Raikkonen is just too off the pace at Ferrari. I'd be surprised if they retain him next year.

Rumours are that Ferrari do want to bring in Verstappen.

Would be a great move. Think he's locked into a tight contract at Red Bull but I doubt money is an issue for Ferrari!

The main issue with that would be could you keep Vettel and Verstappen happy in the same team?

[bodacious benny]

My mate is sat at Becketts for qually (bastard), says it's really windy. Combine that with a damp track and it could be interesting.

[Micky Quim]

Hoping for a good race today, got tomorrow off so will be watching with a few beers

[bodacious benny]

Hamilton should piss this if he gets a good start. Potential for rain could cause a few issues. Will be good to see Bottas making his way forward from mid-pack and Riccardo from the back of the pack.

[bodacious benny]

Brundle taken ill and had to go to the medial centre. Hopefully just a dodgy BBQ last night and a dicky stomach. Was the 20th anniversary of his first grid walk too.

[bodacious benny]

Well that was an unexpected end for Ferrari!

Great drives from Bottas and Ric.

[overseasTOON]

Loved the battle between Vettel and Verstappen.

Vettel squeezed him off the track and didn't like it when the same was given back