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Formula One

Danny said:
F1 have now made it official that Audi will be joining from 2026 onwards

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What interests me the most is we don't know how.

Will it be via Sauber, or a brand new team? Haas will likely benefit the most out of this as Ferrari will be keen to work closer with them IF Audi take over Sauber.

And where does this leave Andretti? Appreciate Domecilli doesn't feel they would benefit F1 but I would love a new team on the grid
 
I think it's pretty obvious it'll be Sauber - just need the Alfa Romeo deal to run its course before they can formalise a transition. Mind you Sauber do have form for things seemingly being a done deal but then not happening, as Honda and Andretti will attest to.

I don't think Ferrari could be much closer to Haas within the scope of the rules, even if they took them over ala Toro Rosso.
 
Its amazing the difference 12 months makes.

Last year we had Lewis's brilliant drive from the back of the field at Brazil, and this year we have Max doing exactly the same at Spa (Weather was also a little different this year compared to last).

I don't think Albon or Gasly got enough credit for their performance at Spa. Albon made one mistake, but when it counted, was perfect, and kept a lot of faster cars behind. Looking forward to seeing how the Williams goes at Monza.

Gasly starting from the pits and finishing 9th was also a great performance from him.

Ocon should probably be up there as well, finishing only 2 seconds behind Alonso.

Charles had the usual back luck, Max's tear off getting stuck in his brake duct, and then the speeding penalty for the pit stop to go for fastest lap (Which was a sensor issue linked back to the brake duct over heating) and missing out. I think going for the fastest lap was the right thing to do, although a point here or there is not going to help this season.

I thought it was interesting Red Bull did not seem to react, they just ran their own race, but I guess they knew with their pace, they could do their own thing and still win.

I miss the first two races, where they were neck and neck, it feels like this season is going to be settled rather early, but there will still be lots of fun racing in the mid pack.
 
Championship is long over. I would say all we can hope for are some good individual races but I think RBR have out developed Ferrari too much now. They traditionally always got much stronger towards the backend of the year but they have done that starting from a strong position too this time! I can't see anyone contesting them for a few seasons now. Ferrari are just not organised enough and Merc will be pretty much starting from zero again next year, focusing on the basics of a solid foundation where as RBR have a year of refinement completed.
 
My next guess in the musical chairs is Gasly to Alpine, Mick to Alpha Tauri, and Giovinazzi or Riccardio to Haas.
 
Gas to Alpine is apparently progressing. AT will be down to if they can scam Carlton enough SL points.
 
Gasly to Alpine looks a good move for Gasly and RedBull.

Bad move for Alpine though IMO, Doohan is on full charge at the moment, and I would take a bet on him. Why would you want to join the Alpine Academy if there is not going to be an F1 seat for you.

Gasly moving on from Apline frees up a spot in Alpha Tauri for another of the Red Bull Junior drivers to move up, which could be great news for Liam Lawson. Colton Herta would be an interesting pick for Alpha Tauri. Same with Mick moving to Alpha Tauri. Mick staying at Haas feels like a better win for Haas than getting Ricardo but who knows.

I will be sad to see Gasly leave, I think if him or Albon took the second seat at RedBull now, they would still not be as good as Max, but would look a lot better.

When Albon\Gasly drove the second car, it was not great, and getting past the midfield was difficult.

Last season and this seasons car gets past the midfield with ease, making it easier to get good consistent results.
 
Struggles on the track for Red Bull today, maybe opens the window for Ferrari or Mercedes? (Probably doesn't)
 
Rob said:
Struggles on the track for Red Bull today, maybe opens the window for Ferrari or Mercedes? (Probably doesn't)
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They will come good I suspect to spoil our fun!

The sadistic part of me would love Merc 1,2 just to see the salt.
 
It looks like it has all come out in the wash and Alpine have come out of it still dirty.

Summary:

Alpine only had what essentially a pre contract with Piastri. Despite being chased for it they kicked the contract propper down the road while publicly courting Alonso at the time.

McLaren signed Oscar on a reserve 23, drive in 24 role originally with the potential for 23.

It looks like Alpine were being a bit naughty when they pulled Piastri through the mud around loyalty etc.
 
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Danny said:
Alpine really have been shafted this summer.

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Been shafted? They've massively overplayed their hand, then doubled down on it when called out at a cost of half a million quid plus a load of further reputational damage.

They have nobody to blame for this mess other than themselves, ultimately. They shouldn't have locked down Ocon for so long.
 
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