[Kevan]

Replacing tyres (and other parts) was also allowed when Lewis hit the wall at Imola, if not he would have had a DNF.

That's because his car was damaged and unsafe to race so that repair was a safety issue so not the same thing at all.

[Savage GT]

Well, I'm not sure what to say about today's race. I'm almost lost for words.

But it was surely one of the most dramatic, and most ridiculous F1 races ever. Absolute mayhem.

Crazy circuit, described as Silverstone with Monaco walls, lots of bad feeling between the teams, and lots of decisions to argue about. I've never heard of a situation where a race director actually negotiates with a team about a penalty. Absolutely bizarre.

Apparently the "negotiations" are common, its a recent addition for viewers to hear.
It was less of a negation, more a "take my offer or be subject to the findings of the stewards"

IMO any street circuit is a recipe for disaster and safety issues, but if they cut out street circuits, that removes Monaco, too much money involved for that !
Still, it cuts out my bugbear with all the track limit inconsistencies. IMO more than one wheel entirely outside of the white lines or kerbs is off track and should be applied universally across all tracks, in all circumstances, aside from accident avoidance.

[Henk]

That's because his car was damaged and unsafe to race so that repair was a safety issue so not the same thing at all.

Yes, but he changed his tires as well, the very thing you wrote that should be forbidden. So I can only conclude that you’re biased.

[Gordon Steadman]

Tribal loyalties seem to be rearing their ugly heads.

I know I'm somewhat biased so don't post about this subject because it's guaranteed to raise the hackles of 'the other lot'.

There is no point discussing it any more than there is about religion or politics. Belief is a tricky subject, especially if anyone disagrees with mine.

[woodcote]

My first vivid memory of watching a Grand Prix on TV was the Japan in 1976. And I've watched pretty much every race since. I think this season is one of the best. Last Sunday was just the latest stunning episode - what will be remembered as the surreal one.

We've seen two top drivers showing utter brilliance, ruthlessness and occasional flaws. The two teams have delivered great cars, stretching the rules to the limit. And the two team principles have added to the theatre by playing a wonderful pair of pantomime dames. Wrists have been slapped when absolutely necessary.

On top of that, the new F1 regime's focus on entertainment is opening up areas like the team to race control communications - and the media are lapping it up. No longer is my F1 weekend a duty to endure - and a welcome Sunday afternoon snooze - it is now thrilling and surprising. Some might not like it, but I think it works. We've not had any Nascar-style mass brawls yet... but who knows what might happen at Yas Marina next weekend.

I'm sure both Max and Lewis would prefer to win the championship on the track - but they will naturally do anything to grab that championship trophy. Michael Masi will be having a busy week. The viewing figures will be huge - the eyes of the world will be on F1 next week. Whatever happens on the track in Abu Dhabi, the drivers, teams and officials must make sure the ultimate winner is the sport.

I can't wait. F1 seasons as good as this don't come round very often.

[Kevan]

More excitement no doubt to come.

[CMOTD]

IMO any street circuit is a recipe for disaster and safety issues, but if they cut out street circuits, that removes Monaco, too much money involved for that !

Average speed round Monaco - 100mph. Average at Saudi Arabia - 150mph+ with drivers on full throttle for 79% of lap. Second only to Monza in terms of outright speed per lap with none of its run off areas.

Monaco has several escape roads and suitably located cranes to remove stricken cars quickly, Saudi Arabia has none of these. A pair of F2 drivers ended up in hospital, fortunate to escape serious injury. The F2 feature race was abandoned after the 2nd major incident and red flag. The track is lethal and they were very lucky things weren't a lot worse. LINK

[woodcote]

Just in case UK members haven’t seen this…

   

Hurrah for Channel4 

[JasonB]

I'll be glued to C4 then.

On a completely unrelated point, I wonder if those in charge of F1 are currently kicking themselves?

No doubt they'll all be slapping themselves on the back for introducing the change in rules which has seen Red Bull and Mercedes compete so closely, but having concocted the perfect recipe, they might be regretting throwing that all away for next year.

[CMOTD]

Sky are showing virtually a full day of F1 free to all customers on Sky Showcase today. Live final practice, live qualifying plus background programs. They are also showing the race live tomorrow on the same channel. People who pay extra for the Sky F1 channel might not be best pleased by this!