Discussion
Flooble said:
Indeed, let’s not forget that last year it wasn’t even rumours - we actually saw Ferrari have one version of their car that was faster than everyone else while Merc rushed out a ‘spec b’
Come the season ...
What is the truth about Merc in pre-season testing last year? There were various stories about a mule car or a spec B car coming to the second test but I'm sure not even Merc can re-design a car in a couple fo weeks!Come the season ...
2fast748 said:
Flooble said:
Indeed, let’s not forget that last year it wasn’t even rumours - we actually saw Ferrari have one version of their car that was faster than everyone else while Merc rushed out a ‘spec b’
Come the season ...
What is the truth about Merc in pre-season testing last year? There were various stories about a mule car or a spec B car coming to the second test but I'm sure not even Merc can re-design a car in a couple fo weeks!Come the season ...
There was never a last minute rush, it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction. It was the spending of extra tens of millions in advance to ensure they could maximise the performance of the final car they entered the season with. As ever, in F1 money buys performance.
Fully expect they'll do the same this season. This season is invaluable to them, why would they not?
As for the Ferrari speed Vs Mercedes, I think maybe a confluence of factors. Mercedes have often shown they don't need to go flat out to get enough data to know how fast they could really have gone, so they don't go flat out. Some call this sand bagging, but I think it's just sensible more than deceptive. Barcelona was also very cool so Ferrari could run higher engine modes - and then in Australia it was pretty warm and they immediately ran in to heat management issues. Remember vettels message: "why are we so slow!?" Presumably to make the end of the race..
There are more factors but I wrote all about that this time last year! I'll save repeating it all until pre-season testing starts up this year, at which point I expect we'll see pretty much the same tbh.
Flooble said:
Indeed, let’s not forget that last year it wasn’t even rumours - we actually saw Ferrari have one version of their car that was faster than everyone else while Merc rushed out a ‘spec b’
Come the season ...
I suppose another thought when it comes to looking at Ferrari pre-season speed, is that we might all miss the point somewhat. We watch the test timings and stats, form opinions based on split second differences between the top cars. But actually in 2018 and 2019 the cars were potentially as good overall as their competitors, yet they managed to throw away entire races in various ways. Worrying about a tenth a lap is all well and good but a single minor mistake or miscalculation by the team can have a far greater impact on the race - and frankly, Ferrari have made a lot of mistakes in recent history. Over 200 points behind Merc last year, that's the real measure of their performance, and they didn't lose most of that ground just because the Merc was arguably a slightly better all round car.Come the season ...
However they perform in Barcelona next month, I think the real indicators of how well they could do next year might be found in team rhetoric and organisation, also in how they manage the driver politics and relationship. If they name either driver as No1 then I see all sorts of problems for this season, regardless of how great their 2020 car itself might appear.
Raw performance does matter of course, but I think they have a few other areas of improvement that we don't get to judge until the season is well underway.
I must admit that even though it was a little overproduced.. seeing the first car reveal in the metal (or carbon..) does whet the appetite for the new season.
And the possibility that Ferrari could give Mercedes a real battle again at last! Although we'll have to wait to see if that's the case.
And the possibility that Ferrari could give Mercedes a real battle again at last! Although we'll have to wait to see if that's the case.
Also in general Ferrari chatter: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.leclerc...
Finally confirmed no number one driver (yet...). I couldn't see what other call they could make this season, Seb would lose what little composure he has left if Charles was favoured over him. Also wasn't realistic to make Seb No1 when Charles is clearly performing better. Solution: no one gets no1 status
Finally confirmed no number one driver (yet...). I couldn't see what other call they could make this season, Seb would lose what little composure he has left if Charles was favoured over him. Also wasn't realistic to make Seb No1 when Charles is clearly performing better. Solution: no one gets no1 status
TheInternet said:
It's about the time to think about my annual hopeless WDC bet, Seb at 8/1 looks like it might be worth a go.
I'd want better odds on that one! Maybe if the sf1000 turns out to be an absolute beast and they stop making silly strategy mistakes, Ferrari could win.. but even then seb has to beat leclerc.. Sebs got the ability to beat him I think, if it wasn't for his own mistakes under pressure.
I like to imagine the pressure is different this year with CL perhaps carrying the greater expectation. If Seb has got his head screwed on that bit more and the car/team iron out the foibles it could work out. There is a lot of demonstrable potential there.
(This is how I convince myself to throw money away on a hopeless bet.)
(This is how I convince myself to throw money away on a hopeless bet.)
TheInternet said:
I like to imagine the pressure is different this year with CL perhaps carrying the greater expectation. If Seb has got his head screwed on that bit more and the car/team iron out the foibles it could work out. There is a lot of demonstrable potential there.
(This is how I convince myself to throw money away on a hopeless bet.)
Well, don't let me talk you out of donating a few quid to the bookies (This is how I convince myself to throw money away on a hopeless bet.)
I don't doubt Seb's potential one bit. I actually agree that if the car was good enough, and in the first few races he takes the lead in WDC, his confidence could be restored sufficiently to carry him and get the job done. There's a fair few if's in that possibility though.
If anyone else in a top car looks to be taking a lead on him points-wise, I just find it easy to believe he'll start taking do-or-die risks to restore the status quo, and inevitably drive in to someone or spin the car. He was so good at RB when he was winning easily, but the pressure of a sustained battle just seems to effect his judgement badly.
At least watch this before making a final decision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L42zsILN9VsAll this is a little tongue in cheek, he's actually one of my favourite drivers.
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