Formula 1 2018 - Round 18 – USA

Harika

Back to Hamilton country after Ferrari preferring tracks. Hamilton won the Austin race already five times out of six races. The only other win happened by Vettel in 2013. Realistically Vettel can only drag the decision out to the next race.

All sessions on Sky F1, C4 and the Online Service
Friday October 19 Free Practice 1, 16:00-17:30
Friday October 19, FP2, 20:00-21:30
Saturday October 20, FP3, 19:00-20:00
Saturday October 20, Qualifying, 22:00-23:00
Sunday October 21, Race, 19:10-21:10

This link shows the possibilities how Hamilton can win the crown this race.

https://badgergp.com/how-hamilton-can-win-the-title-in-the-usa


Predictions:
Hamilton win
One TR in points
Double Haas points
A red bull with engine failure

Charlie-Bravo

Isn't qualifying on at 10pm? The above times look out of kilter.

Harika

Yes I fix that tomorrow, was just shown in my F1 calendar that time.

flazio

Broadcast points.
Firstly, all sessions live on Eir Sport 1.
Secondly, live weekend for Channel 4 but be careful on Friday. Because of the proximity to prime time Friday night, Channel 4 is moving FP1 and 2 to More 4.
Qualifying does take over all of Saturday night on Channel 4 though, kicks off at 18:55 with FP3, which will then have Karun and Tom Clarkson (standing in for Lee McKenzie who's on rugby duty for Channel 4 in Limerick) having the now usual walk and talk. They then switch straight over to Steve, Mark Webber and DC at 20:30 for an 85 minute live build up show and qualifying and reaction until 23:30.
Coverage of the race begins on Sunday at 18:00 (internally debating whether to watch this or Doctor Who live)

Over on Sky, Martin Brundle makes his return.

Harika

Seems I thought Mexico is the US, that explains why the times were mixed up. :pac:

PukkaStukka

Ferrari appear to have brought a very aggressive floor upgrade to Texas

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/139477/ferrari-brings-major-floor-upgrade-to-austin

dublinman1990

Who is the guy named Tony speaking to Ben Edwards on More4?

flazio

dublinman1990 wrote: »

Who is the guy named Tony speaking to Ben Edwards on More4?

Tony Dogins. He's apparently an editor for some motorsports magazine but grand prix weekends his main job is the director of commentary for Channel 4. He's done free practice 1 commentary alongside Ben since the BBC days.
First time I've been home for a 4 live practice session so I've put Eir Sports and more 4 on split screen so I can still see the world feed whenever 4 pull away.

Rossi IRL

Vettel could be getting done for not following the red flag.

Could be a 3 place drop.

AMKC

Its not looking good for FP2. Its raining a lot there. Maybe they can have it on tomorrow morning instead.

Harika

AMKC wrote: »

Its not looking good for FP2. Its raining a lot there. Maybe they can have it on tomorrow morning instead.

there is fp3. happened before and the only session they actually would postpone by a day is quali and the race.

AMKC

Harika wrote: »

there is fp3. happened before and the only session they actually would postpone by a day is quali and the race.

Awe ok. Well FP2 is on now anyway. They get 40 minutes out on the track. Its very wet out.

Inquitus

AMKC wrote: »

Awe ok. Well FP2 is on now anyway. They get 40 minutes out on the track. Its very wet out.

Aye not much going/gone on yet unfortunately, there won't be any dry running in FP2 it seems.

AMKC

Inquitus wrote: »

Aye not much going/gone on yet unfortunately, there won't be any dry running in FP2 it seems.

There might not be any dry running tomorrow either. Could make for a very mixed up grid for Sunday which could be good.

ayux4rj6zql2ph

Vettel demoted 3 places

Inquitus

Jedidiah Moldy Finger wrote: »

Vettel demoted 3 places

Another needless mistake, makes a Hamilton title all the more likely on Sunday. 3 spots back from where he qualifies which could be as bad as 5th or 6th if it is wet tomorrow.

Jordan 199

Inquitus wrote: »

Another needless mistake, makes a Hamilton title all the more likely on Sunday. 3 spots back from where he qualifies which could be as bad as 5th or 6th if it is wet tomorrow.

I think Vettel will blow it on Sunday and Hamilton will win the race and his fifth championship.

Inviere

Inquitus wrote: »

Another needless mistake, makes a Hamilton title all the more likely on Sunday. 3 spots back from where he qualifies which could be as bad as 5th or 6th if it is wet tomorrow.

Assuming Kimi will be in the mix, it’s really only a two place penalty. Still, critical now for Seb. I also have a weird feeling it won’t be plain sailing for Lewis. In the last two races, he’s been complaining of hesitations on power delivery, and harsh up shifts in Japan...the engines might be beginning to show some strain at this point.

ayux4rj6zql2ph

Inviere wrote: »

Assuming Kimi will be in the mix, it’s really only a two place penalty. Still, critical now for Seb. I also have a weird feeling it won’t be plain sailing for Lewis. In the last two races, he’s been complaining of hesitations on power delivery, and harsh up shifts in Japan...the engines might be beginning to show some strain at this point.

Hopefully Hamiton sees a repeat of Malaysia 2016, even though the championship is as good as over i loved the radio broadcast when the engine blew, at least with him out of the equation i might be a bit more interested.

I have no intentions of tuning in after qualifying though if he runs away with it like he did in practice.

As for Fangio, he is the true legend not Hamilton.

Faugheen

Jedidiah Moldy Finger wrote: »

Inviere wrote: »

Assuming Kimi will be in the mix, it’s really only a two place penalty. Still, critical now for Seb. I also have a weird feeling it won’t be plain sailing for Lewis. In the last two races, he’s been complaining of hesitations on power delivery, and harsh up shifts in Japan...the engines might be beginning to show some strain at this point.

Hopefully Hamiton sees a repeat of Malaysia 2016, even though the championship is as good as over i loved the radio broadcast when the engine blew, at least with him out of the equation i might be a bit more interested.

I have no intentions of tuning in after qualifying though if he runs away with it like he did in practice.

As for Fangio, he is the true legend not Hamilton.

The bitterness of some people on this forum really is pathetic.

A man who already had more titles then Senna, as many as Prost and should have as many as Fangio by the years out isn't one of the greats?

Honestly, the clouds of hatred over some people's eyes here astounds me.

You don't have to like Hamilton, but if he wins title number 5 then he's got only one person ahead of him in history. That's legendary ffs.

Inviere

Faugheen wrote: »

The bitterness of some people on this forum really is pathetic.

A man who already had more titles then Senna, as many as Prost and should have as many as Fangio by the years out isn't one of the greats?

Honestly, the clouds of hatred over some people's eyes here astounds me.

You don't have to like Hamilton, but if he wins title number 5 then he's got only one person ahead of him in history. That's legendary ffs.

Well said. Nobody says anyone has to like Hamilton, but the schoolyard level head in the sand approach to his achievements just make people look immature.

Joeface

Hopefully we get a good race. This track has no excuses . Every driver says they love it. Every driver says they can overtake. Vettel penalty aside if the world championship is his he needs to go get it. It's Hamilton's to lose and his driving has been flawless the last few races. Hoping for plenty of good battles tomorrow... It will never happen

Cool_CM

Jedidiah Moldy Finger wrote: »

Inviere wrote: »

Assuming Kimi will be in the mix, it’s really only a two place penalty. Still, critical now for Seb. I also have a weird feeling it won’t be plain sailing for Lewis. In the last two races, he’s been complaining of hesitations on power delivery, and harsh up shifts in Japan...the engines might be beginning to show some strain at this point.

Hopefully Hamiton sees a repeat of Malaysia 2016, even though the championship is as good as over i loved the radio broadcast when the engine blew, at least with him out of the equation i might be a bit more interested.

I have no intentions of tuning in after qualifying though if he runs away with it like he did in practice.

As for Fangio, he is the true legend not Hamilton.

I also don't get the overt hatred that clouds people's perception of the guy on the track. Say what you want about his personality, the guy is an extremely talented driver and absolutely deserves to be where he is. I'm not a fan of the guy and the Titanic theme version of his engine blowing in Malaysia is one of my favourite online videos of all time, but you have to respect the fact that he is an exceptional talent and the stats support that.

On a personal note, watching him go from last to 3rd at the Hugaroring in 2014 was an amazing experience - he was in a different league to everybody else that day.

Faugheen

Cool_CM wrote: »

Jedidiah Moldy Finger wrote: »

Inviere wrote: »

Assuming Kimi will be in the mix, it’s really only a two place penalty. Still, critical now for Seb. I also have a weird feeling it won’t be plain sailing for Lewis. In the last two races, he’s been complaining of hesitations on power delivery, and harsh up shifts in Japan...the engines might be beginning to show some strain at this point.

Hopefully Hamiton sees a repeat of Malaysia 2016, even though the championship is as good as over i loved the radio broadcast when the engine blew, at least with him out of the equation i might be a bit more interested.

I have no intentions of tuning in after qualifying though if he runs away with it like he did in practice.

As for Fangio, he is the true legend not Hamilton.

I also don't get the overt hatred that clouds people's perception of the guy on the track. Say what you want about his personality, the guy is an extremely talented driver and absolutely deserves to be where he is. I'm not a fan of the guy and the Titanic theme version of his engine blowing in Malaysia is one of my favourite online videos of all time, but you have to respect the fact that he is an exceptional talent and the stats support that.

On a personal note, watching him go from last to 3rd at the Hugaroring in 2014 was an amazing experience - he was in a different league to everybody else that day.

He was in the best car. Doesn't count.

That's how this game works, isn't it?

ayux4rj6zql2ph

Cool_CM wrote: »

I also don't get the overt hatred that clouds people's perception of the guy on the track. Say what you want about his personality, the guy is an extremely talented driver and absolutely deserves to be where he is. I'm not a fan of the guy and the Titanic theme version of his engine blowing in Malaysia is one of my favourite online videos of all time, but you have to respect the fact that he is an exceptional talent and the stats support that.

On a personal note, watching him go from last to 3rd at the Hugaroring in 2014 was an amazing experience - he was in a different league to everybody else that day.

Suzuka 2005 was more meaningful than Hungary 2014, Kimi had beat the world champions of that year from 17th on the grid. Hamilton in the all conquering Mercedes won the title in 2014.

John Watson from 22nd to win will probably never be beaten.

Faugheen

Jedidiah Moldy Finger wrote: »

Cool_CM wrote: »

I also don't get the overt hatred that clouds people's perception of the guy on the track. Say what you want about his personality, the guy is an extremely talented driver and absolutely deserves to be where he is. I'm not a fan of the guy and the Titanic theme version of his engine blowing in Malaysia is one of my favourite online videos of all time, but you have to respect the fact that he is an exceptional talent and the stats support that.

On a personal note, watching him go from last to 3rd at the Hugaroring in 2014 was an amazing experience - he was in a different league to everybody else that day.

Suzuka 2005 was more meaningful than Hungary 2014, Kimi had beat the world champions of that year from 17th on the grid. Hamilton in the all conquering Mercedes won the title in 2014.

John Watson from 22nd to win will probably never be beaten.

Doesn't take away from the fact that you saying Hamilton ist a legend of the sport is top of the range stupidity for the simple reason that you don't like him.

Inviere

Jedidiah Moldy Finger wrote: »

Suzuka 2005 was more meaningful than Hungary 2014, Kimi had beat the world champions of that year from 17th on the grid. Hamilton in the all conquering Mercedes won the title in 2014.

John Watson from 22nd to win will probably never be beaten.

Yeah, and my Super Nintendo is better than your Sega Megadrive.

ayux4rj6zql2ph

Inviere wrote: »

Yeah, and my Super Nintendo is better than your Sega Megadrive.

I prefer the Nintendo Entertainment System :cool:

ayux4rj6zql2ph

Faugheen wrote: »

Doesn't take away from the fact that you saying Hamilton ist a legend of the sport is top of the range stupidity for the simple reason that you don't like him.

Am i not entitled to my opinion regardless if people disagree with me or not?

Faugheen

Jedidiah Moldy Finger wrote: »

Faugheen wrote: »

Doesn't take away from the fact that you saying Hamilton ist a legend of the sport is top of the range stupidity for the simple reason that you don't like him.

Am i not entitled to my opinion regardless if people disagree with me or not?

You are entitled to an opinion.

I'm also equally entitled to say your opinion is absolute bollocks.

On what planet is someone who could have 5 world titles not considered a legend?

ayux4rj6zql2ph

Faugheen wrote: »

You are entitled to an opinion.

I'm also equally entitled to say your opinion is absolute bollocks.

On what planet is someone who could have 5 world titles not considered a legend?

And i'm entitled to say your opinion of mine is absolute bollocks.

We'll be here bickering for half the night, you don't agree with me and i don't agree with you, that's plain and simple really.

The car is so far ahead since the 2014 engine regulations changed that when it really matters even Murray Walker at 95 years old could win the title in that car.

skipper_G

Faugheen wrote: »

You are entitled to an opinion.

I'm also equally entitled to say your opinion is absolute bollocks.

On what planet is someone who could have 5 world titles not considered a legend?

Not to mention that he's the best qualifier of all time and second in race wins behind only Schumacher. But yeah it makes perfect sense to claim he's not all that just because

There are people on here unable to separate their personal opinions of drivers from any discussion. It happens mostly with Hamilton but I've also seen it with others. Any discussion on Stroll for example turns into a hot mess because "waaaaah money"

Joeface

The Hamilton stuff has its own thread.

Probably should put most of that there. Really takes from the race threads every time it pops up.

Charlie-Bravo

Lads/lassies. Let's put the argument to bed. Yeah, he's a bit of a diçk and when his head isn't in the right place, he doesn't win. He's been a little special lately, everything going right, with the help of Ferrari messing up. That's what champions do, Beat the other guys, and win.

I don't like the lad but I respect what he has managed to achieve in his 11 years in the sport.

seamusk84

Hey, so I missed the coverage so far this weekend. Looking forward to the 10pm quali!

Whats the craic with the weather situation for quali and race?

Faugheen

Jedidiah Moldy Finger wrote: »

Faugheen wrote: »

You are entitled to an opinion.

I'm also equally entitled to say your opinion is absolute bollocks.

On what planet is someone who could have 5 world titles not considered a legend?

And i'm entitled to say your opinion of mine is absolute bollocks.

We'll be here bickering for half the night, you don't agree with me and i don't agree with you, that's plain and simple really.

The car is so far ahead since the 2014 engine regulations changed that when it really matters even Murray Walker at 95 years old could win the title in that car.

And? All of the greats won titles because they had the best car. Fangio, Lauda, Schumacher, Prost, Senna, Vettel, Alonso etc.

Even Jenson Button won his only title partly because he had the best car by an absolute country mile for the first half of the season. Would you take that away from his achievement? Of course not.

Hamilton isn't the only person who has had that car. Rosberg only beat him once (partly down to Hamilton's engine failure in Malaysia) in the three years they were together and Bottas hasn't got within an asses roar of him.

He forced Alonso to throw his toys out of the pram in his first season, won the title the next, still managed to win races in an absolute dog of a McLaren in 2009 and 2010, was beaten by Button 2011 but reversed that in 2012 and has helped lead a massive Mercedes transformation. They had won only one race (since they came back as a works team) when Hamilton arrived.

Even this year they haven't had it all their own way, but he didn't panic and looks set to come out on top unless something catastrophic happens.

But hey, you think he's not one of the greats even though him and Vettel have won 8 (soon to be 9) of the last 10 championships. 10 out of the last 12 if you want to go back that far.

For champions to win, more often than not they're going to need the best car. When was the last time someone who wasn't in the best car won the title? Arguably, probably Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

pjohnson

Off topic but for the 2018 American Grand Prix both Toro Rosso's will be at the back of the grid thanks to engine penalties.

AMKC

seamusk84 wrote: »

Hey, so I missed the coverage so far this weekend. Looking forward to the 10pm quali!

Whats the craic with the weather situation for quali and race?

Its dry at the moment in FP3 and its to be dry tomorrow as well. There was talk that it might be wet for quali but its only overcast at the moment so it might or might not rain.

AMKC

Could be a good qualifying season as Vettel is top in FP3 by 73 thousands of a second over Hamilton. Such a pity Vettel has a 3 place grid penalty.

Alonso the slowest do :eek:

dublinman1990

FP3 just finished there in Texas.

It was a Ferrari 1,2 with Seb & Kimi with Mercedes Hamilton & Bottas in 3rd & 4th position.

dublinman1990

Anyone watching Channel 4's live interview with the team principal's of Mercedes, Red Bull & Force India?

skipper_G

dublinman1990 wrote: »

Anyone watching Channel 4's live interview with the team principal's of Mercedes, Red Bull & Force India?

Yep just tuned in a few minutes ago, missed the start

Cool_CM

dublinman1990 wrote: »

Anyone watching Channel 4's live interview with the team principal's of Mercedes, Red Bull & Force India?

Toto's foreplay comment was gold!

Jordan 199

Cool_CM wrote: »

Toto's foreplay comment was gold!

I wonder is he a fan of the band with the same name

Cool_CM

Jordan 199 wrote: »

Cool_CM wrote: »

Toto's foreplay comment was gold!

I wonder is he a fan of the band with the same name

That man has never blessed the rains down in Africa in his life

Jordan 199

Cool_CM wrote: »

That man has never blessed the rains down in Africa in his life

That tune nearly has 432 million listens to on Spotify :eek:

EPAndlee

Jordan 199 wrote: »

That tune nearly has 432 million listens to on Spotify :eek:

Is that all?

antodeco

Cool_CM wrote: »

Toto's foreplay comment was gold!

What did he say? I've to watch xfactor until 10

AMKC

Great piece by Eddie Jordan there on C4 about Ferrari.

Jordan 199

EJ is gr8

flazio

Steve Jones says it's starting to rain.