The Official Formula One Thread!

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by sillo

Think there's any chance they'll hold the race with no spectators? I think it's pretty absurd to have that many people in close proximity to each other when something like this is going on.

At this point I think the entire season is in jeopardy.

I’m hoping no spectators is the furthest it goes, i would hate to see the season scrapped. I am beyond excited for this weekend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lol-x]

Louis Hamilton has to open his big mouth now, on the eve of the race, saying he can't understand how the race is proceeding and it should not go on.....He didn't go as far as to say he would accept a waiver of his millions of dollars contract race payment if the race was cancelled...

[topgear]

Lewis is Lewis. When he is inside the car with his helmet and visor down, he will be relentless to get the fastest lap, overtakes, etc.

[sillo]

https://twitter.com/McLarenF1?ref_sr...Ctwgr%5Eauthor



Very unlikely we're going to have a race now. This was put out 15 minutes ago

[77T]

Drivers, like NBA players, have a big sway over the show. Lewis is signaling to Seb and others methinks. I agree with Steve that this is a problem to make a statement like that - but prima donna’s do what they do...

As for NBA - a small cadre of NBA players stated categorically that they would not play games unless spectators were allowed. Lebron was the key vocal leader in that opinion. The original NBA decision had been reportedly taken to follow suit with NCAA - schedule to continue but no spectators. NBA was stuck after many players followed suit.

As for F1, the FIA can cancel if they wished. Very unlikely though. They simply pull the sanction and cancel the insurance cert.

If enough drivers pulled out, FIA could make it non-points event for drivers championship yet allow manufacturer’s points to be earned. Reserve drivers would fill those seats.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[sillo]

Originally Posted by 77T

If enough drivers pulled out, FIA could make it non-points event for drivers championship yet allow manufacturer’s points to be earned. Reserve drivers would fill the seats.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I believe Ross Brawn stated something similar when discussing if Ferrari would be able to get into Australia. So now with McLaren out this is either going to be cancelled or a non championship race.

[77T]

But all of Ferrari’s team was in Melbourne well ahead of the Australian travel restrictions - as well as Alfa and Pirelli crews.

I agree this could go the route of non-points, but if Australia allows spectators, I don’t think FIA would do that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[sillo]

Originally Posted by 77T

I agree this could go the route of non-points, but if Australia allows spectators, I don’t think FIA would do that.

McLaren is out already so the non points route seems almost certain. Still think it's absurd they've been going ahead until this point like nothing is wrong.

[77T]

Also - if anyone missed this - Bahraini organisers’ decided no spectators for their event.

Bahrain Grand Prix has been closed to spectators rather than postponed like the Chinese round of the championship.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[77T]

Originally Posted by sillo

McLaren is out already so the non points route seems almost certain. Still think it's absurd they've been going ahead until this point like nothing is wrong.

Well I doubt McLaren alone will sway the decision. But Ferrari has a final word (don’t know how many realize they can veto almost anything in F1).

As for “they”, let me ask this...who is “they”? F1 is worse than the Olympics on nailing down anyone to make a decision. The stakeholders actual positions are so wrapped up in murky goals.

I know a little bit about that after ATL had to deal with Olympics in ‘96... Getting decisions took weeks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Lol-x]

McLaren pulling out of the Australian GP will send shock waves through the rest of the teams who will put pressure on the organisation.

If the race goes ahead then the FAI are basically warranting to spectators that its safe. How can they make that promise? I guess for sure the FIA "terms of entry" exclude them from any liability should a spectator contract the virus by attending the race.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by 77T

As for “they”, let me ask this...who is “they”? F1 is worse than the Olympics on nailing down anyone to make a decision. The stakeholders actual positions are so wrapped up in murky goals.

Lol exactly. I’m not exactly sure who makes the final calls. The Aus government, FIA, FOM? They’re probably all playing chicken to see who breaks first.

[Lol-x]

I hope it goes ahead, I just paid $7 for an internet streaming subscription so I could watch the race I need this race to happen
If people want to go they should be allowed to go, if you are frightened then don't go to the race, its a free country (unlike the US which has been shut down).
Australians are tough people, they can handle a runny nose and a bit of a cough.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

McLaren pulling out of the Australian GP will send shock waves through the rest of the teams who will put pressure on the organisation.

If the race goes ahead then the FAI are basically warranting to spectators that its safe. How can they make that promise? I guess for sure the FIA "terms of entry" exclude them from any liability should a spectator contract the virus by attending the race.

If you have a ticket Steve, the fine print is FIA nor organizers warrant the safety of spectators or participants. There’s an express waiver by act of presenting yourself for entry to the venue.

You know the law in AUS better than I do. But here in US, lots of civil case law - only exception is negligence.

I’ve had to pay claims for stupidity in Paddock, but not catching a cold...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[sillo]

Well as of now the official word is the race is going.

Edit - now other sources from within F1 are saying it’s going to be cancelled. Don’t know what to believe right now.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by topgear

Lewis is Lewis. When he is inside the car with his helmet and visor down, he will be relentless to get the fastest lap, overtakes, etc.

[Zakalwe]

Looks like it’s off.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51849163

[nighthawk77]

It's been postponed according to the BBC;

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51849163

Edit: You beat me to it Sal!

[sillo]

Still no official statement from F1/FIA though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jatco]

Its a tough call to make all around and an even tougher call for the near future races.
An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure...and right now, theres No cure.
Most all major sporting events are either cancelled or on hold. The immediate future looks grim...at this point in time..

[77T]

Originally Posted by sillo

Still no official statement from F1/FIA though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’s very early Friday morning in Melbourne. Race officials have been told to stand by for an announcement.

If I hear anything allowed to be shared I’ll share it. I woke up my guy with a text he not so happy...
I keep forgetting where Melbourne is TZ-wise


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[77T]

Originally Posted by jatco

Its a tough call to make all around and an even tougher call for the near future races.

Yep - if Haas pulls out and maybe one other team in addition to McLaren then decision gets easier. Pirelli would be a deal breaker if any of their staff is compromised.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[sillo]

Lots of contradictory info still coming out, but this is interesting.

https://twitter.com/ChrisMedlandF1/s...15916631941120

[77T]

Australian GP - F1 won’t race this weekend.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...84369e524dcbac


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[sillo]

Originally Posted by 77T

Australian GP - F1 won’t race this weekend.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...84369e524dcbac


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

still nothing official from FIA/F1 though which is just embarrassing.

Newest rumor is Kimi and Seb have already flown home.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[77T]

Originally Posted by sillo

still nothing official from FIA/F1 though which is just embarrassing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Understand - I’m under embargo so can only share the public news feed.

Cars on course in about 3 hours so there’s still time to make their announcement. I think they want to name a make-up date if that’s possible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[77T]

This story tracks with what I was told 2 hours after it was leaked.


https://www.news.com.au/sport/motors...0664315398b70f


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[The Joker]

That's weird all over the news everywhere says it's off.

F1.com and twitter only says McLaren pulled out.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by The Joker

That's weird all over the news everywhere says it's off.



F1.com and twitter only says McLaren pulled out.

still seems like no one wants to be the one to make the call to cancel. I’m not well versed in this stuff but I imagine there’s serious insurance implications depending on who calls it off.

[77T]

Originally Posted by sillo

still seems like no one wants to be the one to make the call to cancel. I’m not well versed in this stuff but I imagine there’s serious insurance implications depending on who calls it off.

No insurance for this situation. No refunds by the organizers - only credit towards another event methinks.

NASCAR did same thing here in ATL, you can get merchandise equal to your ticket price.

F1 Teams, Liberty Media & FIA have made their decisions. But local organisers continued to insist that it would go ahead - a guy named Paul Little. Don’t know him but it’s a jousting match.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro