Topic: Let's Talk F1

[Critterman]

The last race of the season this weekend.  You do you want to win the championship.

Even though he is not my favorite driver, I think he has driven a great second half of the season and the team papaya has been too centered on equality.  So my vote goes to Max.

[Critterman]

Well the season is over, an interesting race won by Max.  For the rest you will have to watch.

[Sol Asylum]

Finally watched the last race.  Yuki running Lando off the track was probably the only excitement of the race.  I'm fine with how the season ended. 

[Gentleman Jack]

Compared to some of the seasons in the recent past, this season was great, if only because there was some drama.  Hopeful for Cadillac.  F1 is better when Ferrari is relevant, so I hope they get a car that competes regularly.  Marc has two likable drivers and should do well with them.  Papaya has two great drivers, that will make a fun follow up season.  Red Bull has the best driver, and ....


Not sure about the move to Apple.  Guess we shall see.

[Critterman]

Already controversy over the new rules:

Mercedes' new 2026 F1 engines aren't failing to meet requirements, but are at the center of a controversy for allegedly exploiting a loophole in thermal expansion rules related to compression ratio, allowing them to run hotter and more powerful on track (near 18:1) than during cold FIA checks (16:1 limit). Other teams are upset, claiming this gives an unfair advantage, though Mercedes argues it's within the rules because measurements are taken at ambient temperature, not operating temperature, a situation the FIA is reviewing.

[Sol Asylum]

I saw that article and my first thought was this sounds like a bunch of BS.

I am not sure how thermal expansion could account for that much of an increase in compression.  Guess I would have to see some numbers to be sure.

[Gentleman Jack]

I saw that article and my first thought was this sounds like a bunch of BS.

I am not sure how thermal expansion could account for that much of an increase in compression.  Guess I would have to see some numbers to be sure.

What about a carbon fiber balloon on the top of the piston that ?inflates ? ever so slightly to increase compression?

[Sol Asylum]

I'm guessing at combustion temps and pressure that wouldn't last long.

[Critterman]

Anyone following the testing in Barcelona?

[Sol Asylum]

Can't say that I have been following it.

[Critterman]

Formula 1 news is buzzing with the secretive Barcelona shakedown tests for the new 2026 cars, revealing insights into new regulations, car designs (like the first Newey-designed Aston Martin), and driver reactions, with drivers praising the quicker acceleration but noting different cornering, while teams like Red Bull and Ferrari experienced minor issues like crashes and systems checks amidst secrecy. Lando Norris feels confident defending his title, while Williams missed the initial test, delaying their participation.
Key Updates & Stories:
2026 Season Underway: Teams are testing new cars, engines, and power units under strict secrecy with no media or fans present, focusing on the new regulations.
New Cars & Regulations: Drivers are reporting faster straight-line speeds but slower cornering with the new power units, calling the cars a significant challenge and different to manage.
Adrian Newey's Influence: The first Aston Martin designed under Adrian Newey's guidance has appeared at testing, drawing attention.
Driver & Team Reactions:
Lando Norris: is confident for his title defense.
Lewis Hamilton: found Ferrari's start productive.
Williams: missed the start due to delays but is preparing for Bahrain testing.

[Critterman]

In February 2026, Formula 1 is dominated by pre-season testing in Bahrain and intense debate over the radical 2026 car regulations, which shift to 50/50 hybrid power. While Max Verstappen has criticized the new cars as "Formula E on steroids," Ferrari and Mercedes are showing strong early pace, with rookies like Kimi Antonelli impressing.
The New York Times
The New York Times
 +2
Key Happenings & Trends in F1 (Early 2026):
2026 Regulations Debate: The new, highly electric cars have faced criticism for being difficult to drive and requiring "lift and coast" tactics, with Max Verstappen leading complaints. However, F1 leadership is resisting calls to "panic," suggesting the cars will evolve.
Pre-Season Testing (Bahrain):
Performance: Ferrari (Charles Leclerc) and Mercedes (George Russell/Kimi Antonelli) have shown strong pace.
Top Four Outlook: Early consensus suggests a "big four" of Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, with Zak Brown noting McLaren is strong but perhaps not yet the fastest.
Issues: Aston Martin has experienced notable struggles, with Honda issuing a statement regarding their performance.
Driver & Team News:
Lewis Hamilton: Spotted at Super Bowl 60, preparing for his debut season with Ferrari.
Rookies: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) has been a standout performer in testing.
Lineups: The grid features familiar faces, with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls continuing from their 2024/2025 rebrand.
Key Trends/Synonyms for Current F1 Environment:
Development Race: Teams are rushing to understand new, high-downforce, low-drag regulations.
Hybrid Focus: Increased reliance on electrical power (50/50 split).
Testing Narrative: Discerning true pace from fuel loads and engine modes.
Formula 1
Formula 1
 +9
The final pre-season tests are currently unfolding in Bahrain, with the season set to begin shortly.
BBC
BBC
 +3

[Sol Asylum]

Wasn't last year (2025) Hams debut season with Ferrari?

Antonelli gets how many years for a rookie year?  Pretty sure he was racing last year so....