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.