F1 2018 Testing ThreadFormula 1

[superwally]

I do believe the papaya is cracking under pressure, what is going on with that outfit?

Was just thinking that some drivers have covered almost 3 race distances today. That's quite a physical and mental workout. I can barely run 10 consistent laps playing GTS in my living room. It's impressive.

 

[Sureboss]

Alonso goes second fastest at end of the day.

 

[DesertPenguin]

Alonso goes second fastest at end of the day.

Probably only filled the car with enough fuel for a few laps

 

[Bram Turismo]

Haas has racing blood in its veins, I predicted their success when they announced their plans on how they were going about entering the sport. Thus their quick rise to compete with the middle pack doesn't surprise me, all they have to do this year is keep up with the development race and for their drivers to keep their head down and just race.

PS: I doubt Kubica's decision was purely on his own accord.

The only worry I have for HAAS is that they have made no progress since they entered F1. In terms of their competitors, they have been fighting the same teams so far and have made no steps forward on the grid.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the team, I really want them to make progress, but right now I'm not getting my hopes up just yet.

 

[Peter.]

The only worry I have for HAAS is that they have made no progress since they entered F1. In terms of their competitors, they have been fighting the same teams so far and have made no steps forward on the grid.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the team, I really want them to make progress, but right now I'm not getting my hopes up just yet.

The fact that they're directly competing with teams that have been in the sport far longer then them is impressive enough. Force India, Sauber, Torro Rosso are remnants of teams that have been in the sport for a very long time.

Considering that, and the budget constraints they must have in comparison, they have done well enough to still be in the fight. They probably won't be competing with anyone higher up for now, if ever.

 

[adb]

The only worry I have for HAAS is that they have made no progress since they entered F1. In terms of their competitors, they have been fighting the same teams so far and have made no steps forward on the grid.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the team, I really want them to make progress, but right now I'm not getting my hopes up just yet.

If they can fight for 6th in constructors then it would be quite a feat for a team in its 3rd year (that wasn’t bought out by a manufacturer)

 

[Bram Turismo]

The fact that they're directly competing with teams that have been in the sport far longer then them is impressive enough. Force India, Sauber, Torro Rosso are remnants of teams that have been in the sport for a very long time.

Considering that, and the budget constraints they must have in comparison, they have done well enough to still be in the fight. They probably won't be competing with anyone higher up for now, if ever.

They aren't even in the same league as Force India. Toro Rosso, I'll give you that one. But Toro Rosso have also had a reputation of looking promising at the start of the season, only to become completely anonymous as the season goes on. I don't think comparing them to Sauber is giving HAAS any credit. Sauber has no money, no promising drivers, and I bet their infrastructure is also so-so. Maybe this year will be different with the new Ferrari engine. Let's hope so.

Don't get me wrong, I really do want HAAS to be succesful. But after starting strong at the first few rounds of the season, they've really made no progress during the season. And let's not forget HAAS isn't just anybody. They've got funds, they've got Ferrari engines, they've got the infrastructure, and they've been working on the project 2 years ahead of their first season, so it's not like they're a random tiny team entering the sport without any knowhow or experience. I hope this season proves me wrong, but I'm not getting any hopes up just yet.

 

[superwally]

The only worry I have for HAAS is that they have made no progress since they entered F1. In terms of their competitors, they have been fighting the same teams so far and have made no steps forward on the grid.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the team, I really want them to make progress, but right now I'm not getting my hopes up just yet.

Actually, last years car was a big step over their first effort. It was a good car but unfortunately, they were not able to extract the ultimate performance from it, except on rare occasions. Last season was a massive missed opportunity, with McLaren struggling, Palmer issues in the Renault, Strolls inconsistencies, etc. Find the performance in the tires for a couple races and they would have been 2 places up in the constructors championship, but they really blew it in the second half of the season.

This year the drivers are reporting a positive feel in the car, and the team commented they understand the tires much better now. I'd like to think they are right there near the top of the midfield, but who knows what upgrades everyone will be bringing for the start of the season.

 

[Peter.]

They aren't even in the same league as Force India. Toro Rosso, I'll give you that one. But Toro Rosso have also had a reputation of looking promising at the start of the season, only to become completely anonymous as the season goes on. I don't think comparing them to Sauber is giving HAAS any credit. Sauber has no money, no promising drivers, and I bet their infrastructure is also so-so. Maybe this year will be different with the new Ferrari engine. Let's hope so.

Don't get me wrong, I really do want HAAS to be succesful. But after starting strong at the first few rounds of the season, they've really made no progress during the season. And let's not forget HAAS isn't just anybody. They've got funds, they've got Ferrari engines, they've got the infrastructure, and they've been working on the project 2 years ahead of their first season, so it's not like they're a random tiny team entering the sport without any knowhow or experience. I hope this season proves me wrong, but I'm not getting any hopes up just yet.

I just think that you have to give credit where it's due. Years of preparation doesn't always guarantee much, you don't know where you are until you actually get on the grid, despite all the prep in the world (see Honda 2015, Toyota in 2002). It is impressive that they've slotted in seamlessly into the pecking order of the midfield. Sauber have some of the best infrastructure in the world, Torro Rosso are the remnants of a team that is older than you and me, and Force India have mega backing in comparison, as well as a stronger engine.

The Lotus, Virgin and HRT efforts should be testament to how hard it is to not be dead last in F1, and how hard it is to improve. It's been a while since a team started from scratch, in other words not a buyout of an old outfit, and was tussling with the midpack from the get-go. They far exceeded my expectations, scoring in their first race and are still regularly in the hunt with no sign of stopping.

 

[adb]

I just think that you have to give credit where it's due. Years of preparation doesn't always guarantee much, you don't know where you are until you actually get on the grid, despite all the prep in the world (see Honda 2015, Toyota in 2002). It is impressive that they've slotted in seamlessly into the pecking order of the midfield. Sauber have some of the best infrastructure in the world, Torro Rosso are the remnants of a team that is older than you and me, and Force India have mega backing in comparison, as well as a stronger engine.

The Lotus, Virgin and HRT efforts should be testament to how hard it is to not be dead last in F1, and how hard it is to improve. It's been a while since a team started from scratch, in other words not a buyout of an old outfit, and was tussling with the midpack from the get-go. They far exceeded my expectations, scoring in their first race and are still regularly in the hunt with no sign of stopping.

While I admire what Haas did, and what they will do by the looks of pre-season, it has to be noted that it’s basically a Dallara chassis (who deserve more credit then they get) with a bit of Ferrari support (not sure if they’re still providing their suspension, or was it legal only in their first year)

 

[superwally]

While I admire what Haas did, and what they will do by the looks of pre-season, it has to be noted that it’s basically a Dallara chassis (who deserve more credit then they get) with a bit of Ferrari support (not sure if they’re still providing their suspension, or was it legal only in their first year)

Ahhh, more damning Haas with faint praise, it's easy for me to believe many pay lip service to their success, but deep down were really hoping for failure, spectacular failure.

So what that the tub comes from Dallara? They know what they are doing, it's public knowledge they build it, and it gave them a way into F1, and the agreement is within the rules. It worked out for everyone-including F1 on the whole, as having a US based team can't hurt market penetration here.

Everything about the partnerships that Haas made was smart, efficient, and forward thinking. Sadly, because they are US-owned, for the cynics it's all about how they loopholed their way into the midfield, as if somehow the rules got changed for them. If a UK based company/personality started the team, I feel the conversation would be entirely different, the F1 press would be gushing for this THIRD YEAR team that posted the FOURTH fastest times on both short and long runs in preseason testing.

Haas didn't enter F1 in the stupid old way where you buy a backmarker team and stay a backmarker team. I feel this bothers the same people who wish for the old 'Bernie Ecclestone' points system where the top 3 get them all, and everyone else should be perfectly happy just to rub shoulders with the big boys. The EU is politically socialist, but when it comes to F1, it's full Medieval, where the only way to the top is to already be there. I can't tell if this is just the culture there, or if it's a relic of the Ecclestone days, but it's pathetic regardless.

 

[twitcher]

They aren't even in the same league as Force India. Toro Rosso, I'll give you that one. But Toro Rosso have also had a reputation of looking promising at the start of the season, only to become completely anonymous as the season goes on. I don't think comparing them to Sauber is giving HAAS any credit. Sauber has no money, no promising drivers, and I bet their infrastructure is also so-so. Maybe this year will be different with the new Ferrari engine. Let's hope so.

Don't get me wrong, I really do want HAAS to be succesful. But after starting strong at the first few rounds of the season, they've really made no progress during the season. And let's not forget HAAS isn't just anybody. They've got funds, they've got Ferrari engines, they've got the infrastructure, and they've been working on the project 2 years ahead of their first season, so it's not like they're a random tiny team entering the sport without any knowhow or experience. I hope this season proves me wrong, but I'm not getting any hopes up just yet.

I don't really know what else you're expecting from a 3 year old team. Remember that there's only 10 teams to begin with.

After 3 years, there's no way in hell theyre going to compete against Merc, Ferrari, or Redbull. That would be an absurd ask.

Renault is a factory team, making massive strides up the grid, and should be a contender in the next year or two.

McLaren and Williams are both championship winning teams, with extensive facilities, resources, and industry connections. They're not doing as well as they could/should, but they're definitely a solid midfield teams, and in a league above HAAS.

So that leaves HAAS, TR, Sauber, and FI. Those are HAAS's direct competition, and they're doing well enough, again considering its only their third year.


And saying Sauber has no promising drivers is very ill-informed. Werhlein is the youngest ever DTM champion, and managed to score points in the slowest car on the grid, 2 years in a row. He was passed over because of "an attitude problem" and because Sirotkin had "one good test."

In his seat now is Charles LeClerc, perhaps the most hyped driver to enter F1 since Max, and the first F2 champion to have as much hype as Hamilton. If he wasn't a promising driver (and if you haven't, watch last year's F2 season, the kid is an animal), Ferrari wouldn't be putting all their resources behind him.

 

[DesertPenguin]

All I have to say about all that is Charles LeClerc did an amazing job in F2 last year. I watched a lot of those races and they are more exciting than F1. I really want to see how he does in a fight with a competitive car

 

[adb]

Ahhh, more damning Haas with faint praise, it's easy for me to believe many pay lip service to their success, but deep down were really hoping for failure, spectacular failure.

So what that the tub comes from Dallara? They know what they are doing, it's public knowledge they build it, and it gave them a way into F1, and the agreement is within the rules. It worked out for everyone-including F1 on the whole, as having a US based team can't hurt market penetration here.

Everything about the partnerships that Haas made was smart, efficient, and forward thinking. Sadly, because they are US-owned, for the cynics it's all about how they loopholed their way into the midfield, as if somehow the rules got changed for them. If a UK based company/personality started the team, I feel the conversation would be entirely different, the F1 press would be gushing for this THIRD YEAR team that posted the FOURTH fastest times on both short and long runs in preseason testing.

Haas didn't enter F1 in the stupid old way where you buy a backmarker team and stay a backmarker team. I feel this bothers the same people who wish for the old 'Bernie Ecclestone' points system where the top 3 get them all, and everyone else should be perfectly happy just to rub shoulders with the big boys. The EU is politically socialist, but when it comes to F1, it's full Medieval, where the only way to the top is to already be there. I can't tell if this is just the culture there, or if it's a relic of the Ecclestone days, but it's pathetic regardless.

Dude, there's no reason to get butthurt because of an F1 team. Also why do you think anybody would treat them any differently if they were UK/EU based? It's probably more about you thinking that everything American is great and only these stupid Europeans/Brits can't see it. Their Chief Designers are British anyway so what's the big deal?

 

[UnkaD]

Sadly, because they are US-owned, for the cynics it's all about how they loopholed their way into the midfield, as if somehow the rules got changed for them.

Nah... They didn't show up with an engine three times the size that only has to make power at 6k rpm.

 

[mustafur]

Ahhh, more damning Haas with faint praise, it's easy for me to believe many pay lip service to their success, but deep down were really hoping for failure, spectacular failure.

So what that the tub comes from Dallara? They know what they are doing, it's public knowledge they build it, and it gave them a way into F1, and the agreement is within the rules. It worked out for everyone-including F1 on the whole, as having a US based team can't hurt market penetration here.

Everything about the partnerships that Haas made was smart, efficient, and forward thinking. Sadly, because they are US-owned, for the cynics it's all about how they loopholed their way into the midfield, as if somehow the rules got changed for them. If a UK based company/personality started the team, I feel the conversation would be entirely different, the F1 press would be gushing for this THIRD YEAR team that posted the FOURTH fastest times on both short and long runs in preseason testing.

Haas didn't enter F1 in the stupid old way where you buy a backmarker team and stay a backmarker team. I feel this bothers the same people who wish for the old 'Bernie Ecclestone' points system where the top 3 get them all, and everyone else should be perfectly happy just to rub shoulders with the big boys. The EU is politically socialist, but when it comes to F1, it's full Medieval, where the only way to the top is to already be there. I can't tell if this is just the culture there, or if it's a relic of the Ecclestone days, but it's pathetic regardless.

Buying an old team tends to be the more successful way, just because it already gives you a leg up on what to expect when your bringing in a team that has done it before, Redbull for example took over jaguar who had huge resources but where pretty much a lower midfield team their entire existence, that helped them to start 2005 with a bang.

I got to admit what Haas have done is nothing short of amazing for a team that started from scratch, and with a very rich and very involved owner i would expect a gradual growth up the grid.

A Team Like Haas wouldn't be spending top team money on their car unless they had a top team car though, Redbull used this same strategy, before 2009 they where spending around the same as Williams, after they where spending the same as Mclaren.

 

[Liquid]

Buying an old team worked for Red Bull.
Buying an old team did not work for Leyton House.

Starting a team from scratch worked for Jordan.
Starting a team from scratch did not work for Hispania.

There's no set formula (duhhurr) or blueprint for creating a successful team. For every Stewart, Red Bull, BAR and Haas, all of whom achieved differing levels of success, there are teams like Hispania, Toyota, Lola and Pacific who didn't achieve the success they had hoped. And there are even teams like Dome, Dams and Prodrive who never even made it to the grid.

You need the right finances, the right staff, a good work ethic, a bit of elbow grease and... luck.

 

[TenEightyOne]

Buying an old team tends to be the more successful way, just because it already gives you a leg up on what to expect when your bringing in a team that has done it before, Redbull for example took over jaguar who had huge resources but where pretty much a lower midfield team their entire existence, that helped them to start 2005 with a bang.

Although Jaaag's previous WCC results were 9th, 8th, 7th, 7th and 7th. From the RBR takeover it was 7th, 7th, 5th, 7th.... and 2nd. I suspect that all RBR really got was a wind tunnel and factory space

 

[mustafur]

Although Jaaag's previous WCC results were 9th, 8th, 7th, 7th and 7th. From the RBR takeover it was 7th, 7th, 5th, 7th.... and 2nd. I suspect that all RBR really got was a wind tunnel and factory space

Webber said when he joined most of the staff from jaguar where still there, so there is that, hiring people can be the hardest thing when starting a team.

Renault have said it will take them a few years just to get Enstone to the same level of Staff they had before they sold to Genji.

Alot of that would come down to getting them from other teams and that will take alot of gardening leave.

 

[Liquid]

Webber said when he joined most of the staff from jaguar where still there, so there is that, hiring people can be the hardest thing when starting a team.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the factory staff had been there since Stewart in 1997.

 

[mustafur]

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the factory staff had been there since Stewart in 1997.

Put it this way some of the people at Enstone now were working with Toleman even though that was at a Different factory, F1 has very niche qualities it needs from it's employees its hard to just pluck them from school lol.

 

[NFSCARBON1]

Put it this way some of the people at Enstone now were working with Toleman even though that was at a Different factory, F1 has very niche qualities it needs from it's employees its hard to just pluck them from school lol.

I wonder if any Tyrrell staff are still with Mercedes via Brawn, Honda and BAR?

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

I wonder if any Tyrrell staff are still with Mercedes via Brawn, Honda and BAR?

Maybe...but most of the people you see in images of the Brixworth team after they win a championship, seem pretty young and before their time. You'd think a person or persons of that length of experience would be in a position of high rank, and we know who all of those are and where they've come from. Though I disagree with Mustafur, sure F1 has some niche qualities but not that many, we're talking about cars that have stability, aero and structure ideas similar to aircraft, the car is a upside down wing anyways with four wheels bolted to it. They can easily pluck people out of school. And since this is something I've seen with friends and myself intership wise, they teach you on the job, you don't come out of school prepared to take on the task you get at an engineering job.