Vandoorne is only a few tenths off Alonso most races. But, yeah, trying out Norris can't hurt. He's such an odious little turd though.
F1 2018 Season
- Thread starter pauldyson1uk
- Start date
I think they got caught up in the hype they created about their chassis, they spent every week claiming it was all the Honda engine and they'd be fighting for wins without it and so leapt at the chance to ditch Honda. Will be interesting to see how Horner deals with Honda next year, can he resist the urge to throw them under the bus at every opportunity like he did with Renault.
The thing is, RB has proven they've got one of the best chassis but yet had a reliable engine. I doubt Horner can resist it. Listen to Beyond The Grid, even he made a subtle dig to Ric already. He just an outspoken lad no matter what the situation is.
I just can't see Vandoorne will be able to make it work. Mclaren already in bad situation altogether. Might aswell banking on Norris.
I can't imagine RB switching to Honda unless they know it's going to be a success. They have the data from Torro Rosso, so if this goes as I expect, then Mclaren are going to look completely incompetent.
Pretty sure Norris will end up on loan at Toro Rosso as part of the James Key deal. Sainz & Vandoorne for next year & then bring back Lando the year after depending on how he gets on.
I think McLaren really want Vandoorne to work out & they might feel guilty haven given him a broken car for several races this year. Plus, it’ll keep a little bit of consistency in the team.
Don't think they had too much choice. Their relationship with Renault was incredibly bad and they'd tried to switch to Honda a couple of years back even when Honda were miles behind, got vetoed by Mclaren. Also, not sure Mclaren need help looking incompetent.
I'd be surprised if he goes there on loan, when Toro Rosso asked for him earlier in the year they didn't want to consider that, they wanted him outright. Think if he's part of the deal for Key then he'll have to have no ties back to Mclaren.
Vandoorne will still in a seat next season for McLaren. They will want an experienced driver to help develop the car, Norris will probably do another year in GP2 and Torro Rosso will look towards Sean Gelael alongside Hartley.
No chance, he's not even even the top 10. And I think he's a phenomenal driver and have had lunch with him.
Also, his driving ability has become overshadowed by all of his shithouse baggage in the past decade.
I agree, Torro Rosso data is key.
Could be right. I think it’d be worth the switch - Key is apparently the next Newey. If true then it’s better to have him in the team than a potential superstar driver. Get the car right and the drivers will flock to you.
On the Alonso debate, he’s an awesome driver. Probably 1st/2nd in terms of talent on the grid. Not the best qualifier, but getting the most from the machine he’s given he’s probably better than any of the current crop. Race craft he’s probably level with Hamilton & Ricciardo.
But the big thing for me is the negativity he’s shown over the past few years. He’s their talisman & leader. An attitude like he’s had filters its way down the team, through the engineers, mechanics etc. I’d be surprised if there isn’t a bit of fresh air in the team after he departs, almost like they don’t have to walk on eggshells in case they make him mad.
Purely speculation obviously, but as an avid McLaren fan, I’m more disappointed he’s left F1 than my actual team.
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Get the car right and it doesn't really matter who drives for you: Rosberg, Button, Villeneuve, HillJr, Mansell92, anyone driving an early 00s Ferrari etc.
Shame that he has ended his career with a shitty car. Always my favourite driver of all time after Schumi.
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Why do people rate Norris so highly?
He's 18, won F3 last year and is second in F2 in his first full year despite being the youngest driver on the grid. Had a very successful test last year for Mclaren as well.
There's not a better driver currently on the grid and that's a grid with 2 4x world champions.
I'd put fairly inside the top 10.
Mine is
1= Schumacher and Senna (not getting into this debate but each was better than the other in different ways) If you wanted the complete driver you'd pick Schumacher, if you wanted the fastest you'd pick Senna.
3= Fangio
4= Clark
5= Prost / Lauda
7= Jackie Stewart
8= Alonso
9= Hamilton/Vettel
Where Gilles fits in... Its hard to say. A life cut short before his ability to could be measured.
I have him around Button's level.
What on earth?
I agree with you top spot , but Lewis and Seb 9th and 10th
agree they are equal.1= Schumacher and Senna
3= Fangio
4= Clark
5= Hamilton/Vettel
7= Prost / Lauda
8= Jackie Stewart
9= Alonso
Would be my top 10.
I’m in Spa this weekend and it’s like it’s going to be pissing it down.
Brilliant, should be a great weekend for you.I’m in Spa this weekend and it’s like it’s going to be pissing it down.
Spa '98 is still my all time favourite race ever. A Jordan one-two and crashes and drama for the full race.
It will never get close to that again but a bit of rain should spice things up hopefully
Spa looks like being wet and cold, air temp no more than 16 degrees .
1998 was carnage and the Shu wanting to batter Coultard , but I thought it was his fault.
1998 was carnage and the Shu wanting to batter Coultard , but I thought it was his fault.
New name for Force India till the end of the season 'Racing Point Force India' 
Talk of Stroll being in seat by Monza, Ocon heading to McLaren for next year, Kubica in at Williams till the end of the season. Looks like Vandoorne could be without a drive for next year.
Talk of Stroll being in seat by Monza, Ocon heading to McLaren for next year, Kubica in at Williams till the end of the season. Looks like Vandoorne could be without a drive for next year.
Alonso managing to fallout with Red Bull without even being in the team?
So Ferrari looks very fast with the new engine, but Mercedes is not that far. It's only friday though.
both teams look fast , dont really pay much attention to FP , neither team will be going flat out.
Q3 is the time to see what the new engines can do.
Q3 is the time to see what the new engines can do.
True. Both have a new power unit as well.
Just arrived at Spa.
If Vandoorne was on a fast lap and Bottas wasn't, should be a penalty. Might get away with it simply cos it was practice.
WTF is wrong with Bottas? He almost killed Vandoorne here!
Bottas gets a reprimand, but he starts at the back of the grid , due to penalties.
Sky asking will the supersofts last for 1 whole lap and the answer was , they should do. WTF !!!
Ferrari and Mercedes both on the soft tyres.
Bottas on the supersoft though.
Bottas left it pretty late to come out.
Q1: Raikkonen, Bottas, Hamilton and Vettel.
Not much point in Bottas doing any more in this qualifying, would be a waste , he starts at the back.
Might has well save his boots and engine.
They should use him as a tow for Hamilton in Q3 considering how far down the Merc is in S1 & S3.
Very lucky. Guessing he got away with it as it was just practice.