The F1 Thread 2012 Season

Ah Vettel. Manages to get a podium to maintain a 10 point lead.

You sensed this was Alonso's big opportunity to get some big points back instead he's got only 3. Reckon this might be the result that secures Vettel his 3rd championship.
 
Really feel for Alonso, just not happening for him all season, despite some sensational driving.
 
Ah Vettel. Manages to get a podium to maintain a 10 point lead.

You sensed this was Alonso's big opportunity to get some big points back instead he's got only 3. Reckon this might be the result that secures Vettel his 3rd championship.

Alonso will be gutted that Vettel finished on the podium.
Even with all his luck, it was a good race from The Finger.
 
True, but when Alonso saw Vettel's starting position he would've probably seen it as a chance to take a lot more than 3 points off him.

he should have done really, when Alonso watches this back he will spit at Vettel's luck.
 
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good to see Kimi get the win. Got to give Vettle credit for getting on the podium from where he started even if he did get a bit of luck during the race.

Hamilton must be over this season, seems every time it looks like things are going well for him the car self destructs.
 
http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1...d-to-stop-swearing-following-Abu-Dhabi-podium

Formula 1 drivers have been told to stop swearing after the outbursts from Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen in Abu Dhabi.

The pair were interviewed on the podium at the Yas Marina circuit after Raikkonen had won Sunday's race with Vettel finishing third.

Both the 32-year-old Finn and 25-year-old German used very strong expletives as they summed up their feelings, resulting in the FIA reminding the drivers of their responsibilities when it comes to speaking to the media, particularly when taking part in a live broadcast.

A friendly letter from the FIA has been issued to all 12 teams' communications directors regarding the use of bad language, for them in turn to address the issue with their drivers.

The letter states it is "very much our collective responsibility to make sure drivers are aware such language has no place during media events".

It adds that it "shines an unwelcome beam of adverse publicity on their teams and sponsors, the sport and FIA".

Motor sport's governing body says it is mindful of the fact that "in the 'heat of battle', adrenaline, elation and disappointment make for a dangerous and heady mix".

The letter adds: "But F1 drivers are not the only ones being interviewed in such conditions: I think of boxers, rugby and football players who are routinely interviewed live on television after a gruelling sporting effort. They manage to avoid inappropriate language."

Bold boys :nono:
 
I see Whitmarsh is talking shit again.

YOu mean this?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/20269668


I read in it that Lewis only went to Mercedes because they offered him more money, did he really go for more money? I cant see it .
Mercedes must of told Lewis that they had something up there sleeve, that would make there car something more than it is now.
Maybe I am wrong but there cars has they are now, Lewis has no chance of even getting close to winning the Championship next season.
 
Yes I mean that.

I don't like how Whitmarsh is somehow trying to deflect valid reasoning as to why Lewis would leave, it comes across as "It can't possibly be McLaren's fault".

How about you respect the decision Martin and wish him all the best? Is that so hard?
 
"If I were speculating there are a number of factors, and the prime one, I think, is that there comes a time when a man feels he has to flee the nest," Whitmarsh said. "I think it was a bit of that and a range of different emotions. He has been with us for so many years that I do not fully understand it."

"We made Lewis an offer - an offer, which I believe is more money than any other driver at the moment is being paid," Whitmarsh said.
"That leads us to suspect that our competitor and our partner Mercedes-Benz offered a bit more money. I don't know that, but I think for Lewis made his decision."

That last bit reads funny, as if there's words missing, but overall that doesn't sound like he's saying he only went for the money.

I think the primary reasons he's leaving are frustration with McLaren and their inability to build a car that is fast and reliable at the same time, combined with the HUGE financial benefit of being able to sign personal sponsorship deals.

At the end of the day, if you don't feel like your going to win the WDC with McLaren, and you can earn a fecktonne more money driving for another team, then wouldn't you make the move?
 
As an aside, I would doubt Whitmarsh is correct when he says they offered him more than any other driver is being paid - I reckon Alonso is being very well paid by Ferrari (do Marlboro still pay their drivers?)
 
Exactly and I reckon its the Alonso effect too. Hamilton probably saw that Alonso left McLaren for a poorer team but got far more credit from both his peers and the media by performing at a level everyone knows he is capable of and ended back up in a title battling car anyway.

He can answer the doubters that say the only reason he is successful is because of being on the McLaren tit whilst also making significant money in both personal endorsments which McLaren don't allow and base salary from a manufacturer based team.

I think Santander pay a big portion of Alonso's salary.
 
Comes across as a Wenger/Hill-Wood-type statement; half-delusion, half-smokescreen.
 
Exactly and I reckon its the Alonso effect too. Hamilton probably saw that Alonso left McLaren for a poorer team but got far more credit from both his peers and the media by performing at a level everyone knows he is capable of and ended back up in a title battling car anyway.

He can answer the doubters that say the only reason he is successful is because of being on the McLaren tit whilst also making significant money in both personal endorsments which McLaren don't allow and base salary from a manufacturer based team.

I think Santander pay a big portion of Alonso's salary.

Ah yea, of course. I was thinking back to Raikkonen's days with them when Marlboro were reported to be meeting the cost of his apparent £50m a year salary. Mental.
 
Just carried on reading that BBC article, if this quote from Whitmarsh:

"You have to justify your decision. He is not going to say: 'Hey, they offered me more money.' He is also not going to say that he's made an awful mistake. I hope he thinks today that he's made an awful mistake and I hope he thinks that next year

Is accurate then feck me, what a wanker.
 
Hard to believe Hamilton still has 2 races left with them with comments like that, its anti-man management.
 
I've never liked Whitmarsh, I've always thought he was a bit of a weasel, but I wouldn't have expected him to come out with something like that publicly.
 
On a brighter note:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/20267305

Kimi Raikkonen has given his entire Lotus team T-shirts emblazoned with his now-famous radio message during his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory.

The 33-year-old Finn took his first win since his return to the sport this year and his team's first since the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix.

On Friday 500 T-shirts carrying the slogan: "Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing" arrived at the factory.