Modern Vespa

Being German is a big win for Daimler from a marketing perspective, TV ads, interviews etc.

But also, when a driver wins a single race, it's always announced as "4 time world champion Sebastian Vettel wins the Belgian Grand Prix!". Even though none of those world titles have anything to do with Mercedes, it does add prestige.

I'll rephrase it.

Vettel fell apart at Ferrari and never really recovered so rather than bring him back just for his Legacy ( Like Alonso ) are you really going to take the risk of him losing his shit again while driving your car ?

That doesn't look good.

Na, There's a bunch of non flakey, up and coming drivers out there who are perfect for Marketing and eager to prove themselves who would be a far safer bet rather than one who decided to retire.

No one is talking about Norris going to Mercedes.

Norris is tied up contractually until sometime around 2027 (though the exact details are not public).

Yup and he has a Mercedes Benz engine in the back of his car.

It's true. And that counts for something at moments like this.

Andretti already reverted to type and threatened litigation.🤔

The thing that I don't understand is that just like Hamilton joining Ferrari, Andretti joining the ranks would generate more interest in F1 and more interest means higher viewing figures.

When you are consistently making attempts to grow your exposure in the US why wouldn't you let a proven race winning team into the series ?

It's pretty obvious that something political is going on but I can't figure out exactly what.

I'd suggest that with Andretti's wealth of experience they'd be quicker than Haas right out of the box. ( Pit Box )

Me neither but I am only interested in the technical side.

Another big story today. An independent legal barrister has been called in to investigate claims made against Christian Horner by an employee.

Oh that's interesting. He's not liked very much is he ?

Inappropriate Behaviour eh ?

Let's see where this goes.

Comment from Sainz about leaving Ferrari.

So not disappointed to lose the seat, and already prepared - so he does have another drive lined up…

I'm pretty certain that his Bank Account is looking quite healthy these days as the Red Team are notorious for paying well.

Tough at the top.

Isn't Mick Schumacher a shoe-in for the Mercedes seat? He knows the team and everything.

I really don't think they'll pick Mick. I could be wrong. But I don't see it.

Mick Schumacher is a very nice guy but he's not particularly fast and he crashes cars quite often.

On this we agree. Completely.

Ralph was the same without the crashing part of it.

Quick, but no where in the same league as his Brother. Average at best.

I'll make a suggestion.

At some point Christian Horner's management style has been called into question but because he's been so successful it's been brushed under the carpet, until now.

The wind has changed so Jos and Helmut want him gone so they have dug this up as an excuse to lever him out.

Or it could just be a dick pic.

That's what BILD are reporting!

Personally, the phrase "inappropriate behaviour" does have a sexual meaning.

Surely it must be a big allegation for them to hire an independent legal team to investigate this?? Although "independent" is a bit of a grey area if they're picking up the bill!

If they use someone independent it takes the focus away from their own agenda.

Now, he may have just got too big for his boots but hasn't done enough for HR to step in so this is a great work a round, but today's the day we might find out a little more.

Personally I think that he's too intelligent to do something so base as BILD are suggesting, but it's that thing about Absolute Power etc.

Can anyone remember an off-season as interesting as this one ?

VW Fun Cup Car in Brussels.

So, this Christian Horner thing..........

Is there news?

Nothing new but something doesn't smell right to me.

If there was conclusive proof that he'd acted in such an inappropriate fashion he would have been sacked or at the very least suspended while the inquiry was going on.

It's rare for someone to remain at work while their conduct is being looked into especially if the accusations are serious.

My own personal belief is that Helmut and Jos want him out of the way so they are currently looking for the smallest thing as an excuse to show him the door and that's taking time.

As for the accusations in the Newspapers they don't know shit and I doubt that Horner is dumb enough to put everything he's achieved at risk.

Have you ever worked within a team where when an individual is doing well Managers will let certain things go but when the wind changes those things contribute to a dismissal ?

I think that whether or not there is any substance to it (and honestly, I have no idea) this is an especially critical moment for Red Bull Racing, right as the season is about to launch. If there is something to the allegations (and I'm not saying there is or isn't) then the delay might be more to do with timing and the impact that the sacking of the team principal could have on this season.

TL;DR: For Red Bull, success might be more important than being prompt about doing the right thing.

it wasn't a dxck pxc , he had been nasty to someone, and that's not allowed anymore

Yup. I think you just nailed it.

Someone's feelings got hurt.

Word on the street is that the Red Bull investigation into Christian Horner has concluded, and we should hear the outcome before this weekend's race in Bahrain.

Tangential subject: Away from F1 prima donnas, why no love for IMSA (U.S.) or WEC or even GT categories, at Spa,Nurburgring, etc?

It's a fine question. For me personally, I like the history and the worldwide reach of F1, racing on circuits literally all over the world. Also, Drive to Survive has made the inside story of F1 more compelling.

I also think the technology aspect of F1 is an interesting race in its own right.

But sadly the racing has become worse because of the tech and the cars sound awful.

Bring back the V10's or revert to a 3.5 Litre V8.

The noises, circuits and BOP are way better in IMSA, WEC and GT3 and you don't have to mortgage your house to see them, plus the races last 3 to 12 times longer.

Aussie Supercars are in a different league when it comes to real racing and they barely get a mention.

We need a pinnacle of Motorsport, I just wish that modern day F1 cars weren't so dull to watch.

On the Horner front there's talk of decison being made today.

What do you think that the chances are of absolutely nothing happening to Christian Horner followed by a Press Release starting with - After a Lengthy and detailed investigation........

And then he Sues everyone.

I give 50/50 odds that nothing happens. If the investigation concludes and no action is taken, it seems unlikely that he would choose to publicly combat Red Bull Corporate. Privately, he might very well nurse grudges, but I would be surprised if he sued.

I was thinking more about the Newspapers who blew the story up.

His level of confidence over the last few weeks really interests me.

My guess is still no.

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IMHO World Rallying should get mentioned more. Topping well over 100 mph on narrow dirt roads, surrounded by trees, with spectators jumping on the road is utterly insane.

Agree on World Rally level.
No easy to follow broadcasts in North America, though.

Back then, I saw a Peugeot rally car up close, at a car show, technical mean machine...!

They used to use the slogan "F1 on dirt" or similar. Amazing skills!

In my also humble opinion Worl Rallycross should also get a mention. Short races usually very close result.