Formula 1 2023

[seven]

Season opener set to be Bahrain on the 3rd of March, after one three day test from 23rd-25th of Feb.

China already looking to be canned, talks with Baku's organisers in bringing the race forward a week have seemly gone for a Burton, so there's likely to be a 4-week gap in between the Aussie and Azerbaijan GP's respectively. Cracking start and it's not even 2023 yet!

Edit, Portimao busy are they?

[plmc135]

New topic for next year. Already being reported that Chinese GP is cancelled due to their strict COVID requirements.

[Mike]

viewtopic.php?f=90&t=226996

[plmc135]

This was first topic if you look at timings

[Mike]

Yes, but seven's thread was started yesterday!

[2e1var]

Brilliant and '23 hasn't started yet, have we recruited the FIA to Admin on here

[blakey]

When did Australia stop being the first race?

[James Cutting]

2019. They cancelled in 2020, and only held a race again this year, and for 2021/2022 Bahrain was the opener.

[blakey]

Thanks James

[seven]

Bahrain has also been the opening race a few times previously, pre-covid. I believe its now part of their contract that they open the season, as Abu Dhabi is (dreadful decision) contracted to hold the final race. Another example of how terrible F1 is at organising an logistically/economically viable calendar...

[James Cutting]

Chinese GP now cancelled, inevitably!

Portimao is the strongest candidate for replacement, good track too.

[tommc]

Chinese GP now cancelled, inevitably!

Portimao is the strongest candidate for replacement, good track too.

Portimao used to be great when F1 cars were the size of Ford Capris, rather than the size of the island of Capri!

[James Cutting]

Yeah guess that's true! Still, prefer it to Shanghai

[raptor9]

Agree with Tommc re Portimao. Good for MotoGP etc., but F.1... don't think so!.

[seven]

Wasn't a bad couple of races from what I recall. Certainly above the level of Imola, which miraculously made it to the calender! And a much better bet than China for multiple reasons.
Another option being touted is Turkey, but I'd take either over a 4 week break..

[raptor9]

Sad news for us oldies. Ex Ferrari driver Patrick Tambay has died aged 73 [a bit young!]. He replaced Gilles Villeneuve after Gilles death, and won 2 Grand Prix. Always struck me as a complete gentleman, invariably polite, and regarded himself as an employee of Mr. Ferrari, a much better attitude than some current drivers adopt!!.

[Pune]

Sad news for us oldies. Ex Ferrari driver Patrick Tambay has died aged 73 [a bit young!]. He replaced Gilles Villeneuve after Gilles death, and won 2 Grand Prix. Always struck me as a complete gentleman, invariably polite, and regarded himself as an employee of Mr. Ferrari, a much better attitude than some current drivers adopt!!.

Yes, very sad news, a different era.

There is talk of Mr Gerhard Berger taking over the Ferrari F1 team, that would be interesting.

[James Cutting]

Fred Vassuer has left Sauber to become the new Ferrari Principal

Andreas Seidl has left McLaren to take over as Sauber's new Team Principal

Jost Capito last night has stepped down at Williams

Andrea Stella has now taken over at McLaren as Team Principal.

Well, that was a crazy 24 hours. Let's just hope Vassuer has the firing rights at Ferrari!

[slogen51]

Wishing Jennie Gow a full recovery

The BBC sports broadcaster Jennie Gow has said she is recovering from a serious stroke

I don't have Sky so most of my live F1 coverage is from BBC 5 Live of which Jennie is an integral part of the F1 team. It will be a long road but I hope to hear her cheerful and upbeat voice on the radio again.

[seven]

China predictably not being replaced, so now a nice 4 week break just 3 races in. Citing 'logistical reasons'. Turkey isn't that far from Baku, and Indian & Korea within small diversions on the way home... #justsayin