F1 2024

[baxlin]

Others may disagree, but I think MacTech’s observations are the only good things about the Monaco GP. The sooner it’s removed from the calendar the better. Won 31 times out of 70 (69?) races from pole, another 20 where the pole sitter DNF, so that’s 51 times it’s not been won in a straight race by other than the pole sitter.

But see my sig below…

 

[GeeJayW]

The first two days of the Monaco event have been remarkable for two things amongst my observations. Firstly, it seems that the Red Bulls have finally met a circuit where they can not dominate. There are various theories being banded about as to the reason, but I find the fact that they have a very high rate of anti- dive and anti-squat baked in to their suspension geometry very plausible. On 95% of circuits, the aero platform stability it gives them outweighs the kinematic compromise for mechanical grip which the car seems to lack on the bumpy, low speed nature of the streets of Monaco.
The other surprise is how well all the drivers are behaving! Yes, we have the inevitable broken wheel rims when brushing the barriers, but nobody has caused a red flag.....yet! Will that skill, discipline and sheer luck last today as well?

Mercedes (and perhaps others) have those plates fitted to the chassis that give options on pick-up location for adjustable anti-dive. Presumably they’ve dialled some out and that’s helped their relative performance.

Just a couple of tenths covering 2nd-7th, but LeClerc was really on it yesterday.

 

[GeeJayW]

Others may disagree, but I think MacTech’s observations are the only good things about the Monaco GP. The sooner it’s removed from the calendar the better. Won 31 times out of 70 (69?) races from pole, another 20 where the pole sitter DNF, so that’s 51 times it’s not been won in a straight race by other than the pole sitter.

But see my sig below…

I’d (kind of) agree, but if there was no race, there’d be no qualifying. Seeing the cars go through the swimming pool section flat-chat in qually is on my bucket list.

 

[baxlin]

I’d (kind of) agree, but if there was no race, there’d be no qualifying. Seeing the cars go through the swimming pool section flat-chat in qually is on my bucket list.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, if I was gifted an all-expenses paid GP weekend in Monaco, it wouldn’t take a great deal of thinking time to accept!

 

[Mactech]

Oh, don’t get me wrong, if I was gifted an all-expenses paid GP weekend in Monaco, it wouldn’t take a great deal of thinking time to accept!

There is so much more to Monaco than just who wins the race. I will be glued to my TV this afternoon to see how it is won.....after I have watched the MotoGP!
I love going to Monaco, it's a lovely place. The only time I would refuse an all paid visit is whilst the F1 is on! I've done it too any times and there are just too many people for the small space.
As you rightly say, other opinions are available!

 

[Petrol Pete]

I agree that Monaco appears not to be suited to modern F1 cars but is too embedded in history to realistically take it off the calendar.

Imagine a world with no budgets where F1 teams were allowed to build 'Monaco' spec F1 cars just for this circuit , just the one race.

I wonder what they would come up with ? The rules (my rules) would include the car being very narrow and light , to start with, and very little aero.

Or make them compete in Go Kart's .

 

[Mactech]

I agree that Monaco appears not to be suited to modern F1 cars but is too embedded in history to realistically take it off the calendar.

Imagine a world with no budgets where F1 teams were allowed to build 'Monaco' spec F1 cars just for this circuit , just the one race.

I wonder what they would come up with ? The rules (my rules) would include the car being very narrow and light , to start with, and very little aero.

Or make them compete in Go Kart's .

View attachment 157227

I understand that a superkart is about the same speed as an F1 car around Monaco…..

 

[HappytalkAgain]

I understand that a superkart is about the same speed as an F1 car around Monaco…..

But no where near as safe.

 

[Petrol Pete]

I understand that a superkart is about the same speed as an F1 car around Monaco…..

There you go then !!

 

[GeeJayW]

I understand that a superkart is about the same speed as an F1 car around Monaco…..

I remember photographing superkarts at Silverstone years (several decades) ago and they were as difficult to keep in the frame as F1 cars. Other forms of motorsport I’ve had a go at (Superbikes, WEC, Rallying Motocross) all seemed to be easier…

 

[grober]

Unfortunately Formula One appears to have outgrown the Monaco Formula One GP as a venue literally and metaphorically. How one reconciles this with its historical heritage and continue to support it is extremely difficult. There is something in the back of my mind about Ferrari building a shorter wheelbase car especially for Monaco before construction regulations were quite so defined as they are today. It may take a bad/fatal accident to change things Let's hope not!

 

[GeeJayW]

But no where near as safe.

There is more room for karts, but for sure going off into a barrier would be pretty nasty in a kart.

 

[GeeJayW]

Unfortunately Formula One appears to have outgrown the Monaco Formula One GP as a venue literally and metaphorically. How one reconciles this with its historical heritage and continue to support it is extremely difficult. There is something in the back of my mind about Ferrari building a shorter wheelbase car especially for Monaco before construction regulations were quite so defined as they are today. It may take a bad/fatal accident to change things Let's hope not!

I think part of the reason it still goes on, is down to the density of billionaires that live there and the opportunities that presents for the teams and sponsors to engage with them over a race weekend.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

There have been very consistent comments regarding Monaco on every F1 thread throughout the years.

I for one love it. It’s just one weekend out of 24. Variety is the spice of life and this offers something totally unique. It challenges the drivers and their machines like no other track on the calendar.

I totally understand that on the whole, the races are processional. But those who adore the good and bad of F1 appreciate it for what it is.

If I ever had the money I’d be there in a heartbeat fitting in well with my McLaren trainers and Alan Partridge driving gloves.

 

[Mactech]

But no where near as safe.

Agreed, but they are just about the hold the TT on the Isle of Man for the umpteenth time .....we all know it just shouldn't

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I’m another Monaco fan. If it was dropped in favour of another circuit, then what would replace it that would be better?

Replacing it with a circuit which is the average of the other 23 races in the year would take much more away than it would add.

All IMHO of course.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

Agreed, but they are just about the hold the TT on the Isle of Man for the umpteenth time .....we all know it just shouldn't

Why? What’s not safe about the TT’s???

 

[GeeJayW]

Why? What’s not safe about the TT’s???

What is safe, would be a much shorter list…

 

[Mactech]

The other surprise is how well all the drivers are behaving! Yes, we have the inevitable broken wheel rims when brushing the barriers, but nobody has caused a red flag.....yet! Will that skill, discipline and sheer luck last today as well?

....well that didn't last long

 

[HappytalkAgain]

....well that didn't last long

I blame you.