Formula 1 - F1 - Current Season Discussion

[HRoi]

I do agree that it’s somewhat nuts to go Italy - Miami - Spain given that the first and third locations are so close (relatively speaking) to each other. Monaco is even in between them!

 

[HRoi]

Here’s the new nuttiest personnel decision of the offseason. “Oh, Alain Prost - why should i keep him around? What the **** does he know about F1?”

Prost: Alpine F1 departure due to being sidelined by CEO Rossi

www.motorsport.com

This can only be surpassed if FIA decides to retain Michael Masi

 

[sugarbutch]

Here’s the new nuttiest personnel decision of the offseason. “Oh, Alain Prost - why should i keep him around? What the **** does he know about F1?”

Prost: Alpine F1 departure due to being sidelined by CEO Rossi

www.motorsport.com

This can only be surpassed if FIA decides to retain Michael Masi

To be fair, what does he know about F1 outside of the car? His run as a team owner was a complete flop, and he doesn’t seem to have a set of skills similar to his erstwhile teammate Niki Lauda. It does appear that he was disrespected, but it can also be true that his contribution to team was far from essential.

 

[Octobab]

To be fair, what does he know about F1 outside of the car? His run as a team owner was a complete flop, and he doesn’t seem to have a set of skills similar to his erstwhile teammate Niki Lauda. It does appear that he was disrespected, but it can also be true that his contribution to team was far from essential.

This. It's easy to see how a figure like Prost could potentially be far more hinderance than help, especially given the altered nature of F1 on almost every level from then to now. Not to say it doesn't work (eg Lauda & Merc), or that I particularly trust Renault's decision making...

 

[HRoi]

Pretty much the Niki Lauda role. Did you guys hear he wasn’t a good mentor or a disruptive presence? If so, I’d understand it better.

 

[sugarbutch]

Pretty much the Niki Lauda role. Did you guys hear he wasn’t a good mentor or a disruptive presence? If so, I’d understand it better.

I look at it the other way. Lewis talked frequently about Niki's influence on him and Mercedes. I don't recall seeing Esteban or Fernando saying similar things about about Prost.

 

[Texasmade]

I look at it the other way. Lewis talked frequently about Niki's influence on him and Mercedes. I don't recall seeing Esteban or Fernando saying similar things about about Prost.

That's because no one gives a **** about a team that sucks unless it's a complete train wreck.

 

[sugarbutch]

That's because no one gives a **** about a team that sucks unless it's a complete train wreck.

Team Enstone has an incredible history, as does Renault. The latter's fickleness has IMO prevented them having a string of titles.

 

[HRoi]

Ok. I realize that all I have is Prost’s side of the story, but he’s saying that he’d been marginalized in decision-making, but still responsible for communicating those decisions to the team. Which to me suggests he lost a power struggle, as opposed to not being a voice of credibility on the team.

there’s also the optics of booting the greatest French F1 driver from the only French team on the grid.

But I guess we’re all just speculating. I freely admit to being guilty of projection here, because I respect Prost and can’t imagine why someone would think he’s not worthy of his role

 

[Texasmade]

Team Enstone has an incredible history, as does Renault. The latter's fickleness has IMO prevented them having a string of titles.

But what have you done lately? Team has been underperforming for a few years.

 

[sugarbutch]

Ok. I realize that all I have is Prost’s side of the story, but he’s saying that he’d been marginalized in decision-making, but still responsible for communicating those decisions to the team. Which to me suggests he lost a power struggle, as opposed to not being a voice of credibility on the team.

there’s also the optics of booting the greatest French F1 driver from the only French team on the grid.

But I guess we’re all just speculating. I freely admit to being guilty of projection here, because I respect Prost and can’t imagine why someone would think he’s not worthy of his role

Prost's tenure in that role predates Rossi's arrival as CEO. He started advising the team in 2015, and my point applies to Magnussen, Palmer, Hulkenberg, Sainz, and Ricciardo.

Characterizing his departure as booting the greatest French driver is perhaps hyperbole. Prost has always been prickly, and being offered a figurehead role (which seems to be what Rossi offered him for this year) likely insulted his pride. His stated reasons for leaving support that conclusion. Going back to my comparison of his business acumen vs Lauda's, Niki owned part of the team whereas Prost doesn't. Niki made himself essential, and Alain did not.

Prost was a great driver, but if you look back at even his driving career, he mostly came out second best when political maneuvering was required. Senna won McLaren over to his side. Prost fell out with Ferrari. Prost couldn't keep Senna out at Williams.

 

[sugarbutch]

But what have you done lately? Team has been underperforming for a few years.

I wasn't disagreeing with you.

 

[HRoi]

Characterizing his departure as booting the greatest French driver is perhaps hyperbole.

lol I gladly accept any difference with my opinion since we are mostly relying on our perception of the characters and speculating about what goes on in the teams.

but of all the things I said, you’re taking issue with me calling Alain Prost the greatest French driver? Who else even is in the conversation?!

 

[HRoi]

On a different topic, I was perusing the odds for ‘22. Not really a sports bettor, but I can’t help thinking there could be some speculative opportunities here:

https://www.oddschecker.com/us/motorsport/formula-one

Like if one thinks there’s a chance Lewis won’t be back in ‘22 (I’m not one of those people), then you could make some arbitrage on Max and RBR’s odds. Also, with the car changes can one of the midfield come out of nowhere to win?

unfortunately, my pick for dark horse (Ferrari) only has +700 odds so maybe the oddsmakers have already caught on. But Sainz +2800 might be an option…

 

[yorkshire pud]

lol I gladly accept any difference with my opinion since we are mostly relying on our perception of the characters and speculating about what goes on in the teams.

but of all the things I said, you’re taking issue with me calling Alain Prost the greatest French driver? Who else even is in the conversation?!

Prost was a great driver, very technical and a master of race set up, and I could see him being a very good driver coach or something along those lines but when you already have Fernando Alonso........ surplus to requirements??