This forum contains threads to discuss teams themselves. Anything not technical about the cars, including restructuring, performances etc belongs here.
Schmidt writes that the repaired chassis from STR (Jeddah) was equipped with the new upgrade package directly in the factory. Much easier for the team as doing that at the track.
Krack said that they have bad experiences with not splitting the updates (one new on Friday - one old). It could even be that they delay the update for ALO if they are not sure.
Worth running. Even if they split it for a single race. They’re 4/5th fastest team here. Nobody from behind will be close. So they can use it to collect data
Should Red Bull offer him any contract, he should take it. Considering his age, he needs a championship capable car within the next couple years because it’s about over. No matter what happens with Newey, even if Newey goes to Aston, Fred still should go to Red Bull if they offer him a contract now because he would be in a championship capable car for a couple years immediately—assuming he starts in 2025.
But all that’s a long shot as I don’t see Max walking away from a dominating car. Maybe 2026 hoping he gets a power unit like Lewis had in 2014…but Fred will be locked in the Aston for 2026 most likely if he signs with Aston this year, so max leaving to Merc in 2026 would be a moot point as far as Fred is concerned.
I don’t see Fred signing a one year contract with Aston. I think he knows this may be his last so I think he will take 2 or even 3 years if they will offer that to him. Bird in the hand…but how long will Aston wait?
Alonso will be out in Auston Martin in 2025. He will not be in the team. point is Honda is coming back so he will move 100%.
even if he move to RB, we never know how ford is capable of dong in F1 2026. It is a risk like what he did with McLaren. He may move to Mercedes if Vettel not considering return to F1.
else he will retire in Auston Martin. he does not have much choice.
Does anyone know how many sets of hards he has left? Their deg is high (surprise) but pace doesnt seem to be bad. Although Russell's long run pace was in the low 35's even after 10-11 lap stint so there might be some sand bagging happening with other teams. AM didnt do more than 5-6 lap runs so very hard to judge fuel loads.
I had hoped the practice pace was Stroll doing a different programme, but really it reinforces a long held view he has reached the limits of his talent.
