The Official 2008 F1 Series Thread

[E30Kaiser]

Is it already finalized that Vettel is going to RBR? I was under the impression nothing had been finalized yet, but I might be wrong. There is not a team that would not want him, going to RBR would just be a let down.

Also was it STR or RBR that is changing to McLaren power?

He is definitely going to RB since he has always been a Redbull Junior Racer or whatever it is called. Red Bull to me could be 4th best team next year if Adrian Newey works his magic and BMW sucks. And neither team is going McMerc, that is Force India.

I just hope that once STR is sold that Red Bull switches to Ferrari power. That and STR gets Sato for next year. He is another underrated driver with huge amounts of skill. I wonder if Bourdais will stay as well, as I didn't necessarily like him at the beginning of the year but he grew on me and showed that he could at least throw down a good pace.

[Moberg12]

He is definitely going to RB since he has always been a Redbull Junior Racer or whatever it is called. Red Bull to me could be 4th best team next year if Adrian Newey works his magic and BMW sucks. And neither team is going McMerc, that is Force India.

I just hope that once STR is sold that Red Bull switches to Ferrari power. That and STR gets Sato for next year. He is another underrated driver with huge amounts of skill. I wonder if Bourdais will stay as well, as I didn't necessarily like him at the beginning of the year but he grew on me and showed that he could at least throw down a good pace.

Thanks I get

[Jparkr]

I think we need to watch Alonso in 09' He is teamed with Renualt again and has lead them back to the front of the pack.

I personally think it will be Massa/Alonso/Kimi next year.

[devonjordan]

I think we need to watch Alonso in 09' He is teamed with Renualt again and has lead them back to the front of the pack.

I personally think it will be Massa/Alonso/Kimi next year.

And Ham is just done? Dont think so, but I do think next year will be an even tighter race than this year.

[Jparkr]

I think hamilton will win a race or two, but i don't see much coming from him to be honest. Its just a feeling, Im not basing it off anything except the way Ive watched other drivers have less mistakes, and I feel kimi is gonna get on the ball and try and prove this was a fluke season.

[Moberg12]

I think hamilton will win a race or two, but i don't see much coming from him to be honest. Its just a feeling, Im not basing it off anything except the way Ive watched other drivers have less mistakes, and I feel kimi is gonna get on the ball and try and prove this was a fluke season.

Even if Kimi is back up in the points, Hamilton has shown he will be there to challenge when they get to Brazil!!! Writing off McLaren is not smart. If Mclaren would let the reigns loose on Kov(sp?) you would see lots of Mclaren 1-2 's.

IMO if Mclaren would have let Hamilton and Kov race for pole, instead of filling Kov with fuel Mclaren would have won the constructors Championship too!!!

[z31maniac]

I think hamilton will win a race or two, but i don't see much coming from him to be honest. Its just a feeling, Im not basing it off anything except the way Ive watched other drivers have less mistakes, and I feel kimi is gonna get on the ball and try and prove this was a fluke season.

I hate Hamilton, but to write him off is borderline retarded.

One of, if not the, best drivers in the wet. Rookie year missed championship by one point, 2nd year wins championship and is with one of the top two teams on the grid.

He will win another 4-6 races again next year and be challenging for the title again.

[E30Kaiser]

Even if Kimi is back up in the points, Hamilton has shown he will be there to challenge when they get to Brazil!!! Writing off McLaren is not smart. If Mclaren would let the reigns loose on Kov(sp?) you would see lots of Mclaren 1-2 's.

IMO if Mclaren would have let Hamilton and Kov race for pole, instead of filling Kov with fuel Mclaren would have won the constructors Championship too!!!

If they had taken the reign's off Kov, Hamilton wouldn't have won the World Championship. Thats what they learned with Alonso, having running orders is much better than having two number 1 drivers.

[Jon325i]

And Ham is just done? Dont think so, but I do think next year will be an even tighter race than this year.

Agreed. Vastly overhauled car aero specs, slick tires and engines that have to endure 3 race weekends vs 2 is going to change the landscape of the grid a bit. Because of this, 2009 will be a very interesting season to watch since everyone is starting via the 'clean sheet' approach with car design and set up. Can't overlook drivers changing teams and constructors changing engine suppliers too.

I think the drivers to watch in 2009 will be (in no particular order):

Hamilton
Massa
Alonso
Kubica
Vettel

[TDE30]

I think the drivers to watch in 2009 will be (in no particular order):

Hamilton
Massa
Alonso
Kubica
Vettel

Couldn't agree more. Personally, I hope that Kovi gets a better feel for the MP4-24 and shows more solid results than this year's.

[tg318is]

Isn't Mclaren manufacturing the KERS for all teams?

[devonjordan]

Isn't Mclaren manufacturing the KERS for all teams?

If this is true, I smell a big fat scandal!

[E30Kaiser]

They have talked about it but as it stands now the leading teams are making there owns. If you remember a BMW mechanic was electrocuted while they were testing their KERS device. However teams like Redbull or Force India may buy them from other teams i believe.

[tg318is]

They have talked about it but as it stands now the leading teams are making there owns. If you remember a BMW mechanic was electrocuted while they were testing their KERS device. However teams like Redbull or Force India may buy them from other teams i believe.

Ok thanks for that! are they trying to make F1 into indy car? sounds like they are from the side pod/ wing changes and this push to pass type system.

[Hick]

The single engine spplier rule would KILL the nature of the modern F1 car. F1 became the leading auto racing series with the advent of the Cosworth V8. For a good number of years the Cosworth and Ferrari V12's were the only motors use in F1.

Someone mentioned before that the front wing will be a moveable aero device, i have heard the same. Harder later braking from this, which will make passing less likely... something Bernie has worked hard against. Not to mention the top speed will be higher. I dont think its the right idea.

One thing is for sure, front wing changes [longer] and rear wing changes [taller and smaller] with both elements maintaining a flat surface.... the cars next year will be FUGLY!!!!