Tag: haas f1 fans

2019 Canadian Grand Prix


The 2019 Canadian Grand Prix will go down in history as one of the most controversial races in a long time. 

The race was won by Ferrari driver Sebestain Vettel. But the win was handed to Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton after Vettel was handed a 5 second penaly on lap xx for an unsafe entry after cutting turn x and skidding across the grass and into hamilton’s racing lane. Everyone from Mario Andretti, Nigel Mansel, Jensen Button, Sky F1 analysys martin Mrundel, Karun Chandhok, Leigh Diffy, David Hobbs are among those who have called the stewards ruling incorrect. 

It seems that any of the other facts from the race are meaningless.  When Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansel both agree with your opinion regarding a Formula 1 racing, you’re on solid ground. 

But regarding the race…

Kevin Magnussen was the only Haas Car to make it to the third round of qualifying, but he kissed the wall of champions in the closing moments of Q2. As the rear of his car bounced off of the wall, the car spun around and hit the wall on the opposing side of the track. The qualifying session ended under the red flag created by the accident. Kevin Magnusssen was not injured. His crew was able to rebuild his car and he started the race from the pit lane, 20th position. He finished 17th. 

Romain Grosjean”s qualifying session was interrupted by Magnussen’s crash. As a result, Romain Grosjean did not get out of the second qualifying session and started 14th. He lost 4 positions on the race start when Alexander Albon’s Toro Rosso lost it’s front wing in a three wide converging incident. Grosjean would finish 14th. Both Renults finished in the points as Ricciardo and Hulkenberg finished 6th and 7th respectfully for a total grab of 14 points. Lance Stroll scored two points in the home grand pris for himself and Racing Point. And Dany Kvyat rounded off the scoring with 1 point in his Toro Rosso.

At one point in the race Kevin magnussen declared that it was the worst experiences he’s ever had in a racing car. One can only assume that his car could have used some adjustments on the setup. 

With this race behind us it is back to Europe for the French Grand prix on June 23rd. This will be Romain Grosjean’s home race. He will be anxious to perform for his home crowd. Let’s hope he can provide a good result along with his teammate. Well see you then!

2018 Season Opening Comments….

The lights will go green in a few hours, and the Formula 1 season will be under way.

Some things have changed in Formula 1 since last season. First and foremost was the elimination of grid girls. We will no longer see these beautiful women in and around the F1 paddock. Personally, I’ll miss them and feel it is hypocritical to fire someone because you believe it is in their best interest. Call it a new F1 moral code.

Another change, which is perhaps more obvious to others is the addition of the halo protection system. This controversial change has got many F1 pundits and participants at odds with the governing body. The device was first described by someone to look like a flip flop. The story has taken off and flop flop sponsors have been secured.

Pirelli has added two additional rubber compounds to the series options. There are now nine different tire compounds in the Pirelli stable. I strongly recommend printing out a Pirelli color reference chart so you can remember the tire nomenclature and color codes.

The US broadcast rights for Formula 1 have moved from NBC to ESPN, an all sports network. The televised broadcast will be siphoned off of the UK based Sky Network feed. So we are meeting and learning about a whole new broadcast crew.  That process has been… interesting to say the least. But that is a topic for another article.

But perhaps the most significant change from last year is the improved performance of the Haas Formula 1 team. The Haas VF-18 challenger has so far proven superior to the  the rivals of McLaren, Williams, Renault, Force India, Toro-Rosso and Sauber. Consistently throughout testing and now up to qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix, the Haas has been the hot car.  It was just two short years ago that David Richards and Gary Anderson stated that Gene Haas was in for a “rude awakening”. Well there has been an awakening…. and it was not Gene Haas that was asleep.

2018 prospects are bright for the Haas team, and it’s fans. Kevin Magnussen Is starting 5th and Romain Grosjean lines up next to him in 6th. A three grid spot penalty for Daniel Riccardo’s caution flag violation and a third round qualifying shunt by Valtteri Bottas has put both drivers behind the Haas boys.

For the first time ever, the Haas F1 Team has a legitimate shot at earning a podium finish. They scored points in their very first race when Grosjean finished in 6th position 2016 Australian Grand Prix. At the time he said “this is like a win for us “.  Two years later that winning expectation has taken root, and they are starting the 2018 Australian Grand Prix with fewer cars in front of them with their sights on a podium… Fantastic, Game On!