Abu Dhabi GP - Championship Results

1. Evel Marque - 1,123
2. Je suis Charlie - 1,105
3. PickedInAHurry - 1,048
4. The Hope Fulls - 1,043
5. BottHaas - 1,010
6. Jack the Lad - 878
7. The Pitstop Princess - 792
8. Hippy F1 - 738
9. Ferrari Rocher - 714
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 544

Brazil GP - "absolutely bossed it"

This was a "redemption" race...and Verstappen led from pole position to victory.  I didn't have any notes until the last ten laps.  It was a heart-pounding final ten laps.  LeClerc and Vettel collided as they raced for fourth place.  The race was going very well for Albon, heading for a second place finish but hot-headed Hamilton took him out.  Gasly was the star, holding out and finishing second for an amazing podium for Toro Rosso.  The most amazing thing of the race though was Hamilton admitting, straight out of the car, that the crash was his fault.  Wonders never cease.

Brazil GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 1,071*
2. Je suis Charlie - 1,048*
3. PickedInAHurry - 997*
4. The Hope Fulls - 990*
5. BottHaas - 958*
6. Jack the Lad - 842*
7. The Pitstop Princess - 756*
8. Hippy F1 - 666*
9. Ferrari Rocher - 656*
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 528*

* Home track played

USA GP - "Well done. Great weekend"

I'm typing this up two days after the race.  We just caught up on the post-race interviews and the most notable thing I can remember about the race is that Matthew McConaghay is a bit creepy.

From my notes....

Norris' move on Vettel on lap 1 was impressive, however the Ferraris had cold tyres.  Halloween came out to haunt the drivers with a bump...on the road.  It got Vettel on lap 8.  Ferrari were determined to have a poor race. With poorly prepared tyres, a poor pit stop for LeClerc.

It wasn't until lap 51 that the race really began.  Hamilton pushed Bottas off and then next lap Bottas retook the lead.

The big shocks of the race?  Hamilton has clocked up 6 drivers' championships....6?  Albon was voted driver of the day?

USA GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 1,016*
2. Je suis Charlie - 1,006 *
3. PickedInAHurry - 975*
4. BottHaas - 943*
5. The Hope Fulls - 932*
6. Jack the Lad - 809*
7. The Pitstop Princess - 731*
8. Hippy F1 - 658*
9. Ferrari Rocher - 627
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 496*

* Home track played

Mexico GP - "Tough race but stuck in there"

Most F1 news and results these days comes outwith the actual racing.  Renault were disqualified from the Japan race and the results below reflect the changes.

The highlight of qualifying was a big crash for Bottas. Was this team orders from Mercedes, intending that Bottas stay 15 points away from Hamilton so he could clinch the driver's championship.  Verstappen then gave a cocky press conference confessing that he didn't slow down when he saw Bottas' shunt.  This cost him and he was given a penalty.

This must have left Verstappen angry as he immediately tangled with Hamilton in the race.   Which gave him a puncture.  There were lots of tyre problems during the race.  Mercedes failed to put a tyre onto Norris' car.  Giovanizzi then LeClerc also suffered botched pit stops.  Otherwise it was a fairly boring race.  Ricciardo's do or die move towards the end was good fun.  Kvyat put Hulkenberg in to the wall on the final lap.  He was given a penalty for this.

Other people's favourite part of the race was Hamilton and his car rising up on to the podium.  Mine was Vettel radioing in: "At the moment, everything is peachy." Peachy? 

Mexico GP - Results (including revised Japan GP)

1. Evel Marque - 974*
2. Je suis Charlie - 967*
3. PickedInAHurry - 922*
4. BottHaas - 888*
5. The Hope Fulls - 859*
6. Jack the Lad - 774*
7. The Pitstop Princess - 706*
8. Hippy F1 - 639*
9. Ferrari Rocher - 573
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 487*

*Home track played

Japan GP - "You are the man"

With the hurricane postponing qualifying until race day, the pressure was on the drivers.  It seemed like it would be shoo in for the more experienced drivers like Vettel and Hamilton.   Indeed Vettel scooped pole position.  Inexperience showed up when LeClerc hit Verstappen on the opening lap, with the debris hitting Hamilton.  He refused to come back to the pits to be fixed which ultimately cost him points and Max a race finish at all.

Old dog Bottas made a fantastic start off the grid: "all his Christmases at once", as Webber said.  This move gave him the win.

Rookies Albon and Norris had a come together on Lap 4.  Old school team orders came into play on Lap 45 when Renault gave Ricciardo the chance to overtake his team mate Hulkenberg and get on with the race.  The closing laps showed us some getting closer and closer battles, with LeClerc taking fresh tyres to try for fastest lap (and failed) and Hamilton catching Vettel.

We didn't see much of the winner Bottas at all.  This was a race I watched the highlights of and I could really see that editorial decisions had been made about the stories shown in the race.  I was surprised more wasn't shown of Bottas or LeClerc or more made of Mercedes securing their sixth consecutive constructors championship.  The hurricane hit both broadcasters hard with most of the star pundits not making it to Japan.  Wasn't Lee McKenzie good though?

After the race LeClerc was given a couple of penalties and the race was classified at Lap 23 due to problems with the chequered flag. 

There are plenty of drivers who could win the final races this season and plenty who could win the championship next year.  Bodes well.

Japan GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 923*
2. PickedInAHurry - 871*
3. Je suis Charlie - 846
4. BottHaas - 840*
5. The Hope Fulls - 830*
6. Jack the Lad - 685*
7. The Pitstop Princess - 670*
8. Hippy F1 - 604*
9. Ferrari Rocher - 522
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 463*

* Home track played

Russia GP - "P1 and P2 for the Silver Arrows...that's exactly what we needed"

It was every teachers' disaster for Anthony Davidson pre-race, his smartboard failed.

Francesco Bernoulli has been on and on at me to mention the hilarity that is Lewis Hamilton riding around the paddock on his scooter at every race.  Scooter mentioned.  Will we mention that he doesn't wear a helmet either?

For the first half of the race, there was a virtual argument on the radio between Vettel and LeClerc over who should be given the lead of the race.  It turned out that it wasn't Ferrari's to give away, as they  made a poor pit stop strategy.  Vettel was straight out with a KERS problem too.

Something broke on Russell's car, which sent him into the barrier.  Williams decided to retire Kubica's car, just in case.  It would look bad if you were the one to finally finish the Pole off.

It was another race where Bottas trundled around behind Hamilton.  It makes you wonder why Mercedes didn't roll the dice and try someone else for the next season.

A mediocre race all in all.

Russia GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 877*
2. PickedInAHurry - 836*
3. Je suis Charlie - 800
4. BottHaas - 790*
5. The Hope Fulls - 770*
6. Jack the Lad - 643
7. The Pitstop Princess - 625*
8. Hippy F1 - 571*
9. Ferrari Rocher - 505
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 405*

* Home track played

Singapore GP - "One and two for Ferrari...awesome job"

Singapore lends itself to controversy and this year was no different.  Was Ricciardo's qualifying disqualification too dramatic?  Should just his lap have been wiped?  Then Vettel overtook the pole-sitter and race-leader (and his team-mate) LeClerc using the undercut.  Through taking the preferable pit stop strategy, Vettel was able to overtake his team-mate off the track.  Was Vettel gifted the race by Ferrari trying to woo him into staying for another season, or to appease him or was it a mistake by the recent rookie?

There wasn't really much racing in the race.  Ricciardo punctured himself on Giovannizi's car.   Not long after Russell was pushed into the wall by Grosjean, thus ending an excellent finishing record for Williams.  Close to the end Kvyat took out Raikkonen, bringing out the third, long Safety Car.  We did fast-forward through a lot of this race.

Overall, what did LeClerc expect from Ferrari?  He was initially angry but quickly kept it in check to explain what a good result it was for the team.  Let's hope he can race again in Russia.

Singapore GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 830*
2. PickedInAHurry - 798*
3. Je suis Charlie - 755
4. BottHaas - 754*
5. The Hope Fulls - 728*
6. Jack the Lad - 620*
7. The Pitstop Princess - 601*
8. Hippy F1 - 520*
9. Ferrari Rocher - 468
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 399*

* Home track played

Italy GP - "Yes yes yes"

At the end of Q2, there was a rush of cars.  Just like the olden days.  Raikkonen went from hero to zero during it.  Then Q1 drew to a conclusion and the cars went out in a rush and most of them didn't get round in time to carry out a qualifying lap.  I've never seen anything like it.  Well done LeClerc and Sainz for realising that they needed to get a hurry on.

Vettel gave an interview post-qualifying, which gave the sense that a battle between him and LeClerc is brewing.

On to the race, LeClerc played the start very well, giving an inch and taking a mile.  Vettel spun (on nothing), sending Stroll into a spin when he re-entered the track (poorly), who then sent Gasly off when he re-entered the track (poorly).  This was Lap 7.  By Lap 12 they were sitting out 10 second stop go penalties.  I think they got off very lightly given that the same penalty was given to Raikkonen by starting on the incorrect tyres.

There was a good mid-race battle between Hamilton and LeClerc, the latter was even given a black and white flag for it.  I thought the black and white flag was for the end of the race but Brundle cleared things up, it means: "Your driving is unacceptable".

More drama, was yet to come.  Sainz left the pits without a wheel nut on Lap 28.  LeClerc went wide on Lap 36 but no one was close enough to capitalise on it.  Finally, on Lap 42 Hamilton went through the chicane, giving second place to Bottas.  It made me wonder why Mercedes didn't roll the die with Bottas' seat.

It finished with LeClerc in first place and Vettel in 14th.  We've heard Seb roll out a few Italian phrases over the radio and to the crowd but LeClerc took the biscuit and did the thing we've all been waiting for a driver to do for a long time and speak to the crowd in their own language.  Vettel is leaving Ferrari, mark my words.

In other news, it was good to see a resurgence from Renault and Hamilton give a really good interview discussing what the strong points for Mercedes were technically.

Italy GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 749*
2. PickedInAHurry - 732*
3. BottHaas - 699*
4. The Hope Fulls - 695*
5. Je suis Charlie - 674
6. Jack the Lad - 555
7. The Pitstop Princess - 538*
8. Hippy F1 - 493*
9. Ferrari Rocher - 433
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 373*

* Hometrack played

Belgium GP - "a dream come true anyway"

The promise of a great race is always present at Spa...everyone tried their best to line one up during qualifying.  Kubica caught fire and Giovanizzi brought out the red flag.  Raikkonen sustained a leg injury through some sort of naughtiness and Hamilton crashed in FP3.  LeClerc secured pole and Russell took a Williams to the giddy heights of 14th on the grid.

Apart from the tragic events earlier in the weekend, all the elements were there (apart from the threat of rain) for an epic race, hopefully with LeClerc finally winning a race.

The lights went off and, after the first lap, what followed was not that memorable.  With Verstappen out on Lap 1, we looked elsewhere in the top 6 for the battle.  Vettel ran wide and let Hamilton through but even with this error, he easily caught him up and retook the place.  Ferrari looked strong and even a bit of tyre-strategy-jeopardy couldn't reignite the race.

Vettel let LeClerc by on Lap 26, roughly half way through the race.  I am adding this to my list of reasons why he will retire at the end of the year.  A few laps later, Hamilton overtook him.

Norris was the surprise star of the race despite LeClerc winning and it was a shame when he and Giovannizi went off on the last lap.

It's pleasing to have another race winner on the grid....but will we be regretting all this when he dominates for the next five years?

Belgium GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 712*
2. PickedInAHurry - 685*
3. BottHaas - 666*
4. The Hope Fulls - 665*
5. Je suis Charlie - 616
6. Jack the Lad - 521
7. The Pitstop Princess - 514
8. Hippy F1 - 456*
9= Ferrari Rocher - 365
9= Francesco Bernoulli - 365*

* Home track played

Hungary GP - "sorry I doubted that strategy"

After the race in Germany, Hungary was always going to disappoint but we got off to a promising start with Verstappen claiming his first pole.

As I was in London, I was watching the highlights, which I find confusing as time speeds up and slows down.  Before I knew it, it was half way through the race and Verstappen and Hamilton were having a great battle.

On lap 40, Vettel had a poor pit stop, no change to his position though, so not really exciting.

With six laps to go, Verstappen radioed to his team that: "the tyres are dead".  He'd led the whole race and then DRS gave it to Hamilton.

The main debate was over whether to do one or two stops.  And that was only about the Red Bulls and the Mercedes...we barely saw the Ferraris.

Still Verstappen was happy with P2...sigh.

Hungary GP - Results

These results reflect the post-race adjudications at the German GP.

1. Evel Marque - 664*
2. PickedInAHurry - 647*
3. The Hope Fulls - 640*
4. BottHaas - 609*
5. Je suis Charlie - 560
6. Jack the Lad - 479
7. The Pitstop Princess - 476
8. Hippy F1 - 429*
9. Francesco Bernoulli - 328*
10. Ferrari Rocher - 312

* Home track played

German GP - "Amazing"

Ferrari's shambolic loss of power during qualifying should have been a hint of the topsy turvy, eventful race that lay ahead.

When I saw rain on the grid parade, my heart soar.  This is the sort of race where unexpected teams score points, LeClerc and Vettel were going to storm through the field (with LeClerc breaking his duck) and Raikkonen was starting from 5th.  I knew a good race was on the agenda but...

By the end of the first lap, Raikkonen was up to 3rd.  By the end of the second lap, we had our first spin, by Perez.  There was a safety car and by the fifth lap, Kimi was 11th.  A few quieter laps and then Sainz was off.

Just as Francesco Bernoulli was commenting joyfully on Hamilton's 5.6 second pit stop, LeClerc was off into the gravel and hoarding and we felt that any chance of a good race was gone.  Then, on the same lap, Hamilton lost his front wing at the pit entrance (jammy s*d), the crowd were cheering, Mercedes mixed up the tyres and kept changing their mind.  An investigation was launched about whether he entered the pits on the wrong side of a bollard.  This is all on one lap!  Even better, he was given a 5 second penalty a few laps later for going slow behind the safety car.

We started cheering on the minnows who could achieve greatness but they didn't want to unfortunately.  Hulkenberg went into the barrier from a potential 3rd.  Then Stroll started leading the race...!  We're only two thirds of the way through the race.

With eleven laps to go. Hamilton spins off and recovers, despite the crowd's cheers.  Bottas followed him soon after but couldn't recover.

Unfortunately in the last few laps, Vettel overtook Stroll for third, then Kvyat for second.  What a shame that Kvyat wasn't let off press duties to go and see his newborn daughter; he took advantage of being made to do interviews to make a covert pitch to Red Bull for his old seat back.  Hamilton didn't do any interviews.

A final note, that I have just discovered the injustice that you have to be in the top ten to score a point for fastest lap...never here folks.

German GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 596*
2. The Hope Fulls - 595*
3. BottHaas - 547
4. PickedInAHurry - 529*
5. Je suis Charlie - 507
6. Jack the Lad - 448
7. The Pitstop Princess - 435
8. Hippy F1 - 404*
9. Ferrari Rocher - 294
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 292*

* Home track played

GB GP - "That's the home win mate"

First thing to note....Channel 4 appeared to have dropped The Chain.

Bottas gave us a surprise pole, which was very welcome.  The first half of the race was a classic; the second half was boring.  On Lap 1, Haas took out Haas, which was a prelude to a much more interesting smash later.  There was a great bit of overtaking without injury between the Mercedes, Hamilton on Bottas and straight away, Bottas on Hamilton.  I continue to maintain that Vettel will retire at the end of the season, which I wrote when he was overtaken by Gasly on Lap 12...

I haven't missed Bedward, watching on Sky as we do, his shrieking every time something happens is off-putting, see Verstappen and LeClerc's battle on Lap 14.

Giovannizi's (sorry if I've spelt that wrong, this is his first mention on the blog) retirement triggered a safety car, which gave Hamilton a free pit stop and the race win.

Further confirmation of my Vettel retirement prediction came on Lap 38 when he shunted Verstappen.  I was very pleased there was an escape road for Verstappen to return to the race track.

The tale of the first half ends here.

I have one further note and that is that Hamilton made a nice speech thanking his team post-race.

GB GP - Results

1. The Hope Fulls - 560*
2. Evel Marque - 549*
3. BottHaas - 519
4. PickedInAHurry - 486
5. Je suis Charlie - 460
6. Jack the Lad - 384
7= Hippy F1 - 361*
7= The Pitstop Princess - 361
9. Ferrari Rocher - 282
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 247*

* Home track played

Austria GP - "We are so proud of you"

What an epic race!  A great start from Norris and a shockingly poor start from Verstappen and during the following lap Raikkonen really went for it.  It was the most exciting start to a race that I can remember without any crashes.  Norris helped the top four by holding up everyone else and it made me think that LeClerc would break his duck.

On Lap 22, Ferrari showed what they're capable of, with an excruciatingly long pit stop.  Hamilton followed on Lap 31 with a new wing, which probably cost him a podium place.  He was surprisingly calm about it in the post-race interview though.

The sea of orange supporters for Verstappen went berserk when when he attacked Vettel on Lap 50 and from that point onwards things just got more and more exciting.  Five laps later, there was a power scare on his car which was proven to be fatal when he overtook Bottas less than a lap on.

It led me to wonder when Verstappen is really so significantly better than Gasly that he should be so far ahead or do Red Bull choose a favourite driver and invest all their resources in their direction?  It would explain why Ricciardo felt he had to jump so far.

The pressure really began to mount.  LeClerc told his team to: "Leave me alone".  DRS was definitely a key player in the race outcome, enabling Verstappen to get closer and closer.  And on he went, in the Honda that Alonso didn't want.  By Lap 68 (of 71) the racing couldn't have been any closer and on Lap 69 Verstappen finally made it stick.  If the race hadn't been a comeback for Verstappen, I'd have been much more upset on LeClerc missing out.  Ultimately the A1 Ring is his track.

On the penultimate lap Vettel squeezed past Hamilton.  Some commentator stated this was Honda's first win in 27 years which was bitterly disputed by my sofamate.  We believe last win to be Button in 2006.  Corrections in comments please. 

LeClerc blamed tyre degradation for his victory loss and Bottas found both attacking and defending a problem with his car.

Three hours later the race result was confirmed.  The stewards had a good contemplate of further ruining F1 but decided against it.

Austria GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 504*
2. BottHaas - 470*
3. PickedInAHurry - 445
4. The Hope Fulls - 438
5. Je suis Charlie - 423
6. The Pitstop Princess - 339
7. Jack the Lad - 355
8. Hippy F1 - 281
9. Ferrari Rocher - 256
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 256*

* Home track played

France GP - "Blistering drive"

May be it was a blistering drive from Hamilton but it was a pretty boring race from everyone else.  I'm not sure I even saw an overtake.   There was no first turn drama, no safety car just a sneaky short VSC brought on by a rogue bollard.

Jackie Stewart turned 80.  That was nice.  Hamilton threw in a bit of stroppy team radio: "Make a decision and stick with it".

On the penultimate lap fifth-placed Vettel went for the tyre-change-induced fastest lap bid.  Then Hamilton set the fastest lap.  Then Vettel got it.  Maybe the championship will come down to that one point?

Brundle said that Hamilton's drive was a "masterclass".  Probably.  I was impressed by McLaren's technical improvements and continue to be impressed by Williams reliability.  Combined it could be a move forward for the teams.

France GP - Results

1. BottHaas - 425
2. Evel Marque - 424*
3. The Hope Fulls - 392
4. PickedInAHurry - 382
5. Je suis Charlie - 362
6. Jack the Lad - 312
7. The Pitstop Princess - 296
8. Hippy F1 - 271
9. Francesco Bernoulli - 222*
10. Ferrari Rocher - 221

*Home track played

Canada GP - "No, no, no, not like that" or "Nice one mate. Forced the error"

One of the commentators predicted that the race would come alive in the last 10 laps and, boy, did it.  The last 10 laps and 10 minutes after that.

The race started with your standard brakes on fire from Norris and the next chunk of the race was 50 Shades of Grey (optimum word: grey) talk from Brundle and Crofty about the hot, dirty track and how the tyres were being punished.

It was nice to see Ricciardo finally return to jousting with the front runners.

Then, lap 48, Vettel ran wide.  I thought nothing more of it...racing incident.

KMag whinged: "This is the worst experience I have ever had in any race ever".  I thought: "What about yesterday?"  Which is what his team principal came back to him with: "The guys stayed up all night...enough is enough".  Steiner rises to be one of my favourite principals.

Then, boom, 5 second penalty for Vettel.  There was some debate about whether he could increase his lead to accommodate this...but unlikely.

Mercedes boxed Bottas to get him fastest lap.  He will be the winner of that crown this year, even if the important one is sliding away from him.

Ferrari finished the race with the moral victory.  Vettel was voted Driver of the Day.  Hamilton was booed by the crowd.  Vettel switched the 1 and 2 signs for the cars around, then Hamilton dealt well with what could have been a very awkward podium.  Seb was magnanimous in the pre-podium room, telling Hamilton: "it wasn't your decision".  Subsequent to the race, Hamilton has told the media that he would have done the same thing.  Vettel has held his own press conference, lamenting the good old days of racing and it very much sounds like he was signing his own retirement card.

Other final thoughts include: why can Stroll only race competently in Canada?

Canada GP - Results

1= Evel Marque - 377*
1= BottHaas - 377
3. The Hope Fulls - 361
4. Je suis Charlie - 323
5. PickedInAHurry - 322
6. Jack the Lad - 269
7. The Pitstop Princess - 257
8. Hippy F1 - 231
9. Francesco Bernoulli - 190*
10. Ferrari Rocher - 180

* Home track played

Monaco GP - "That one was for Niki"

Again, hope for an interesting race/outcome rested on LeClerc doing well.  He didn't.  Ferrari made a complacent mistake by not sending him to put in a lap that would qualify.  He said he would risk a crash in order to move up the field during the race.  Lap 10 gave him a puncture and by lap 19 he was out.

The only other interest came from: Verstappen being given a penalty for an unsafe release in the pit lane, six cars coming to gentlemanly stop at a bend and the ongoing discussion between Hamilton and Bono over his tyres.

Has this race had it's day?

What did we learn this week?  Not everyone suits a red baseball cap.

Monaco GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 330*
2. The Hope Fulls - 313
3. BottHaas - 310
4. Je suis Charlie - 276
5. PickedInAHurry - 275
6. The Pitstop Princess - 210
7. Jack the Lad - 208
8. Hippy F1 - 204
9. Ferrari Rocher - 149
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 147*

* Home track played

Spain GP - "Awesome day in the seat there"

I thought my maths had left me down,  as I thought 0.6 second was quite a hefty gap on the grid from Bottas to Hamilton but no one mentioned it for ages.  Well done Bottas.
Ricciardo also took a penalty going to the grid, for something "naughty" apparently, but I don't know what.  I think the commentators were having a siesta this race.
The race was fairly predictable. Hamilton led from start to finish. Ferrari made The Switch. Norris sprayed gravel about the track like an Angus near gravel.  Typically Hamilton got all the safety car luck and Bottas got none.  And Toro Rosso really lost out through the safety car, who stacked in the pit lane and then ballsed up the stop. For the first time in a long time, the much-lauded safety car actually created some drama.  Hamilton is also very good at a restart. 

Shame about the empty grandstands.

Spain GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 281*
2. BottHaas - 276
3. The Hope Fulls - 272
4. Je suis Charlie - 235
5. PickedInAHurry - 234
6. The Pitstop Princess - 167
7. Jack the Lad - 164
8. Hippy F1 - 163
9. Ferrari Rocher - 147
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 127*

* Home track played

Azerbaijan GP - "survived Baku for another year"

LeClerc won everybody's hearts with his post-calamity press conference: "I am stupid...For the next three or four hours, I will be mostly beating myself up."  He gave himself a grid penalty there and others also received some, most notably the Alpha Romeos, giving Kimi the chance to earn himself 15 fantasy points for moving up places from the grid.  Do you think Liberty will be stealing this idea from me soon too?  The teams and drivers are definitely taking the fastest lap point seriously with LeClerc pitting specially to earn it.

We were promised thrills from Ferrari and spills from Safety Cars (apparently there were lots in the F2 race).  There were none.  Some mistakes were made: Kubica was given a penalty for leaving the pit lane too early, Ricciardo reversed into Kvyat, Gasly lost power. 

Mercedes continue their domination despite everyone saying that they are not dominating and Ferrari have the best car and drivers.  Not if 6 1-2s and a 74 point lead have anything to say.

Finally, Di Resta dropped a "youse" into his podium interviews - reclaiming his Scottishness in case of independence post-Brexit and a Scottish passport will allow him to continue living in Monaco.

Azerbaijan GP - Results

1. BottHaas - 244*
2. Evel Marque - 226*
3. The Hope Fulls - 209
4. PickedInAHurry - 189
5. Je suis Charlie - 184
6. Ferrari Rocher - 137
7. Jack the Lad - 128
8= Hippy F1 - 124
8= The Pitstop Princess - 124
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 115*

* Home track played

China GP - "Super strong start. Super strong pace"

A funny old race.  Kubica and Verstappen spun on the warm-up lap.  Then back to normal, Kvyat caused a double McLaren collision.  Then Ferrari team orders swung in.  The Mercedes double pit stop was amazing and probably the highlight of the race.  Gasly got the fastest lap but despite lots of overtaking there wasn't that much excitement.  Roll on the next one.

China GP - Results

1= Evel Marque - 178*
1= BottHaas - 178
3. The Hope Fulls - 157
4. Je suis Charlie - 138
5. PickedInAHurry - 137
6. Jack the Lad - 101
7. The Pitstop Princess - 97
8. Hippy F1 - 96
9. Francesco Bernoulli - 89*
10. Ferrari Rocher - 85

* Home track played

Bahrain GP - "That was a hell of a race"

A great start to the weekend with Leclerc on pole; potential for an exciting race.  And boy did it deliver, one of the best races for a long, long time.  I was worried that Ferrari would put team orders in place (and I suspect there were behind the scenes, that never got played out with Vettel's spin).  Even at the end of Lap 1 when Leclerc lost his lead, it still seemed possible for a competitive race and Williams weren't running at the back!  Lap 6 confirmed a lack of team orders with Vettel and Leclerc going head to head and it seems that we do have a genuine fourth contender for the championship.

The old Raikkonen returned with a pithy radio reply to a question about his front wing: "I don't know, you tell me".  Compared to his team mate and looking at his determined overtaking, it seems he isn't just cashing the cheques at Sauber.

The race was full of action and whilst it would be easy to complain that DRS is enabling it all, it does make the event much more interesting.  It also helps when a front runner spins, that mistake on Lap 38 probably cost Vettel the win ultimately.  Can he pick himself up again?  Or are we going to see another season of frustrating errors?

Later in the race came the disappointments.  Russell clipped his wing off on Lap 39.  Then Lap 46: "There is something strange about the engine."  I asked him to take Hamilton out but he couldn't hear me and we were watching the race recorded.  Both Renaults suffered from the same electrics fault about the same time.  I don't think there is anyone who knows anything about F1 who thought that was a good move for Ricciardo.  Finally only 50% of the voters for Driver of the Day voted for Leclerc!  Really!?  Even if you have a strong loyalty to another driver or team, he clearly drove the best weekend.  Looking forward to his maiden victory.

Bahrain GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 132*
2. BottHaas - 120
3. The Hope Fulls - 97
4. PickedInAHurry - 89
5. Je suis Charlie - 88
6. Hippy F1 - 67
7= Ferrari Rocher - 61
7= The Pitstop Princess - 61
9. Jack the Lad - 59
10. Francesco Bernoulli - 35

*Home track played

Australia GP - "How about that?"

A different kind of Formula 1 seems promised this year (or Hamilton will romp it - one or other).  Some big names have changed shop and there are lots of rookies.  Now, Lando Norris - anyone else envision a John Major accent?  Alonso will be kicking himself with the results this newbie has achieved so far.

Qualifying was bewildering, I kept forgetting that Red Bull is now powered by Honda (is that Alonso's swinging boot, I can hear?)  Returning to same old same old, I have started my "this is the greatest crowd" tally from Hamilton.

A new feature of the championship this year, is the point for the fastest lap (21 points available over the course of the year, which could be a championship clincher.  Clearly copied from the original and best fantasy Formula 1 league though). Although, if I understand correctly, you must be in the top ten to score it, which I think sucks.

The race left us with many questions.  Why was Sainz on fire?  Why does the Melbourne circuit always, literally, attack Ricciardo?  Was the Lap 30 battle between Vettel and Verstappen a hint of a potential three horse race for the title?  And upon the finish, will it really be a four horse race or will Toto have to step in?  Why didn't the drastic aero changes lead to closer racing?  How well did ASOS do out of my race viewing?  (The greater the spend, the duller the race.)  Did my eyes deceive me or was there a 21 second gap between Bottas and Hamilton in a straight fight?  Why did no commentator mention that both Williams were still running at the end?

But the question we all need answered is: why did Vettel change his beard to a moustache between press day and qually?

Australia GP - Results

1. Evel Marque - 90*
2. BottHaas - 76
3. Je suis Charlie - 45
4= PickedInAHurry - 41
4= Hippy F1 - 41
6. The Pitstop Princess - 35
7. Jack the Lad - 33
8. Ferrari Rocher - 22
9. Francesco Bernoulli's Fan Club - 18

*Home track played

Teams 2019

Team	Principal	Driver 1	Driver 2	Chassis	Engine	Home Track
Jack the Lad	Richard	Vettel	Grosjean	Renault	Red Bull	Japan
Je suis Charlie	Chris	Perez	Magnussen	Ferrari	Red Bull	Mexico
Evel Marque	Mark	Sainz	Magnussen	Ferrari	Red Bull	Australia
PickedInAHurry	Stephen	Raikkonen	Russell	Ferrari	Red Bull	Hungary
Hippy F1	Joe	Hamilton	Magnussen	Haas	Racing Point	GB
Ferrari Rocher	Susan	LeClerc	Raikkonen	Renault	Racing Point	Brazil
BottHaas	Adam	Bottas	Hulkenberg	Ferrari	Haas	Hungary
Francesco Bernoulli's Fan Club	Gareth	Vettel	Ricciardo	Alfa Romeo	Racing Point	China
The Pitstop Princess	Claire	Vettel	Grosjean	Red Bull	Haas	Italy
The Hope Fulls	Phil	Bottas	Ricciardo	Red Bull	Haas	GB

1. PICKING A TEAM

First you must choose a team name.   Anyone who submits a nameless team will not only be allocated a name by me but will score no points for the first race.

The budget this year remains £50million.  With this budget you must choose a team comprising of the following:

2 x Drivers

1 x Constructor/Chassis

1 x Engine

Each driver, constructor and engine is given a value based on previous performances and their potential for success during the 2019 season (i.e. the most expensive drivers, cars and engines will be those predicted to be the most successful).

There are no points for coming in under budget.

Deadline for submitting teams is Thursday 14 March 2019.  Different teams can be made up of identical drivers and constructors but must have a different home track.  If you submit a team and home track that has already been chosen you will be invited to pick again (the bonus of entering early is to get the team you wish).

In the event that a constructor withdraws from the 2019 championship, any FF1 team with their chassis or engine will not be reallocated a different constructor and will score no more points for that chassis/engine.  If a constructor is bought out (even after a withdrawal or break from competing) then any FF1 team with that chassis/engine will receive the points scored by the new constructor. A driver picked by a FF1 team will score points for the team with whichever constructor they drive for or no points if they are not competing, i.e. if they are dropped or their constructor withdraws from the championship.

Only one team may be submitted per human being.

Submission should be by email to claire_crawford@hotmail.com

1.2 Prizes

To make the league “more interesting” entry is £10, which will be put into a prize money pot.

The winner will win 50% of the total prize pot, 2nd place 25%, 3rd place 15% and 4th place 10%.

2. HOW TO SCORE POINTS

Scoring starts from the Australian GP onwards. Fantasy points are allocated based on the performance of your drivers, constructor’s cars and engine.

2.1 Drivers

:: The driver who completes the fastest lap in the final qualifying round will receive +15 points.

If a driver receives an engine penalty he will receive points based on his qualifying lap time i.e. we will not penalise FF1 teams for engine changes.

Example, George Russell sets the fastest time in the 3rd qualifying session but has a ten place grid penalty for changing his engine he will still get +15 points.

:: The driver who completes the fastest lap during the race will receive +15 points.

:: The driver who makes up the most positions from their place on the grid (after penalties) to their finishing place will receive +15 points.

In the event of this being tied the driver finishing in the highest position will receive the points.

:: Drivers that finish the race in the top 10 positions will score points as follows;

1st - 25 points

2nd - 18 points

3rd - 15 points

4th - 12 points

5th - 10 points

6th - 8 points

7th  - 6 points

8th - 4 points

9th – 2 points

10th – 1 point

2.2 Constructors/Chassis

Each Constructor has 2 cars in the race - you will be awarded points based on the performance of both cars, as follows:

1st - 25 points

2nd - 18 points

3rd - 15 points

4th - 12 points

5th - 10 points

6th - 8 points

7th  - 6 points

8th - 4 points

9th – 2 points

10th – 1 point

2.3 Engines

Each Engine supplier has 2 cars in the race - you will be awarded points based on the performance of both cars, as follows:

1st - 25 points

2nd - 18 points

3rd - 15 points

4th - 12 points

5th - 10 points

6th - 8 points

7th  - 6 points

8th - 4 points

9th – 2 points

10th – 1 point

2.4 Home Track

Each team should pick one circuit as their Home Track (see 5. CALENDAR).  The points scored by their team at this race will be doubled.

3. COMMUNICATIONS

A bulletin containing the scores and possibly a little light-hearted banter will be posted on the website as soon as possible after each race.  The blog address is http://thepitstopprincess.blogspot.com

Team listings will be posted on the website.

Notification of results updates by email can be requested.

The website will also contain caption competitions and competitors are invited to post their punditry on the season.

4. PRICES

4.1 Drivers

5 Stars – reigning champion

Hamilton - £27m (driving for Mercedes)

4 Stars – best of the rest

Vettel - £23m (driving for Ferrari)
Leclerc - £21m (driving for Ferrari)
Verstappen - £19m (driving for Red Bull)
Bottas - £16m (driving for Mercedes)

3 Stars – ranked by team choice

Gasly - £11m (driving for Red Bull)
Ricciardo - £7m (driving for Renault)
Raikkonen - £6m (driving for Sauber/Alfa Romeo)

2 Stars – working a long time to be so low

Hulkenberg - £5m (driving for Renault)
Sainz Jr - £4m (driving for McLaren)
Stroll - £4m (driving for Racing Point)
Perez - £4m (driving for Racing Point)

1 Star – would be quicker running

Grosjean - £3m (driving for Haas)
Magnussen - £3m (driving for Haas)
Norris - £3m (driving for McLaren)
Kvyat - £2m (driving for Toro Rosso)
Giovinazzi - £2m (driving for Sauber/Alfa Romeo)
Albon - £2m (driving for Toro Rosso)
Kubica - £2m (driving for Williams)
Russell - £1m (driving for Williams)

4.2 Chassis

5 Stars – reigning champions
Mercedes - £27m

4 Stars – keep having a swipe at the championship
Ferrari - £24m
Red Bull - £19m

3 Stars – will the rebranding work?
Alfa Romeo (formerly Sauber) - £9m
Racing Point - £8m

2 Stars – oh dear
McLaren - £5m
Renault- £5m
Haas - £5m

1 Star – fighting to remain
Toro Rosso - £4m
Williams - £3m

4.3 Engines

5 Stars – reigning champions
Mercedes - £27m

4 Stars – keep having a swipe at the championship
Ferrari - £24m
Honda (Red Bull) - £19m

3 Stars – will the rebranding work?
Ferrari (Alfa Romeo (formerly Sauber)) - £9m
Mercedes (Racing Point) - £8m

2 Stars – oh dear
Renault (McLaren) - £5m
Renault- £5m
Ferrari (Haas) - £5m

1 Star – fighting to remain
Honda (Toro Rosso) - £4m
Mercedes (Williams) - £3m

5. CALENDAR 2019

17 March - Australia

31 March - Bahrain

14 April - China

28 April - Azerbaijan

12 May - Spain

26 May - Monaco

9 June - Canada

23 June - France

30 June - Austria

14 July - Britain

28 July - Germany

4 August - Hungary

1 September - Belgium

8 September - Italy

22 September - Singapore

29 September - Russia

13 October - Japan

27 October - Mexico

3 November - USA

17 November - Brazil

1 December - Abu Dhabi