[Fullrevs]

This article probably doesnt fit for the 2017 silly season.

Apple looking at a possible F1 buy-out?

The title may leave you flabbergasted but apparently, Formula One could experience one of its biggest shake-ups in recent memory.

According to highly-regarded Formula One blogger Joe Saward, Apple is interested in purchasing the world's leading open-wheeled racing serious, as its move into the automotive realm strengthens.

It's no secret that Apple is developing an all-electric car but talk of an F1 purchase comes from left-field but is quite conceivable.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone confirmed last year that the sport is indeed up for sale and would be sold for the right figure. That figure apparently sits around £6 billion ($8.5 billion) and is well within Apple's budget.

As a matter of fact, the technology company has $161 billion in net cash currently so purchasing the sport wouldn't even make a dent in that figure. The benefits? They'd include providing Apple with the perfect spot to promote its upcoming electric car, help it build relationships with competing manufacturers and boost demand for the Apple TV.

In his blog post, Saward says “Apple is on the verge of launching into the world's automotive markets, with an electric car that remains a secret, although it is hard to hide such a project when you hire more than a thousand engineers to work on it.

"The Apple Car is expected to appear by 2020. Thus, there are three elements that would make the purchase of F1 a logical step of Apple. It can afford it, it can boost sales of Apple TVs and get people thinking about Apple in relation to cars,” he said.

Source: Carscoops

[polopm]

Originally Posted by narayans80

Regardless of Brawn return, the way this season is heading for Ferrari. Bloodletting is around the corner

It looks like they are imploding, the fact that they have screwed up and this season is beyond salvage has to be recognized and swallowed.
Do we start a thread for Team principals/Architects silly season too

[jfxavier]

Anyone care to start a Silly season 2018 thread

http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/241...rcedes-in-2018

"I can well imagine that in 2018 Seb will switch to Mercedes if he doesn't start making progress with Ferrari," Horner told Bild.

"I know from personal experience that he has to feel good in order to perform well. And I'm not sure whether he likes [Ferrari president] Sergio Marchionne's pressure."

[ecenandu]

Nico signed new contract at Mercedes.

https://www.facebook.com/nicorosberg/?fref=nf

[frostbite911]

So Nico Rosberg has just signed a 2 year contract extension. This should shut down the 'Vettel to Mercedes in 2018' rumors.

[Hatari]

Originally Posted by ecenandu

Nico signed new contract at Mercedes.

https://www.facebook.com/nicorosberg/?fref=nf

Basically Hamilton champion 2014-2018!

[frostbite911]

Originally Posted by Hatari

Basically Hamilton champion 2014-2018!

If he manages to do that even with the new engine rules that come into play next season, then he is definitely the greatest driver of this decade!

[myavu]

Originally Posted by myavu

There is also a rumour about Allison moving back to Renault so that he can be with his Children more often.

Now this is confirmed Ferrari F1 technical director James Allison leaves the team and Mattia Binotto replaces him

Source: http://www.autosport.com/news/report...s-with-ferrari

[Hatari]

Unfortunate but somewhat expected with the loss of his wife. Im sure he would like to spend some time with his kids before joining Renault (in all probability). This will tie in with gardening leave..

Let us see how Binotto gets along. and how Vettel handles this..
Red Bull will beat Ferrari soon enough, and already signs to do better in 2017 with the new Renault PU.

Seb back to Red Bull? He's a free bird in 2018

[arunphilip]

Originally Posted by myavu

Now this is confirmed Ferrari F1 technical director James Allison leaves the team and Mattia Binotto replaces him

Originally Posted by Hatari

Let us see how Binotto gets along. and how Vettel handles this. Red Bull will beat Ferrari soon enough, and already signs to do better in 2017 with the new Renault PU.

Its the right decision James Allison has taken, for the reason of his family. Once can only wish all of them well.

F1Fanatic states that Binotto has a background in engine development rather than aerodynamics. I'm of the firm opinion that he's just a stopgap until Ferrari can bring in a strong aero head (Brawn, perhaps?).

So yes, at least in the near term, Red Bull's usually stellar aero and Renault's revitalized power unit should see them in good stead. And if Ferrari can't enlist an aero guru to help them navigate the 2017 regulations, then who knows, maybe Alonso's McLaren might even start beating Ferrari!

Originally Posted by Hatari

Seb back to Red Bull? He's a free bird in 2018

But would Red Bull be interested given their stellar driver line-up? They might offer him the only vacant seat available, that of the #2 driver in Toro Rosso

[Hatari]

Next year Red Bull look to be the strongest to challenge Mercedes.
McLaren have mentioned how they need to hold back the higher downforce aero packages till the PU produces more power as that will invariably come with some more drag which they cannot afford.

So it does set things up nicely for 2017.

Originally Posted by arunphilip

I'm of the firm opinion that he's just a stopgap until Ferrari can bring in a strong aero head (Brawn, perhaps?).

They named Binotto as the new technical head and Allison's replacement and not in an interim role, so I think he will stay.

[Hatari]

One team thanking Max Mosley (and Mercedes) for the new PU regulations from the bottom of their hearts will be Williams.
From finishing 9th in 2013, they have placed 3rd in the 2 following years. This would translate to a additional $65 million windfall in performance bonuses over 3 years (including 2016, assuming 5th/6th in the Constructors)

I fear now it will only be downhill from here as the PU advantage has begun getting negated. Tough days ahead.

[Monolithic]

Originally Posted by Hatari

Basically Hamilton champion 2014-2018!

This is what makes me cringe. Rosberg deserves to be champion at least once.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by Monolithic

Rosberg deserves to be champion at least once.

Pray tell, why does Rosberg "deserve" to be champion?

He is just not up to the mark as a complete driver or a world champion, its just the Merc's superiority which shows in his case.

Cheers

[avdhesh15]

Originally Posted by Monolithic

Rosberg deserves to be champion at least once.

If he deserves it, he is more than welcome to take the fight to Hamilton and win it. Mercedes aint stopping these guys from fighting it out.

Originally Posted by Cyborg

He is just not up to the mark as a complete driver or a world champion, its just the Merc's superiority which shows in his case.

Perfectly summarized. He is a perfect "second" driver for Lewis and that's why Mercedes are happy with him in the team. Put him in any other car and then watch him struggle. Also, imagine if Lewis and Vettel were in the same team! Man, that's one helluva crazy combination but which is out till at least 2018.