Cornholed, Again!

And He misses the Pile…

 

Yeah, know Y’all are saying where’s my riveting Canadian GP or Gateway IndyCar race reports eh? But Yuhs know how I roll here in Nofendersville…

 

Once again, I got Cornholed! Just over a fortnight ago, (Sunday, June 1st) when chaos was breaking out in Barcelona, ci!

 

Supposedly ESPNews was replaying the Spanish GP at 2:30PM. (Pacific) As I long ago stopped getting up at Oh Dark 30 for Formula 1, Ole!

 

I turned Thy Telie’ on early, since I often aim the remote the wrong way and have to play the turn the cable box on game, being Blind Y’all…

 

Yep, Thar was some riveting Cornhole game being played, which I must say is like my trying to watch a Darts match, with the bean bags going womp-womp-womp! Followed by what sounded like somebody calling a High School tennis game TV announcers noise.

 

Without knowing the time, 2:30PM came ‘n went, and when I finally checked the time since this riveting Cornhole match was now onto another game, it was 2:43PM. And in the words of George Crybaby’ Russell, What The Flock? Language George, the FIA doesn’t like cuss words, Tsk-Tsk!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/04/welcome-to-formula-ones-pariah-club.html

 

Hmm, may be the F1 replay won’t start until 3:00PM? Since the Emilia Romagna rebroadcast had a similar problema, with some college sports program running 20mins extra before somebody apparently woke up and began the F1 replay. Which I “watched” an hour of the Max parade before going to bed…

 

Checking my Zap-2-It TV guide again for the umpteenth time. Since it was past 3PM and Cornhole was still going strong, with the scintillating score being 8-6, Urgh! It said that ESPNews was also replaying the Spanish GP at 7PM. And even though I’d accidently heard who the winner was, Sigh! I thought I’d watch it anyways, since this is the only reason I keep my outlandishly overpriced Spectrum Cable TV service. Now that Fox Sports has taken over MotoGP and doesn’t replay it until the middle of the night, but I digress…

 

Nope, Stee-rike Two! As there was some riveting womens college baseball game going on, in the middle of the fifth inning involving Arkansas I believe, Swell! So I just went and “watched” Err listened to the Youtube Highlights “package” instead. Since I’d waisted far too mucho time trying to catch the Gory F1 replay!

 

Guessing y’all know what happened in the closing stages of the Spanish GP race highlights, ci?

 

But once again, I missed All of the Fireworks surrounding who I’m now calling Max Blunderhead! Being just one more blatant example of why I don’t like Maximus Hothead! And I totally agree with 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg’s assessment that Verstappen should have been given a black flag for purposely ramming Russell! As a ten second time penalty doesn’t send a severe enough message to a driver well known for His outrageous, and dangerous driving antics…

 

Have scribbled previously that I’ve never disputed Verstappen’s driving talent. It’s just His unrealistic behaviour of a toddler throwing His bottle out of the pram whenever He doesn’t get His way on-track that rankles me!

 

As His petulant spearing of Russell after having been told by His race engineer to give George the place back seems reminiscent of Senna deliberately crashing Prost at Suzuka! Or Michael Schumacher squeezing Rubino’, nee Rubens Barrichello into the wall at some 180mph at the Hungaroring in 2010! Where the German received a ten place grid penalty for the next race at thee Mighty Spa’; Spa-Francorchamps for His reckless, Err Ruthless driving behaviour.

 

Which like I’ve said before, Senna and Schumacher are the two closest drivers Max Blunderhead seems to emulate on-track, meaning I should be a fan of His…

 

And how can you not enjoy Max’s off track candidness? Saying that Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda is not a pancake! In regards to the Japanese driver completely struggling with the diabolical RB21 chassis, for which Liam Lawson was demoted from, and arguably should have never been so hastily promoted to the Big Bullx’ outfit after only eleven Grands Prix experience…

 

Or Max saying He’ll bring some tissues next time after Russell’s remarks regarding His driving antics.

 

Yet Maximus Hothead’s temper tantrum is inexcusable, and once again Red Bull is doing nothing about it! Since what would be the draconian punishment to Tsunoda, Lawson or the other ‘lil Bullz’ (Racing Bulls) rookie driver Isack Hadjar for disobeying a direct order from the race team?

 

Max needs to be sat down for one Grand Prix if the sport really wishes to set the proper example for not tolerating such egregious driving behaviour! Where the Austrian Grand Prix minus Verstappen would definitely send a message! Or at the very least, a ten grid place penalty at Montreal.

 

Thus, I found Thyself hoping Maxwell silver Hammer would pick up one more needed penalty point at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to enforce a one race ban at Spielberg. Although knowing Maxwell Silver Hammer’s to shrewd for that…

 

Yet it serves Max right that He won’t secure a fifth consecutive F1 world championship this year, since He doesn’t deserve it!

 

Meanwhile, thanks to F1 being on the eastern seaboard, and Indy being a night race. I actually got to “watch”, Err listen to most of the Canadian Grand Prix live on Thy Telie’, i.e.; both Friday practice sessions, Qualie and the race.

Apparently the word Lando Norris was using over the weekend on Il Notre Dam was inevitable. Which surely, I should have expected it would be inevitable for Max Blunderhead and George F-bombs R Us Russell to be on the front row together again for Sunday’s race.

 

Max was very “Cool” in the post qualifying interview with Jack Vanilla, aka Jacques Villeneuve. Replying He always wants to be on pole…

 

Then Russell was a Cheeky Bugger! And  I’m 86% certain the crowd Booed Him when He said He’s got a few more points on His license to play with. For which all I could say was Youch!

 

Or as ‘lil Davey Malukas used to say during the Team Penske Bus Bros dazes’, shots fired!

 

And then during Martin BillyBob’ Brundle’s legendous’ Grid Walk, Brundle cheekily told Carlos Sainz Jr. I promise you Carlos, your not late as He went scurrying by, Youza, good one Martin!

 

Yet the race was anti-climatic at the front with Russell leading wire-to-wire from pole, with Max second and Kimi Antonelli scoring His maiden podium.

 

While all of the fireworks occurred on lap 67 of 70 when Norris made an ill-advised overtaking attempt upon McLaren teammate, and F1 championship points leader Oscar Piastri. With Norris shunting and Piastri finishing fourth after a cautionary pitstop to change tyres, at least that’s what I thought I heard the Sky sports Pundits say? With the race finishing under caution… 

The F1 rookie most prominently in the Spotlight

But how will He perform under such pressure?

 

Rightly or wrongly, this Italian teenager seems to have the biggest spotlight of our five Formula 1 rookies upon His shoulders this year. Presumably since He’s replacing legendous’ Sir Lewis at the Silver arrows…

 

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

Nationality: Italian

Birthplace: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

DOB: August 25, 2006; Age: 18

Car No. 12

 

As I’ve already scribbled above, the youngest driver on the Formula 1 grid for 2025 is also thought to be the most sensational. Nevertheless, the young Italian will also have the most pressure to perform for Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement…

 

Andrea or Kimi’s as most are now calling Him, Father Marco is a Sports Car racer in Saloons, winning the 2018 Italian GT championship and currently runs the Family’s AMK Motorsports racing team, which has competed in the Italian F4 championship since 2022.

 

Kimi, like Gabriel Bortoleto, both claim the late Ayrton Senna as their Idol! With Antonelli having drawn inspiration from Senna’s use of the number 12 in formula 1, along with using the number during His stitnt driving for Prema in Junior formulaes.

 

Interestingly, both Antonelli and fellow F1 rookie Jack Doohan requested the No. 12 as their car number, but since Kimi asked first, He got the number ahead of Doohan…

 

Reputedly a family friend gave Antonelli’s father Marco the name Kimi in deference to that Ice Cream eating Kimi Raikkonen. Since Marco was set upon giving His son a boring middle name.

 

Thus, with All of the hyperbole out of the way, let’stake a brief gander at Kimi’s racing “CV”. (career) As Kimi also began competitive Karting at age seven, and was a prodigious Karting talent. Winning too numerous championships to chronicle, along with suffering a broken leg during a wet weather accident.

 

Antonelli was spotted by Giovanni Minardi early on , and quickly signed to Minardi Management. Before winning multiple karting titles driving for Rosberg Racing Academy. Hmm, why does it sound like He was already headed for the pinicle of motorsports so early on, Eh?

 

For 2021, Kimi made His single seater debut in Italian Formula 4 following His 15th birthday, contesting a partial season and finishing a respectable P10 overall.

 

Remaining with Prema Powerteam, Antonelli claimed both the 2022 Italian and ADAC Formula 4 championships along with a Gold Medal in the FIA Motorsports Games. As Kimi dominated the Italian F4 series with a record 13 wins, including six consecutive victories! Then followed that up by claiming the ADAC F4 title. Having amassed 26 wins, 24 poles and 37 podiums in 67 Formula 4 starts, the second most successful in F4 History!

 

The following year, He graduated to the Formula Regional European Championship, where once again He secured another title driving for Prema, along with that year’s inaugural FR Middle East Championship driving for Mumbai Falcons.

 

Thus, Kimi’s “Star” shone brightly! Having secured two titles in Formula 3, the Italian prodigy skipped the FIA formula 3 Championship, Preceding directly to FIA Formula 2 the following year, again with Prema. Where His teammate would be Ferrari Driver Academy member Oliver Bearman.

 

Reportedly Prema initially struggled with the Formula 2 Ground Effects chassis, seeing both drivers get off to a slow start. Kimi scored His maiden F2 win in the wet Silverstone Sprint race, and then clamed a Feature race win at Budapest.

 

Antonelli withdrew from the season finale Abu Dhabi F2 weekend due to illness and finished sixth overall in the championship on the back of His two wins. And then took part in the afternoon session of the post Abu Dhabi F1 Young Drivers test, where naturally He was the fastest rookie.

 

Antonelli was signed as a Mercedes Junior Driver in 2018 at age 12! Making me think of another youngster name Lewis Hamilton’s signing by thee Ronster’, aka Ron Dennis of McLaren fame Wayback’ when…

 

Antonelli got His first taste of Formula 1 machinery in April, 2019 when He drove a Mercedes W12 at the Red bull ring in Spielberg, followed by further private tests at Imola and Spa-francorchamps.

 

The “Kimi” rule, re-allowing 17 year olds to hold FIA Super licence’s, enabled Antonelli to make His Free Practice debut at Monza that fall. Antonelli set the fastest lap time before spinning at Curva Alboreto just ten minutes into the FP1 session, colliding with the tyre barriers in a 52G incident! And then participated in another F1 practice session at Mexico City. Once again incurring damage to His Mercedes chassis upon running over debris and damaging the W15’s floor…

 

Antonelli has been undergoing an extensive testing programme over the winter in preparations for His Formula 1 debut alongside team leader George Russell. And passed His public driving test just six weeks prior to the season opener at Melbourne. As Italians must be at least 18 years old before being eligible for a Drivers licence… 

F1 goes testing, TPC Style

But Don’t expect to see them in Action, until at least Bahrain…

 

In all of the hype surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, and His total immersion to Scueria Ferrari culture. Read a good article by Racer’s Chris Medland on Formula One’s  Testing Previous Cars (TPC) programme. Hey if the Bloody Brits’ can Chuck round vernacular such as Vice champion and Box-box-box George! Then I can Bloody scribble programme, but I digress…

 

As TPC is designed to allow Formula 1 teams the ability to go testing in F1 chassis being two years old, with the previous three seasons machinery allowed. Making 2021-23 F1 chassis eligible for TPC duty this season.

 

And thanks to Haas’s new technical alliance with Toyota, the smallest F1 team on the grid will run its maiden TPC outing with Toyota’s assistance. Having tested a Haas VF-23 at Jerez recently. Where race drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman ran one day apiece, with Ritomo Miyata getting “seat-time” at the end of each day.

 

As Mercedes joined Haas in Jerez, running one of its earlier F1 chassis. Presumably the F1 W14 for Kimi Antonelli, with no word about George Russell.

 

Reportedly Mercedes has been running the young Italian whose full name is Andrea Kimi Antonelli in a multitude of older spec Mercedes machinery in its attempt to get Him properly prepared for His forthcoming F1 rookie campaign.

 

Naturally there was much Buzz over Sir Lewis’s debutante outing in scarlet, when Golden Child’ and Charles Leclerc ran around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in Ferrari SF23 and F1 75 racecars. While another outing for the duo was planned for Barcelona a week later.

 

While the media reported that Lewis looked like a Mafia Don on His first day in Maranello. Wearing either a double breasted dark blue or black suit with gray trench, err overcoat over His shoulders. Uhm, strike the pose Lewis, Meow!

 

Hmm, why did visions of Michael Jackson looking like a “Dandy” in the epic video Billie Jean come flashing into my Head, eh?

 

I believe that I read that F1 teams are now allowed  only 1000km (Kilometers) or a paltry 621 miles in “Old Money” as Professor’ Steve Matchett would say. Leading me to wonder how this exact mileage is monitored?

 

As teams are required to notify the FIA a minimum of 72 Hours prior to commencing TPC activities. And provide the chassis designation, drivers, venue etc. for the FIA Delagate and other competing Formula 1 teams knowledge of such activities. While I’m guessing this also allows rival teams to share a race track and “Pool” circuit expenses, if desired…

 

Although it sounds like not all ten F1 Constructors carry out extensive TPC programmes, or are required to? As I’m guessing its just the FIA mandate of running at least two rookies per season the teams are bound by.

 

As I understand the mileage, Err kilometers limit is presumably a cost saving measure. But it seems like a bit more mileage could be allowed, which in turn gives more opportunity for F1 cars to be raced around the world. Or even better yet, give Fans a second opportunity to witness testing during the second half of the season?

 

Yeah, I know, the season’s already too Gory long! But these TPC tests give the media something more to write about, and give F1 media exposure… 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2024 Streamliner edition, Positions 6-9

Otay Kiddoes', it's that time 'O year again. NO! Not when Ed McMahon comes ‘n visits Y’all with that Publishers Clearing House envelope…

 

But instead when Tomaso caps off another long, meandering year's storytelling from thoust Isle of Nofendersville with my Zany Year’s end Overall Winners selections. Where the Nights are long and the Days spent type-type-typing Away Way too Mucho on thoust Keyboard! Alas, Once again it’s another long form No Fenders Two part Harmony, Err meandering prose for your consideration

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Zany Random Off Ye Cuff selections made below…

 

CATEGORIES

Rider of The Year, Sports Car Drivers of The Year, Freak of The Year and Quip of The Year

 

6. Rider of Year

Winner: Enea Bastianiniex

Although the simple choice would be thee Martinator’, nee Jorge Martin. I’m going with “The Beast!” instead.

 

As Bastianini,  who was dropped by Ducati Corse in order to make way for the incoming Marc Marquez never gave up fighting! As I was rootin’ for Him to finish third overall ahead of ye Pinball Wizard…

 

Bastianini won two races this year, but couldn’t hold off Marquez in the season finale and had to settle for fourth overall. But fought tooth ‘n nails down to the final race! As I just really enjoyed His no holds barred mentality this season. Especially since who knows if He’ll be able to win a race for KTM?

 

Other Choices

Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez

 

7. Sports Car Drivers of Year

Winner: Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr

This is a bittersweet choice, since Dane Cameron got the boot after winning His fourth IMSA Championship! As I don’t know why Penske felt motivated to drop this perennial championship winner? While keeping teammate and co-driver Felipe Nasr who won His third IMSA Prototypes title.

 

Although Cameron has landed a full season ride piloting Spike-the-Dragon aboard AO Racing’s Oreca LMP2 purple ‘n orange Dragon…

 

Other Choices

Renger van der Zande, Nick Tandy, Ricky Taylor and I suppose Rodney Sandstorm, Eh?

 

8. Freak of Year

Winner: Max Verstappen

How can I not choose Max Blunderhead’ for this award, especially after being referred to as Dick dastardly!

 

As MaxiMillions’ has never been shy of using His racecar as a weapon! As I’m sure Maximus’  Hothead lost His temper at more than one race. But with 24 Grands Prix and probably only tuning into a third of them? Its hard remembering where All Max has been naughty!

 

Although I did totally enjoy His telling the FIA to Bugger Off! Over His using the “ Rated” F-word in a press conference, Bad, Bad, Max, Hya!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2024/09/f1-max-tells-fia-to-bugger-off.html

 

Not to mention calling George Russell two Faced and allegedly threatening to put the Englishman in the F$$KING Wall upon His Head!

 

As that’s just some of Max’s Freakish moments I can recall…

 

9. Quips of Year

Winners

“If my Mum had Balls, She’d be my Dad!”

That was the hilarious, sardonic leave me alone quip from Max Verstappen during the Miami Grand Prix post-race press conference. As the Media was hounding Max over whether or not the Safety Car had influenced the race? After peppering Him about His reported floor damage. After He’d kerb-hopped a chicane and wiped out the bollard! To which Verstappen claimed He hadn’t felt the car was any different. Before sarcastically saying He’d wanted to crash test the front wing by getting rid of the bollard…

 

Yet the Media wouldn’t relent with Max saying it’s always if, if, if? To which He brilliantly pointed out how His Mum could have been His Dad!

 

“Yapping little Terrier”

Der Crying wolff lands a Good One at Yas Isle! Where Mercedes GP Boss toto Wolff hilariously, and I’d say rightly pigeon-holed whom I’ve been calling the “Pied Piper” of F1 for years. Ergo Christian Horner, Boss of Red Bull Racing and Toto’s biggest adversary…

 

As the pair were sparring over their drivers Max and George Russell exchanging “pleasantries’ in the Steward’s office, Zoinks!

 

Honourable Mention

“Dick dastardly”

1996 F1 World champion Damon Hill calls out Max Verstappen and His ruthless, over-the-top aggressive driving antics during the Mexico City Grand Prix. Claiming that Max was driving like Dick Dastardly!

 

As that's a Wrap for the Year 2024 Kiddoe's, as it's been a really long year. Err, Uhm, Oh Yeah, Ah blast as always…

 

Arrivederci

Tomaso 

No Fenders Summer Olympics Break rewind

Wasn’t Thar’ some season finale IndyCar Oval race recently, Say What?

 

Not to mention way too Mucho  Pigskin’s being thrown right now!

 

Yeah Kiddoes’, Y’all know the drill here upon thoust Isle ‘O Nofendersville. As lookie Thar’, its another message in a bottle…

 

As here’s just some of what I haven’t been able to adequately Back-time onto Ye Blog whilst having previously scribbled 22 Blog posts before going on Holiday the weekend of the Portland IndyCar race. Ironically passing the racetrack via Amtrak during Qualifying on my way north to Warshington’…

 

Hmm, where have I heard that number 22 before?

 

This year, I didn’t start “watching”, Err listening to Formula 1 via Thy Telie’ which serves as an oversized speaker for Mwah until the Miami Grand Prix. Although I do tend to recall that I watched the Saudia Arabia Grand Prix, and after MaxiMillions’ won again. I figured this season would be business as usual, Sigh!

 

Thus, I found the Miami Gardens race to be very enjoyable due to Lando Norris winning His debutante Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen, even if He’s part of my current F1 Brat Pack!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/10/formula-ones-brat-pack-young-turks.html

 

This, along with Verstappen only able to muster forth in Qualie’ inspired me to get up at six Freakin’ AM to watch the British Grand Prix live. Where strangely I was rootin’ for Lando instead of the old Goat Sir Lewis.

 

Next I took to watching the Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix via le Douche’s evening’s “Encore” presentations. Which both were certainly dramatic!

 

And as much as I’m not a fan of George Russell’s either, who’s another card carrying member of my F1 Brat Pack! Nevertheless, you have to feel for the lanky Englishman who pulled off a brilliant Master Class strategy at Spa! Only for His car to be 1.5kg (3.3lbs) under the minimum weight! Which wasn’t announced until 2.5hrs after the podium celebrations…

 

As I’ve read the headlines saying that part of His being underweight was due to the loss of rubber from extending His strategy to a single stop, and running His Hard Pirelli tyres for 34-laps. For which Pirelli didn’t even think was possible at the Mighty Spa-Francorchamps!

 

Along with due to the circuit’s length, drivers aren’t allowed the traditional, full cooldown lap to run off the racing line and collect marbles to ensure proper minimum weight ballast. With Mercedes conceding that these two rubber aspects alone could equal as much as 0.8 kilo of the 1.5 kilos theat Russell’s mount was underweight, i.e.; half of the missing amount!

 

Meanwhile, and some on Ye blogosphere have said it was the worst kept secret. Which I’ll grant the Cadillac to (Wayne Taylor) WTR-Andretti campaigning the two car Factory effort in IMSA GTP next year is. But I certainly didn’t “See” Hertz Team Jota becomingCadd-Oh-lac’s Werks’ team partner in the FIA World Endurance Championship! (WEC) For which Jota will turn in it’s privateer Porsche 963’s for a pair of Cadillac V-Series.R racecars in 2025 instead.

 

As somebody asked Marshall Pruett on His Week in IndyCar podcast if Callum Ilott was “done” as an IndyCar driver? With Marshall saying that it seemed for now Ilott’s name has gone “Cold”. Not to mention the vast amount of interest He’s receiving in the WEC, and presumably will land a paying Werks’ drive somewhere there. Perhaps staying with His current employer Jota?

 

Whilst Arse-sumedly Y’all know about Augustin Canapino’s fractious IndyCar career coming to a close following Toronto. Which I suppose should have been a no brainer when Pruett whispered that veteran Oval ringer Conor Daly had tested for Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) at Gateway, nee WWTR during the Olympics break. With Marshall saying He’ll be very surprised if Daly’s not the No. 78’s chauffeur the remainder of the season, which was confirmed shortly after. Due to JHR desperately needing to hoist it’s second, unsponsored entry back into the vaunted Leader Circle prize fund!

 

Having been out of the loop the past few weeks due to a family visit and travel. Now having missed listening to Gateway thru Milwaukee’s Double Header IndyCar races live. Along with missing the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix. I’m not aware what the latest scuttlebutt is for either Formula 1 or IndyCar?

 

Obviously, Indy Cars dearth of issues like it’s vaunted Charter system, FOX Announcers and remaining Silly Season will be resolved over the ridiculous winter’s slumber, Err now commencing offseason…

 

Since I know much has been said about Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) slimming down to only a three car operation due to the impending Charter system rules. And whether or not CGR lands a new IMSA Sports Car program to replace it’s current Cadillac operation?

 

While Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) confirmed the rumoured technical partnership, Err alliance with Ye Cheepster’ (Ganassi) Wayback’ on August 19.

 

All of which leaves me wondering where, if at all? CGR’s two jettisoned Honda powered Dallara’s, drivers and team personnel land? Since even if somebody takes on an extra Honda entry, it won’t be granted an extra Charter. Making me wonder if we’re really going to have the perceived 29 Fulltime IndyCar entries next year with the arrival of Prema Racing’s two car Chevrolet entry…

 

Whilst naturally, we should also be seeing some clarity on the remaining 2025 IndyCar driver market, unless we’ve already had some announcements that I’ve missed the memo upon?

 

Ah, those were prophetic words, since two days after I’d initially finished typing this. I was most startled over the announcement that Davey Malukas had inked a multi-year contract to drive for A.J. Foyt Enterprises starting in 2025, Say What?

 

Naturally, like others in Ye blogosphere, I can only surmise that young David who turns 23 on September 27. Is hoping to use this as a springboard to graduate to Team Penske as DJ WillyP’s, ergo Will Power’s future replacement…

 

I just truly hope that Foyt can manage to afford to keep Santino Ferrucci in the No. 14! Since Ferrucci and Malukas is a far more formable driving duo vs. Sting Ray Robb and Malukas! But that’s using Air Quotes from Captain McObvious… 

F1: Verstappen’s Win Streak Ends!

Push ‘em Back Carlos, Way Back!

 

Ah, doesn’t Singapore seem like such a long time ago, Eh? Especially after that vengeful, utterly Dominant weekend Smackdown MaxiMillions’ just Threw down upon us at Suzuka!

 

Although as I still, somewhat bask in the afterglow, or is that Aspen Glow? Two immediate thoughts following the Singapore Grand Prix came to mind. First I couldn’t even remember when I last “watched”, Err listened to a Grand Prix? Which I believe it must have been the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles villeneive Wayback’ on Bloody June 18th!

 

Along with is it wrong to wanting the Pole sitter to lead wire-to-wire? Especially after “Switching Off” from following Formula 1 for two months for this very same reason. Ergo the MaxiMillions factor…

 

I’m a Huge Fan of Carlos Sainz, Jr. for several reasons. As the Spaniard just seems to keep His Head down and get on with the job without All of the wingeing the Brat Pack does! Not to mention He seems to be treated like a Number Two driver at la Scuderia. Thus my desire for Carlos to win from Pole at Singapore!

 

Not to mention how Uber’ refreshing it was for Verstappen to not only not be a factor for the race win, along with barely being mentioned during the broadcast. But the icing on the cake was Max being legitimately passed on-track by five different drivers; George Russell, Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon when dropping back from second to seventh!

 

Still don’t quite understand Sky Sports Pundits Kroftie’, aka David Kroft and Martin BilyBob’ Brundle’s comments about Ferrari sacrificing Leclerc to ensure a win when the Monegasque was dutifully following Sainz in second place. Although may be this had something to do with Sainz masterfully managing the gap, since I thought they said His lead was only 0.7-seconds ahead of Leclerc at this point of the race? As Leclerc was the only driver in the Top-10 to start on Soft tyres vs. everbody else on mediums.

 

Although reportedly Ferrari told Leclerc first they needed Him to drop behind by three seconds, and then further told Him they needed it to be a five second gap.

 

On lap-20 the Safety Car came out for Williams Logan Sargeant who Hit the wall! Seeing the leaders dive into the Pits, with Ferrari and Mercedes Double Stacking their drivers, notably to Leclerc’s detriment. While the two Red Bulls stayed out, seeing Max and Checo’ (Perez) inherit P2-4.

 

Yet Sainz still led when the Safety Car pulled off on lap-22 and began His Master Class performance of driving as slow as possible to keep His lead, but preserve His Hard tyres, intending to nurse them to the finish…

 

And then things got interesting when the Virtual Safety Car (VCS) was deployed on lap-43 for Ocon’s smoking Alpine, having limped off track. As Mercedes rolled the dice and decided to go for broke! Pitting both drivers on lap-44 for fresh medium Pirelli rubber whilst Sainz, Norris and Leclerc stayed on-track.

 

On lap-50 Carlos held a slim 1.3 second lead ahead of Norris; 5.5 seconds on Scuderia teammate Leclerc, and 9.8 seconds over Russell with Hamilton 12.6 seconds adrift. Yet the two Silver arrows were cutting sizeable chunks of time each lap, with Russell and Hamilton some 1.5-2 seconds quicker per lap! As believe it was lap-53 when I began crossing my fingers and chanting Carlos! Since the Mercedes were ah-Comin’ Fast, and I really wanted Sainz to win!

 

First Russell, and then Hamilton passed third place Leclerc, whose tyres were shot. And that’s when it got Uber’ sstrange for Mwah! As I unexpectedly began chanting Lando-Lando-Lando! Whom happens to be one of the F1 Brat Pack members I dislike…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2022/10/formula-ones-brat-pack-young-turks.html

 

As lap-59 of 62 saw Sainz holding a razor slim 0.7-second lead over Norris. Who in turn was holding up Russell and Hamilton, with the top four only 1.7 seconds adrift! As Norris masterfully held off Russell, with Hamilton heard on His in-car radio telling George (Russell) to Hurry Up!

 

But it was all for naught, as Russell brushed the wall on the final lap before crashing with Sainz leading Norris across the stripe with Hamilton third. And it was interesting hearing Norris during the podium interview repeatedly saying that Sainz had been generous with DRS, letting Lando stay within the required one second gap to enable the Drag Reduction System to work. Which the Englishman thought not only helped Him hold off Hamilton for second, but helped Carlos win also…

 

Leclerc held onto fourth and Verstappen finished fith. While I was most impressed with AlphaTauri rookie Liam Lawson who finished an excellent ninth, scoring His maiden Formula 1 points in only His third F1 race.

 

And with Lawson’s more experienced teammate Yuki Tsunoda pulling off on lap-1, surely this just adds more pressure for AlphaTauri to retain the Japanese driver next year…

 

Sainz definitely lived up to His nickname of “Smooth Operator” by controlling the race while making His Hard Pirelli tyres last 42-laps! With Carlos popular win ending Verstappen’s consecutive win streak of ten races, and Red Bull’s run of 15 consecutive W’s. While Carlos took His second victory for Ferrari, and the Prancing Horse’s first W’ since Leclerc’s win at Austria last July.

 

As now the $64k question is will Max go back to dominating the remainder of the F1 calendar, or can Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes continue Harrying Verstappen and keep Red Bull off the top step of the podium?

 

Hmm, why is that ‘Ol Supertramp song Dreamer, You know You’re A Dreamer popping into my Head right now? 

Penske-A.J. foyt IndyCar Technical Alliance Announced

Meaning Bosom Buddies ScottyMac’ (Scott McLaughlin) and everybodies favourite IndyCar driver Benjamin Pederson will now be “Working together!”

 

Like IndyCar that was in a Thunderstorm ‘n Rain Delay last Saturday, your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso’s also been shuffling planned “Posts” here upon Ye Blob’, as Thy late Awntie’ Harriet called it…

 

Found this to be very interesting news, which I first spotted during my daily News Trawl on Racer.com last week. Wit Marshall Pruett noting how the previously discussed Technical Alliance between Team Penske and A.J. Foyt enterprises had been rekindled upon Larry Foyt making a phone call to Tim Cindric.

 

As Foyt should improve with technical feedback on “go Fast” parts. Arse-sumedly most notably those All critical Dampers programme. (Shocks) Along with other engineering expertise, albeit Foyt’s main man Mike Cannon Ain’t exactly No Slouch! With No Disrespect towards any of the other Foyt Engineering Staff.

 

Where it got interesting for Mwah was Cindric openly talking about where do they place a Miles Rowe or Ernie Francis, Jr. in the future if either is ready to graduate to IndyCar from Indy NXT? Noting how Penske typically doesn’t insert fresh face rookies into it’s team.

 

Not to mention the alliance will allow Penske to also develop staff for future promotion, i.e.; Engineers and Crew members.

 

Cindric said it’s a work in progress and they’ll work out the long term details as they go along. For now just helping Foyt as much as possible over the final three races.

 

While Pruett mentions how interest has already percolated regarding potential future drivers for Foyt due to the new technical alliance, a la Andretti Autosport and Meyer Shank Racing on the Honda side of the equation.

 

And it seems that Marshall’s mentioned the possibility of new technical alliances being formed, mainly with Arrow McLaren if it decides to expand to a four car operation next year? Since they’re not moving into Mikey A’s current race shop until 2025 when Andretti moves to it’s new Fisher’s complex.

 

Butt I’d Arse-sume McLaren’s plans for four Fulltime IndyCar entries has been delayed now that Zak’s Boy Alex Palou has changed His mind, again. With Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) seeming to be the most logical Bowtie’ runner choice.

 

Yet Pruett noted over the WWTR weekend that He was keeping an “Eye” upon a possible Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) technical alliance “tie-up” with McLaren instead. Although noting that Callum Ilott was one of the drivers on McLaren’s “shopping list” to fill the vacated No. 6 Palou seat…

 

And although I know it’s not the same situation. Nonetheless, I’m old enough to remember how Tony Junior’s Bettenhausen Motorsports Sharp lookin’ IndyCar team ran year old Penske’s exclusively during the early 1990’s, when Penske Cars were building their own IndyCar chassis in Bloody Poole, England. Notably when ‘lil Stevie Johnson’, aka Stefan Johansson was running those Alumax sponsored PC chassis Indy Cars…

 

As just think of how this alliance should remarkably help the Great Santini’s, aka Santino Ferrucci’s overall performance. And how Ferrucci’s prowess on a one, certain 2.5-mile Oval. Some place that El Capitano’ owns potentially benefit Team Penske! Which I prefer calling Mother Speedway…

 

Whilst the idea of B-Teams isn’t anything new, since Scuderia AlphaTauri has been Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 Defacto B-Team since 2006! While I think Mercedes has had linkage with Williams over the years. Not to mention turning the long defunct Manor Racing team into it’s B-Team with AMG Mercedes DTM chauffeurs Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon…

 

Update

Whilst waiting out the Rain Delay at WWTR last Saturday, I read Marshall Pruett’s latest Silly Season update. With Marshall noting that Santino Ferrucci was still unsigned for Foyt next year, with teammate Benjamin Peterson being on a multi-year contract.

 

Think it would be a shame if Foyt didn’t retain Ferrucci! But with Pruett also noting how Fast Eddie’, nee Ed Carpenter doesn’t like being “Ghosted!” Which possibly David Malukas will end up doing to Ed? Ferrucci in the ECR No. 20 entry would be a great “Change-up”. Or may be as an unlikely addition to either Meyer Shank Racing or Juncos Hollinger Racing who both could benefit from Santino’s Oval prowess, Just Sayin’. Especially since the 2024 IndyCar Silly Season is far from being done! With everyone besides Team Penske still having potential vacancies… 

F1: The Sleep Inducing Sounds of Max!

And I chose that title before learning about Herr Schumacher’s “exclusive” Interview…

 

Really cannot sufficiently put into words my feelings of total apathy for Formula 1 right now. Y’all know, thee Pinnacle of Motorsports. Although I can guess it’s partly due to the agregious transparency of Liberty Media’s outright Greediness to suck All of the profits possible out of F1!

 

Case in point. I had an in-home appointment recently and was pleasantly surprised when Christine said Formula 1 when looking at my Wall of “Paintings”. And then followed this up by saying there’s going to be a Grand Prix in Las Vegas this year! As I’m Always blown away when complete strangers correctly say Formula 1 when looking at my Art collection! Even if there’s a ‘Ol Hollywood’, aka Danny Sullivan Long Beach Molson IndyCar Serigraph sprinkled in-between, but I digress…

 

After All, I do live in the land of RASSCAR’, where IndyCar now seems to have slipped to a semi-irrevelant P3 in terms of Motor racing! Even if Portland Hosts an IndyCar race on Labour Day weekend…

 

As I told Christine that She’d better buy Her tickets quick! To which She immediately replied I Don’t think I can Afford it!

 

Being “On Holiday” in Warshington’ during the season’s Kickoff event in Bahrain, I missed that race completely. Although I did “Watch,” Err listen to the entire Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which I found to be a fairly Dull Affair! Although I was Happy that Checo’ nee Sergio Perez basically led Wire-to-Wire on the streets of Jeddah.

 

Then as what’s now become a long running Joke with former Austin F1 Sherpa Claudio’, I staid up for the start of the Australian Grand Prix. But as soon as Maximilian, aka Max Verstappen took the lead for good, I immediately switched off Thy Telie’ and made a beeline for Bed at 10:45PM Pacific!

 

As the Joke goes, albeit it used to be about Sir Lewis, nee Golden Child, or simply Lewis Hamilton. Who’d Quipped that when He was a lad, He’d simply wake up to watch DER TERMINATOR’, aka Michael Schumacher roar away into the lead at the start. Then He’d go back to Bed and take a nap before waking up again, with Schumacher leading. Doze Off again on the Sofa during a lazy Sunday afternnon. Before awaking once again Justin-time to watch the finish and see Schumey’ win another Grands Prix! And So it would go, week after week…

 

Yet now All one must do is insert Verstappen’s name instead of Hamilton’s, who for the past several years between 2014-2021 had upstaged Herr Michael.

 

Thus I only was aware of the first Red Flag incident which summarily Hosed Mercedes Benz’s George Russell. And thus I simply cannot comment upon the further two Red Flags and subsequent Controversy! Other than I have to say it sounds a Wee Bitamyte’ too Gimmicky! And indeed, the Powers that Be were attempting to ensure their own, unique F1 style of RASSCARZ’ Chequors or Wreckers’, Uhm Green-White Flag finish. Simply in the vain of making it Uber exciting for today’s Whiz Bang Video Games Reset Real Housewives of F1 Crowd…

 

Hard to believe that I began watching Formula 1 as a young Adult Wayback in the Summer of 1986. As I can still vaguely see that beautiful looking, iconic John Player Special Black and Gold Lotus 98T/Renault 1.5-liter V-6 turbo with Ayrton Senna’s bright Banana Yellow Helmet poundin’ round the Streets of Detroit…

 

Thus as Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary ellen likes reminding me of what I’ve said in the past. Nobody rules Forever… And Formula 1 like All Sports is cyclic in nature. Since I’ve witnessed the Ronster’s, aka ron Dennis’s McLaren’s total Domination of F1 with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. For which I have to wonder will this F1 season see something akin to 1988 when Senna and Prost won 15 of the 16 Grands Prix with Red Bulls duo of Verstappen and Perez?

 

Although for Mwah, and I’ll never be able to adequately explain it. But I was simply captivated by All things Herr Schumacher from the day He burst onto the F1 landscape at thee Mighty Spa for Jordan Grand Prix over 30 years ago…

 

As His brief tenure at Benetton led to this upstart racing team audaciously winning two World Championships over the then mighty Team Willy’, aka Williams Grand Prix engineering with the dominant Renault V-10’s.

 

Obviously for Mwah, thoust Glory Years were Schuey’s reign at la Scuderia, winning five consecutive F1 World Championships between 2000-04.

 

Skipping past Fernando Alonso’s brief reign and Ross Brawn’s brilliant “Double Stuff Oreo” Diffuser and Bloody Jense’s )Button) titles. Next ‘lil Syd Viddle’, nee Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull dominated Formula 1 thru His and the Team’s four, consecutive F1 Drivers and Constructors Championship between 2010-13.

 

And then with the switch to today’s Power Unit era, we All know how Mercedes and it’s mighty silver Arrows simply crushed the competition from 2014 onwards. Even if  Nico Rosberg had the audacity to win the World Championship ahead of Bosom Buddy Sir Lewis in 2016…

 

Thus I’d surmise with the current Power Unit (PU) regulations effectively “Frozen”. We’re in for an uninterrupted run of Red Bull’s and Max Verstappen’s Dominance thru the end of 2025. Before the new E-E-E-lectrified’ PU era  commences in 2026.

 

For which I can only wonder if Ford’s gotten it All wrong, and another Power Unit manufacturer will finally Overtake Red Bull? Which only seems obvious to Mwah…

 

Yet why was it totally wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable when Michael Schumacher and Ferrari Dominated, but now I have little, or No interest in Maximus Hothead’s, nee Verstappen’s similar Dominance?

 

As I’ll begrudgingly admit the obvious. That Max is the Best driver currently on the F1 Grid, with only Charles Leclerc and George Russell being able to challenge Him. But I just cannot “See” how Max’s utter Domination of Formula 1 the next three years is good for the Sport…

 

And No, this No Fenders story was written by an actual Human named Tomaso! As we Don’t even know how to spell Artificial Intelligence upon Ye Isle of Nofendersville!

 

 

Image Source:

Long ago photograph of a jubilant Michael Schumacher during the Ferrari glory days purchased from Speedgear. (The Tomaso Collection) 

Formula One’s Brat Pack: Young Turks’ – Soaring with Eagles, Or?

Uhm, Ain’t Thar something about Turkeys that goes with that Soaring line?

 

Whenever I think about Eagles Soaring, I instantly think of ‘Ol robin Trower’s signature Day of The Eagle sgon! Not to be Cornfuzed with an Chandler, Arizona Ostrich Festival massively Outdrawing the inaugural Iceberg Grand Prix in Phoenix Wayback in June, 1989!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYJp4qkSoOk

 

Perhaps it’s just Mwah getting Old-ER’, but I have a Mucho Problema with today’s F1 Brat Pack! And Yeah, I realize they’re All extremely talented Open Wheel Racing Drivers. And who cares what a tottering ‘Ol Blogger has to say? But Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!

 

Since this current F1 Brat Pack that I define as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and George Russell simply rub me the wrong way! As I find All four to seemingly believe they’re indebted Everything! That Racing should mimic the video games they play. And when it goes wrong, they Whine, Cry and Complain like Spoiled Rotten Children!

 

As All four have easily come across during Formula 1 races as raging Hot Heads via their In Car radio messages! Most notably it seems like Lando’s Always Defending Himself a la Lewis Hamilton’s pointed Barbs against His Silver Arrows team whenever the strategy goes Pear Shaped! Whilst George Russell Didn’t do Himself any favours when I scribbled about His joining Formula One’s Pariah Club nearly some 18 months ago!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2021/04/welcome-to-formula-ones-pariah-club.html

 

Thus with All of the controversy over Oscar Piastri’s Declaring He wouldn’t be driving for Alpine next year, naturally I have to wonder if the 21yr Old Aussie’ prodigy will soon be joining this illustrious F1 Brat pack? Which Ain’t necessarily a Good thing…

 

Maximus Hothead, ergo Verstappen has obviously been a pretty “cool Cucumber” this year, but why not? Since He’s simply been Crushing the Competizione All season long! As He seems to become more Smug each race, and Seriously Max? You needed to winge on ‘bout Having the Team tell Sergio to Pull Over for you so you could totally Decimate Him by some Gory 18.5-20 seconds at Spa-Francorchamps, Seriously?

 

Whilst Leclerc shows some signs of improvement with His Mea culpas, but seems to be doing this too much lately. As the Monegasque Falls Further ‘n Further Behind in the Points race!

 

With Lando’s not doing Himself any favours by proclaiming He has No Sympathy for McLaren teammate DannyRick’, aka Daniel Ricciardo! As I eagerly relish the day that Norris starts getting Waxed by His fellow McLaren teammate! Uhm, could that be a one Messer Piastri shortly?

 

And Russell’s gone relatively silent lately, mostly due to Mercedes woeful performance this year…

 

Thus whilst I always enjoy Rootin’ for the Underdogs, naturally I find myself rooting for Ricciardo, Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz Jr. these Days! Along with other such notables as Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen, Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon.

 

Hence, in a different Zip code Age wise, suppose you could say that Ricciardo’s No “Spring Chicken” at Age 33.

 

yet initially it seemed somewhat predictable that Daniel will soon be rejoining Alpine in essentially a straight Seat swap with Piastri for 2023. Although it now seems that Alpine’s Upper Management has some reservations over this…

 

And Don’t get me wrong, as I’m a Big Fan of DannyRick’s, But! Following Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying, where Alexander Albon “Knocked” Ricciardo out of the Q3 Top-10 Qualie’ session. I mused to Thyself how it would be Great seeing albon in an Alpine seat next year!

 

And Yeah, I know Albon’s already signed at Team Willy’, ergo Williams F1. Meaning if Alpine’s truly wishing to focus upon developing future F1 Star talent, then I’d suggest they Ink Nyck de Vries as Alonso’s replacement!

 

Although I don’t understand why FIA Formula 2 Championship elect Felipe Drugovich’s name isn’t being considered? As it would be good having a Brazilian back upon the Formula 1 Grid next year. But Drugovich’s name is seemingly being whispered as possibly joining IndyCar’s instead…

 

But I also would Hate to see Formula 1 lose the services of Ricciardo! Who I always recall ‘Ol Professor (Steve) Matchett’s assessment of the Aussie’ nicknamed the “Honey Badger!” Calling Ricciardo the Smiling Assassin! With His Mile wide Aussie Smile with a Dagger firmly clenched between His teeth!

 

As I Heard some far ranging Scuttlebutt during the Spa weekend suggesting Ricciardo’s Best bet for next year’s F1 Grid would be at Haas, Arse-sumedly as Mick Schumacher’s replacement, Huh, Say What?

 

Even going so far as to suggest that Mick could inherit Pierre Gasly’s Scuderia AlphaTauri seat if Alpine’s able to Buy Out the Frenchman’s contract.

 

While we await the outcome of the FIA’s

Contract Recognition Board’s (CRB) ruling following the Belgian Grand Prix…

 

Although it’s sounding more ‘N more like Alpine’s determined to bring Gasly into their Fold for 2023. And as Racer’s Chris Medland notes, that doesn’t even take into consideration whether or not AlphaTauri will retain Yuki Tsunoda next year?

 

And now that the CRB has unanimously ruled in McLaren and Piastri’s favour, announcd on Friday’s first day of F1 Practice at Zandvoort. The $64k Questione is who will Alpine sign now? Since regardless of what they’re saying publicly. It sounds like the pairing of Gasly with Esteban Ocon will be akin to Oil ‘N Water! A la Ocon v Sergio Perez at Force India. Where ironically, I’m 98% certain that Otmar Szafnauer was the Team Principal then…