[Official] Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024: Grand Prix Weekend Thread - Round 2 of 24

[V8 Fireworks]

Originally Posted by TrapezeArtist

Yes there have been a few impressive debuts in the past that flattered to deceive, but there have also been impressive debutants that turned out to be the real deal. I think Ollie could be the latter and for sure he is worthy of being placed in a decent seat for 2025.

We'll see!

Magnussen obtained a podium on debut and was promptly dropped by McLaren at the end of the season.

Vandoorne obtained points on debut and was also dropped by McLaren, never to return to Formula One.

[steve_r]

I think that this should be a wake up call to the managers of some teams that give F1 seats to the same old same old year after year. The best F2 drivers are ready to step in and are able to do a really good job. Yet many years absolutely none of the top F2 drivers get a seat in F1.

[BertMk2]

I see that RB are complaining about Magnussen's defensive driving and are considering raising it with the FIA - apparently his driving was "unsportsmanlike conduct". Essentially they're saying that he overtook Tsunoda by going off track deliberately and then backed up Tsunoda (and others) so Hulkenburg could get a point. A bit pathetic by RB if you ask me. It was great driving by Magnussen to hold that train of cars back I thought and good tactics by Haas. RB need to look at themselves rather than blame others.

[steve_r]

I'm sure if we rewind the clock far enough, that there will be examples of drivers for one of the two Red Bull teams doing something rather similar.

[PanozDP01]

So Ferrari have a prospect that didn't look out of place at all in an F1 car on hard track. But now they are stuck giving him the Russell treatment until Hamilton doesn't feel like driving anymore. Thats if he accepts being buried at Haas for a couple years and doesn't pull a Piastri.

[Skam85]

Originally Posted by PanozDP01

So Ferrari have a prospect that didn't look out of place at all in an F1 car on hard track. But now they are stuck giving him the Russell treatment until Hamilton doesn't feel like driving anymore. Thats if he accepts being buried at Haas for a couple years and doesn't pull a Piastri.

While borderline creepy, it's kind of impressive how you can turn almost any topic into something pro-George Russell.

[steve_r]

Originally Posted by PanozDP01

So Ferrari have a prospect that didn't look out of place at all in an F1 car on hard track. But now they are stuck giving him the Russell treatment until Hamilton doesn't feel like driving anymore. Thats if he accepts being buried at Haas for a couple years and doesn't pull a Piastri.

A year or two in a mid or back of the pack car didn't do LeClerc, Alonso, Russell, Webber, Verstappen, Senna, Damon Hill and many others any harm at all.

In fact I would say that successful drivers who didn't have some time spent in a mid pack team at the start of their career are in the minority. Coulthard & Hamilton - any others in the modern era?

[billy bleach]

Those who were thrown in the deep end - see any sacked Redbull driver may agree!