F1 2025

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so the softs for the race was the C5.

and even then having the softs still be in a window to perform by the end of a lap was a careful dance.

so just because Russel was on the C6 does not mean he should have performed better than LeClerc on the C5. it was also 40 mins earlier. and track evolution is a thing.


but Sainz being that close to Leclerc in a Williams, on the same tire, at about the same time of day is a really big thing.

remember, we dont know Fuel loads engine modes and all the other things so we should not read into these times at all
 
So very similar times, with the fastest time coming from when the track is in a better condition.

Seems like it doesn't tell us anything other than the guys are both on it.
 
Definitely some interesting times ahead with Sainz at the helm of that Williams!
He could actually be pretty fast in that thing...
Yet another twist to an already fascinating 2025 F1 season
 
Colapinto - at least in his first few races - proved that the Williams isn't a bad car. Sargeant was just terrible. The fact that he was routinely back there with the Sauber's says as much.

My personal opinion of Sainz is that he is a high-floor, low-ceiling guy. He isn't a world champion, but he will put a car exactly where it belongs.

Since the start of the hybrid era, the Williams has always been a fast car in a straight line. Back in 2014-2016 it was routinely the fastest car in a straight line when Massa and Bottas were podiuming it. Downforce and general cornering performance and stability has been their Achilles heel however. This is an area where Sainz could add value developing and improving the car.

2025 is going to break either Sainz or Albon's reputation. Both have a lot to lose or gain. If Sainz hauls that car up the grid, he'll be in for a frontline seat in 2026/2027. If he doesn't and loses the head-to-head with Albon, he would have Bottas'd himself and will find himself trapped toward the back of the grid. Likewise, Albon. Outperforming Sainz will put him in position for a front-line seat while losing to Sainz all but ends the reputation he has built up while with Williams.
 
thestaggy said:
2025 is going to break either Sainz or Albon's reputation. Both have a lot to lose or gain. If Sainz hauls that car up the grid, he'll be in for a frontline seat in 2026/2027. If he doesn't and loses the head-to-head with Albon, he would have Bottas'd himself and will find himself trapped toward the back of the grid. Likewise, Albon. Outperforming Sainz will put him in position for a front-line seat while losing to Sainz all but ends the reputation he has built up while with Williams.
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If Sainz performs 2-3 tenths better than Albon next year, that will surely put Albon in a very bad position as he is supposedly their "boy" for the next 4 years. Albon did not really do anything this year that shows me he is ready or capable in a top team. He looks like he is in a comfort zone at Williams.

I can see Sainz eyeing that Merc seat for 2026. If he outperforms that Williams next year and Kimi causes kek at Merc, Toto might be swayed but I still think Toto is praying for RB to give Max a shyte car next year.
 
thestaggy said:
Colapinto - at least in his first few races - proved that the Williams isn't a bad car. Sargeant was just terrible. The fact that he was routinely back there with the Sauber's says as much.

My personal opinion of Sainz is that he is a high-floor, low-ceiling guy. He isn't a world champion, but he will put a car exactly where it belongs.

Since the start of the hybrid era, the Williams has always been a fast car in a straight line. Back in 2014-2016 it was routinely the fastest car in a straight line when Massa and Bottas were podiuming it. Downforce and general cornering performance and stability has been their Achilles heel however. This is an area where Sainz could add value developing and improving the car.

2025 is going to break either Sainz or Albon's reputation. Both have a lot to lose or gain. If Sainz hauls that car up the grid, he'll be in for a frontline seat in 2026/2027. If he doesn't and loses the head-to-head with Albon, he would have Bottas'd himself and will find himself trapped toward the back of the grid. Likewise, Albon. Outperforming Sainz will put him in position for a front-line seat while losing to Sainz all but ends the reputation he has built up while with Williams.
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I think 2025 will have a ton of different winners from Alpine, Haas, Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari... Maybe even Aston Martin can get there if Adiran Newey has a hand in any of the upgrades. We are going to have lots of weird looking podiums from mid-year onwards...
 
Decarin said:
I think 2025 will have a ton of different winners from Alpine, Haas, Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari... Maybe even Aston Martin can get there if Adiran Newey has a hand in any of the upgrades. We are going to have lots of weird looking podiums from mid-year onwards...
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I'd see 2026 as a wildcard year and 2025 to be more of a continuation of this year with team-suited circuits and closer performance across the top 4 or maybe 5 teams.
 
quovadis said:
I'd see 2026 as a wildcard year and 2025 to be more of a continuation of this year with team-suited circuits and closer performance across the top 4 or maybe 5 teams.
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Yeah, I see this happening as well. Most teams are so focused on 2026 now.
 
quovadis said:
I'd see 2026 as a wildcard year and 2025 to be more of a continuation of this year with team-suited circuits and closer performance across the top 4 or maybe 5 teams.
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The thing is right now its so close in qualifying that 1st to 10th can all finish their lap in the same second. How fine will the margins get? Will the top 5 all be separated from first by thousanths of a second? Will half a second be the difference between 1st and 20th?
 
Decarin said:
The thing is right now its so close in qualifying that 1st to 10th can all finish their lap in the same second. How fine will the margins get? Will the top 5 all be separated from first by thousanths of a second? Will half a second be the difference between 1st and 20th?
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The quality of driver will be a bigger influence next year than the cars imo. I still expect the top 4 to be a good 2-3 tenths quicker than the rest. I can't see a Sauber or Haas or Vcarb challenging a Mclaren or Ferrari for pole all of a sudden. But the bottom 5 teams will be closer for sure.
 
dotdan said:
The quality of driver will be a bigger influence next year than the cars imo. I still expect the top 4 to be a good 2-3 tenths quicker than the rest. I can't see a Sauber or Haas or Vcarb challenging a Mclaren or Ferrari for pole all of a sudden. But the bottom 5 teams will be closer for sure.
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Bro before the 2024 season started we couldn't even see anyone but Max winning races and maybe a Ferrari.
We would have never guessed we'd see both Alpines on the podium or McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari winning 1-2....
The cars are getting closer and closer. The backmarkers are making their way to the front of the pack. All teams can make Q3.
This season will be hairs-breadth margins.
 
Well we won't really know for another 3 months, but it is realistic to think that most teams will use 2025 to focus more on getting things ready for 2026.

The 2025 cars will be slight evolutions but nothing drastic imo. Teams will use the time next year to test certain elements and parts earmarked for their 2026 cars. A lot of new drivers next year as well, so teams will be focused on getting their drivers in order.

My feeling is an established team such as Mclaren should be the favorite for both champs next year with Ferrari and RB being a little unknown due to new drivers and whether RB can sort out some of the drivability niggles that plagued them in the second half of 2024 and Ferrari being known for hit and misses with their designs.

I also think Merc will be here or there next year but all things points to them focused on 2026 as a comeback to the front.

Again, Mclaren is in a great spot to take it all with other teams picking up pieces here and there.
 
dotdan said:
Well we won't really know for another 3 months, but it is realistic to think that most teams will use 2025 to focus more on getting things ready for 2026.

The 2025 cars will be slight evolutions but nothing drastic imo. Teams will use the time next year to test certain elements and parts earmarked for their 2026 cars. A lot of new drivers next year as well, so teams will be focused on getting their drivers in order.
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If 2024 has taught us anything its that predictions are worth precisely nothing, so take mine with a pinch of salt....

But yes, the 2025 cars will be gentle evolutions of the 2024 cars. This is exactly what I'm talking about. The cars at the back will be that much closer to the front runners. The front runners will have all found that they have reached the ceiling of their concept and will keep things roughly the same. Which leads to all teams having very similar performance. Which then leads to incredibly similar qualification times. Meaning, Hulk could get pole in a Sauber. Williams drivers could make appearances on the podium. And, yes, an even greater variety of race winners from even more teams.

We have already seen this with the 2012 and 2021 seasons, but I think 2024 already hit that level so I reckon 2025 will be even closer, particularly after the halfway mark.
 
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