Open Wheel Racing 2021, anyone there to watch?

[MichVandal]

I came on here specifically to see Mich's reaction to today's news.

You did not disappoint me. LOL

If not for the blood letting right after my retirement, I would be somewhat optimistic.

But that happened.

Add to that the financials of 2022, where they lost money over the year, opening up the possibility of even more job losses…

[Russell Jaslow]

Kind of shocking news to me https://www.thedrive.com/news/fords-...arting-in-2026

Especially in the details that Ford will develop a new ICE and a 350kw electric motor.

I don't see this ending well. First, the last time corporate Ford got involved, it was a disaster. Second, I know of a massive amount of very talented and experienced ICE engineers who were told to retire about the same time I did- so the amount of knowledge isn't anywhere near what it was even 1.5 years ago. And third, while RBR has their own plant- it's a Honda agreement- so there's no chance any of the Honda IP will get to Dearborn.

I guess the good news for those of us who don't like RBR or Verstappen- there's little chance they win much after 2026. Horner completely forgot that Red Bull got a great deal on a team to make theirs completely because of Ford's failures. But it's pretty funny that Ford's last corporate team is back to being partially theirs.

I came on here specifically to see Mich's reaction to today's news.

You did not disappoint me. LOL

[MichVandal]

Kind of shocking news to me https://www.thedrive.com/news/fords-...arting-in-2026

Especially in the details that Ford will develop a new ICE and a 350kw electric motor.

I don't see this ending well. First, the last time corporate Ford got involved, it was a disaster. Second, I know of a massive amount of very talented and experienced ICE engineers who were told to retire about the same time I did- so the amount of knowledge isn't anywhere near what it was even 1.5 years ago. And third, while RBR has their own plant- it's a Honda agreement- so there's no chance any of the Honda IP will get to Dearborn.

I guess the good news for those of us who don't like RBR or Verstappen- there's little chance they win much after 2026. Horner completely forgot that Red Bull got a great deal on a team to make theirs completely because of Ford's failures. But it's pretty funny that Ford's last corporate team is back to being partially theirs.

[Russell Jaslow]

Schumacher is still in a coma?
https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/...eme-court-lm22

Depends how you define coma. But it’s been pretty obvious he’s been in a near vegetative state all these years.

[solovsfett]

Schumacher is still in a coma?
https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/...eme-court-lm22

[MichVandal]

I suspect that would knock out both GM and Ford. I can’t fathom they’d be able to put together proposals for that kind of money unless they had major major sponsorship locked up for like 10 years. I don’t know who that could be honestly. Maybe they partner with NFL (they want more of European presence), NBA or NHL? Could we foresee an F1 car powered by Ford with a huge NFL logo on the side pods?

Given what GM and Ford are rumored to be doing, I think they will still be there. Both seem to just want to put their name on a car as opposed to running the full team. Especially Ford seems that they are working toward renaming RB Engines to Ford. Name and money only. GM implies they will imput stuff at the same time they suggest they will get another engine for the Andretti car.

The Race seems to think the two Asian programs are less likely than any OEM money.

[solovsfett]

Supposedly, one of the bids is backed by a Chinese billionaire. Which brings up an interesting scenario. Some of the current teams are saying the $200 million buy-in is now too low and are using the recent NHL franchise buy-in of $650 million as an example. Suppose these bids to enter F1 get into a bidding war, offering up larger and larger buy-in amounts until only two are left? The F1 teams would love that...

I suspect that would knock out both GM and Ford. I can’t fathom they’d be able to put together proposals for that kind of money unless they had major major sponsorship locked up for like 10 years. I don’t know who that could be honestly. Maybe they partner with NFL (they want more of European presence), NBA or NHL? Could we foresee an F1 car powered by Ford with a huge NFL logo on the side pods?

[Russell Jaslow]

A couple of days ago, James Vowles from Mercedes was named as Williams team principle. They are in deep crap right now- apparently many of the sponsors have left, and lots of questions circulate around the team. Hope they can get back on their feet, but they sure didn't use the lame duck season to make a good car for 2022. Capito didn't do anything as the leader.

Great choice by Williams. Maybe not so much by Vowles...

[Russell Jaslow]

Sounds like multiple engine manufacturers have lined up to submit to join F1. GM/Cadillac, Ford and I think 2 others. The FIA is behind Andretti’s bid but sounds like team owners are not happy about it.

Supposedly, one of the bids is backed by a Chinese billionaire. Which brings up an interesting scenario. Some of the current teams are saying the $200 million buy-in is now too low and are using the recent NHL franchise buy-in of $650 million as an example. Suppose these bids to enter F1 get into a bidding war, offering up larger and larger buy-in amounts until only two are left? The F1 teams would love that...

[MichVandal]

A couple of days ago, James Vowles from Mercedes was named as Williams team principle. They are in deep crap right now- apparently many of the sponsors have left, and lots of questions circulate around the team. Hope they can get back on their feet, but they sure didn't use the lame duck season to make a good car for 2022. Capito didn't do anything as the leader.

[solovsfett]

Sounds like multiple engine manufacturers have lined up to submit to join F1. GM/Cadillac, Ford and I think 2 others. The FIA is behind Andretti’s bid but sounds like team owners are not happy about it.

indycar…the only news (outside Roger Penske failing as a leader) is Kyle Larson has secured a ride for the 2024 INDY 500. Hendrick motor sports will join forces with McLaren.

[Kepler]

[solovsfett]

A GM/Ford battle in F1 would be great for us but nobody in Europe would give a flying f.

Truth!

[MichVandal]

Here's another article which I know Mich will enjoy, as Gary Anderson gives his first hand account of dealing with Ford while working at Jaguar F1.

https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-...llacs-f1-plan/

Yup.

But it's interesting that they put out an article like that when they are so rah, rah on the utube channel.

[MichVandal]

A GM/Ford battle in F1 would be great for us but nobody in Europe would give a flying f.

At least Ford makes and sells cars in the EU.