The Bloke and A Bird Show Episode 159

While we love it that F1 is back in North America - because F1 in North America is a good thing - it’s also harder for us to watch when it’s in North America.The winner of this year’s F1 Innovation Award was announced - and we should have entered.Bernie Ecclestone has figured out how to mess with Liberty Media’s earning from F1.Next year there will only be three colors to represent the dry tire compounds used each race weekend - there will be more than three compounds, but on three colors.2019 front wings won’t be tested in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi this year - and Daniel Ricciardo won’t be testing in Abu Dhabi this year.Renault is scrapping their Rev C engine this year and will be looking at a new concept for 2019.No, F1 won’t experiment with new weekend formats before the end of the season.Sebastian Vettel says that Ferrari’s recent upgrades were actually downgrades.Also not helping Seb is a three place grid penalty for a red flag violation in FP1.The FIA says Mercedes new rear wheel is legal.Several changes were made to COTA to keep drivers on the track.McLaren has a new sponsor - but won’t be in IndyCar for a full season next year.Lawrence Stroll is working to make Force India his team…And yes, pre-season testing will be in Barcelona again next year.Stoffel Vandoorne is headed to Formula E, as is Pascal Wherlin and Jerome D’Ambrosio.