Looking for Clues: Three F1 Mysteries Examined

There are just so many questions to perplex the F1 fan. So many, in fact, that even as the new season looms, we can easily find ourselves debating the background chatter more than the racing prospects.

Could the keen analytical mind of a master detective deduce the answers? I haven't got one of those, sadly, but I've seen a lot of mystery movies, so I'll give it my best shot.

Question. Will Toyota press the big red panic button and bail out of F1?

Clue 1: Toyota are writhing in agony, they are now forecasting an annual loss of 450bn yen, about £3.4bn in real money. Note that the company is the world's biggest car maker, and has never previously made a loss. Source here.

Clue 2: Toyota F1's biggest sponsor is Panasonic, who have just announced they will cut 15,000 jobs and close 27 plants due to falling sales and a predicted loss of 380bn yen (£2.8bn) in the current financial year. Source here.

Verdict: Yes. Neither the company or its main F1 sponsor is in a viable position to continue with the sport.

Question. Will Max Mosley quit as FIA big chief this year?

Clue 1: The man himself has indicated that he will not stand for re-election. From Autosport; '"I spend all day long trying to solve other people's problems and in effect stop people going bust and making them money, and in return get roundly abused, do I really want to do this?"'

Clue 2: The man himself has indicated that he will stand for re-election. From The Times; 'Asked if he was tempted to run again, Mosley said: “Yes. If a lot of people say to you, ‘You should stay,’ it’s churlish in a way not to."

Verdict: Yes. Or maybe No. Slight bias towards No; he's only 68, with his whole life ahead of him......

Question. Can Honda offload their hopeless F1 team?

Clue 1: They haven't sold it yet.

Clue 2: The first F1 race of 2009 is only weeks away.

Verdict: No. As a bloated and unsuccessful team with a huge staff and financial commitments, Honda F1 is not an attractive proposition. When Honda closes it, buyers will appear, seeking the facilities at a fire-sale price, but probably not Fry, Button, stench of failure, etc.

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So what do you think? Have I deduced the final answers?

One can never be too sure, so I will keep looking for clues.