planetf1.com

I kind of agree with this line up, all though some food for thought....

Mercedes: Hamilton/Alonso Where does Bottas go? or Alonso goes Indycar full-time? with McLaren-Honda
Ferrari: Vettel/Perez or Riciardo or even Vestrappen
Red Bull: Ricciardo/Verstappen
Force India: Ocon/Wehrlein or Alfonso Celis Jr if he can get the car up to speed more
Williams: Bottas/Di Resta All though if Lance Stroll pays to be there I think they might keep him, unless Mercedes agrees to a cheaper supply deal
Toro Rosso: Sainz/Gasly
Renault: Hulkenberg/Maldonado? No can't see that happening, Sainz over Maldonado would be a better option
McLaren: Vandoorne/Norris I can't see them promoting a rookie driver
Haas: Grosjean/Magnussen
Sauber: Ericsson/Giovinazzi or as they will have Honda power Nobuharu Matsushita

There seems to be a lot of young talented drivers out there I wonder if the new F1 owners/management would allow a new team in but they get a lot of help from existing teams and engine manufacturers? I don't know how it would work but it could.

In exchange for helping McLaren with the engine, Mercedes will ask that Pascal be placed in the McLaren, replacing Stoffel.

paulsf1fix wrote:I kind of agree with this line up, all though some food for thought....

Mercedes: Hamilton/Alonso Where does Bottas go? or Alonso goes Indycar full-time? with McLaren-Honda
Ferrari: Vettel/Perez or Riciardo or even Vestrappen
Red Bull: Ricciardo/Verstappen
Force India: Ocon/Wehrlein or Alfonso Celis Jr if he can get the car up to speed more
Williams: Bottas/Di Resta All though if Lance Stroll pays to be there I think they might keep him, unless Mercedes agrees to a cheaper supply deal
Toro Rosso: Sainz/Gasly
Renault: Hulkenberg/Maldonado? No can't see that happening, Sainz over Maldonado would be a better option
McLaren: Vandoorne/Norris I can't see them promoting a rookie driver
Haas: Grosjean/Magnussen
Sauber: Ericsson/Giovinazzi or as they will have Honda power Nobuharu Matsushita

There seems to be a lot of young talented drivers out there I wonder if the new F1 owners/management would allow a new team in but they get a lot of help from existing teams and engine manufacturers? I don't know how it would work but it could.

Don't know which has a higher rate of impossibility:
Bottas going back to Williams OR Alonso going to Mercedes

Would love to see Di Resta in a Williams though.

Palmer 100% won't be there next year. Hope there's a better option. Hopefully Sainz.

Ferrari will probably lap up Perez, for the consistency & tenacity that he's shown as well as the bunch of sponsors that he brings along.

pokerman wrote:

Exediron wrote:

pokerman wrote:Like I've just posted Kvyat brings money, with Kari no way do I see him jumping in front of Gasly.

I've never heard that Kvyat brings much money, but it wouldn't matter if he did. Red Bull still calls the shots on Toro Rosso's drivers, and if they want Gasly in that seat he's getting it.

He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

mikeyg123 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Exediron wrote:

pokerman wrote:Like I've just posted Kvyat brings money, with Kari no way do I see him jumping in front of Gasly.

I've never heard that Kvyat brings much money, but it wouldn't matter if he did. Red Bull still calls the shots on Toro Rosso's drivers, and if they want Gasly in that seat he's getting it.

He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

I don't believe that. Kari has not been terribly impressive last year and I doubt he will be deemed ready even if he wins GP3.
Also, if RBR didn't fancy Gasly, he would not be in SF running RB colours this year. It's highly likely one out of Sainz, Verstappen and Ricciardo will part ways with RBR/STR this year and I can see the 2018 STR lineup being Kvyat still, paired with Gasly. Nobody else is even remotely ready.

mds wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Exediron wrote:

pokerman wrote:Like I've just posted Kvyat brings money, with Kari no way do I see him jumping in front of Gasly.

I've never heard that Kvyat brings much money, but it wouldn't matter if he did. Red Bull still calls the shots on Toro Rosso's drivers, and if they want Gasly in that seat he's getting it.

He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

I don't believe that. Kari has not been terribly impressive last year and I doubt he will be deemed ready even if he wins GP3.
Also, if RBR didn't fancy Gasly, he would not be in SF running RB colours this year. It's highly likely one out of Sainz, Verstappen and Ricciardo will part ways with RBR/STR this year and I can see the 2018 STR lineup being Kvyat still, paired with Gasly. Nobody else is even remotely ready.

I'll reiterate my belief that Sainz won't be at Toro Rosso in 2018. But unless Ferrari come calling (as they absolutely should) I think he'll still remain a part of the Red Bull family, even racing for a different team next year. Can't see Verstappen or Ricciardo being the guy Ferrari replace Kimi with, and that's the only seat that might be available which would make sense to leave Red Bull for.

UnlikeUday wrote:

paulsf1fix wrote:I kind of agree with this line up, all though some food for thought....

Mercedes: Hamilton/Alonso Where does Bottas go? or Alonso goes Indycar full-time? with McLaren-Honda
Ferrari: Vettel/Perez or Riciardo or even Vestrappen
Red Bull: Ricciardo/Verstappen
Force India: Ocon/Wehrlein or Alfonso Celis Jr if he can get the car up to speed more
Williams: Bottas/Di Resta All though if Lance Stroll pays to be there I think they might keep him, unless Mercedes agrees to a cheaper supply deal
Toro Rosso: Sainz/Gasly
Renault: Hulkenberg/Maldonado? No can't see that happening, Sainz over Maldonado would be a better option
McLaren: Vandoorne/Norris I can't see them promoting a rookie driver
Haas: Grosjean/Magnussen
Sauber: Ericsson/Giovinazzi or as they will have Honda power Nobuharu Matsushita

There seems to be a lot of young talented drivers out there I wonder if the new F1 owners/management would allow a new team in but they get a lot of help from existing teams and engine manufacturers? I don't know how it would work but it could.

Don't know which has a higher rate of impossibility:
Bottas going back to Williams OR Alonso going to Mercedes

Would love to see Di Resta in a Williams though.

Palmer 100% won't be there next year. Hope there's a better option. Hopefully Sainz.

Ferrari will probably lap up Perez, for the consistency & tenacity that he's shown as well as the bunch of sponsors that he brings along.

I think Perez would tick a lot of boxes for Ferrari.. It's a good market for them..

mds wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Exediron wrote:

pokerman wrote:Like I've just posted Kvyat brings money, with Kari no way do I see him jumping in front of Gasly.

I've never heard that Kvyat brings much money, but it wouldn't matter if he did. Red Bull still calls the shots on Toro Rosso's drivers, and if they want Gasly in that seat he's getting it.

He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

I don't believe that. Kari has not been terribly impressive last year and I doubt he will be deemed ready even if he wins GP3.
Also, if RBR didn't fancy Gasly, he would not be in SF running RB colours this year. It's highly likely one out of Sainz, Verstappen and Ricciardo will part ways with RBR/STR this year and I can see the 2018 STR lineup being Kvyat still, paired with Gasly. Nobody else is even remotely ready.

Verstappen and Ricciardo are both contracted until at least the end of next season, i know Ricciardo definitely is off contract at the end of 2018, not 100% if Verstappens contract runs even longer. Either which way, RB won't let either of those two go at the end of this season.

Yellowbin74 wrote:

UnlikeUday wrote:

paulsf1fix wrote:I kind of agree with this line up, all though some food for thought....

Mercedes: Hamilton/Alonso Where does Bottas go? or Alonso goes Indycar full-time? with McLaren-Honda
Ferrari: Vettel/Perez or Riciardo or even Vestrappen
Red Bull: Ricciardo/Verstappen
Force India: Ocon/Wehrlein or Alfonso Celis Jr if he can get the car up to speed more
Williams: Bottas/Di Resta All though if Lance Stroll pays to be there I think they might keep him, unless Mercedes agrees to a cheaper supply deal
Toro Rosso: Sainz/Gasly
Renault: Hulkenberg/Maldonado? No can't see that happening, Sainz over Maldonado would be a better option
McLaren: Vandoorne/Norris I can't see them promoting a rookie driver
Haas: Grosjean/Magnussen
Sauber: Ericsson/Giovinazzi or as they will have Honda power Nobuharu Matsushita

There seems to be a lot of young talented drivers out there I wonder if the new F1 owners/management would allow a new team in but they get a lot of help from existing teams and engine manufacturers? I don't know how it would work but it could.

Don't know which has a higher rate of impossibility:
Bottas going back to Williams OR Alonso going to Mercedes

Would love to see Di Resta in a Williams though.

Palmer 100% won't be there next year. Hope there's a better option. Hopefully Sainz.

Ferrari will probably lap up Perez, for the consistency & tenacity that he's shown as well as the bunch of sponsors that he brings along.

I think Perez would tick a lot of boxes for Ferrari.. It's a good market for them..

On top of that, Ferrari is kinder on tyre wear which Perez is good at well.

rivf1 wrote:

mds wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Exediron wrote: I've never heard that Kvyat brings much money, but it wouldn't matter if he did. Red Bull still calls the shots on Toro Rosso's drivers, and if they want Gasly in that seat he's getting it.

He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

I don't believe that. Kari has not been terribly impressive last year and I doubt he will be deemed ready even if he wins GP3.
Also, if RBR didn't fancy Gasly, he would not be in SF running RB colours this year. It's highly likely one out of Sainz, Verstappen and Ricciardo will part ways with RBR/STR this year and I can see the 2018 STR lineup being Kvyat still, paired with Gasly. Nobody else is even remotely ready.

Verstappen and Ricciardo are both contracted until at least the end of next season, i know Ricciardo definitely is off contract at the end of 2018, not 100% if Verstappens contract runs even longer. Either which way, RB won't let either of those two go at the end of this season.

You think it would be the first time a driver didn't see out a contract?

Basic premise, as has always been: there is no use in keeping an unhappy driver.

Slightly off-topic but this just goes to show we need more teams.

There's a queue of talented drivers waiting to make the step up but not enough seats available. A full grid of 26 cars would take care of that problem.

mds wrote:
You think it would be the first time a driver didn't see out a contract?

Basic premise, as has always been: there is no use in keeping an unhappy driver.

It's quite simple really, horner has stated this on many occasions, Ric and Ver are going nowhere while they contracted to RB.

MistaVega23 wrote:Slightly off-topic but this just goes to show we need more teams.

There's a queue of talented drivers waiting to make the step up but not enough seats available. A full grid of 26 cars would take care of that problem.

This has been the case since so long! Too many talented drivers & so less teams.

Which is why it was depressing to see Manor exit.

rivf1 wrote:

mds wrote:
You think it would be the first time a driver didn't see out a contract?

Basic premise, as has always been: there is no use in keeping an unhappy driver.

It's quite simple really, horner has stated this on many occasions, Ric and Ver are going nowhere while they contracted to RB.

Don't be so gullible. Horner can stand on his head if he wants but an unhappy driver that is wanted by other teams is going to go.

mds wrote:

rivf1 wrote:

mds wrote:
You think it would be the first time a driver didn't see out a contract?

Basic premise, as has always been: there is no use in keeping an unhappy driver.

It's quite simple really, horner has stated this on many occasions, Ric and Ver are going nowhere while they contracted to RB.

Don't be so gullible. Horner can stand on his head if he wants but an unhappy driver that is wanted by other teams is going to go.

Not if he has a contract - See Button in 04.

mikeyg123 wrote:

mds wrote:

rivf1 wrote:

mds wrote:
You think it would be the first time a driver didn't see out a contract?

Basic premise, as has always been: there is no use in keeping an unhappy driver.

It's quite simple really, horner has stated this on many occasions, Ric and Ver are going nowhere while they contracted to RB.

Don't be so gullible. Horner can stand on his head if he wants but an unhappy driver that is wanted by other teams is going to go.

Not if he has a contract - See Button in 04.

There is a contract recognitions board that all teams are signed up to, so if a driver is signed with a team, he can not sign with another. Having said that, I doubt any team would want a driver who's head was in another team.

moby wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

mds wrote:

rivf1 wrote:

mds wrote:
You think it would be the first time a driver didn't see out a contract?

Basic premise, as has always been: there is no use in keeping an unhappy driver.

It's quite simple really, horner has stated this on many occasions, Ric and Ver are going nowhere while they contracted to RB.

Don't be so gullible. Horner can stand on his head if he wants but an unhappy driver that is wanted by other teams is going to go.

Not if he has a contract - See Button in 04.

There is a contract recognitions board that all teams are signed up to, so if a driver is signed with a team, he can not sign with another. Having said that, I doubt any team would want a driver who's head was in another team.

Neither would they let a big asset walk out for free. If either Ricciardo or Verstappen want to go to Ferrari and Ferrari want them they will have to pay through the nose.

Even then, Red Bull can just say no.

Wasn't Vettel still under contract to RB for another year when he left for Ferrari? I know there was talk about him having a performance clause but I don't know that if was ever verified.

mikeyg123 wrote:

moby wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

mds wrote:

rivf1 wrote:
It's quite simple really, horner has stated this on many occasions, Ric and Ver are going nowhere while they contracted to RB.

Don't be so gullible. Horner can stand on his head if he wants but an unhappy driver that is wanted by other teams is going to go.

Not if he has a contract - See Button in 04.

There is a contract recognitions board that all teams are signed up to, so if a driver is signed with a team, he can not sign with another. Having said that, I doubt any team would want a driver who's head was in another team.

Neither would they let a big asset walk out for free. If either Ricciardo or Verstappen want to go to Ferrari and Ferrari want them they will have to pay through the nose.

Even then, Red Bull can just say no.

Everything can be bought.
Heck the driver can just say if they make him stay he'll park it L1T1 every single race.

Teams do not want an unhappy driver.

Pretty sure that would be a breach of contract....

RaggedMan wrote:Wasn't Vettel still under contract to RB for another year when he left for Ferrari? I know there was talk about him having a performance clause but I don't know that if was ever verified.

Vettel had a performance clause.

I'm pretty sure the week before Suzuka was when it became mathematically impossible for Vettel to win the 2014 title.

RaggedMan wrote:Wasn't Vettel still under contract to RB for another year when he left for Ferrari? I know there was talk about him having a performance clause but I don't know that if was ever verified.

He definitely had a clause, it was confirmed by Marko in 2012.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theg ... l-red-bull

Helmut Marko, has confirmed that the driver has an opt-out clause in his contract that would allow him to leave.

"2013 is fixed for us. For 2014 there is a performance-related clause in his contract – for him and for the team. It depends on the rankings in next year's world championships. If Vettel and Red Bull slip in the drivers' or constructors' championship, he could go," he told Germany's Bild.

In terms of what the clause was I don't think it's been confirmed, although talk at the time was that it was down to his position in the WDC at a certain point in the season, given he was 5th at the time of leaving it must have been at the very least "outside the top 4 at x date"

Also worth noting the quote above makes it sound as though the clause was based on 2013 results but given the dominance in 2013 I'm assuming that's either a misquote/mistranslation or that Red Bull actually let him go without the clause being triggered.

At the risk of exactly this happening and proving me very wrong, I don't see why Verstappen or Ricciardo would leave Red Bull at the end of 2017. The only teams that make sense to move to would be Mercedes and Ferrari. Bottas isn't getting outclassed by Hamilton to the degree that I think Mercedes would be looking to replace him, and is, by all accounts, playing the team game well when he's asked to. Obviously if that changes then perhaps that point becomes moot, but right now I see that pairing continuing into 2018. As for Ferrari, they've been dropping Raikkonen for the past two seasons, so until it actually happens, I'm not putting much faith in any rumours. And even if they did drop him, Vettel's clearly their #1 driver, so would they sign Ricciardo or Verstappen? It'll be Perez, Grosjean or Sainz.

As far as Alonso going to either team, as awesome as that would be, I really won't believe it until I see it.

Jenson's Understeer wrote:At the risk of exactly this happening and proving me very wrong, I don't see why Verstappen or Ricciardo would leave Red Bull at the end of 2017. The only teams that make sense to move to would be Mercedes and Ferrari. Bottas isn't getting outclassed by Hamilton to the degree that I think Mercedes would be looking to replace him, and is, by all accounts, playing the team game well when he's asked to. Obviously if that changes then perhaps that point becomes moot, but right now I see that pairing continuing into 2018. As for Ferrari, they've been dropping Raikkonen for the past two seasons, so until it actually happens, I'm not putting much faith in any rumours. And even if they did drop him, Vettel's clearly their #1 driver, so would they sign Ricciardo or Verstappen? It'll be Perez, Grosjean or Sainz.

As far as Alonso going to either team, as awesome as that would be, I really won't believe it until I see it.

I think the only reasons either would leave RBR would be, either a personality clash somewhere, or the thought that the car is not going to be competitive next year, or, most likely, one driver believing the other is being favoured at their expense.

There are likely to be seats going at Ferrari and Mclaren (if you think they will make the jump), and possibly Mercedes, but I am not sure about this, or about which driver will stay.

Daniel to Ferrari is my favourite if the pot is mixed. Max to Mclaren or Renault as a long shot.

mikeyg123 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Exediron wrote:

pokerman wrote:Like I've just posted Kvyat brings money, with Kari no way do I see him jumping in front of Gasly.

I've never heard that Kvyat brings much money, but it wouldn't matter if he did. Red Bull still calls the shots on Toro Rosso's drivers, and if they want Gasly in that seat he's getting it.

He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

Kari performed poorly last year, he did well to keep the sponsorship, GP3 looks weak and wouldn't prove he is ready for F1 even if he wins it, Gasly has done much more than Kari.

Jenson's Understeer wrote:

mds wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Exediron wrote: I've never heard that Kvyat brings much money, but it wouldn't matter if he did. Red Bull still calls the shots on Toro Rosso's drivers, and if they want Gasly in that seat he's getting it.

He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

I don't believe that. Kari has not been terribly impressive last year and I doubt he will be deemed ready even if he wins GP3.
Also, if RBR didn't fancy Gasly, he would not be in SF running RB colours this year. It's highly likely one out of Sainz, Verstappen and Ricciardo will part ways with RBR/STR this year and I can see the 2018 STR lineup being Kvyat still, paired with Gasly. Nobody else is even remotely ready.

I'll reiterate my belief that Sainz won't be at Toro Rosso in 2018. But unless Ferrari come calling (as they absolutely should) I think he'll still remain a part of the Red Bull family, even racing for a different team next year. Can't see Verstappen or Ricciardo being the guy Ferrari replace Kimi with, and that's the only seat that might be available which would make sense to leave Red Bull for.

Sainz would only be interested in a factory team and a factory team would not be interested in having Sainz on a year's loan, Verstappen and Ricciardo are under contract at Red Bull for next year and can only leave if Red Bull allow it and it's hardly likely they would allow either to leave to drive for one of their major rivals.

rivf1 wrote:

mds wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Exediron wrote: I've never heard that Kvyat brings much money, but it wouldn't matter if he did. Red Bull still calls the shots on Toro Rosso's drivers, and if they want Gasly in that seat he's getting it.

He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

I don't believe that. Kari has not been terribly impressive last year and I doubt he will be deemed ready even if he wins GP3.
Also, if RBR didn't fancy Gasly, he would not be in SF running RB colours this year. It's highly likely one out of Sainz, Verstappen and Ricciardo will part ways with RBR/STR this year and I can see the 2018 STR lineup being Kvyat still, paired with Gasly. Nobody else is even remotely ready.

Verstappen and Ricciardo are both contracted until at least the end of next season, i know Ricciardo definitely is off contract at the end of 2018, not 100% if Verstappens contract runs even longer. Either which way, RB won't let either of those two go at the end of this season.

I think Verstappen's runs till 2019?

mds wrote:

rivf1 wrote:

mds wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

pokerman wrote: He has his own Russian sponsors on the car which is kind of strange thing for a Red Bull driver, plus I also found it strange how a Red Bull sponsored GP2 Champion was not given a seat in F1.

If Red Bull fancied Gasly he would be in the car. Red Bull don't need the money. Kari will be almost a cert if he wins GP3 IMO.

I don't believe that. Kari has not been terribly impressive last year and I doubt he will be deemed ready even if he wins GP3.
Also, if RBR didn't fancy Gasly, he would not be in SF running RB colours this year. It's highly likely one out of Sainz, Verstappen and Ricciardo will part ways with RBR/STR this year and I can see the 2018 STR lineup being Kvyat still, paired with Gasly. Nobody else is even remotely ready.

Verstappen and Ricciardo are both contracted until at least the end of next season, i know Ricciardo definitely is off contract at the end of 2018, not 100% if Verstappens contract runs even longer. Either which way, RB won't let either of those two go at the end of this season.

You think it would be the first time a driver didn't see out a contract?

Basic premise, as has always been: there is no use in keeping an unhappy driver.

No just sit them out instead and replace them with Sainz.

MistaVega23 wrote:Slightly off-topic but this just goes to show we need more teams.

There's a queue of talented drivers waiting to make the step up but not enough seats available. A full grid of 26 cars would take care of that problem.

Liberty Media are looking to sort that out but not until after 2020 when all the contracts run out, until then their hands are tied somewhat.

RaggedMan wrote:Wasn't Vettel still under contract to RB for another year when he left for Ferrari? I know there was talk about him having a performance clause but I don't know that if was ever verified.

I believe it was verified, he invoked the clause.

mds wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

moby wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

mds wrote:
Don't be so gullible. Horner can stand on his head if he wants but an unhappy driver that is wanted by other teams is going to go.

Not if he has a contract - See Button in 04.

There is a contract recognitions board that all teams are signed up to, so if a driver is signed with a team, he can not sign with another. Having said that, I doubt any team would want a driver who's head was in another team.

Neither would they let a big asset walk out for free. If either Ricciardo or Verstappen want to go to Ferrari and Ferrari want them they will have to pay through the nose.

Even then, Red Bull can just say no.

Everything can be bought.
Heck the driver can just say if they make him stay he'll park it L1T1 every single race.

Teams do not want an unhappy driver.

It can be bought for a small fortune but even then Red Bull have to agree to it, Williams had to agree to let Bottas leave.

moby wrote:

Jenson's Understeer wrote:At the risk of exactly this happening and proving me very wrong, I don't see why Verstappen or Ricciardo would leave Red Bull at the end of 2017. The only teams that make sense to move to would be Mercedes and Ferrari. Bottas isn't getting outclassed by Hamilton to the degree that I think Mercedes would be looking to replace him, and is, by all accounts, playing the team game well when he's asked to. Obviously if that changes then perhaps that point becomes moot, but right now I see that pairing continuing into 2018. As for Ferrari, they've been dropping Raikkonen for the past two seasons, so until it actually happens, I'm not putting much faith in any rumours. And even if they did drop him, Vettel's clearly their #1 driver, so would they sign Ricciardo or Verstappen? It'll be Perez, Grosjean or Sainz.

As far as Alonso going to either team, as awesome as that would be, I really won't believe it until I see it.

I think the only reasons either would leave RBR would be, either a personality clash somewhere, or the thought that the car is not going to be competitive next year, or, most likely, one driver believing the other is being favoured at their expense.

There are likely to be seats going at Ferrari and Mclaren (if you think they will make the jump), and possibly Mercedes, but I am not sure about this, or about which driver will stay.

Daniel to Ferrari is my favourite if the pot is mixed. Max to Mclaren or Renault as a long shot.

I repeat again they can not just up and leave because they are under contract.

pokerman wrote:

MistaVega23 wrote:Slightly off-topic but this just goes to show we need more teams.

There's a queue of talented drivers waiting to make the step up but not enough seats available. A full grid of 26 cars would take care of that problem.

Liberty Media are looking to sort that out but not until after 2020 when all the contracts run out, until then their hands are tied somewhat.

There's more than enough teams - the issue is that there's only 2 teams at the front so everyone else is fighting in the midfield.

GingerFurball wrote:

pokerman wrote:

MistaVega23 wrote:Slightly off-topic but this just goes to show we need more teams.

There's a queue of talented drivers waiting to make the step up but not enough seats available. A full grid of 26 cars would take care of that problem.

Liberty Media are looking to sort that out but not until after 2020 when all the contracts run out, until then their hands are tied somewhat.

There's more than enough teams - the issue is that there's only 2 teams at the front so everyone else is fighting in the midfield.

Pre-2017 there was only one team at the front, for 3 years. I don't see how that's relevant?

Toro Rosso wish to retain Sainz & Kvyat for 2018.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.ph ... -and-kvyat

Sainz wishes to get promoted to Red Bull but since the current Red Bull drivers are contracted for 2018, the situation looks bleak for Sainz as of now.

But drivers have moved inspite of their contracts.

I think that Rosberg retiring reminded us to expect the unexpected. There's a shake up in the order at the top right now and that could create a slightly different dynamic. So, what if:

Hamilton is frustrated at not winning the world championship again in 2017 (assuming Ferrari and Vettel keep on their current form). Why wouldn't he consider a move back to McLaren in the hope that his timing with Honda is just right. It's a roll of the dice but, hear me out: He's been there a while and if he thinks Ferrari are pulling away from Merc, may think it worth the risk. On the flip side, without a winning Hamilton, Mercedes may also not be quite so tied at the hip with him. He's intense and high maintenance and that's great while he's winning but I could see Lauda becoming an anti-Lewis voice in the camp, looking for some new credit for himself too. If he has his eye on Alonso he could mount an internal campaign. They could also look to cover Hamilton's contract for 2019 by hiring Alonso.

It's possible that Kimi has begun to fall out of love with Ferrari after his disappointment at Monaco. If he feels that he's being treated like a number 2 maybe he'll just up and leave. Even mid-season. He's capable of that, especially if he is considering hanging up his boots soon anyway (c'mon, at this point even he must realise that Vettel is currently a better driver. I've always been a fan of Kimi but am finally acknowledging that, if everything is even, Seb is going to beat him 9 times out of 10). That's a good seat for Bottas, Perez or Sainz, all very consistent and more than capable of winning races and therefore world championships.

I don't see Ferrari wanting Alonso while they have Vettel. And they have a highly motivated Vettel. So the only big seat for Alonso is Merc. RBR aside, the next two best seats to win a championship would be Renault or Honda. Zak Brown seems to be doing a great job at McLaren so far. He's made it a fun environment for Alonso and I think Alonso likes and trusts them now. He might just stay put and hope it all comes together, especially if it is part of a long term strategy to compete at Indy and Le Mans. And if they continue to pay him his superstar salary.

Here is one from left field for you.

Hamilton moves on, to Ferrari or whoever, and Nico decides that now he has had a whiff of freedom its not what he thought, and Hamilton no longer at Merc, why not give it another shot?

Yeh, I'm kidding, But as the poster above said, expect the unexpected. (So maybe I am only half kidding, half hoping )

I could see Lewis being interested in a competitive Ferrari quite easily but it would depend on a number of things to actually happen, mainly Seb being ok with it if he extends which you would think he would now Ferrari look the best car.

Can't see Nico coming back. If Lewis left Mercedes at the end of 2018 for Ferrari I think they'd go for Max or Dan. Outside possibility of Alonso if he has outs in his next contract.

Assuming they wouldn't just pull a swapsie with Ferrari for Seb and Lewis.

I really don't think anyone would pair Vettel and Hamilton. I wouldn't.

The swap?

I'm sure Mercedes would love it
I get this feeling that Hamilton sees the end of a chapter coming so it could work for him
But Ferrari may have second thoughts about Hamilton's free wheeling personality
And Vettel may not want to move if the Ferrari becomes the car to beat.

And if it's possible to consider Alonso/Hamilton then what about Vettel/Alonso at Mercedes (and therefore, presumably, Hamilton/Raikonnen at Ferrari).

GingerFurball wrote:

pokerman wrote:

MistaVega23 wrote:Slightly off-topic but this just goes to show we need more teams.

There's a queue of talented drivers waiting to make the step up but not enough seats available. A full grid of 26 cars would take care of that problem.

Liberty Media are looking to sort that out but not until after 2020 when all the contracts run out, until then their hands are tied somewhat.

There's more than enough teams - the issue is that there's only 2 teams at the front so everyone else is fighting in the midfield.

That's got nothing to do with there not being enough seats for talented drivers.