Silly Season 2020 (Kubica joins Alfa Romeo)!

Jezza13 · Post by **Jezza13** » Fri Aug 30, 2019 9:43 am

So Sky have just said Ocon had to cut ties with Merc to join Renault so no loan situation.

Looks like Russell is now next in line to the throne.

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Fri Aug 30, 2019 1:36 pm

Even though Mercedes are still in charge of Ocon's career, they can't employ him before 2022. Cyril said the next 2 years he's a complete Renault driver.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/14565 ... uring-deal

I did read somewhere even if Ocon were to cut ties with Mercedes, Wolff had said it doesn't eradicate his chance of driving for Mercedes in the future.

Jenson's Understeer · Post by **Jenson's Understeer** » Fri Aug 30, 2019 1:46 pm

UnlikeUday wrote:Even though Mercedes are still in charge of Ocon's career, they can't employ him before 2022. Cyril said the next 2 years he's a complete Renault driver.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/14565 ... uring-deal

I did read somewhere even if Ocon were to cut ties with Mercedes, Wolff had said it doesn't eradicate his chance of driving for Mercedes in the future.

BIB: I wouldn't go quite that far. Contracts in F1 are worth as much as anyone is willing to pay to break them and I'm sure there is a price that would get Ocon into a Mercedes for 2021 if Mercedes really wanted him back.

That said it does make it a lot less likely.

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Fri Aug 30, 2019 1:57 pm

Jenson's Understeer wrote:
UnlikeUday wrote:Even though Mercedes are still in charge of Ocon's career, they can't employ him before 2022. Cyril said the next 2 years he's a complete Renault driver.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/14565 ... uring-deal

I did read somewhere even if Ocon were to cut ties with Mercedes, Wolff had said it doesn't eradicate his chance of driving for Mercedes in the future.
BIB: I wouldn't go quite that far. Contracts in F1 are worth as much as anyone is willing to pay to break them and I'm sure there is a price that would get Ocon into a Mercedes for 2021 if Mercedes really wanted him back.

That said it does make it a lot less likely.

I'd be astonished if there wasn't an agreed amount in Ocon's contract that Merc can pay to get him.

WHoff78 · Post by **WHoff78** » Fri Aug 30, 2019 3:49 pm

mikeyg123 wrote:
Jenson's Understeer wrote:
UnlikeUday wrote:Even though Mercedes are still in charge of Ocon's career, they can't employ him before 2022. Cyril said the next 2 years he's a complete Renault driver.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/14565 ... uring-deal

I did read somewhere even if Ocon were to cut ties with Mercedes, Wolff had said it doesn't eradicate his chance of driving for Mercedes in the future.
BIB: I wouldn't go quite that far. Contracts in F1 are worth as much as anyone is willing to pay to break them and I'm sure there is a price that would get Ocon into a Mercedes for 2021 if Mercedes really wanted him back.

That said it does make it a lot less likely.
I'd be astonished if there wasn't an agreed amount in Ocon's contract that Merc can pay to get him.

Mercedes knew that they had to sufficiently cut ties with Ocon to convince another competitive team to give him a seat. Renault will know that while Mercedes have the fastest car, if a seat opens up and they want Ocon back, it will be a case of agreeing the price and not whether he goes. Renault will do ok financially either way and have DR in the other seat.

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Fri Aug 30, 2019 4:27 pm

Checo extends stay with Racing Point with a 3 year deal.
https://www.gptoday.net/en/news/f1/2503 ... cing-point

K.F. · Post by **K.F.** » Fri Aug 30, 2019 5:10 pm

At last.

Good luck Checo (one of ma favourite F1 drivers). Lance is also confirmed.

Mort Canard · Post by **Mort Canard** » Sat Aug 31, 2019 12:34 am

Racing point just confirmed Perez to a long term deal. (Reportedly three years)
https://www.planetf1.com/news/racing-po ... term-deal/

We all know that Lance has a contract as long as he remains Lawrence's son and can make the 105% qualifying rule. Looks like the driver lineup at Racing Point just got fossilized.

OTOH RP is ahead of Haas who has possibly an even more dismal driver lineup.

mcdo · Post by **mcdo** » Sat Aug 31, 2019 4:49 pm

Mort Canard wrote:Racing point just confirmed Perez to a long term deal. (Reportedly three years)
https://www.planetf1.com/news/racing-po ... term-deal/

We all know that Lance has a contract as long as he remains Lawrence's son and can make the 105% qualifying rule. Looks like the driver lineup at Racing Point just got fossilized.

OTOH RP is ahead of Haas who has possibly an even more dismal driver lineup.

Racing Point will not get a better driver than Perez. George Russell is the only potential candidate that could take that spot and might perform better. But his apprenticeship will continue at Williams

And Stroll is scoring points. He's not the worst guy out there. I'd rate Gasly, Giovinazzi and Kubica as the poorest performers of the year. Grosjean knocking on their door

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 11:42 am

Despite the recent signings of Bottas and Ocon the silly season is still in full swing with the Hulk being the next brick in the wall.

Rumours are that he's been offered a contract by Haas but the Hulk is exploring his options one of those being with Alfa Romeo who are unhappy with Giovinazzi, the Ferrari fostered driver, it's a similar situation to what we had with Haas in their first year in F1 when they also had to take on a Ferrari driver Guiterrez who they dropped at the end of the season, like Guiterrez, Giovinazzi is also leaving WCC points on the table.

For the Hulk he may see Alfa Romeo has a better proposition, they presently have a better car than Haas and also have closer ties with Ferrari. If Vettel leaves Ferrari at the end of 2020 and the Hulk can beat Kimi, which I think he is capable of doing, then he might find himself a prime candidate to join Ferrari as a #2 to Leclerc?

Ok other similar drivers might be on the market at that time like Bottas and certainly Ricciardo will, but with Ricciardo that would be a different dynamic for Ferrari, instead of building the team around Leclerc they would have 2 strong #1 drivers.

A third and even better option for the Hulk is Red Bull, although this is the most unlikely as well, Red Bull are evaluating their 3 junior drivers to see which is best suited to drive for the team in 2020. However if they find that all 3 drivers are much of a muchness then they may look outside their junior program and the same argument as Ferrari they may see Hulk as a solid #2 driver for Verstappen?

However the problem for the Hulk with Red Bull is that a decision will not be made until quite late into the season and as he waits for the decision would either Haas or Alfa Romeo be prepared to wait on him?

Covalent · Post by **Covalent** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 11:47 am

Hulk and Kimi would certainly be a safe pair of pair of hands (pun intended).

-K- · Post by **-K-** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 10:23 pm

I can’t see Hulk ending up anywhere other than Haas, if he opts to stay in F1. As much as I would like to see Kimi and Hulk, especially as Giovinazzi hasn’t shown much, I don’t think Alfa would be wanting perhaps the oldest line up on the grid. The 2nd seat is for a Ferrari development driver and Nico is one of the oldest drivers on the grid. I think Giovinazzi is safe placeholding for Mick Schumacher, unless there is anyone else on the way up who could take the seat in the meantime.

He may have had ambitions of Red Bull and with a respectable record against Daniel, it may have been a possibility, but I think he blew that in Germany. Albon’s Red Bull debut would seem to have confirmed it.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 1:27 am

-K- wrote:I can’t see Hulk ending up anywhere other than Haas, if he opts to stay in F1. As much as I would like to see Kimi and Hulk, especially as Giovinazzi hasn’t shown much, I don’t think Alfa would be wanting perhaps the oldest line up on the grid. The 2nd seat is for a Ferrari development driver and Nico is one of the oldest drivers on the grid. I think Giovinazzi is safe placeholding for Mick Schumacher, unless there is anyone else on the way up who could take the seat in the meantime.

He may have had ambitions of Red Bull and with a respectable record against Daniel, it may have been a possibility, but I think he blew that in Germany. Albon’s Red Bull debut would seem to have confirmed it.

Kimi might not continue past 2020 and the Hulk could take over as the old hand at Alfa when/if young Schumacher comes on board?

paulsf1fix · Post by **paulsf1fix** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 10:38 am

I put in an earlier post that Alfa Romeo could be a good place for Nico Hulkenberg and people pointed out (apart from the fact I spelt his name wrong, Sorry Nico) is that Ferrari have a say who is in that second Alfa car they have a say whether or not to retain Antonio Giovinazzi, I have read on other F1 news sites that Alfa are not happy with Giovinazzi. It would be a good move for Alfa Romeo to sign Hulkenberg but A.R could keep Antonio Giovinazzi for next year to keep the seat warm for Mick Schumacher.

Some F1 new sites believe that Hulkenberg could get confirmed at Haas this weekend, we wait and see.

kleefton · Post by **kleefton** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:06 am

Hulk reportedly declined a one year contract at Renault.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4407 ... t-reveals/

Still don't think he will go to a midfield team. He was probably hoping for Redbull but Horner has pretty much shut that door with his comment about staying in house with their driver selections. I'd say there is a good chance Hulk is out of the grid next year.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:08 am

paulsf1fix wrote:I put in an earlier post that Alfa Romeo could be a good place for Nico Hulkenberg and people pointed out (apart from the fact I spelt his name wrong, Sorry Nico) is that Ferrari have a say who is in that second Alfa car they have a say whether or not to retain Antonio Giovinazzi, I have read on other F1 news sites that Alfa are not happy with Giovinazzi. It would be a good move for Alfa Romeo to sign Hulkenberg but A.R could keep Antonio Giovinazzi for next year to keep the seat warm for Mick Schumacher.

Some F1 new sites believe that Hulkenberg could get confirmed at Haas this weekend, we wait and see.

I reported that last week but the latest I believe is that the Hulk is not going to rush into signing.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:11 am

kleefton wrote:Hulk reportedly declined a one year contract at Renault.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4407 ... t-reveals/

Still don't think he will go to a midfield team. He was probably hoping for Redbull but Horner has pretty much shut that door with his comment about staying in house with their driver selections. I'd say there is a good chance Hulk is out of the grid next year.

A midfield seat in F1 is still going to pay him more money than racing elsewheres.

kleefton · Post by **kleefton** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:19 am

pokerman wrote:
kleefton wrote:Hulk reportedly declined a one year contract at Renault.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4407 ... t-reveals/

Still don't think he will go to a midfield team. He was probably hoping for Redbull but Horner has pretty much shut that door with his comment about staying in house with their driver selections. I'd say there is a good chance Hulk is out of the grid next year.
A midfield seat in F1 is still going to pay him more money than racing elsewheres.

How much is Haas willing to pay a driver like Hulkenberg? And Alfa already has Kimi, I don't see them paying two drivers at the same time. Anyway, if it was F1 or bust for Hulkenberg why wouldn't he have taken the one year contract? There is going to be some top seats available in 2021 so you would think he would want to stay at Renault for at least one more year.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:44 am

kleefton wrote:
pokerman wrote:
kleefton wrote:Hulk reportedly declined a one year contract at Renault.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4407 ... t-reveals/

Still don't think he will go to a midfield team. He was probably hoping for Redbull but Horner has pretty much shut that door with his comment about staying in house with their driver selections. I'd say there is a good chance Hulk is out of the grid next year.
A midfield seat in F1 is still going to pay him more money than racing elsewheres.
How much is Haas willing to pay a driver like Hulkenberg? And Alfa already has Kimi, I don't see them paying two drivers at the same time. Anyway, if it was F1 or bust for Hulkenberg why wouldn't he have taken the one year contract? There is going to be some top seats available in 2021 so you would think he would want to stay at Renault for at least one more year.

I guess being offered a 1 year contract doesn't convey a lot of confidence in you from the team plus a driver would want the extra security of an extended contract moreso than the unlikely event of a top team signing the Hulk?

In respect to how much Haas would pay the Hulk, well as little as $2M would still be more money than a top seat in the likes of FE.

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:58 am

pokerman wrote:
kleefton wrote:
pokerman wrote:
kleefton wrote:Hulk reportedly declined a one year contract at Renault.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4407 ... t-reveals/

Still don't think he will go to a midfield team. He was probably hoping for Redbull but Horner has pretty much shut that door with his comment about staying in house with their driver selections. I'd say there is a good chance Hulk is out of the grid next year.
A midfield seat in F1 is still going to pay him more money than racing elsewheres.
How much is Haas willing to pay a driver like Hulkenberg? And Alfa already has Kimi, I don't see them paying two drivers at the same time. Anyway, if it was F1 or bust for Hulkenberg why wouldn't he have taken the one year contract? There is going to be some top seats available in 2021 so you would think he would want to stay at Renault for at least one more year.
I guess being offered a 1 year contract doesn't convey a lot of confidence in you from the team plus a driver would want the extra security of an extended contract moreso than the unlikely event of a top team signing the Hulk?

In respect to how much Haas would pay the Hulk, well as little as $2M would still be more money than a top seat in the likes of FE.

Doesn't this somewhat speak the same for Bottas?

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:05 pm

kleefton wrote:
pokerman wrote:
kleefton wrote:Hulk reportedly declined a one year contract at Renault.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4407 ... t-reveals/

Still don't think he will go to a midfield team. He was probably hoping for Redbull but Horner has pretty much shut that door with his comment about staying in house with their driver selections. I'd say there is a good chance Hulk is out of the grid next year.
A midfield seat in F1 is still going to pay him more money than racing elsewheres.
How much is Haas willing to pay a driver like Hulkenberg? And Alfa already has Kimi, I don't see them paying two drivers at the same time. Anyway, if it was F1 or bust for Hulkenberg why wouldn't he have taken the one year contract? There is going to be some top seats available in 2021 so you would think he would want to stay at Renault for at least one more year.

I think Hulk was/ is frustrated how Renault has faltered in its development & not closed the gap to the top 3. If not Haas, I wonder if Alfa Romeo could be an outside opportunity? Giovinazzi is doing ok but his self inflicted spin into the barriers would be quite painful. He somehow fought well to come into the points but to end up like that. It was a good opportunity to score points where Raikkonen failed to do so!

paulsf1fix · Post by **paulsf1fix** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 4:56 pm

UnlikeUday wrote:
kleefton wrote:
pokerman wrote:
kleefton wrote:Hulk reportedly declined a one year contract at Renault.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4407 ... t-reveals/

Still don't think he will go to a midfield team. He was probably hoping for Redbull but Horner has pretty much shut that door with his comment about staying in house with their driver selections. I'd say there is a good chance Hulk is out of the grid next year.
A midfield seat in F1 is still going to pay him more money than racing elsewheres.
How much is Haas willing to pay a driver like Hulkenberg? And Alfa already has Kimi, I don't see them paying two drivers at the same time. Anyway, if it was F1 or bust for Hulkenberg why wouldn't he have taken the one year contract? There is going to be some top seats available in 2021 so you would think he would want to stay at Renault for at least one more year.
I think Hulk was/ is frustrated how Renault has faltered in its development & not closed the gap to the top 3. If not Haas, I wonder if Alfa Romeo could be an outside opportunity? Giovinazzi is doing ok but his self inflicted spin into the barriers would be quite painful. He somehow fought well to come into the points but to end up like that. It was a good opportunity to score points where Raikkonen failed to do so!

Raikkonen had damaged caused by the tangle from Max so he pretty much spent the race on the back foot, I am not arguing with anyone but surely a GP teams best interest is to hire the best drivers that they can? Hulkenberg replacing Giovinazzi is a good replacement, I think.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 9:33 pm

UnlikeUday wrote:
pokerman wrote:
kleefton wrote:
pokerman wrote:
kleefton wrote:Hulk reportedly declined a one year contract at Renault.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4407 ... t-reveals/

Still don't think he will go to a midfield team. He was probably hoping for Redbull but Horner has pretty much shut that door with his comment about staying in house with their driver selections. I'd say there is a good chance Hulk is out of the grid next year.
A midfield seat in F1 is still going to pay him more money than racing elsewheres.
How much is Haas willing to pay a driver like Hulkenberg? And Alfa already has Kimi, I don't see them paying two drivers at the same time. Anyway, if it was F1 or bust for Hulkenberg why wouldn't he have taken the one year contract? There is going to be some top seats available in 2021 so you would think he would want to stay at Renault for at least one more year.
I guess being offered a 1 year contract doesn't convey a lot of confidence in you from the team plus a driver would want the extra security of an extended contract moreso than the unlikely event of a top team signing the Hulk?

In respect to how much Haas would pay the Hulk, well as little as $2M would still be more money than a top seat in the likes of FE.
Doesn't this somewhat speak the same for Bottas?

Yes but he's driving a Mercedes and getting paid more money than the Hulk, if Renault had a race winning car I doubt the Hulk would be looking to walk away?

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 4:07 am

What are he chances of Vettel either retiring or being ousted from Ferrari at the end of this year? If he goes, who comes or can come in his place?

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:49 pm

As per Wolff, Ocon can't return to Mercedes in 2021 as he has a contract with Renault for 2 years with no clause of returning to Mercedes in 2021 incase Hamilton or Bottas were to leave.
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/45397/es ... tract.html

When it comes to contracts, we know how water tight they are in F1!

MistaVega23 · Post by **MistaVega23** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 1:00 pm

UnlikeUday wrote:What are he chances of Vettel either retiring or being ousted from Ferrari at the end of this year? If he goes, who comes or can come in his place?

Alonso

In all seriousness, and I mentioned this in another thread, I think they should take Kimi back for a season or two until one of their academy drivers or Verstappen is ready/available.

Until then, I fear Vettel's performances will continue to dip in complete contrast to Leclerc's. It pains me to see it happening.

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 6:42 am

Steiner isn't able to make a concrete decision when it comes to deciding between Grosjean & Hulkenberg. He & Gene Haas are finding it hard to come to a conclusion.
https://www.planetf1.com/features/hulk- ... -for-2020/

Jenson's Understeer · Thu Sep 12, 2019 11:54 am

UnlikeUday wrote:Steiner isn't able to make a concrete decision when it comes to deciding between Grosjean & Hulkenberg. He & Gene Haas are finding it hard to come to a conclusion.
https://www.planetf1.com/features/hulk- ... -for-2020/

Well to be fair, one of them did think letting Rich Energy sponsor them was a good idea, so their judgement isn't perhaps all that great...

MistaVega23 · Post by **MistaVega23** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:22 pm

Jenson's Understeer wrote:
UnlikeUday wrote:Steiner isn't able to make a concrete decision when it comes to deciding between Grosjean & Hulkenberg. He & Gene Haas are finding it hard to come to a conclusion.
https://www.planetf1.com/features/hulk- ... -for-2020/
Well to be fair, one of them did think letting Rich Energy sponsor them was a good idea, so their judgement isn't perhaps all that great...

Lt. Drebin · Post by **Lt. Drebin** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 6:11 pm

UnlikeUday wrote:What are he chances of Vettel either retiring or being ousted from Ferrari at the end of this year? If he goes, who comes or can come in his place?

In January, Pascal Wehrlein became FErrari development driver, so he might jump in. Either he, or Kimi. I see no chance for Alonso. But I think Vettel will see the end of 2020 and if he stabilizes himself the next year, he might even get a shot of 2021 car, which he might like to drive.

Covalent · Post by **Covalent** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 6:54 am

Are people really seriously entertaining the possibility of Kimi having a third career at Ferrari?

froze · Post by **froze** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:34 am

Lt. Drebin wrote:
UnlikeUday wrote:What are he chances of Vettel either retiring or being ousted from Ferrari at the end of this year? If he goes, who comes or can come in his place?
In January, Pascal Wehrlein became FErrari development driver, so he might jump in. Either he, or Kimi. I see no chance for Alonso. But I think Vettel will see the end of 2020 and if he stabilizes himself the next year, he might even get a shot of 2021 car, which he might like to drive.

There's no way Wehrlein will get the shortcut to a Ferrari seat after being out for 2 years. The best seat Wehrlein can hope for is Alfa, if Giovinazzi fails to impress. If it happens that Vettel is ousted, which I still think is unlikely, I would see Hulkenberg as the more logical replacement.

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 3:12 pm

Gunther has said he declined Wehrlein's offer to drive for Haas in 2020. The main reason being Wehrlein has been out of F1 for 2 years & that's a big handicap to have.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/4481 ... ere-s-why/

mas · Post by **mas** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 4:18 pm

Covalent wrote:Are people really seriously entertaining the possibility of Kimi having a third career at Ferrari?

They shouldn't be, he serves a far better role at Alfa Romeo benchmarking Ferrari's young drivers. At the moment Giovinazzi is falling a little short of stepping up to be a Ferrari driver. At best he matches Kimi, at worst he's a few tenths behind and the points totals don't lie, 31-3.

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Thu Sep 19, 2019 7:04 am

It's Grosjean and Magnussen at Haas for next year.

froze · Post by **froze** » Thu Sep 19, 2019 7:18 am

mikeyg123 wrote:It's Grosjean and Magnussen at Haas for next year.

Unbeliviblé guys, unbeliviblé.

JN23 · Post by **JN23** » Thu Sep 19, 2019 7:23 am

That's uninspiring. Hulk is now well and truly in the s***.

Jenson's Understeer · Post by **Jenson's Understeer** » Thu Sep 19, 2019 7:29 am

mikeyg123 wrote:It's Grosjean and Magnussen at Haas for next year.

Mate. Mate!

Very surprised by this. Haas needed to change something. Hulkenberg made perfect sense on paper. So either he's priced himself out of what Haas could afford (which is possible given they have just lost their title sponsor, and it seems like they were actually stupid enough to believe the money they were promised would materialise) or he's simply had enough of running in F1's midfield and is looking to race elsewhere/has decided it's Red Bull or nothing.

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Thu Sep 19, 2019 7:44 am

Putting together bits and pieces that we know I would guess that they approached Hulk who said he was holding out on the Red Bull/Ferrari situations and wouldn't sign anything before then. Haas decided they wouldn't wait that long. It's a gamble from Hulk but not necessarily a big one. If he has to sit out 2020 rather than yet another year in the midfield is that so bad? He can have a lot of fun in that year. And of course it leaves a tiny chance of a top drive.

froze · Post by **froze** » Thu Sep 19, 2019 8:08 am

mikeyg123 wrote:Putting together bits and pieces that we know I would guess that they approached Hulk who said he was holding out on the Red Bull/Ferrari situations and wouldn't sign anything before then. Haas decided they wouldn't wait that long. It's a gamble from Hulk but not necessarily a big one. If he has to sit out 2020 rather than yet another year in the midfield is that so bad? He can have a lot of fun in that year. And of course it leaves a tiny chance of a top drive.

One possibility is also a Ferrari development driver and aiming for a race seat at Ferrari in 2021. Plus if even that fails, it's still a path to replace Kimi at Alfa in 2021.