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i would like to see these driver changes take place now, for the 2020 season, whatever that ends up being

Covalent wrote:Auto Bild are reporting this will be Wolff's last season as team principal of the Mercedes F1 team.
https://f1-insider.com/f1/formel-1-news ... ef-zuruck/

Whilst Autosport are running an article that Mercedes are staying in F1 with Wolff.

pc27b wrote:i would like to see these driver changes take place now, for the 2020 season, whatever that ends up being

I quite like seeing Leclerc/Vettel part 2 and Ricciardo against Ocon.

https://www.racefans.net/2020/06/03/mer ... ays-wolff/

Can anyone see a reason for Hamilton or Bottas to leave? If anything, I now can't even say it is any more likely that Bottas will leave at the end of this year than Hamilton. I still expect both will stay. If bottas was a good as last year, or improves (is still possible), then even though russel deserves a better team, I don't know why Mercedes would want to risk any changes. If there was any change in driver line up (which I don't think will happen next year) at Mercedes, I feel Vettel and Bottas would be the best combination. I do think that with a new and strong team, Vettel may be able to be very good again. I still think he has it in him to be better than Bottas, but I just don't think him and Hamilton as team mates will work. Would be worse than Rosberg vs Hamilton I think. And Russel is just not experienced enough yet IMO.

TheGiantHogweed wrote:https://www.racefans.net/2020/06/03/mer ... ays-wolff/

Can anyone see a reason for Hamilton or Bottas to leave? If anything, I now can't even say it is any more likely that Bottas will leave at the end of this year than Hamilton. I still expect both will stay. If bottas was a good as last year, or improves (is still possible), then even though russel deserves a better team, I don't know why Mercedes would want to risk any changes. If there was any change in driver line up (which I don't think will happen next year) at Mercedes, I feel Vettel and Bottas would be the best combination. I do think that with a new and strong team, Vettel may be able to be very good again. I still think he has it in him to be better than Bottas, but I just don't think him and Hamilton as team mates will work. Would be worse than Rosberg vs Hamilton I think. And Russel is just not experienced enough yet IMO.

The only change I see Mercedes making is replacing Bottas with Russell, Hamilton will stay with Mercedes unless he decides to retire which doesn't seem to be on the cards any time soon.

TheGiantHogweed wrote:https://www.racefans.net/2020/06/03/mer ... ays-wolff/

Can anyone see a reason for Hamilton or Bottas to leave? If anything, I now can't even say it is any more likely that Bottas will leave at the end of this year than Hamilton. I still expect both will stay. If bottas was a good as last year, or improves (is still possible), then even though russel deserves a better team, I don't know why Mercedes would want to risk any changes. If there was any change in driver line up (which I don't think will happen next year) at Mercedes, I feel Vettel and Bottas would be the best combination. I do think that with a new and strong team, Vettel may be able to be very good again. I still think he has it in him to be better than Bottas, but I just don't think him and Hamilton as team mates will work. Would be worse than Rosberg vs Hamilton I think. And Russel is just not experienced enough yet IMO.

If Hamilton signs a long term contract then Bottas may go elsewhere if he gets a good offer. It would be a risk to sign a one year deal at Mercedes with the prospect of Russell or Ocon probably replacing you after that and turn down a big multi year contract elsewhere.

mikeyg123 wrote:

TheGiantHogweed wrote:https://www.racefans.net/2020/06/03/mer ... ays-wolff/

Can anyone see a reason for Hamilton or Bottas to leave? If anything, I now can't even say it is any more likely that Bottas will leave at the end of this year than Hamilton. I still expect both will stay. If bottas was a good as last year, or improves (is still possible), then even though russel deserves a better team, I don't know why Mercedes would want to risk any changes. If there was any change in driver line up (which I don't think will happen next year) at Mercedes, I feel Vettel and Bottas would be the best combination. I do think that with a new and strong team, Vettel may be able to be very good again. I still think he has it in him to be better than Bottas, but I just don't think him and Hamilton as team mates will work. Would be worse than Rosberg vs Hamilton I think. And Russel is just not experienced enough yet IMO.

If Hamilton signs a long term contract then Bottas may go elsewhere if he gets a good offer. It would be a risk to sign a one year deal at Mercedes with the prospect of Russell or Ocon probably replacing you after that and turn down a big multi year contract elsewhere.

I think Renault would be a good move for Bottas if his contract is renewed or decides that he wants a change.

JN23 wrote:

mikeyg123 wrote:

TheGiantHogweed wrote:https://www.racefans.net/2020/06/03/mer ... ays-wolff/

Can anyone see a reason for Hamilton or Bottas to leave? If anything, I now can't even say it is any more likely that Bottas will leave at the end of this year than Hamilton. I still expect both will stay. If bottas was a good as last year, or improves (is still possible), then even though russel deserves a better team, I don't know why Mercedes would want to risk any changes. If there was any change in driver line up (which I don't think will happen next year) at Mercedes, I feel Vettel and Bottas would be the best combination. I do think that with a new and strong team, Vettel may be able to be very good again. I still think he has it in him to be better than Bottas, but I just don't think him and Hamilton as team mates will work. Would be worse than Rosberg vs Hamilton I think. And Russel is just not experienced enough yet IMO.

If Hamilton signs a long term contract then Bottas may go elsewhere if he gets a good offer. It would be a risk to sign a one year deal at Mercedes with the prospect of Russell or Ocon probably replacing you after that and turn down a big multi year contract elsewhere.

I think Renault would be a good move for Bottas if his contract is renewed or decides that he wants a change.

Well he's been in contact with Renault, I wonder given the choice wether he'd take a 2 year deal with Renault or a 1 year deal with Mercedes?

I'd be guessing a 3 year Renault contract would definitely seal a deal?

Bottas has been told that Mercedes aren’t considering Vettel, according to Bottas.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/merc ... 1/4804802/

JN23 wrote:Bottas has been told that Mercedes aren’t considering Vettel, according to Bottas.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/merc ... 1/4804802/

I only ever viewed Vettel as an option to replace Hamilton if he retired.

As per a report, Alonso could be announced this week as Ricciardo's replacement for 2021.

https://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula-1/_ ... tory.shtml

And He is. Not too many people here talk about it. I think this is positive news.

I'm reading some rumors that Seb will be announced an AM driver.

K.F. wrote:And He is. Not too many people here talk about it. I think this is positive news.

It's being discussed in a separate thread.

Covalent wrote:I'm reading some rumors that Seb will be announced an AM driver.

I'd feel bad for Perez if Vettel does indeed replace him. While Perez is under contract, I wouldn't be surprised if the holding company releases him for the marketable Sebastian Vettel.

It was also interesting to see Horner and Verstappen on a chat show with Vettel, who all seemed a little too friendly with each other.

Covalent wrote:I'm reading some rumors that Seb will be announced an AM driver.

Move would make sense IMO. It would be a real statement of intent from Aston Martin to come in and sign a 4x WDC, having someone of his experience would no doubt help in terms of giving insight into how championship contending teams operate.

From Vettels POV I think it's fair to say that Force India/Racing point have been a fairly consistently impressive team since the hybrid era when you consider their budget. Money is coming in via stroll with AM backing and they have a good platform with the pink '19 Mercedes to focus more on the upcoming regulations.

With a regulation shift coming up I would say it's worth a punt, you never know what could happen in F1.

Schumacher forever#1 wrote:

Covalent wrote:I'm reading some rumors that Seb will be announced an AM driver.

I'd feel bad for Perez if Vettel does indeed replace him. While Perez is under contract, I wouldn't be surprised if the holding company releases him for the marketable Sebastian Vettel.

It was also interesting to see Horner and Verstappen on a chat show with Vettel, who all seemed a little too friendly with each other.

If they replace Perez with Vettel, it would be a huge mistake. Vettel should be joining the team at the expense of Stroll.
I guess if he comes on board, the decision on who he replaces will determine if they're serious about being successful or not.

Charles LeBrad wrote:

Schumacher forever#1 wrote:

Covalent wrote:I'm reading some rumors that Seb will be announced an AM driver.

I'd feel bad for Perez if Vettel does indeed replace him. While Perez is under contract, I wouldn't be surprised if the holding company releases him for the marketable Sebastian Vettel.

It was also interesting to see Horner and Verstappen on a chat show with Vettel, who all seemed a little too friendly with each other.

If they replace Perez with Vettel, it would be a huge mistake. Vettel should be joining the team at the expense of Stroll.
I guess if he comes on board, the decision on who he replaces will determine if they're serious about being successful or not.

Perez has a contract until the end of 2022, Stroll I believe was only confirmed for 2020.

Christian Horner has just ruled out Vettel going back to Red Bull on Sky pretty emphatically. I guess we knew that wasn’t going to happen anyway.

Had to laugh when he said that their commitment was to their existing drivers though

JN23 wrote:Christian Horner has just ruled out Vettel going back to Red Bull on Sky pretty emphatically. I guess we knew that wasn’t going to happen anyway.

Had to laugh when he said that their commitment was to their existing drivers though

I think that's Vettel all but confirmed.

Black_Flag_11 wrote:

Covalent wrote:I'm reading some rumors that Seb will be announced an AM driver.

Move would make sense IMO. It would be a real statement of intent from Aston Martin to come in and sign a 4x WDC, having someone of his experience would no doubt help in terms of giving insight into how championship contending teams operate.

But how much kudo does Vettels name actually carry these days? 4 X WDC true enough, but last one 7 years ago, currently being beaten by a noob and unwanted by is current team.

DOLOMITE wrote:

Black_Flag_11 wrote:

Covalent wrote:I'm reading some rumors that Seb will be announced an AM driver.

Move would make sense IMO. It would be a real statement of intent from Aston Martin to come in and sign a 4x WDC, having someone of his experience would no doubt help in terms of giving insight into how championship contending teams operate.

But how much kudo does Vettels name actually carry these days? 4 X WDC true enough, but last one 7 years ago, currently being beaten by a noob and unwanted by is current team.

Still a 4x WDC and still one of the top drivers on the grid. Hard to see anyone better available, unless they wanted youth, in which case Russell would be a good shout with the Merc connection.

Looks like Bottas is staying with Merc for 2021: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/15055 ... 21-f1-deal

JN23 wrote:Looks like Bottas is staying with Merc for 2021: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/15055 ... 21-f1-deal

It seems surprising that the confirmation for Bottas remaining has come both this early and before hamilton's deal. I am aware a more early decision may make sense because of the circumstances, but I'm assuming Hamilton will stay as well. It could also be that as the article mentions, it possibly helps Bottas focus a bit better knowing his placement for next year.

Vettel to Racing Point is a rumour that is really gaining traction. Big shame for Perez if so. If anyone deserves a run in a good car it's him.

mikeyg123 wrote:Vettel to Racing Point is a rumour that is really gaining traction. Big shame for Perez if so. If anyone deserves a run in a good car it's him.

Honestly, in 2021, I'd rather see Perez in a good car than Vettel.

About the only positive I can see for Sergio is that there are still seats available. Haas would be an option. Alfa Romeo, too, should Kimi decide he's had enough and open up the non-Ferrari seat there. But then I remember that he (Perez) said a few months back that he's kind of had enough not being in a competitive car, and would leave F1 if he's not able to fight for podiums once the regulations change. So maybe this would be it for him.

As a team principal wouldn't you wait to see who wins the battle of the midfield, Vettel is fine in a dominant car but when it comes to scrapping I would have though Perez is the guy to have on your team.
I can't see Vettel finishing too many races to be honest, the midfield is a war zone!

In an ideal world it should be Vettel and Perez, if true I feel gutted for Perez as he finally gets in a decent car and then gets dropped the following season, leaving Stroll in one of the cars is not exactly maximising results.

Given what Perez has said in the past about only waiting so long to get a decent car I can see him wanting to walk away from F1 in disgust however he's too young to retire from the sport, there might not be a better alternative for him in other series?

Option or Prime wrote:As a team principal wouldn't you wait to see who wins the battle of the midfield, Vettel is fine in a dominant car but when it comes to scrapping I would have though Perez is the guy to have on your team.
I can't see Vettel finishing too many races to be honest, the midfield is a war zone!

He'll adjust to the challenge.

pokerman wrote:In an ideal world it should be Vettel and Perez, if true I feel gutted for Perez as he finally gets in a decent car and then gets dropped the following season, leaving Stroll in one of the cars is not exactly maximising results.

Given what Perez has said in the past about only waiting so long to get a decent car I can see him wanting to walk away from F1 in disgust however he's too young to retire from the sport, there might not be a better alternative for him in other series?

Why another series? I would say there might be another drive for him in F1. Does he still have financial backing?

Vettel signing would be a huge statement of intent from Aston Martin. It would be very odd to do that and then have Lance Stroll in the other car, so they have to keep Perez IMO.

If it happens I see Perez getting another drive if he wants it. Rumours are that Racing Point have until the end of July to buy Perez out of his contract, so he would likely be made aware soon if it was going to happen.

That should give him time to talk with other teams, there are a few potential openings, he's highly rated and unless something has changed he brings a decent amount of money with him. I see him having a few options personally.

BMWSauber84 wrote:Vettel signing would be a huge statement of intent from Aston Martin. It would be very odd to do that and then have Lance Stroll in the other car, so they have to keep Perez IMO.

The Stroll who qualified just behind Perez and finished right behind Perez ? He could be too tough for Vettel, except if they turn Racing Point into a one driver team*, Red Bull style...

Is there any chance at all that Perez might stay and Vettel join him? I.e they chuck Stroll out.

bourbon19 wrote:

Option or Prime wrote:As a team principal wouldn't you wait to see who wins the battle of the midfield, Vettel is fine in a dominant car but when it comes to scrapping I would have though Perez is the guy to have on your team.
I can't see Vettel finishing too many races to be honest, the midfield is a war zone!

He'll adjust to the challenge.

I think that's a bit optimistic but we will see.

bourbon19 wrote:

Option or Prime wrote:As a team principal wouldn't you wait to see who wins the battle of the midfield, Vettel is fine in a dominant car but when it comes to scrapping I would have though Perez is the guy to have on your team.
I can't see Vettel finishing too many races to be honest, the midfield is a war zone!

He'll adjust to the challenge.

pokerman wrote:In an ideal world it should be Vettel and Perez, if true I feel gutted for Perez as he finally gets in a decent car and then gets dropped the following season, leaving Stroll in one of the cars is not exactly maximising results.

Given what Perez has said in the past about only waiting so long to get a decent car I can see him wanting to walk away from F1 in disgust however he's too young to retire from the sport, there might not be a better alternative for him in other series?

Why another series? I would say there might be another drive for him in F1. Does he still have financial backing?

Perez said there is only so many years that he's prepared to make up the numbers in F1, losing such a competitive seat might be the last straw for him.

Black_Flag_11 wrote:If it happens I see Perez getting another drive if he wants it. Rumours are that Racing Point have until the end of July to buy Perez out of his contract, so he would likely be made aware soon if it was going to happen.

That should give him time to talk with other teams, there are a few potential openings, he's highly rated and unless something has changed he brings a decent amount of money with him. I see him having a few options personally.

All the options will be with back marker teams though.

Harpo wrote:

BMWSauber84 wrote:Vettel signing would be a huge statement of intent from Aston Martin. It would be very odd to do that and then have Lance Stroll in the other car, so they have to keep Perez IMO.

The Stroll who qualified just behind Perez and finished right behind Perez ? He could be too tough for Vettel, except if they turn Racing Point into a one driver team*, Red Bull style...

He only finished just behind Perez because of Perez busted his front wing. Stroll's race pace is nowhere near as strong as that of his teammate, and the gap between them is even more obvious in a stronger car.

If Aston Martin have ambitions to be at the front of the field within the decade, they will need a more competent second driver.

BMWSauber84 wrote:

Harpo wrote:

BMWSauber84 wrote:Vettel signing would be a huge statement of intent from Aston Martin. It would be very odd to do that and then have Lance Stroll in the other car, so they have to keep Perez IMO.

The Stroll who qualified just behind Perez and finished right behind Perez ? He could be too tough for Vettel, except if they turn Racing Point into a one driver team*, Red Bull style...

He only finished just behind Perez because of Perez busted his front wing - 1. Stroll's race pace is nowhere near as strong as that of his teammate, and the gap between them is even more obvious in a stronger car.

If Aston Martin have ambitions to be at the front of the field within the decade, they will need a more competent second driver - 2.

1- And Stroll didn't...
2- Agreed... Which is ruling out hiring Vettel.

Harpo wrote:

BMWSauber84 wrote:

Harpo wrote:

BMWSauber84 wrote:Vettel signing would be a huge statement of intent from Aston Martin. It would be very odd to do that and then have Lance Stroll in the other car, so they have to keep Perez IMO.

The Stroll who qualified just behind Perez and finished right behind Perez ? He could be too tough for Vettel, except if they turn Racing Point into a one driver team*, Red Bull style...

He only finished just behind Perez because of Perez busted his front wing - 1. Stroll's race pace is nowhere near as strong as that of his teammate, and the gap between them is even more obvious in a stronger car.

If Aston Martin have ambitions to be at the front of the field within the decade, they will need a more competent second driver - 2.

1- And Stroll didn't...
2- Agreed... Which is ruling out hiring Vettel.

The point is that Perez is a lot stronger than daddy's little soldier. The second half of last season was a trouncing, I have no doubt that this season will also be.

i was perplexed when ricciardo didn't go to ferrari. i imagine he is glad he didn't racing point is looking very good at the moment, but the protests against racing point could make them change the car and slow them down ??