The F1 Thread

[Paddingtonwolf]

Hamilton isn’t leaving Merc.

 

[Tredman]

Dunno, if he wins a truncated title to equal Schumacher this season a quick stint at Ferrari to beat him might appeal.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Regulations aren’t changing next season now so I would expect Merc to be the best package for this season and next. Hamilton passes Schumacher and then would be nearly 37 so I would expect him to simply retire.

 

[Kenny]

Sainz going to Ferrari
Danny Ric going to McLaren

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

So a slot at Renault. Seb might take it, or we could see the return of either Hulkenburg or more intriguingly Alonso.

 

[Kenny]

Can't see Seb taking such step down. Think he might just call time on his F1 Days.
Could still be some movement with deals all over the place ending at the end of this (might not ever happen) season.

Merc could decide that George Wolves Fan Russell deserves bumping up from Williams and give him a year or 2 with Lewis helping him out for example

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Russell and Norris are definitely pups to look out for. Both have plenty of talent.

 

[MARKakaJIM]

Bit surprised by those moves, I like Sainz but wouldn't have thought he'd really stood out enough to be on Ferrari's radar just yet and quite a blow to Renault to lose Ricciardo so soon when he was seen as such a coup for them, obviously speaks volumes about the potential he sees in them after seeing things up close. Or maybe he just wanted to increase his opportunities to screw around with Norris.

Would Renault perhaps be able to get Russell? I know he's tied in with Mercedes but if Williams have another season like last then he's not really going to be having much chance to develop there.

 

[Kenny]

Bit surprised by those moves, I like Sainz but wouldn't have thought he'd really stood out enough to be on Ferrari's radar just yet and quite a blow to Renault to lose Ricciardo so soon when he was seen as such a coup for them, obviously speaks volumes about the potential he sees in them after seeing things up close. Or maybe he just wanted to increase his opportunities to screw around with Norris.

Would Renault perhaps be able to get Russell? I know he's tied in with Mercedes but if Williams have another season like last then he's not really going to be having much chance to develop there.

Sainz is decent but its clear they are going for Charles as their long term number 1. Not quite the Eddie Irvine days of having the ultimate No2 driver.

Edit - Ignore me on this point!!

 

[MARKakaJIM]

Sainz is decent but its clear they are going for Charles as their long term number 1. Not quite the Eddie Irvine days of having the ultimate No2 driver.

Renault could maybe go for Ocon.

They already have Ocon don't they?

Isn't it him and Ricciardo for 2020?

 

[Kenny]

They already have Ocon don't they?

Isn't it him and Ricciardo for 2020?

They have....who the fuck am i thinking of here!

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Hulkenburg?

 

[Kenny]

Quarantine brain taking over I think and I just deleted months of memory since he left the reserve team role at Merc

 

[Carrotdude]

Interesting driver developments, it’s a shame that this season is basically gone now. What I would love is for Seb to go to Mercedes for a year alongside Lewis although I’m expecting him to retire. Some reports he might end up at McLaren instead of Ricciardo though.

 

[Kenny]

Some reports he might end up at McLaren instead of Ricciardo though.

All confirmed now so Norris and Danny Ric at McLaren next year.

 

[Nando]

Exciting! I'd expect some fireworks with Charles/Carlos, whilst on the face of it, he's calm and relaxed, his relationship with Max was by all accounts very fiery behind the scenes.

Renault/Alonso are flirting with each other on social media, although I'd still be surprised if he was to return.

Big question now is Mercedes beyond 2021 - I would not be surprised if they pulled stumps, particularly if they can help Lewis match/surpass Schumi's record. They'd have nothing left to achieve and with the McLaren deal from next year, can retain a presence in the sport with one of the biggest names. Very interested to see what happens with Bottas/Russell/Ocon moving forward. I can't imagine Merc (or Russell) would like to see George spend three seasons flailing around at the back given the confidence they have in his abilities. That said, if they are to depart, would it really make sense to promote him to then potentially leave him in a right muddle? They have no option to recall Ocon until 2022, and I suspect he'll stay there regardless.

Racing Point/Aston could be the one to look out for with the huge financial input from Stroll.

 

[Kenny]

Probably just internet bollocks but a lot of Bottas going from Merc rumours today. Can't see anything that looks remotely trustworthy so could just be Seb fans hoping he gets the only step up he can.


On Merc - Toto has got himself in on the Aston deal so the rumours he could depart and essentially run that team might be true. I hope Russell gets the chance to drive the Merc in a race. Whenever he has done the testing for them his times have been very impressive.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Merc are the only team that could financially cover Lewis AND Seb. It would certainly be interesting, shall we say.

 

[Kenny]

Well it would put a German back in the car but after the Lewis/Nico bollocks I don't think they will fancy a return to that kind of set up.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I don't think Toto would be that keen.