Silly season 2016

[PlatinumZealot]

A Ferrari PU off-shoot perhaps? Slightly different development path and shared data to Ferrari seems tantalizing..

[ScottB]

Well there's always Haas or RedBull for 2017, then Ferrari would have to give then the current spec PU!

Why would they? I doubt Ferrari would be anymore keen on being beaten by a Red Bull Alfa than a Red Bull Ferrari!

A Ferrari PU off-shoot perhaps? Slightly different development path and shared data to Ferrari seems tantalizing..

I was under the impression this whole 'splitting off' concept was against the rules? I'd imagine any such engine would have to be a clean slate, something Marchionne hinted at bring happy to do if Red Bull paid for it, though how genuine an offer that was, who knows.

I'd imagine any Alfa return would be a badge on a Ferrari engine and maybe a title sponsor along the lines of Infiniti; Alfa Romeo Haas Racing or Alfa Romeo Scuderia Torro Roso etc.

[turbof1]

Well there's always Haas or RedBull for 2017, then Ferrari would have to give then the current spec PU!

Why would they? I doubt Ferrari would be anymore keen on being beaten by a Red Bull Alfa than a Red Bull Ferrari!

A Ferrari PU off-shoot perhaps? Slightly different development path and shared data to Ferrari seems tantalizing..

I was under the impression this whole 'splitting off' concept was against the rules?

It is against the current rules. The whole debacle with Red Bull having a supposed separate development, of which the contrary eventually got officially stated, showed it's a little bit of day dreaming. It might be possible in the future though.

[krisfx]

Maldo tries too hard and makes mistakes, if he calmed down he might be a decent driver, he has the speed. I doubt he ever will calm down tho.

I don't know why people keep bringing up JEV, sure he's French but people forget he was outclassed in qually by RIC in both years and only out scored RIC on points in their first year thru luck.

RIC actually showed consistent improvement in his race craft on top of his existing qually speed and then backed it up at RedBull racing for the last two years.

What has JEV done in the last two years of note? SFA, 3 poles and a 7th placed finish in a spec series! He doesn't deserve to be in F1 which is why Franz let him go.

I agree with this. I've never really considered him a good driver. I also thought the sheer pace of the RB7 flattered him a bit in his young driver test.

[iotar__]

"Wolff: Rosberg may have to wait for new Mercedes deal" http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122297
I think this is the conclusion from Mercedes' investigation of Hamilton's slump in form and the solution, I want my points back please. This is your F1 crisis, if we don't like results driving well is awarded with firing. I guess they are worried that multiple engine failures and the most bizarre reliability problems (pedal, servicing substance contamination) at the crucial stage deciding WDC might not be enough. Marketing driven circus.

[ME4ME]

I think it's as simple as Toto wanting to see:

a) If Rosberg can continue his new-found form in the first half of 2016
b) If there are any further issues between the drivers

I think Ricciardo might fancy Rosbergs seat, and Toto just might like that idea as well

[ScottB]

"Wolff: Rosberg may have to wait for new Mercedes deal" http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122297
I think this is the conclusion from Mercedes' investigation of Hamilton's slump in form and the solution, I want my points back please. This is your F1 crisis, if we don't like results driving well is awarded with firing. I guess they are worried that multiple engine failures and the most bizarre reliability problems (pedal, servicing substance contamination) at the crucial stage deciding WDC might not be enough. Marketing driven circus.

Yes, obviously it's all a massive conspiracy against Rosberg...

Or, the team may be thinking that having two drivers in their 30s isn't a particularly long term solution and that given the potential availability of younger, talented options who could go on to lead the team after the current guys have retired could be a smarter option.

Or it's just Toto apparently having nothing better to do than think up schemes to prevent your favoured driver from winning

[continuum16]

If they didn't re-sign Rosberg I think Bottas would be the logical replacement given Toto's involvement and the fact that he is already a Mercedes customer. However I think they will re-sign Nico for a one-year deal if the regs really are gonna change in 17.

[FrukostScones]

If they didn't re-sign Rosberg I think Bottas would be the logical replacement given Toto's involvement and the fact that he is already a Mercedes customer. However I think they will re-sign Nico for a one-year deal if the regs really are gonna change in 17.

Bottas would be a nice Massa for Hamilton.
ROS is the far better choice, so let's hope they keep him for 2017.
but ROS in a 2017 RB could wreak havoc though

[ScottB]

If I was Toto I'd be on the phone to the Verstappen's offering a 2017 seat...

[PlatinumZealot]

It would be too easy for Lewis if you do that now haha. Verstappen is not the fastest qualifier and he would have a tough time with the mercedes pitstop strategy.

[djos]

If they didn't re-sign Rosberg I think Bottas would be the logical replacement given Toto's involvement and the fact that he is already a Mercedes customer. However I think they will re-sign Nico for a one-year deal if the regs really are gonna change in 17.

Bottas would certainly make for a solid, no fuss number #2 driver.

[djos]

but ROS in a 2017 RB could wreak havoc though

Won't happen, Webber was the last non-redbull junior driver to drive for the team and the junior ranks are now so chock full of talent there's no way they need Britney in their team causing trouble!

[henra]

I think Ricciardo might fancy Rosbergs seat, and Toto just might like that idea as well

I'm just not sure Lewis would like that idea too much.

[Racer X]

I think it's as simple as Toto wanting to see:

a) If Rosberg can continue his new-found form in the first half of 2016
b) If there are any further issues between the drivers

I think Ricciardo might fancy Rosbergs seat, and Toto just might like that idea as well

Ricciardo I think is one of the most promising drivers I would not mind him at all he showed great from his first year at Redbull beating Vettel. I would love to see him in a Merc.