Silly Season 2016/2017

[FrukostScones]

It will be Wehrlein. Yawn!

or Button???

[edu2703]

In my opinion, the chances of Mercedes hiring a driver who has already signed with a team are minimal.

[TAG]

I think personally, this decision has been made by Nico before.

I've been piling on the circumstantial evidence for some time, but nope, this being a technical site we're willing to excuse the overt smell of crap because we can't "see" the sh!t. It's understandable.

[i70q7m7ghw]

I think personally, this decision has been made by Nico before.

I've been piling on the circumstantial evidence for some time, but nope, this being a technical site we're willing to excuse the overt smell of crap because we can't "see" the sh!t. It's understandable.

What do you want? Congratulations? You guessed he would retire? Well done? Nobody cares?

[Vasconia]

Vettel's language around Mercedes the last two races sounds as if he's already a team member.

Which language?

German

Hahahaha

Now seriously, any comment from Vettel which implies this?

[thelimey]

If they go for a RB driver, RB would be able to promote Sainz in to the main team, Ghasly into TR. Merc could even go in for Sainz, doesn't his contract with RB only get extended year by year & would still let RB promote Ghasly; it's a possibilty that probably messes up other teams plans the least. I guess we'll also find out a lot about what Merc really thinks of Wehrlein, if he was to be passed over by FI & Merc it would surely have a big impact on his confidence. I guess Alonso & Vettel will come up, but then you'd have Ferrari or McLaren scrambling around for a new driver. I can't imagine Honda would be too happy abput losing Button & Alonso & an empty Ferrari seat might set off an even bigger round of musical chairs! Then you've got guys like Perez & Bottas (both of whom they'd have data on through Merc engine usage I guess) who've been waiting around for a top seat to open up for a while.

I guess it all depends on how much of a battle Merc expect for the titles next year from RB, will Hamilton as a clear no1 & an upcoming driver as no 2 (such as Wehrlein, Sainz, Perez, Bottas) be enough for the WCC or do they think have to get another top driver (like Vettel, Alonso or the RB pair) to push Hamilton?

[kooleracer]

- I think they will take Button, as a stop gap. He knows the team. After 2017 Vettel and Alonso are available for nothing.

- Mercedes could trade Paddy Lowe to Ferrari for Vettel.

-Wehrlein, but that could bring their WCC title challenge in danger

-Carlos Jr and Bottas (Toto managed him), I think Sainz Jr could do a good job. He won't challenge HAM but a better bet then Wehrlein i think.

[edu2703]

Wehrlein is possible at the Mercedes. But I have doubts. The fact that he loses his seat at Force India for Ocon may indicate that Toto Wolff thinks Pascal may not be a good drivers who deserves a seat in a better team.

That's what I think. In my opinion, Pascal is a very good driver.

[TAG]

I think personally, this decision has been made by Nico before.

I've been piling on the circumstantial evidence for some time, but nope, this being a technical site we're willing to excuse the overt smell of crap because we can't "see" the sh!t. It's understandable.

What do you want? Congratulations? You guessed he would retire? Well done? Nobody cares?

Well, some people are just fine with their head in the ground. To each their own, why would you assume I'm looking for a pat in the back? Don't be so angry or judgmental. Everyone needs to come to their own decisions.

Me? I'd much rather know the truth than be right.

[ESPImperium]

The top 3 names in the list are Alonso, Vettel and Verstappen. The next 3 names are Riccardo, Sainz and the man I'm swinging behind in Perez. Then theres the drivers who are thinking they deserve a shot in Grosjean, Hulkenberg and Bottas.

Personally, id like to see Alonso, Ricardo or Perez. The Alonso way would allow McLaren to bring back Jenson if he wanted. The Riccardo way would allow Red Bull to sell a driver for €£$ to Mercedes and also get Sainz into the car and prevent them having a ROS/HAM with RIC/VES next year, and also get Gasly beside Kvjiat at STR next year. And the question of Perez would allow FI to sell him for a write down on debt and also a credit against future debt, and also allow Mercedes to get Pascal into the FI car and give Ocon and Pascal a sense of deja view.

When things were settling down, the Silly Season gets re-ignited and also made to look even sillier.

[WaikeCU]

But what about Carlos Sainz?

I can't see him in a Red Bull any time soon with Daniel and Max doing a superb job.

He's called multiple times he's ready for the job and that he's equally as fast as Max.

So he's at a point where he will be either driving that Toro Rosso again in mid pack and hope for that seat at Ferrari next season. Or he could drive at the front against the likes of Lewis and Max to challenge for the title.

This news... is causing havoc in the paddock. You'd think a lot of seats are already taken for 2017. I'd say it can shift a lot. A lot of drivers are on a 1 year deal, but if one is moving then a seat will be available for the taking. It will be a chain reaction if one of the rival teams will move to Merc, I'm looking at Ferrari and Mclaren primarily. Chain reaction if either Seb, Kimi or Fernando will move to Merc.

[Shakeman]

Maldonado is looking for a seat.

[FrukostScones]

Maldonado is looking for a seat.

yes!!!!!

1000x better than Wehrlein.

[Vasconia]

But what about Carlos Sainz?

I can't see him in a Red Bull any time soon with Daniel and Max doing a superb job.

He's called multiple times he's ready for the job and that he's equally as fast as Max.

So he's at a point where he will be either driving that Toro Rosso again in mid pack and hope for that seat at Ferrari next season. Or he could drive at the front against the likes of Lewis and Max to challenge for the title.

This news... is causing havoc in the paddock. You'd think a lot of seats are already taken for 2017. I'd say it can shift a lot. A lot of drivers are on a 1 year deal, but if one is moving then a seat will be available for the taking. It will be a chain reaction if one of the rival teams will move to Merc, I'm looking at Ferrari and Mclaren primarily. Chain reaction if either Seb, Kimi or Fernando will move to Merc.

Sainz will join Renault in 2018, almost for sure. Mercedes looks like a dream but with all the pressure and Hamilton it could turn into a nightmare.

I was seriously thinking that this was a joke, but its real!! :O

I have seen Nico´s statement. The main reason behind it is his familiar situation. I guess all the pressure and being far from his wife and children has been to much for him. He retires as a champion, only few ones can say this. But I am absolutely shocked.

[FrukostScones]

ALO is probaly quacking in his closet right know.