Silly Season 2016/2017

[FrukostScones]

It will be funny for his replacement just to find out that he is inferior... to the current WDC.

[henra]

I cannot see Alonso at Merc given the history and Vettel wouldn't want to go up against Lewis given Ricciardo showed him a clean pair of heels.

Hmm, dunno. Alonso might be indeed considered too toxic by Toto.
But I doubt Seb would refuse the option. With more aero and a car that suits him I wouldn't put my money on Lewis for being quicker. It all depends if the ride suits him. Lewis excels in wheel to wheel battles in the race. Single Lap performance wise I would rank Seb a bit higher if the car fits his style. Next Year's regulations plus the undisputed king of drivability, the Merc, might give Seb the edge.
The 2014 RB was a dog. Seb is not good at dealing with bad cars. But he is incredibly quick with a good car.
I would love to see those two going against each other. That said, Seb is equally difficult to deal with for a team as Lewis.

[hemichromis]

What's amazing to me is that Hulkenberg, Perez and Bottas would all be very decent experienced drivers to partner with Hamilton. All were all signed in the last month. If only Rosberg got word out to one of them before he quit.

If Force India really refused Weirlein, Mercedes would not take him. Is that really what happened.

I would suggest that if next year is like the previous 3 ANY driver from the grid could have race wins.

[hemichromis]

Here's a thought, If Alonso moved to Mercedes, Mclaren's reserve driver would have to drive the whole season!

[Eddie_Temple]

Hilarous!
https://twitter.com/DC_F1/status/804680289851232257

[basti313]

What's amazing to me is that Hulkenberg, Perez and Bottas would all be very decent experienced drivers to partner with Hamilton. All were all signed in the last month. If only Rosberg got word out to one of them before he quit.

Only Perez could at least compete with Ham. The other two are too heavy.

If Force India really refused Weirlein, Mercedes would not take him. Is that really what happened.

Dunno...maybe it was simple pecunias. Ocon has a sponsor more, drives for free or whatever. I would not read too much into this as Wehrlein was clearly stronger.

I would suggest that if next year is like the previous 3 ANY driver from the grid could have race wins.

This is what I also think. No idea, why Merc should not be dominant again. No need for a big one, they are better of with Weh as a Nr2.

On the other hand Berger said, that a rookie is no option. The first calls will go to Vet and Alo according to him.

[Manoah2u]

[Manoah2u]

[Juzh]

[clipsy1H]

seriously is useless to think that a Ferrari driver will ever left for Mercedes. There's a matter of time for Ferrari to fight for the championship and the amount of glory to a Ferrari WDC can't ever be compared with anything. With new regs anything can't be predicted so the stake is too big for Seb to take a bet now. Last season was possible but now...never ! Just think about if he left the team and Ferrari win championship....
Thew new Merc driver will be a guy from a second row, teams like Force India, Williams, Toro Rosso or maybe McLaren because Alonso is so hungry to be in top now after he failed so hard at Ferrari and almost the same with McLaren but no one will take him in team, not even Lewis because i think Lewis will have a word in the choose. Mercedes can't afford to lose another driver or something like this.

I think the next guy will be almost for sure a German and Hulk with Wehrlein are on front row. My personal option is Mick even if he's too young and have almost no experience but i would love to see him next year in F1 but there's no chance for him.

[Manoah2u]

Here's a thought, If Alonso moved to Mercedes, Mclaren's reserve driver would have to drive the whole season!

LOL, that's the funniest thing ever.

Alonso > Mercedes F1 = Button @ Mclaren, never left
Button > Mercedes F1 = Back together with Lewis, a combination that did surprisingly well, and had zero hardship. 2 Brits at a german team? hmmm, doubt that though. Would be funny though. Still think Button wont do that, as he made up his mind.

He is an interesting choise though!!!! No difficulty with contracts of other options like Verstappen, Vettel, Alonso. Vastly more experienced than Wehrlein, easy to work with, a former WDC, a guaranteed good relationship between Lewis and Jenson, AND they know him thoroughly - matter of fact, HE got that WDC at Mercedes [ Brawn ], including that 2009 WCC title.

Shock me all night long baby! i'm afraid to go to sleep and miss any news on this !

[Manoah2u]

all the same, i'll just leave this one hanging

http://www.grandprix247.com/2016/05/17/ ... an-option/

Mercedes F1 chief Toto Wolff says it is a priority to negotiate a new deal with runaway championship leader Nico Rosberg, and admits that Fernando Alonso is an option should the German not re-sign.

When asked about Alonso’s recent claim that he almost switched to Mercedes at the beginning of last year, Wolff answered: “Fernando explored his options and one of them was Mercedes.”
“He spoke to us, but we could not negotiate as we promised Lewis that while we tried to renew his (Hamilton) deal we would not talk with other drivers and we did not,” Wolff told the Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

“Fernando is one of the best drivers in history and I like his character, but our priority now is Nico. If he (Rosberg) does not want to renew, then we will consider other options, like Fernando. His (Alonso’s) age is not a problem – his speed and his motivation are still there,” he added.

[atanatizante]

...
Button > Mercedes F1 = Back together with Lewis, a combination that did surprisingly well, and had zero hardship. 2 Brits at a german team? hmmm, doubt that though. Would be funny though. Still think Button wont do that, as he made up his mind.

He is an interesting choise though!!!! No difficulty with contracts of other options like Verstappen, Vettel, Alonso. Vastly more experienced than Wehrlein, easy to work with, a former WDC, a guaranteed good relationship between Lewis and Jenson, AND they know him thoroughly - matter of fact, HE got that WDC at Mercedes [ Brawn ], including that 2009 WCC title.
...

This !
We have to see the big picture guys and see there is a totally new car next year .
So these are my logic arguments for what they`ll need for their second seat next year:
1. an experienced driver
2. a driver who could give them a good feedback for the car`s development through the year
3. a driver who worked and knows people at Brackley
4. a driver who has had a good relationship with Lewis
5. a driver who is consistent and these wider cars & tyres could suit his driving style
6. a driver who doesn`t need to buy out his contract
7. a driver who will gladly pay to drive that car next year
8. a driver who is available for just one season, coz all the world could see clearly that Vettel would join them in 2018 ... that would be a dream come true not only for Merc selling point of view but also for the world audience one ...

The backup plan is obvious us : it must be Wehrlein, coz :
1. he was designated the future next Merc driver
2. he did very well for a rookie and not forget his maiden point in Austria
3. he outpaced Ocon, who is rated higher
4. he could behave and be controlled easily
5. his salary make another good sense for hire him
6. he could easily be persuaded to give his seat in 2018 for Vettel

[Mansell89]

I cannot believe what has happened today.

I still predict Rosberg to line up in Australia until I actually see a new Merc driver.

Alonso and Button are logical short term solutions but obviously Alonso would seriously challenge Lewis. Also I don't think Jenson can get out of his deal with McLaren as part of the retainer was to ensure no info was given to other teams?

Vettel will clearly be priority in 2018 but the one year solution is anyone's guess!

Until anyone signs though, it's still Nico.

[Shrieker]

Alonso is getting too old; while he still pulled of some good performances this season, i do think he is on the decline, although not markedly(yet). Hamilton who is in his prime, would not have too much of a hard time beating him.