WaikeCU wrote: ↑06 Aug 2018, 09:05
PlatinumZealot wrote: ↑05 Aug 2018, 17:47
Sainz if he is wise, will accept the number 2 position contractually enforced from Verstappen's side.
RedBull actually prefers are driver likw Sainz to help Verstappen with car development where a young inexperienced driver like Gasly cannot but at the same time is willing to play the number 2 role.
I think Sainz next to Verstappen will be the best option for Red Bull as well. I don't think we will notice any difference with Ricciardo leaving the team, if Sainz replaces him. I just hope Red Bull will let them race eachother though. I don't think it will be wise to focus on one driver.
I see it a bit different, RB might think they have a car capable of challenging Merc and Ferrari (if Honda delivers, and it probably will), but it will not be as dominant as in the 2010-2013, they will not be able to afford 2nd driver taking points from the leader (which surely is VER at this point, even if they say the drivers are equal), so from strategic point it makes a lot of sense to take a stable though slightly slower #2 driver, than bring someone who will challenge their championship contender again
This was probably the main reason why Dan didn't re-sign, he would have no chance at the title in that arrangement, and even less if VER would finish ahead of him in the 2019 season in drivers standings, and if RB management is as ruthless as I think they are, they would sign Dan only for 2 years minimum, with no chance out, to cut his options (make him cheaper for them to rehire) in case they want to resign him later on, and as far as I understand, Dan wanted 1+1 year contract, in case a seat at Ferrari or Merc becomes available
edit: I can't understand why people associate Dans choice of leaving RB with Honda, I think they got more than enough info on that engine to draw all the necessary conclusions, IMHO it is highly unlikely they don't know how that engine would turn out in RB chassis at this point, so suggesting it was partly a reason why Dan left - the uncertainty of RB+Honda performance, just makes absolutely no sense to me