Silly season 2021-2022-2023

[hollus]

New silly season thread, taking over from here:
viewtopic.php?p=948764#p948764

Not that I am sure there is a problem with a rolling thread, except that it is silly, or with a 200+ page thread, but there is probably no harm in starting a new thread every couple of years.

[NathanOlder]

Wahoo, new silly thread.

So how long until Lewis signs? this coming week?

[PlatinumZealot]

Lewis seems to be enjoying himself with family. He probably haa requested that contract details be sorted after all the Ineos ink has dried?

[raymondu999]

Lewis is probably gonna sign — whatever terms they end up agreeing on — but let’s do a fun little thought experiment.

Let’s assume he doesn’t sign and pulls a shock retirement — what happens? I expect George would get a callup. What then?

For those that will just say “he will sign smh” pls dont be a party pooper. This is just a thought experiment lol

[raymondu999]

New silly season thread, taking over from here:
viewtopic.php?p=948764#p948764

Not that I am sure there is a problem with a rolling thread, except that it is silly, or with a 200+ page thread, but there is probably no harm in starting a new thread every couple of years.

Can we preemptively shut down the voting mechanism in what should be a thread about speculation and rumors? lol

[dodds_turbo]

Lewis is probably gonna sign — whatever terms they end up agreeing on — but let’s do a fun little thought experiment.

Let’s assume he doesn’t sign and pulls a shock retirement — what happens? I expect George would get a callup. What then?

For those that will just say “he will sign smh” pls dont be a party pooper. This is just a thought experiment lol

It'd be a short (and far to sensible "Silly" season) thread if we all assumed Lewis will just sign up eventually.

I'd love to see Williams call back Hulkenberg as a a short notice driver. His performance proves that he's worth keeping in the team, Latifi is short on F1 experience in comparison so Hulk would prove good for car improvements/feedback, etc. Hopefully with the borrowing of more Merc parts we see Williams rise up from back-marker to at least midfield in the next year. The pecking order for 2022 is anybody's guess.

[El Scorchio]

Lewis is probably gonna sign — whatever terms they end up agreeing on — but let’s do a fun little thought experiment.

Let’s assume he doesn’t sign and pulls a shock retirement — what happens? I expect George would get a callup. What then?

For those that will just say “he will sign smh” pls dont be a party pooper. This is just a thought experiment lol

Yup. They’ll buy George Russell out of his Williams contract using the money they’ve saved and Williams will call up one of their standby drivers. Equally short conversation really.

But, and I know you don’t want it said, Hamilton will be in the car. There’s really not a lot to speculate.

However the length of Hamilton’s new contract will be interesting.

[Zynerji]

Lewis needs Merc to win his 8th FAR MORE than Merc need Lewis just to win another Championship.

[Big Tea]

Lewis is probably gonna sign — whatever terms they end up agreeing on — but let’s do a fun little thought experiment.

Let’s assume he doesn’t sign and pulls a shock retirement — what happens? I expect George would get a callup. What then?

For those that will just say “he will sign smh” pls dont be a party pooper. This is just a thought experiment lol

Yup. They’ll buy George Russell out of his Williams contract using the money they’ve saved and Williams will call up one of their standby drivers. Equally short conversation really.

But, and I know you don’t want it said, Hamilton will be in the car. There’s really not a lot to speculate.

However the length of Hamilton’s new contract will be interesting.

OK, here is something to pad out the speculation then.
Hamilton still wants to drive and stay in the spotlight for his 'other concerns' but his requirements and Merc are inconsolable.

He goes to AM with Vettel on a one year (at a time) contract and Merc lets some of his crew go with them.
Talking points. Will he go, Will Merc let him drive for the competition (with a Merc engine? win/win)
The obvious other talking point is (wait for it) who goes to Merc????

There is Russell of course, but there is also Lance Stroll without a seat, and 'Dad' has to be on board to facilitate the above.

Maybe I should have waited until April to post this ?

[NathanOlder]

Lewis needs Merc to win his 8th FAR MORE than Merc need Lewis just to win another Championship.

No single person in the Mercedes team, or any team, is as important as the team itself. Whats your point ?
as an example,

Schumacher needed Ferrari more than they needed him,
Senna needed Mclaren more than they needed him,
Lauda needed Ferrari more than they needed him,
and so on....

Why do people keep talking about it ?

[raymondu999]

Lewis needs Merc to win his 8th FAR MORE than Merc need Lewis just to win another Championship.

No single person in the Mercedes team, or any team, is as important as the team itself. Whats your point ?

I think his point is it’s a buyer’s market WRT the hamilton/mercedes contract saga

[raymondu999]

Yup. They’ll buy George Russell out of his Williams contract using the money they’ve saved

I don’t think George is even contracted to Williams, tbh. I was under the impression he was contracted to Mercedes — and then Mercedes—Williams have a driver loan agreement

[raymondu999]

He goes to AM with Vettel on a one year (at a time) contract and Merc lets some of his crew go with them.

Is that even possible? i mean — Lance Lawrence thing.

[V12-POWER]

Lewis needs Merc to win his 8th FAR MORE than Merc need Lewis just to win another Championship.

No single person in the Mercedes team, or any team, is as important as the team itself. Whats your point ?
as an example,

Schumacher needed Ferrari more than they needed him,
Senna needed Mclaren more than they needed him,
Lauda needed Ferrari more than they needed him,
and so on....

Why do people keep talking about it ?

cause Lewis can’t go to any other team and continue dominating, whereas almost half the grid can jump in the Merc and dominate, specially with BOTTAS in the team

I don’t get why you even said that in the first place, it’s like you agree with the point made but somehow want to avoid talking about it

[Jolle]

If for some reason Hamilton doesn’t come to an agreement with Mercedes, PMI would have a blank check waiting for him in Lausanne.