The 2017 F1 driver transfer discussion/speculation threadFormula 1 

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Jimlaad43
Magnussen to Haas is a done deal according to Motorsport.com
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It doesn't surprise me. A lot of ex-Autosport staff moved to motorsport.com a while ago. Both publications have been trying to get the drop on the other with exclusives ever since. So when Autosport tip it, motorsport.com hit back with claims of a finalised deal.
 
The motorsport.com article is now down. Interesting.

I think the problem with Gutierrez at Haas was less about performance and more about attitude. He really hasn't been that much slower than Grosjean over the season, mostly his lack of points was due to luck, plus the obligatory bonehead moves that he's known for. However, he was vocally critical of the team during the middle part of the year, indicating they were making him look bad personally when the car was not performing well mid-season. It was childish and selfish. Then the premature announcement that he had a ride for 2017, but would not state who he was driving for-WTF? I can't imagine you build a lot of support within the team that way.
 
The articlr is still up, along with another one saying Palmer has kept his seat at Renault for 2017
 
I would guess it's a combination of his Dad's cash and the fact everyone else is tied up for 2017. Plus evidently they wanted Magnussen for the single year first, but he wanted a longer contract so went with Haas. They were left with Jolyon.

They'll probably keep him on and wait for the much more open 2018 driver market to get who they really want.
 
Or, if the Renault is a good car by the time they're done with it, we'll see if Palmer has any actual skill. Who knows, sometimes a year or two and a new car can make someone shine. I wouldn't hold my breath though.
 
DK
Great news for Hulk though, he'll have an easily-beatable teammate. :lol:
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If I were Hülkenberg, I would have some reservations about it. Renault have tried and failed to get Sainz, Bottas, Ocon and Gasly, and have been unable to convince Magnussen to stay. It's pretty obvious that Palmer was an absolute last resort, and it's a pretty scathing indictment of the way Renault are being run.
 
My guess is Renault was going to wait until the last round to decide between the two and choose then, Magnussen got offered the Haas seat and with Palmer offered nothing he knew by the time Renault choose the seat if he didn't get it he would be out of F1 for good.

Once Magnussen took the Haas seat Renault where able to sign the only driver left. Renault messed up here and shows a lack of leadership, Choosing drivers as late as they did means they are going to get the bottom of the barrel as your depending on drivers risking their career on your decision.
 
My guess is Wehrlein and a completely unforeseen return of Ralf Schumacher. It's the only logical answer.
 
Jimlaad43
I reckon Manor will be Wehrlein and the GP2 Champion.
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If Gasly wins the title, I can't see Red Bull releasing him. They were very hesitant to let him go to Renault, and Manor have pretty close ties to Mercedes. I suspect that they might do what McLaren did with Vandoorne, and place him in another series like Super Formula.

Antonio Giovinazzi would be a wiser choice, even if he finishes second. I'm surprised that Ferrari didn't pick him up and place him at Haas. Otherwise, Rio Haryanto is said to have the budget for a full season, and Pastor Maldonado wants to come back.
 
Samus
But before anyone worries he said he wasn't interested in a Manor drive last year, I doubt anything has changed. He wants a midfield seat at least.
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Maybe, but in is in. If it's the only seat available, he may not have a choice if he really wants it. And besides, Manor aren't as far behind the rest of the grid as they once were. They can close the gap - they're arguably better than Sauber and snapping at the heels of Renault.
 
if this wasn't meant to create drama I don't know what is lol.
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FutureF1
Ocon to Force India confirmed
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Honestly, I don't get Force India's decision here ! Why would anyone choose Ocon over Wehrlein! Ocon hasn't shown any impressive performances and he's the only driver that has been lapped twice in more than one occasion! Where Wehrlein has out-performed his teammates massively. Really disappointing IMO.
 
Betty blue
Honestly, I don't get Force India's decision here ! Why would anyone choose Ocon over Wehrlein! Ocon hasn't shown any impressive performances and he's the only driver that has been lapped twice in more than one occasion! Where Wehrlein has out-performed his teammates massively. Really disappointing IMO.
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I agree ten fold here, everyone talked about this and if it weren't for Mercedes divide in their drivers and RBR with Kvyat being the biggest stories, then we'd have heard more about Wehrlein and Ocon not caring for each other at all. I think this is part of the issue, there is more stock in Ocon for some reason and it so far seemed misplaced driving wise.

Also I think that Palmer has greatly matured over the season, which is why he was kept in response to PM's typical dislike of one of many drivers. I don't see a braggadocios driver, more so I see a driver who's had some culture shock on what it takes to be in F1. I hope him the best for next season.
 
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Betty blue
Honestly, I don't get Force India's decision here ! Why would anyone choose Ocon over Wehrlein! Ocon hasn't shown any impressive performances and he's the only driver that has been lapped twice in more than one occasion! Where Wehrlein has out-performed his teammates massively. Really disappointing IMO.
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Force India have tested both drivers, and as a Mercedes customer likely got access to data from this season to help determine their decision. Add to that the fact that Ocon is massively respected for how he works with the team (Force India, Renault, and Manor were all very pleased with him) and that Wehrlein has a reputation for being a bit of a problem child and the decision starts making sense.

Ocon has done far less F1 testing and joined Manor partway through the season. Considering those circumstances his performances have been pretty good, and Manor themselves have put up their hand and said a problem with the car held him back in Mexico and the USA.
 
aarror
Force India have tested both drivers, and as a Mercedes customer likely got access to data from this season to help determine their decision. Add to that the fact that Ocon is massively respected for how he works with the team (Force India, Renault, and Manor were all very pleased with him) and that Wehrlein has a reputation for being a bit of a problem child and the decision starts making sense.

Ocon has done far less F1 testing and joined Manor partway through the season. Considering those circumstances his performances have been pretty good, and Manor themselves have put up their hand and said a problem with the car held him back in Mexico and the USA.
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I doubt they were given data from the Mercedes team, but I agree they probably were given data based on Manor. As I said I figured the issue between the two was their social value as drivers, and Pascal seems to be more public about Ocon's driving or lack of it than Ocon to Wehrlein. If you are right that is probably the best reason to take Ocon over the other, only time will tell.
 
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