The 2017 F1 driver transfer discussion/speculation threadFormula 1

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

double post delete please.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

He has an option of returning to McLaren next season if one or other of the two current drivers wants out. He decided to approach the last race as if it was his last race because that's the sensible approach to take. Nothing about that says retired. It's down to contracts as it always is. He would make an excellent one season driver for Mercedes.

While I tend to agree with you more than PM on these matters, it was the tone that he took up even after the race in Abu and Brazil that suggested he really wanted out. He knows F1, and he knows that he is there to do a job but also as a respect to who he is. So instead of just outright letting him go, they give him time for a break and option to come back only if a seat is open. That and being burnt out seems to be why he suggested so heavily that he rather keep doing triathlons and later on join another series to win a championship in.

LH is quoted as saying that Mercedes are contractually obliged to discuss Rosberg's replacement with him - not that surprising, but he has made it clear that although Mercedes can hire whoever they like, LH thinks that hiring Alonso is 'not the best idea'

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...edes-valtteri-bottas-fernando-alonso-williams

I'd agree, he will get one with Bottas far better. Alonso is going to ask for a number 1 status in the team cause that's how most of his contracts go. Only recently has their been this parity but when you're running a car that is realistically on the track to get developed to a point where it is competitive no one is number 1. At Mercedes it's clear the car is a top car and thus making a number 1 and 2 in the team is easy with a car that probably is guaranteed to win every weekend.

Lewis also stated earlier he will race anyone the team puts against him, what he doesn't want is no equal relations where it's decided which driver will be fighting for the championship before the season starts. It's been well documented that Alonso is a diva and Mercedes have a current driver that has experienced this. Does that mean that Lewis and Nico aren't/weren't divas? No but at least they could at least fling crap at each other and get on when Sunday arrived. I feel Bottas is a strong pick if they get him and someone that Lewis will feel has equal or fair pairing with him.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

So instead of just outright letting him go, they give him time for a break and option to come back only if a seat is open.

Prior to Belgium, there was a lot of talk that Williams could lose both drivers - with Bottas off to Renault and Massa headed for retirement. The suggestion was that Button could go to Williams for a swansong season. I don't know how much truth there was to it; a popular British driver returning to the popular British team that game him his first drive has a certain romanticism to it that makes me sceptical. But when Button's sabbatical was announced, it was hard to look past the rumours of a Williams move because it meant that Ron Dennis had secured Alonso and Vandoorne whilst taking Button off the market.

No but at least they could at least fling hats at each other and get on when Sunday arrived

Fixed that for you.

I don't think Hamilton and Rosberg ever really got along. As a pairing, they seemed pretty dysfunctional, and I don't think it could be dismissed as two ultra-competitive drivers pushing each other to the limit. Mercedes did a pretty good job of keeping it behind closed doors, and I doubt that it was ever on the same level as Prost and Senna.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Prior to Belgium, there was a lot of talk that Williams could lose both drivers - with Bottas off to Renault and Massa headed for retirement. The suggestion was that Button could go to Williams for a swansong season. I don't know how much truth there was to it; a popular British driver returning to the popular British team that game him his first drive has a certain romanticism to it that makes me sceptical. But when Button's sabbatical was announced, it was hard to look past the rumours of a Williams move because it meant that Ron Dennis had secured Alonso and Vandoorne whilst taking Button off the market.

I remember that and I remember how he himself made comment about wanting to go to Williams and then it falling through in the end.

Fixed that for you.

I don't think Hamilton and Rosberg ever really got along. As a pairing, they seemed pretty dysfunctional, and I don't think it could be dismissed as two ultra-competitive drivers pushing each other to the limit. Mercedes did a pretty good job of keeping it behind closed doors, and I doubt that it was ever on the same level as Prost and Senna.

As a pairing they knew each other were strong opponents, which is why I feel they allowed the media to trump up issues that probably weren't as massive as they seemed. F1 media unless from the better sources should be taken with a grain of salt anyways. I feel it came down to two ultra competitive guys that at the end of the day probably talked about their history more than we probably think, which is why it will be a nice blip in the books. I agree however, I don't see the same drama as I get from Prost and Senna.

 

[EngieDiesel]

I don't think Hamilton and Rosberg ever really got along. As a pairing, they seemed pretty dysfunctional, and I don't think it could be dismissed as two ultra-competitive drivers pushing each other to the limit. Mercedes did a pretty good job of keeping it behind closed doors, and I doubt that it was ever on the same level as Prost and Senna.

Rosberg said recently that the respect he and Hamilton had for each other back in their karting days was the only thing that really kept them from going all-out hostile on each other.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

As a pairing they knew each other were strong opponents, which is why I feel they allowed the media to trump up issues that probably weren't as massive as they seemed. F1 media unless from the better sources should be taken with a grain of salt anyways. I feel it came down to two ultra competitive guys that at the end of the day probably talked about their history more than we probably think, which is why it will be a nice blip in the books. I agree however, I don't see the same drama as I get from Prost and Senna.

I think history will ultimately remember Rosberg as being in the same vein as Button: competitive through consistency, but probably only capable of winning one world title. But there was a very different dynamic between Hamilton and Button compared to the dynamic between Hamilton and Rosberg, and I don't think it's solely down to Button having won his title before joining Hamilton; nor do I think it was the media embellishing for the sake of a story. I wonder how 2016 would have played out if Red Bull was the class act and Mercedes was somewhere around Ferrari. I can only speculate, but I think the team would have imploded; their dominance may well have been the only thing keeping them together.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

I think history will ultimately remember Rosberg as being in the same vein as Button: competitive through consistency, but probably only capable of winning one world title. But there was a very different dynamic between Hamilton and Button compared to the dynamic between Hamilton and Rosberg, and I don't think it's solely down to Button having won his title before joining Hamilton; nor do I think it was the media embellishing for the sake of a story. I wonder how 2016 would have played out if Red Bull was the class act and Mercedes was somewhere around Ferrari. I can only speculate, but I think the team would have imploded; their dominance may well have been the only thing keeping them together.

Nah I feel it's that, and the fact they're both British that made the dynamic between them so much more respected. As I said media plays a big role, and most of the mainstream f1 media comes from the same place most teams are housed, in the UK.

 

[GOTMAXPOWER]

Antonio Giovinazzi joins Ferrari:



Fantastic news!

 

[BrainsBush]

Felipe to Williams (for 5M GBP) so Bottas can go to Mercedes?

still a bad rumor or may be....

http://www.grandprix247.com/2016/12/18/massa-to-return-allowing-bottas-to-got-to-mercedes/

 

[mustafur]

Massa is past it completely. This year he had dropped massively compared to how he had performed against Bottas in the previous seasons as team mates.

Massa is getting Barrichello syndrome and should just retire with dignity.

I would rather put in someone like Vergne or Buemi even knowing next years regs will be a big change.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Fantastic news!

Indeed. Hopefully they can get him a decent programme for 2017. He won't be racing with Prema in GP2, since Ferrari have already placed Charles Leclerc and Antonio Fuoco (who quite possibly has the greatest name ever - "Tony Fire") in the team.

 

[GOTMAXPOWER]

Indeed. Hopefully they can get him a decent programme for 2017. He won't be racing with Prema in GP2, since Ferrari have already placed Charles Leclerc and Antonio Fuoco (who quite possibly has the greatest name ever - "Tony Fire") in the team.

I think now he has the Ferrari deal they will find somewhere in GP2 for him, otherwise his career would've wasted away babysitting Sean Gelael in whatever he does next.

He has already tested for Arden since the season ended but that's not where he needs to be to fight for a championship (a long time has passed since the F3000 days).

 

[prisonermonkeys]

I think now he has the Ferrari deal they will find somewhere in GP2 for him, otherwise his career would've wasted away babysitting Sean Gelael in whatever he does next.

The problem is that Prema is the team to be at. ART Grand Prix runs a close second, but I can't see them taking anyone but Sirotkin and Matsu****a. The only team I can think of is Trident, since Ferrari sent Marciello there to refine his racecraft. The only other alternative would be to do what McLaren did with Vandoorne (and which Red Bull look likely to do with Gasly) and send him to Japan. The cars are more powerful and the circuits brand-new, and the calendar is shorter, so he would have the opportunity to work with the team rather than focus exclusively on his race commitments. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make appearances in FP1 with Haas or Sauber.

I would rather put in someone like Vergne or Buemi even knowing next years regs will be a big change.

Williams are a pretty conservative team when it comes to driver line-ups. They're probably only second to Ferrari in that respect. They like stability, and they're unwilling to change unless they have to. Massa's retirement seems to have been inspired more by Stroll's arrival than his getting bored or wanting something new. And Williams are probably unwilling to take someone closely associated with a rival - Vergne has a relationship with Ferrari and Buemi with Renault.

 

[FutureF1]

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/massa-accepts-offer-to-stay-at-williams-in-2017-860616/

Oh boy...

 

[calvins48]

Yep - Bottas is free to join Mercedes.

All these silly seasons and drivers jockeying for position and trying to get into the best machinery and Bottas ends up in the best seat in Formula 1 almost by accident! Great Christmas present for him!

Kinda feels like that once-in-a-lifetime retirement celebration Felipe got at the Brazilian Grand Prix has lost some of its charm. What an awesome way that would've been to truly sign off. Guess he'll have to top it when he retires for a second time!

Glad to have Felipe back though! He's a good guy. Stalls younger drivers coming into the sport (again) but Williams didn't have much choice.

 

[Jimlaad43]

Williams should have got one of the Audi refugees from the WEC, give them a year in F1 and then come up with a good offer for someone promising next year.

 

[aarror]

Should've gone for Buemi, he's arguably the quickest driver not in F1 right now. There's no doubt in my mind he's far better now than when he was dropped by Red Bull.

 

[FS7]

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/massa-accepts-offer-to-stay-at-williams-in-2017-860616/

Oh boy...

http://globoesporte.globo.com/motor...certo-com-williams-estou-na-minha-quieto.html

GloboEsporte called Massa, he denied it and said there's no official word about the subject and everything is just rumors.
The article says that Massa's contract would be valid only if Bottas is confirmed to sign with Mercedes, so maybe that's the reason Massa denied the rumors. Let's wait and see what happens.

 

[Samus]

Seems to be just a matter of the formalities now, Massa won't confirm until Bottas is announced because otherwise that'd just basically make Mercedes' announcement for them - but that won't be until January.

 

[DK]

Welp. If this is true, welcome back to your 2013 pace Williams. :/

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Williams should have got one of the Audi refugees from the WEC

Should've gone for Buemi,

They obviously want stability in their driver line-up.

 

[Sum1s2pid]

Not sure if I can handle another emotional Massa send off.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Daniel Ricciardo says that he won't be leaving Red Bull to join Mercedes:

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-...ove-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514

Although I don't think that will surprise anyone here - it seems to be a story aimed at the Australian public who are aware of the sport, and probably know that Rosberg has retired, but are unlikely to be aware of the full story behind it.

 

[calvins48]

Daniel Ricciardo says that he won't be leaving Red Bull to join Mercedes:

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-...ove-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514

Although I don't think that will surprise anyone here - it seems to be a story aimed at the Australian public who are aware of the sport, and probably know that Rosberg has retired, but are unlikely to be aware of the full story behind it.

Red Bull are also touted to have the best car next year, so that will deter him from moving, too. Unless everybody has underestimated Mercedes' aero, and if the Renault engine is any good, Red Bull will have a shot next year. But can Renault really make a big enough of a jump?

Since Williams are now essentially getting free engines, they can use the extra money on aero and other departments; so they could also have a chance to be nearer to the front next year!

 

[Tired Tyres]

Red Bull are also touted to have the best car next year, so that will deter him from moving, too. Unless everybody has underestimated Mercedes' aero, and if the Renault engine is any good, Red Bull will have a shot next year. But can Renault really make a big enough of a jump?

Since Williams are now essentially getting free engines, they can use the extra money on aero and other departments; so they could also have a chance to be nearer to the front next year!

With a driver that's able to take advantage of that. Oh wait......

 

[trustjab]

Red Bull are also touted to have the best car next year, so that will deter him from moving, too. Unless everybody has underestimated Mercedes' aero, and if the Renault engine is any good, Red Bull will have a shot next year. But can Renault really make a big enough of a jump?

Since Williams are now essentially getting free engines, they can use the extra money on aero and other departments; so they could also have a chance to be nearer to the front next year!

No one knows who will have the best car. Everyone just assumes RB will be the best because of new aero rules and Adrian Newey. But Mercedes aero has been just as good and their engine is better. They have pace in hand and with the dropping of tokens, I think they could be in an even better position.

 

[snowgt]

The picture is becoming clearer each day.

• Mercedes apparently only have Wehrlein and Bottas on the short list.
• They obviously don't trust Wehrlein to do the job. Otherwise they would have signed him already.
• So they want Bottas, but have to wait until an agreement can be worked out with Williams.
• On Williams-side they have already assured themselves of Massa, should they reach a deal.
• Pat Symonds had already expressed his intention to retire sometime soon, with Paddy Lowe wanting to leave Mercedes. Suddenly Symonds announces he retires, so obviously a replacement has been found. Usually technical staff has to go on gardening leave for a year, but a package deal Bottas against Lowe immediately+cheaper engines seems pretty likely...

Just a hunch...

 

[Samus]

The rumour is that privately Pat wasn't happy with Massa's performance most of last season and him returning was enough to say goodbye.

 

[DesertPenguin09]

So they'll get Lowe to replace Symonds in exchange for Bottas? That simple?

 

[Dotini]

The beef with Williams for years now is that, no matter how promising they are at the beginning of the season, they run out of development (money) before the end. This deal may be their big chance for a strong run at season's end.