Official 2016 Driver's Silly Season Thread; who'll be where?
Discussion
If new Mclaren management decide they don't want to pay Alonso's wage, maybe he can negotiate his way out. Who would they replace him with ? Technically Button is still under contract as reserve driver so that would be an option...
By the same token, if they wanted a (real) German driver could Vettel do what he did at Red Bull, cite the poor car performance and ask to go ? From Ferrari's point of view you might say he under performed this year and his radio little out bursts aren't really team leader worthy ?
Ocon must be feeling a bit sick - Force India picked him over Wehrlein, but the latter now has a real chance of a top flight drive.
If Wehrlein does go there, I wonder who can afford the budget to get in to the Manor, Gasly wouldn't be allowed to so Giovanazzi?
By the same token, if they wanted a (real) German driver could Vettel do what he did at Red Bull, cite the poor car performance and ask to go ? From Ferrari's point of view you might say he under performed this year and his radio little out bursts aren't really team leader worthy ?
Ocon must be feeling a bit sick - Force India picked him over Wehrlein, but the latter now has a real chance of a top flight drive.
If Wehrlein does go there, I wonder who can afford the budget to get in to the Manor, Gasly wouldn't be allowed to so Giovanazzi?
Crafty_ said:
If new Mclaren management decide they don't want to pay Alonso's wage, maybe he can negotiate his way out. Who would they replace him with ? Technically Button is still under contract as reserve driver so that would be an option...
I recall Ron saying that his contract was watertight, but I guess money talks and a buyout of £10M's would help McLaren do a lot of things. Crafty_ said:
If new Mclaren management decide they don't want to pay Alonso's wage, maybe he can negotiate his way out. Who would they replace him with ? Technically Button is still under contract as reserve driver so that would be an option...
By the same token, if they wanted a (real) German driver could Vettel do what he did at Red Bull, cite the poor car performance and ask to go ? From Ferrari's point of view you might say he under performed this year and his radio little out bursts aren't really team leader worthy ?
Ocon must be feeling a bit sick - Force India picked him over Wehrlein, but the latter now has a real chance of a top flight drive.
If Wehrlein does go there, I wonder who can afford the budget to get in to the Manor, Gasly wouldn't be allowed to so Giovanazzi?
Gio relies on the largesse of Ricardo Galael. Naturally he'll want to spend that budget on Sean. Or fund Gio in a series that both boys can compete in together. My money is on WEC to continue the success they had at Macao. But Antonio has no manufacturer connections to the best of my knowledge.By the same token, if they wanted a (real) German driver could Vettel do what he did at Red Bull, cite the poor car performance and ask to go ? From Ferrari's point of view you might say he under performed this year and his radio little out bursts aren't really team leader worthy ?
Ocon must be feeling a bit sick - Force India picked him over Wehrlein, but the latter now has a real chance of a top flight drive.
If Wehrlein does go there, I wonder who can afford the budget to get in to the Manor, Gasly wouldn't be allowed to so Giovanazzi?
Crafty_ said:
By the same token, if they wanted a (real) German driver could Vettel do what he did at Red Bull, cite the poor car performance and ask to go ? From Ferrari's point of view you might say he under performed this year and his radio little out bursts aren't really team leader worthy ?
That would be my first phone call if I was Merc management. Is the unhappy Vettel possible? Then go from there.MiniMan64 said:
I can see Mercedes looking at someone young and talented rather than the experience of Vettel or Alonso. They've already got Hamilton but he won't be around forever and they need to start planning ahead.
Unless Max's contract isn't as tight as everyone thinks...
Contracts are normally pretty watertight.Unless Max's contract isn't as tight as everyone thinks...
The question is normally "how much compensation are you willing to pay for us to release them"
Crafty_ said:
Allegedly that was also the reason for Force India taking Ocon over him...
https://joesaward.wordpress.com/2016/11/10/ocon-si...Some hints from Joe in the comments section.
If I recall correctly, there was very negative feedback on Wehrlein in his attitude to the team. He was quick, but bad to work with.
Ocon was apparently much more constructive, open, nice, less "entitled" and a joy to work with, as well as being fast.
At least, that is my recollection from a few sources, though all internet and all heavily caveated.
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