Official 2016 Driver's Silly Season Thread; who'll be where?

[Crafty_]

I can't see Sainz going to Renault - why would you go backwards ? both sides have been pretty clear he's staying with Red Bull.

I don't think anyone will be going to Ferrari because I think Kimi will stay on.

I do think the above is somewhat unfair on Perez. Mclaren were in complete disarray when he was there, signed by Whitmarsh (allegedly hours after Hamilton told them he was leaving) he never really had the support of Dennis who was starting to become more involved with the race team again, Whitmarsh effectively left at the end of 2013 and with no support left it was inevitable he'd be cast aside for Magnussen who Dennis favoured. Ironically Kevin was cast aside just as quickly when Dennis realised he could secure Alonso's services.

At the same time as Perez being there the team were bruised by the departure of Hamilton and much expertise, they had many issues on the technical side that they were simply unable to resolve. The team was in no fit state to be taking a sophmore driver and settling him in and helping him refine and progress his skills.

If a seat at a top team did come available I see no reason why Perez wouldn't be considered.

[thegreenhell]

Crafty_ said:

I can't see Sainz going to Renault - why would you go backwards ? both sides have been pretty clear he's staying with Red Bull.

Why would he stay at Toro Rosso when it's clear that both Red Bull seats are fully occupied for the foreseeable future? It's a career dead-end, and he'll never be more than a mid-fielder as long as he's there, with no prospect of a promotion to the big team for at least two more years. Better off taking a chance with a full works team.

The rumour is that STR are taking up his contract option for next year only to allow them to sell him to Renault, or negotiate a cheaper engine deal from them. If they don't then he can walk for free.

[lee_fr200]

Perez to stay at force India
Sainz at str
Kimi to leave
Button either stays at mclaren goes Ferrari or williams
Nico Rosberg either stays at merc or goes to Ferrari

If Nico goes I see Alonso at merc and Vandoorne in for him


I think mclaren would be idiots getting rid of either Alonso or button for Vandoorne as I thought he was pretty average and that car needs a lot of work and I don't think Vandoorne is the right person, I think Vandoorne should go to a lower team for a year with no pressure to build experience

[cgt2]

Crafty_ said:

If a seat at a top team did come available I see no reason why Perez wouldn't be considered.

Not sure how accurate but there is a report that Carlos Slim is willing to open his wallet even more to place Perez at a top team. And as we know money is all F1 is really about these days and Slim's money speaks with authority..

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns34210.html

[suffolk009]

BBC website is reporting that Massa has hinted he has option in F1 next year - but not at Williams.

I think it would be overly generous to think he was set to move further up the grid.

[Crafty_]

Thats interesting..

According to Lauda Rosberg has agreed terms at Merc.
Massa wouldn't be going back to Ferrari, it seems that they want to keep Kimi
Red Bull boys are signed.
Force India are set to retain Perez and Hulk from all we are told.
STR have seats, but old guys aren't their thing.
Sauber and Manor need money, so I can't see either of them paying for a driver.

Mclaren ? possible but why replace Jenson with Massa ? they have Vandoorne waiting too.
Haas ?

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Is hulkenberg staying at force India though? Maybe he fancies WEC?

[Dr Z]

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-stay-at...


Sainz staying at TR for 2017. TR are going back to the improved Renault PU and a looking to collaborate closely with RB. With the big chassis regs change next year, it's better he stays, IMO.

[rubystone]

Button to replace Massa at Williams..unless Massa delivers sponsor cash. Van Doorne in at McLaren. Sauber and Manor seats open to highest bidder. Palmer out of Renault definitely. But no French replacement. And it seems Kimi will stay at Ferrari....

[suffolk009]

^^ that's how I see it at the moment.

[suffolk009]

Did anything get firmed up over the weekend? Did I miss anything?

I think Rosberg and his dad are still negotiating. That might be becoming a little harder.

Kyvat continued his run of bad luck.

[ajprice]

Mercedes should do what Red Bull did with Verstappen and Kvyat and swap Rosberg with Wehrlein

I'm only half joking.

[thegreenhell]

Raikkonen confirmed at Ferrari for 2017.

[2fast748]

thegreenhell said:

Raikkonen confirmed at Ferrari for 2017.

Shame.

[anonymous-user]

Not unexpected though. He's quick enough to keep picking up high level points, not quick enough to trouble Vettel, does as he's told and doesn't seem too bothered being the team bh.

[VolvoT5]

2fast748 said:

thegreenhell said:

Raikkonen confirmed at Ferrari for 2017.

Shame.

Nope. I'm pleased... although I admit I'm a fan boy even if you look at it objectively it was the best choice. Ricciardo, Sainz and Verstappen are all tied into Red Bull. Perez is tied into Force India and doesn't offer enough extra to be worth buying out. Grosjean/Bottas... meh, they blow hot and cold. Then factor in that Raikkonen has raised his game this year, OK not on Vettel's level (few are) but much closer, this was always going to be the *obvious* choice.

Though I am surprised they announced it so early, I thought they would have kept him dangling a bit longer as the uncertainty seems to have given him the hurry up!

The media are going to be disappointed with Ferrari killing silly season 2017 so early in the year. I wonder who they will be hyping up to replace Raikkonen for 2018.... half the grid was linked to his seat this year so they are going to run out of names!

[Derek 111S]

So Lewis to be in a red car in 2018?

[VolvoT5]

Derek 111S said:

So Lewis to be in a red car in 2018?

Possibly. I can't see the Hamilton v Rosberg line up lasting that much longer. I'm kind of surprised Rosberg didn't opt to try and leave at the end of this year - ok he has the best car but it is highly likely he can't beat Lewis in a straight fight.

Raikkonen isn't as bad as some of the media have made out - OK not as fast as Vettel but he has scored 4 podiums and many more points than at this time last year. I think Ferrari will keep him until they can get a huge name into the car, not just a Perez or Bottas but a mega star, that could be 2019 if they want Ricciardo or Verstappen.

But it depends on if the rumours are true and Vettel is extending his contract and securing number 1 status with a veto over team mates...... if he is then Kimi could be there for yonks!

Edited by VolvoT5 on Friday 8th July 14:24

[housen]

I think hamilton will go redbull at some point


he would compliment their cool young brand perfectly

Ferrari no

maybe McLaren again when they get good the japs love him so will be great for Honda brand

Edited by housen on Friday 8th July 15:27

[HTP99]

From what I read a while ago, unlike many F1 drivers, Hamilton has no real desire to race for Ferrari.