Who will replace Nico
Poll: Who will replace Nico
Total Members Polled: 510
Discussion
HustleRussell said:
If it goes that way I'll be happy. Wehrlein gets his upgrade, and a good driver who has been stuck in the midfield for long enough gets his turn at the sharp end. If I'm honest I'd prefer it to have been one of the 2016 Force India pilots but you can't win 'em all.
A Nico for a Nico would have made a good swap but Hulk burnt that bridge by signing for Renault, I also think Perez is holding out for a red car. Bottas is the obvious choice to me, safer bet than Wehrlein whilst also freeing up a space for him to pick up points and podiums. The combination of Wehrlein and Stroll would also be a very interesting one to watch!
Vaud said:
Bottas is pretty solid. Good enough for Ferrari to have been interested and let's face it they are pretty experienced in driver selection.
Button is at least as solid as Bottas and we know he can work well with Hamilton; also, although he's technically meant to be doing some sort of role with McLaren, I'm sure that would be easier to negotiate around than getting a driver released from a contract for next year. I'm not saying Jenson's a man for the future (he isn't in my view) but assuming he was interested I reckon he could do a decent job alongside Lewis in 2017; Mercedes would then have more time to think about a medium and long-term driver strategy knowing that next year was sorted with a solid driver line-up.JNW1 said:
Button is at least as solid as Bottas and we know he can work well with Hamilton; also, although he's technically meant to be doing some sort of role with McLaren, I'm sure that would be easier to negotiate around than getting a driver released from a contract for next year. I'm not saying Jenson's a man for the future (he isn't in my view) but assuming he was interested I reckon he could do a decent job alongside Lewis in 2017; Mercedes would then have more time to think about a medium and long-term driver strategy knowing that next year was sorted with a solid driver line-up.
A year ago I would have agreed. However, I think he has mentally checked out and is exhausted; after the summer he looked like yesterdays driver - and I don't mean that as an insult, I'm a big fan of his.He is the good driver that has a (possible) one year availability - aside from Massa
Vaud said:
Bottas is pretty solid. Good enough for Ferrari to have been interested and let's face it they are pretty experienced in driver selection.
Bottas couldn't convince Ferrari to put him in the seat though, so I don't think Merc. will see him as the next big thing. I suspect whoever gets the seat is keeping it warm for Vettel, Ricciardo or Max (unless they decide to go for a No. 1/2 driver setup, Bottas would probably be ideal for that)Vaud said:
JNW1 said:
Button is at least as solid as Bottas and we know he can work well with Hamilton; also, although he's technically meant to be doing some sort of role with McLaren, I'm sure that would be easier to negotiate around than getting a driver released from a contract for next year. I'm not saying Jenson's a man for the future (he isn't in my view) but assuming he was interested I reckon he could do a decent job alongside Lewis in 2017; Mercedes would then have more time to think about a medium and long-term driver strategy knowing that next year was sorted with a solid driver line-up.
A year ago I would have agreed. However, I think he has mentally checked out and is exhausted; after the summer he looked like yesterdays driver - and I don't mean that as an insult, I'm a big fan of his.He is the good driver that has a (possible) one year availability - aside from Massa
Button would be a solid choice, for a season. Next year with big tech changes experience matters, and he'll bring home points, podiums & wins.
Then in 2018 the market really opens up and Vet/Alo free to sign if required, while Ric & Ves would be a further year into contract.
I would pay too much attention to this seasons performance by JB, once it was clear he was ending, his form dipped, but i am sure he be motivated in a works competitive mercedes
Then in 2018 the market really opens up and Vet/Alo free to sign if required, while Ric & Ves would be a further year into contract.
I would pay too much attention to this seasons performance by JB, once it was clear he was ending, his form dipped, but i am sure he be motivated in a works competitive mercedes
It's not going to be Button.
Button has spent the past half a year successfully convincing himself that he's ready to bow out, he needs the rest, he wants to pursue other avenues etc. He has committed. He'll be reluctant to go back on that decision, especially so hastily.
Plus Webber was on Radio 2 this morning saying there was no chance of Button ending up in the seat.
Button has spent the past half a year successfully convincing himself that he's ready to bow out, he needs the rest, he wants to pursue other avenues etc. He has committed. He'll be reluctant to go back on that decision, especially so hastily.
Plus Webber was on Radio 2 this morning saying there was no chance of Button ending up in the seat.
LDN said:
Button would be a very odd choice indeed IMO. I'm not sure why so many people are suggesting him :/ Bottas is the sensible choice.
Well, in Button's favour he's won a WDC, he's won 15 Grand Prix, he's worked well with Hamilton before and he's more available than most of the other contenders! Whether he has the desire to do it is another matter entirely but if he hasn't I think he'd be up-front and say so and wouldn't waste one of the best seats on the grid.In contrast, Bottas has been around for a while and not really achieved much - admittedly he's not been in a very competitive car but a lot of the time he's not even dominated his team-mate. So personally I don't see him as a more sensible choice than a motivated Button.
The person I'd like to have seen given a chance was Hulkenberg but he must be seriously regretting his timing of putting pen to paper with Renault!
JNW1 said:
LDN said:
Button would be a very odd choice indeed IMO. I'm not sure why so many people are suggesting him :/ Bottas is the sensible choice.
Well, in Button's favour he's won a WDC, he's won 15 Grand Prix, he's worked well with Hamilton before and he's more available than most of the other contenders! Whether he has the desire to do it is another matter entirely but if he hasn't I think he'd be up-front and say so and wouldn't waste one of the best seats on the grid.In contrast, Bottas has been around for a while and not really achieved much - admittedly he's not been in a very competitive car but a lot of the time he's not even dominated his team-mate. So personally I don't see him as a more sensible choice than a motivated Button.
The person I'd like to have seen given a chance was Hulkenberg but he must be seriously regretting his timing of putting pen to paper with Renault!
I agree with you about Hulk' - it would have been brilliant; a wasted talent. In fact, Hulk would be a favoured choice for me.
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