The Official F1 2020 silly season *contains speculation*
Discussion
Allyc85 said:
Deesee said:
It’s nothing like the Lewis/Max/Dani/Valtteri ‘bonus element’ of there contracts...it’s pretty much 9 pa..
Where is this reported? 
Dani Ric (2nd highest pay on the grid at 28 big ones per year), has a 1 million race win bonus on top of this.
Max, interestingly signed a deal 3 years ago 5 mill up front then 5 mill pa, this was adjusted by both sides to 6 mill a year then 50k a WCC point + a 250k win bonus, as an incentive... so 278x 50k euro + 3 wins 14.6m + 6 mill basic.
Kubica as Alfa Romeo reserve driver, bringing PKN Orlen as a title sponsor
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
ajprice said:
Kubica as Alfa Romeo reserve driver, bringing PKN Orlen as a title sponsor
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
I can see why that makes a lot of sense, from a business perspective if not a sporting one!https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
Although having said that, Kubica is inspirational and the karting academy programme is a great thing to be involved in no doubt. Overall he fought his way back to F1... it didn't exactly work out. Nonetheless he deserves to still be in F1, even if not as a team driver.
TheDeuce said:
ajprice said:
Kubica as Alfa Romeo reserve driver, bringing PKN Orlen as a title sponsor
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
I can see why that makes a lot of sense, from a business perspective if not a sporting one!https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
Although having said that, Kubica is inspirational and the karting academy programme is a great thing to be involved in no doubt. Overall he fought his way back to F1... it didn't exactly work out. Nonetheless he deserves to still be in F1, even if not as a team driver.
Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
Teddy Lop said:
I've not been... The most voracious supporter of his return or how it was orchestrated but thought in his recent comments he'd "closed the circle" and might go somewhere he could achieve something.
Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
Even in full meltdown mode I think Vettel would be the better option as a driver. Kubica was always going to be slightly off the pace after a decade out of the drivers seat (in F1), and also his age - and he could and did recover some of his initial pace shortfall as he got back in to the job last year. But then, he seemed to hit a ceiling and his improvement stopped, and it was truly flat - for the entire season he never managed to pull blinder of a quali lap out of the hat, and I felt when he did push to be competitive against GR, he made errors. There is something about his accident that still affects his F1 potential, be it physical or mental.Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
He is very media and sponsor friendly, and these days that alone will keep a guy in the sport on whatever function. Personally I think he's not a viable F1 driver to invest in, but I'm more than happy to see him stick around as he was on target to be a champion, he did earn it, and as a development driver I have no doubt he can offer tangible improvements for Alfa. I had hoped for more, as no doubt did he, but in the end - this position is I think a good compromise (as opposed to leaving altogether or staying on at Williams for the sake of Orsen money for them) and makes a good deal of sense for all involved. If he can also continue to inspire youngsters and bring them to the top level, he can live his F1 glory through them. Not a bad lot in life really.
TheDeuce said:
Teddy Lop said:
I've not been... The most voracious supporter of his return or how it was orchestrated but thought in his recent comments he'd "closed the circle" and might go somewhere he could achieve something.
Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
Even in full meltdown mode I think Vettel would be the better option as a driver. Kubica was always going to be slightly off the pace after a decade out of the drivers seat (in F1), and also his age - and he could and did recover some of his initial pace shortfall as he got back in to the job last year. But then, he seemed to hit a ceiling and his improvement stopped, and it was truly flat - for the entire season he never managed to pull blinder of a quali lap out of the hat, and I felt when he did push to be competitive against GR, he made errors. There is something about his accident that still affects his F1 potential, be it physical or mental.Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
He is very media and sponsor friendly, and these days that alone will keep a guy in the sport on whatever function. Personally I think he's not a viable F1 driver to invest in, but I'm more than happy to see him stick around as he was on target to be a champion, he did earn it, and as a development driver I have no doubt he can offer tangible improvements for Alfa. I had hoped for more, as no doubt did he, but in the end - this position is I think a good compromise (as opposed to leaving altogether or staying on at Williams for the sake of Orsen money for them) and makes a good deal of sense for all involved. If he can also continue to inspire youngsters and bring them to the top level, he can live his F1 glory through them. Not a bad lot in life really.
That would be a remote circumstance, but I there is going to be big fireworks / toys out the pram at Ferrari next year.
Steamer said:
TheDeuce said:
Teddy Lop said:
I've not been... The most voracious supporter of his return or how it was orchestrated but thought in his recent comments he'd "closed the circle" and might go somewhere he could achieve something.
Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
Even in full meltdown mode I think Vettel would be the better option as a driver. Kubica was always going to be slightly off the pace after a decade out of the drivers seat (in F1), and also his age - and he could and did recover some of his initial pace shortfall as he got back in to the job last year. But then, he seemed to hit a ceiling and his improvement stopped, and it was truly flat - for the entire season he never managed to pull blinder of a quali lap out of the hat, and I felt when he did push to be competitive against GR, he made errors. There is something about his accident that still affects his F1 potential, be it physical or mental.Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
He is very media and sponsor friendly, and these days that alone will keep a guy in the sport on whatever function. Personally I think he's not a viable F1 driver to invest in, but I'm more than happy to see him stick around as he was on target to be a champion, he did earn it, and as a development driver I have no doubt he can offer tangible improvements for Alfa. I had hoped for more, as no doubt did he, but in the end - this position is I think a good compromise (as opposed to leaving altogether or staying on at Williams for the sake of Orsen money for them) and makes a good deal of sense for all involved. If he can also continue to inspire youngsters and bring them to the top level, he can live his F1 glory through them. Not a bad lot in life really.
That would be a remote circumstance, but I there is going to be big fireworks / toys out the pram at Ferrari next year.
I do agree that Ferrari have an all but impossible driver situation to manage next year
They have historically had a number 1, but going in to this season it would be laughable to present Vettel as the number 1 in light of Leclercs results in 2019. They can't really name Leclerc as No1 either as Vettel would become a complete a
hole child in response. Will they break tradition and simply not have a driver order?? Seems unlikely. Whatever they do, I don't think they expected to be in the situation they're in and one way or another I'm sure it won't play out smoothly. If Vettel does go pear shaped and starts criticising the team I can just about imagine them booting him mid season and reinstating Kimi to stabilise the team. I'm not saying I think that scenario is likely... But I can see how it could play out that way.Vettel isn't a blind puppet in all of this either, I'm sure he has spent more time than any of us thinking about how difficult next season is shaped to become, and how he might handle it. He will be giving his thought and input in to how the situation can be managed no doubt. If it does really start to go tits up, I can see him hanging up his helmet, whether asked to or not. He seems increasingly frustrated at how little time for real life he has outside of F1 these days anyway..
ajprice said:
Kubica as Alfa Romeo reserve driver, bringing PKN Orlen as a title sponsor
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
Money, PR... pretty much all he’s bringing to the table. https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
He won’t be racing an Alfa in any circumstance I’d imagine. I think it was beyond all reasonable doubt he simply wasn’t able to perform at the necessary pace any longer.
It has to be the reasons mentioned he is even still involved from a drivers point of view in F1.
DS240 said:
ajprice said:
Kubica as Alfa Romeo reserve driver, bringing PKN Orlen as a title sponsor
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
Money, PR... pretty much all he’s bringing to the table. https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
He won’t be racing an Alfa in any circumstance I’d imagine. I think it was beyond all reasonable doubt he simply wasn’t able to perform at the necessary pace any longer.
It has to be the reasons mentioned he is even still involved from a drivers point of view in F1.
TheDeuce said:
Steamer said:
TheDeuce said:
Teddy Lop said:
I've not been... The most voracious supporter of his return or how it was orchestrated but thought in his recent comments he'd "closed the circle" and might go somewhere he could achieve something.
Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
Even in full meltdown mode I think Vettel would be the better option as a driver. Kubica was always going to be slightly off the pace after a decade out of the drivers seat (in F1), and also his age - and he could and did recover some of his initial pace shortfall as he got back in to the job last year. But then, he seemed to hit a ceiling and his improvement stopped, and it was truly flat - for the entire season he never managed to pull blinder of a quali lap out of the hat, and I felt when he did push to be competitive against GR, he made errors. There is something about his accident that still affects his F1 potential, be it physical or mental.Although, in a scenario where vettel goes into meltdown kubica could find himself in the Alfa seat proper?
He is very media and sponsor friendly, and these days that alone will keep a guy in the sport on whatever function. Personally I think he's not a viable F1 driver to invest in, but I'm more than happy to see him stick around as he was on target to be a champion, he did earn it, and as a development driver I have no doubt he can offer tangible improvements for Alfa. I had hoped for more, as no doubt did he, but in the end - this position is I think a good compromise (as opposed to leaving altogether or staying on at Williams for the sake of Orsen money for them) and makes a good deal of sense for all involved. If he can also continue to inspire youngsters and bring them to the top level, he can live his F1 glory through them. Not a bad lot in life really.
That would be a remote circumstance, but I there is going to be big fireworks / toys out the pram at Ferrari next year.
I do agree that Ferrari have an all but impossible driver situation to manage next year
They have historically had a number 1, but going in to this season it would be laughable to present Vettel as the number 1 in light of Leclercs results in 2019. They can't really name Leclerc as No1 either as Vettel would become a complete ahole child in response. Will they break tradition and simply not have a driver order?? Seems unlikely. Whatever they do, I don't think they expected to be in the situation they're in and one way or another I'm sure it won't play out smoothly. If Vettel does go pear shaped and starts criticising the team I can just about imagine them booting him mid season and reinstating Kimi to stabilise the team. I'm not saying I think that scenario is likely... But I can see how it could play out that way.Vettel isn't a blind puppet in all of this either, I'm sure he has spent more time than any of us thinking about how difficult next season is shaped to become, and how he might handle it. He will be giving his thought and input in to how the situation can be managed no doubt. If it does really start to go tits up, I can see him hanging up his helmet, whether asked to or not. He seems increasingly frustrated at how little time for real life he has outside of F1 these days anyway..
He'll still have the opportunity to get the advantage back if he's up to it, but that depends on how he reacts. It could be the trigger that causes him to get his act together, or the trigger that pushes him out of the team, but he needs some kind of disruption because the path he's on now isn't going anywhere good.
ajprice said:
Kubica as Alfa Romeo reserve driver, bringing PKN Orlen as a title sponsor
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
Watch Alfa Romeo car sales figures shoot up in Poland...https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
TheDeuce said:
Ahh... sorry I read it as 'if Vettel melts and gets demoted, would he go to Alfa'... Either way, I don't see them giving Kubica a full time drive I'm afraid. It's possible to make great sponsorship £££ and great PR just from having Kubica involved, he doesn't have to drive - and there is plenty of fresh new talent queuing at the doors of F1 that would be a more promising prospect as a full time driver.
I do agree that Ferrari have an all but impossible driver situation to manage next year They have historically had a number 1, but going in to this season it would be laughable to present Vettel as the number 1 in light of Leclercs results in 2019. They can't really name Leclerc as No1 either as Vettel would become a complete ahole child in response. Will they break tradition and simply not have a driver order?? Seems unlikely. Whatever they do, I don't think they expected to be in the situation they're in and one way or another I'm sure it won't play out smoothly. If Vettel does go pear shaped and starts criticising the team I can just about imagine them booting him mid season and reinstating Kimi to stabilise the team. I'm not saying I think that scenario is likely... But I can see how it could play out that way.
Vettel isn't a blind puppet in all of this either, I'm sure he has spent more time than any of us thinking about how difficult next season is shaped to become, and how he might handle it. He will be giving his thought and input in to how the situation can be managed no doubt. If it does really start to go tits up, I can see him hanging up his helmet, whether asked to or not. He seems increasingly frustrated at how little time for real life he has outside of F1 these days anyway..
kubica has recent experience, could at least keep the seat warm for a few races while they assess and decide what to do. Who else is there with experience? Hulk is a bit baggage-ey for a shot to nothing backup plan man.I do agree that Ferrari have an all but impossible driver situation to manage next year
They have historically had a number 1, but going in to this season it would be laughable to present Vettel as the number 1 in light of Leclercs results in 2019. They can't really name Leclerc as No1 either as Vettel would become a complete ahole child in response. Will they break tradition and simply not have a driver order?? Seems unlikely. Whatever they do, I don't think they expected to be in the situation they're in and one way or another I'm sure it won't play out smoothly. If Vettel does go pear shaped and starts criticising the team I can just about imagine them booting him mid season and reinstating Kimi to stabilise the team. I'm not saying I think that scenario is likely... But I can see how it could play out that way.Vettel isn't a blind puppet in all of this either, I'm sure he has spent more time than any of us thinking about how difficult next season is shaped to become, and how he might handle it. He will be giving his thought and input in to how the situation can be managed no doubt. If it does really start to go tits up, I can see him hanging up his helmet, whether asked to or not. He seems increasingly frustrated at how little time for real life he has outside of F1 these days anyway..
As for ferrari we'll see. I think with at least clear equal status leclerc will show up vettel even more and one of vettels biggest flaws is making poor in race pressure decisions. Leclercs not prepared and can't afford to lose ground avoiding vettels poor wheel to wheel skills, and while really good perhaps lacks say Hamilton's ultimate experience in finding a cleverer less exposed way to pass. I'd be surprised if there wasn't a ferrari double DNF sooner or later. The question might be how soon/how many.
Supersam83 said:
ajprice said:
Kubica as Alfa Romeo reserve driver, bringing PKN Orlen as a title sponsor
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
Watch Alfa Romeo car sales figures shoot up in Poland...https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/01/01/kubica-to-...
??Even if the sales do go up it will be an absolute irrelevance to this deal compared to getting the PKN Orlen cash into the team
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