The Official F1 2021 silly season *contains speculation*
Discussion
Due to the topsy turvey way this year has gone we seem to have forgotten that this season still hasn't happened yet.
Renault is probably an option for bottas if he doesn't get renewed for next year. He is probably the best choice for them over anyone else.
Its Vettel that has jumped early to excuse his non co-operation at ferrari this year that triggered everything else. Will at least make the season interesting if it ever gets going and I think he may give Leclerc a tougher time this year.
The Alonso thing is just hot air I think and new regs are way to far away for him to commit to anything if offered.
Renault is probably an option for bottas if he doesn't get renewed for next year. He is probably the best choice for them over anyone else.
Its Vettel that has jumped early to excuse his non co-operation at ferrari this year that triggered everything else. Will at least make the season interesting if it ever gets going and I think he may give Leclerc a tougher time this year.
The Alonso thing is just hot air I think and new regs are way to far away for him to commit to anything if offered.
Fundoreen said:
Due to the topsy turvey way this year has gone we seem to have forgotten that this season still hasn't happened yet.
Renault is probably an option for bottas if he doesn't get renewed for next year. He is probably the best choice for them over anyone else.
Its Vettel that has jumped early to excuse his non co-operation at ferrari this year that triggered everything else. Will at least make the season interesting if it ever gets going and I think he may give Leclerc a tougher time this year.
The Alonso thing is just hot air I think and new regs are way to far away for him to commit to anything if offered.
That's true.. but then if this season doesn't eventually happen then next season becomes what this season was intended to be, and Bottas will still be valuable at Mercedes for the same reasons.Renault is probably an option for bottas if he doesn't get renewed for next year. He is probably the best choice for them over anyone else.
Its Vettel that has jumped early to excuse his non co-operation at ferrari this year that triggered everything else. Will at least make the season interesting if it ever gets going and I think he may give Leclerc a tougher time this year.
The Alonso thing is just hot air I think and new regs are way to far away for him to commit to anything if offered.
That's not to say he shouldn't take up a chat with Renault - he definitely should. Keep all doors open.
HustleRussell said:
Fundoreen said:
The Alonso thing is just hot air I think and new regs are way to far away for him to commit to anything if offered.
I believe he’ll be 41 by the time the delayed new regs come inI agree it seems unlikely, but I don't think it's impossible. It certainly seems more likely to me than Bottas going to Renault!
kambites said:
I guess it comes down to whether he just wants to be back in F1 because he misses it, which might make him a bit more... relaxed about not being in a competitive car. Or he wants another world championship, in which case he'd probably be as toxic as ever in a Renault.
I agree it seems unlikely, but I don't think it's impossible. It certainly seems more likely to me than Bottas going to Renault!
I (worryingly) think it is quite likely he could go to Renault - if he does want to return still. I'm all but convinced they would take him for the marketing value alone.I agree it seems unlikely, but I don't think it's impossible. It certainly seems more likely to me than Bottas going to Renault!
As for his expectations and what his attitude will be like, hmm.. Surely even he must know that all the whinging and b
hing in the world won't give him a championship chance is a Renault next season. That's not say it will stop him complaining about his car vs his team mates, a divided garage and unfair treatment by the stewards.TheDeuce said:
I (worryingly) think it is quite likely he could go to Renault - if he does want to return still. I'm all but convinced they would take him for the marketing value alone.
Hmm, I suspect whoever came up with the mantra "there's no such thing as bad publicity" hadn't thought of Alonso. 
The Bottas / Renault talks seem to be on a few outlets this morning but i'll give it more credence when it hits more trusted sources.
That said, Renault would be an interesting move for Bottas and I did think it odd last week when Toto said he has been in constant contact with Hamilton throughout lockdown but hasn't spoken with Bottas once. Does he already know he is leaving?
Presumably if Bottas knows he is not going to be kept on by Mercedes then the chance to move to Renault may well suit him. He would be able to command a good pay day as a multiple grand prix winner and the chance to build a team around him. Whether its the right move career wise I don't know given Renault's possible exit, but you do sense it would be the only option if he is given the boot from Merc. He would certainly be a better fit for Renault than Ricciardo ever was.
Should Bottas move then I think it's George Russell in the Mercedes for 2021 and a great chance to learn alongside Hamilton. I would like to see this.
I still can't see Vettel ending up alongside Hamilton.
That said, Renault would be an interesting move for Bottas and I did think it odd last week when Toto said he has been in constant contact with Hamilton throughout lockdown but hasn't spoken with Bottas once. Does he already know he is leaving?
Presumably if Bottas knows he is not going to be kept on by Mercedes then the chance to move to Renault may well suit him. He would be able to command a good pay day as a multiple grand prix winner and the chance to build a team around him. Whether its the right move career wise I don't know given Renault's possible exit, but you do sense it would be the only option if he is given the boot from Merc. He would certainly be a better fit for Renault than Ricciardo ever was.
Should Bottas move then I think it's George Russell in the Mercedes for 2021 and a great chance to learn alongside Hamilton. I would like to see this.
I still can't see Vettel ending up alongside Hamilton.
I did read that Bottas had done a lot of work in improving his medium/high speed cornering speeds over the winter, comparing his outputs to the other Merc drivers that have access to the simulator.
He's done a good job at Merc IMO in the previous 3 seasons, improved year on year, and I'm struggling to think of a driver error in Quali or Race last year (perhaps Germany 2019.. conditions?).. With his consistency Id struggle to think of a team that would not want him.
Theres talk of more 'customer' cars in 2022, so he would be an ideal candidate to lead of these.
He's done a good job at Merc IMO in the previous 3 seasons, improved year on year, and I'm struggling to think of a driver error in Quali or Race last year (perhaps Germany 2019.. conditions?).. With his consistency Id struggle to think of a team that would not want him.
Theres talk of more 'customer' cars in 2022, so he would be an ideal candidate to lead of these.
TwentyFive said:
Should Bottas move then I think it's George Russell in the Mercedes for 2021 and a great chance to learn alongside Hamilton. I would like to see this.
George is under contract, soonest he will be available is 2022, If Bottas moves in 2021, theres a potential 1 yr window for a Drive at Merc, (assuming Merc take George back).Deesee said:
TwentyFive said:
Should Bottas move then I think it's George Russell in the Mercedes for 2021 and a great chance to learn alongside Hamilton. I would like to see this.
George is under contract, soonest he will be available is 2022, If Bottas moves in 2021, theres a potential 1 yr window for a Drive at Merc, (assuming Merc take George back).thegreenhell said:
If Merc want him sooner then they'll just throw a few peanuts at Williams and take him.
Quite so. George is about the last thing they could 'sell' that they haven't sold already. He's proved very popular there and good for sponsors no doubt.. Although the same could be said of him, probably more so, if he was elsewhere and driving a competitive car.Deesee said:
George is under contract, soonest he will be available is 2022, If Bottas moves in 2021, theres a potential 1 yr window for a Drive at Merc, (assuming Merc take George back).
Everyone is available regardless of contracts as long as it suits both parties to make the change. Russell was placed at Williams by Mercedes and remains a Mercedes man. I am sure they would make it worth Williams while financially, which given their current position would likely be more valuable that keeping Russell on for another year on the off chance he sneaks a WDC point. Williams are smart enough to know that rubbing up their engine supplier the wrong way wouldn't be a smart play either. He will be moved up as soon as Mercedes deem him ready.
With all that said, its completely academic unless Bottas moves but I would like to see GR move up soon!
vaud said:
Given he was placed by Mercedes there will be an exit clause allowing them to pull him, probably tied to further reduced payment for the engines or cash compensation.
I’m sure there will be and I hope there is, I wouldn’t put it past the Williams’ ruining someone’s career for cash.Fundoreen said:
This is what tonto feared. His resources wasted on future driver discussions before we have even had this season.
I doubt you will hear anything from him on it for at least 6 months.
Will richiardo and sainz even turn up this year? Like someone in work giving a years notice.
They will want to race and go out on a high with their team. I'd agree more if they were going to retire. Their motivation hasn;t changed to race.I doubt you will hear anything from him on it for at least 6 months.
Will richiardo and sainz even turn up this year? Like someone in work giving a years notice.
TwentyFive said:
Deesee said:
George is under contract, soonest he will be available is 2022, If Bottas moves in 2021, theres a potential 1 yr window for a Drive at Merc, (assuming Merc take George back).
Everyone is available regardless of contracts as long as it suits both parties to make the change. Russell was placed at Williams by Mercedes and remains a Mercedes man. I am sure they would make it worth Williams while financially, which given their current position would likely be more valuable that keeping Russell on for another year on the off chance he sneaks a WDC point. Williams are smart enough to know that rubbing up their engine supplier the wrong way wouldn't be a smart play either. He will be moved up as soon as Mercedes deem him ready.
With all that said, its completely academic unless Bottas moves but I would like to see GR move up soon!
), if they have given that up there would need be penalties payable in releasing the driver, but then they have had dealings with Toto before, and shall we say the contracts would have been much tighter this time around.The 3 year contract was to take upto and past the planned reg changes, makes sense for Williams and George to sit tight with the extra delay in reg changes.
How long is Russells underlying contract with Merc? Not sure. Russell won his drive and IMO did very well last year, If Merc put him in the 2021 car would that be too soon, I'd say so and as much as he is deserving of a better drive, sometime you just have to play the hand you're dealt.
Edited by Deesee on Friday 22 May 13:24
Deesee said:
If Merc put him in the 2021 car would that be too soon, I'd say so and as much as he is deserving of a better drive, sometime you just have to play the hand you're dealt.
Why do you think too soon? It could be of course... Never can quite tell! But there is nothing about him that would raise concerns so far as I can see.Seems very grounded and good inner confidence. I would be surprised if the top car/team pressures made him wobble. All that is always unknown is how far a drivers talent stretches, and you can't really guage that until they're in the seat. speaking of which, his W10 test last season went extremely well..
Beat Leclerc in his Ferrari, quite something given Leclerc was well used to that car and understood it's setup etc: https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11877971/f...
TheDeuce said:
Deesee said:
If Merc put him in the 2021 car would that be too soon, I'd say so and as much as he is deserving of a better drive, sometime you just have to play the hand you're dealt.
Why do you think too soon? It could be of course... Never can quite tell! But there is nothing about him that would raise concerns so far as I can see.Seems very grounded and good inner confidence. I would be surprised if the top car/team pressures made him wobble. All that is always unknown is how far a drivers talent stretches, and you can't really guage that until they're in the seat. speaking of which, his W10 test last season went extremely well..
Beat Leclerc in his Ferrari, quite something given Leclerc was well used to that car and understood it's setup etc: https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11877971/f...
Yes the test was good, and he was also quick (quickest) in the Pirelli Mule Car for the 2020 tyres 2 yrs back, he should get (as a young driver) one more year of testing for Merc, so they will be able to bench mark him further, as well as perhaps a private test in the W08/W09 this winter.
If the contract is indeed peanuts, then perhaps the right move will see him placed alongside Ocon in 2021, and a bit further further up the grid.
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