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Blimey, you take your eye off the F1 news for 48 hours and it all happens...
Ricciardo to Ferrari would be a good fit next to Leclerc I think, Danny has been around in F1 for a decade and is up for a shot at the title. Am not surprised to see Sainz in the mix, his performance in Brazil last year was truly exceptional.
I'd be extremely surprised to see a forty year old Alonso step into a Ferrari alongside Leclerc...
Danny has been around in F1 for a decade and is up for a shot at the title
He’d be no.2 to the new golden boy, not a sniff of a title. Anyway you’re a little late to the party, looks like Sainz has the seat
This article sums up why I can't get excited about e-racing:
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/5dzmgn/indycar-iracing-controversy-pagenaud-norris-incident
Yeah, I don’t like the F1 virtual races either because it’s half celebrity guests. If they’d made a proper mini-series with a fixed set of F1/2/3 drivers competing for an actual championship—with all of the implications of penalties etc that it entails—then I think I could get into it.
Most of all, though, it sounds like a lot of Indycar drivers are total cocks.
F1 TV is free for a month again with this code 7F01F1TV2200
Excellent
That iracing sounds like Vettel would fit right in now he has some spare time.
😂
If it is Sainz I feel kind of sad about that. He's basically admitting that at 25 he's happy to be a Barrichello/Bottas as Ferrari revert to type.
He’s basically admitting that at 25 he’s happy to be a Barrichello/Bottas as Ferrari revert to type.
I don't see it like that. Based on last year, I think that if Sainz can outqualify Leclerc and outrace him, Ferrari will let him race. Leclerc wasn't hired as a lead driver, he just made Vettel look ordinary and Ferrari let him. For Sainz, this is his big chance to show that he can hold his own against top drivers in a decent car. He's not admitting anything.
Rumour mill has it that Mercedes are considering a Vettel/Hamilton partnership. Be a brave move but would finally settle the 'best of a generation' argument if they were in equal cars.
Personally I think Hamilton would hand Vettel's arse to him on a plate and Vettel would just moan.
Another rumour has it that Vettel has already signed for Renault and Ricciardo has already signed for McLaren. However, I would like to see Hamilton and Vettel race the same car, I agree that Hamilton would give Vettel a beatdown. Vettel can be very fast when the car suits him, so it would be good to actually see how the two compared.
If Sainz was top-drawer he'd have been in a Red Bull by now. There's been enough comings and goings there these last few years, but they've passed him over.
I think Red Bull were a bit disappointed at losing him. At the time, they had Ricciardo and Verstappen, so losing Sainz didn't seem like such a big deal. They were shocked when Ricciardo left and struggled to find a replacement, hence putting Hartley back into the Toro Rosso. Sainz put in a truly impressive season last year in the McLaren, I think he's widely seen as a top level driver who would win races if given a decent car.
the-muffin-man
SubscriberIf it is Sainz I feel kind of sad about that. He’s basically admitting that at 25 he’s happy to be a Barrichello/Bottas as Ferrari revert to type.
I agree. Thing is though, I think it's sort-of a win whatever happens really.
If he gets beaten Charles, people will say that Charles had first dibs on strategy, #1 status in the team etc.
If he matches or beats Charles, he looks like a hero.
The worst that can happen is either he gets absolutely trounced or he gets involved in a lot of scraps with Charles either of which will limit his future opportunities at other teams.
Wowza this is exciting news! I wasn't Seb's biggest fan but did respect him as driver and his achievements wining multiple world titles. But in recent years he just hasn't been performing and looks like he cant be arsed, so I'm glad he is moving on and making space for someone with a bit more hunger and deserves the drive more. I think its time for Seb to step down from F1 totally and stop using up a space a younger driver could have.
I think Sainz to Ferrari will be good for him, they will have a faster car than Mac so he should get more points and podiums than if he was with Mac.
I don't think Ferrari have put everything behind Charles like Red Bull have with Max, Red Bull are looking more like Max Vestappen Racing than Red Bull Racing. Ferrari certainly see Charles as a future team leader and world champ but I don't think they are all or nothing behind Charles. I think if Sainz is on pace he will be given a reasonably equal opportunity. For sure in a year or two when Charles has fully matured there will be some awkward moments if Sainz is not the obvious number 1 and will be asked to take the back seat. But I think a 2 year contract at Ferrari would do Sainz good.
I don’t think Ferrari have put everything behind Charles like Red Bull have with Max
Nonetheless they gave him a 5 year contract!
Personally I think Hamilton would hand Vettel’s arse to him on a plate and Vettel would just moan.
No change there then. I think this would be Hamilton V Alonso 2 and Mercedes wouldn't want that disruption in the team.
On the one hand I don't like Vettel's arrogant child like antics, but on the other hand F1 loses a bit more entertainment. Overall I'm glad he's going.
As per Marko's comments on Vettel being a non-starter for Red Bull there are not many teams that could afford Vettel and money always plays a part. With that in mind, Merc could afford him and how much would Ferrari be willing to wave at LH.
So here's a punt - As we are for this season and LH takes it tying with Schumacher on 7. Ferrari then wave $$$$$$ at him with the enticing prospect of taking 8 WC's and with 3 different constructors. That would close out the GOAT, certainly of the 'modern era' on just about any measure you care to look at.
LH is not going to Ferrari. He never was. He's happy at Merc, but he's probably also happy using this as leverage to get more money out of them.
If Hamilton goes to another new team before retiring the only one I can see is Aston Martin.
Vettel won’t be anywhere next year, none of the options make sense if you ask me, certainly for him and in most cases also for any team which might take him. I can understand Renault wanting him, but if they were looking to invest his experience into their car development then starting in 2021 would surely be too late.
I think Sainz would be making a mistake to go to Ferrari, personally, but it’s easy to see why he might bite.
If Ricciardo goes to Ferrari then I think it makes good sense for everyone.
But since when was that a factor 🙂
BBC seem to think it's all signed that Sainz goes to Ferrari, DR to McLaren.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/52627900
Sainz to Ferrari could work as him and LeClerc get on well. Their driving styles are relatively similar too so that should help with the development direction. It all hinges, as always, upon the political structure at Ferrari and somehow I just don't think it can handle two drivers of a similar level trading results.
Ricciardo to McLaren is a good move for him, but then anywhere other than Renault is good. Renault are just not showing any signs of moving up from where they are so no hope of wins, let alone a WDC challenge.
Where does Vettel go? Hopefully off to pastures new or at best to Alfa to play with Kimi again.
Where does Vettel go?
Sky?
Where does Vettel go?
Starts with the letter R.
Ferrari have identified Sainz as the ideal support driver for Charles Leclerc, whose starring performances in his first season with the team last year undermined Vettel's status and precipitated his departure when he was not prepared to accept diminished contractual terms.
Ferrari will envisage Sainz in the type of back-up role Valtteri Bottas plays to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes - quick enough to be close to him and engage in battle with other front-runners but not the team leader.
From the BBC article...as someone said earlier, Sainz is giving up on his ambitions
Interesting. I guess we'll have to see how Ferrari handle two emerging superstar drivers (and how Sainz handles whatever he's walking into) and whether McLaren can get into a top-tier position before Ricciardo goes off the boil.
Open seat at Renault, then. I wonder whether the disruption this year is going to affect whether any of their juniors can get enough points for a superlicence in 2020; if not then maybe Zhou is in with a shout. Hopefully we won't have to endure the misery of seeing Vettel or Alonso dry-humping the last embers of their F1 careers further into mediocrity. So, who else? Can't see Norris moving. Albon? Wouldn't put any money on it. The Alpha Tauri or Haas drivers? Three of those, nah, but Gasly seems a very plausible candidate. Maybe the most likely option? Although I'd say Russell to Mercedes looks a good bet, in which case Bottas will be available. Might be a decent partner to Ocon…
Ric confirmed at Mclaren
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52661201
https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1260857365819252741
If Sainz was top-drawer he’d have been in a Red Bull by now
Nah, the one-eyed cuckoo who calls the shots there can't see further than Max; nothing else matters.
It'll be interesting next year. New blood with 2 young drivers at Ferrari is a significant deviation from the last 20 years, if not longer. It's refreshing.
LH will still cream them both...
I'm chuffed to see DC at McLaren, I think it's a good move for him.
Doesn't imply much confidence in Renault, I guess DR has seen how effective Red Bull are at developing a car and decided that Renault just don't have what it takes to even beat a McLaren with a customer Merc engine. McLaren have a new wind tunnel in the works, so that should be a big help for them with the new rules coming in.
Now there's speculation that Alonso is going to go back to Renault. That should be the kiss of death for them.
Could be some interesting team dynamics for this season (if it happens!) - three drivers giving the middle finger to the teams they are in before a wheel has turned in anger. 🙂
I think Sainz and Ricciardo will be ok, they will want to beat their teammates, but won't want to burn bridges. I suspect Vettel might end up like Damon Hill, just not seeing the point of making a proper effort, or might want to show he's still a force to be reckoned with and turn it into a crash-fest.
I’m chuffed to see DC at McLaren, I think it’s a good move for him.
Holy 1996 Batman! He's still got no chance against Mika though... 😀
Ricciardo and Norris at McLaren would never have been allowed in Ron's day - way too much fun for the team to handle. And with Merc engines I think they could make a massive step, certainly a better prospect than Renault are looking at the moment.
Sainz at Ferrari - very few drivers in his position would resist the lure of driving for them, regardless of who their team mate. Perhaps the emergence of LeClerc shows that Binotto can handle a more equal treatment of his drivers than they have done in the past - certainly hope so for Sainz's sake.
Doesn’t imply much confidence in Renault
Quite. I imagine Cyril's going be turning the air très bleu for a while.
Now there’s speculation that Alonso is going to go back to Renault. That should be the kiss of death for them.
That would just be the most appallingly spectacular train wreck… I reckon Netflix would pay Alonso's salary just to get it all on camera.
Can't see it happening, though. Surely no-one's that stupid. Surely…?
Ah yeah, sounds like Cyril’s gone full passive-aggressive 😂
Bez
SubscriberAh yeah, sounds like Cyril’s gone full passive-aggressive 😂
Cyril must be under a metric shit-tonne of pressure from Renault to deliver some results.
There was an interesting bit on Missed Apex podcast recently where Matt Carter (the principle of Lotus) said he'd spent three years paring down the staff to get costs under control and get them working efficiently. Then Cyril turns up and the first thing he does is add another 250 members of staff because 'that's where Mercedes and RedBull are'. He didn't even have any particular place to put the staff, just ADD MOAR!!1
Yet the results aren't too different.
2012 Lotus 4th
2013 Lotus 4th
2014 Lotus 8th
2015 Lotus 6th
2016 RS 9th
2017 RS 6th
2018 RS 4th
2019 RS 5thedit: episode's here if anyone's interested
Ricciardo and Norris at McLaren would never have been allowed in Ron’s day – way too much fun for the team to handle.
McLaren hi-jinks with Senna and Berger.
Hopefully we won’t have to endure the misery of seeing Vettel or Alonso dry-humping the last embers of their F1 careers further into mediocrity.
Love it. I think Ferrari will go off the boil soon, so all moot. I'd love to see McLaren and DR back on song/podium though.
Why do you think Ferrari will go off the boil?
I am super happy with all the transfers tbh. One of least favourite drivers (Vettel) has finally had his just deserts and two of my favourites have moved up into favourable seats. Perfect!
Apparently Alonso is ready for a return, as according to Flavio Briatore. Or, more interestingly, Vettel was never offered a contract lol:
Fernando Alonso 'ready' for Formula 1 return - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52682505
The phone line from Liberty Media to Boris must be red hot at the minute. If they can't work out a way round the new 14 day quarantine rules the whole season is in serious trouble. with seven F1 teams based in England it just wouldn't be workable.
Re Alonso - it wouldn't surprise me if he and Briatore where involved in some sort of team buy-out. Renault's F1 effort of late has been seriously lacking and they must be considering pulling out as a works team, but may stay as an engine supplier.
Budget cut to $145m approved
The bit that interests me is this:
As well as the budget cap, other rules forming part of the package included a radical aero development handicap system, where the worst performing teams are allowed more wind tunnel and CFD development time compared to the more successful outfits, plus the allowance for the use of open source parts.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-teams-approve-radical-rule-budget-changes/4795544/
Why is that?
Nice little story of how F1 teams have been working together on seeing how they can help Covid together.
Good to see they can come together when it really matters
shermer75
MemberWhy is that?
You mean why do I think it's interesting?
Because as far as I remember it's the first time we've had anything like this in F1. However it remains to be seen if e.g. williams actually have the budget make use of the time.
Success ballast would be cheaper but i guess would upset the purists.
Vettal to Merc? Really?
https://www.planetf1.com/news/sebastian-vettel-valtteri-bottas/
Well, not really. At the same time Lewis came out that he was getting bored of F1, although maybe sometimes able to shake the motivation back on a daily basis.
I took that to be a subtle communication to Merc that its "Him or Me, I can do other things". Ham/Vettell would never be comfortable team mates, Mercedes won't like the disruption Vettell would bring.
More likely they'd bring Russell into Bottas seat and Vettel can take his sulking outside of F1 while "working as an adviser" to Haas.
There's all sorts of crazy rumours going around, everyone's bored and letting their imaginations run amok. Red Bull have no use for Bottas. He was never a Red Bull driver, so what's the point of spending millions bringing young guys up through the ranks if you're going to hire an outsider. Bottas going to Renault would make more sense.
Vettel to Merc doesn't make any sense to me. They are happy with Hamilton and Bottas, but having Vettel available gives them some leverage over Hamilton when it comes time to talk salaries. In the long term, George Russell alongside Hamilton for a year or two would make more sense than Vettel.
Looks like e-racers are up there with ebikes (I'm joking!!!!!)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/52776028
It's like using an Ebike on a Strava segment 😆
Quite drastic budget reductions plus an aero handicap for top teams approved
Not looking good for Williams - team possibly/probably for sale, splitting with title sponsor
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-considering-selling-team/4798066/
I hate to be another of those people - but under Claire Williams management that team has gone to pot. And will probably now be sold for nowhere near it's true value as it's very much a buyers market now.
Sad day for a once great team.
I wonder if Rokit actually paid them.
silly season.. I throw this in Seb and Alonso buy the team and get Paddy lowe to run a Renault engine b team
And will probably now be sold for nowhere near it’s true value as it’s very much a buyers market now.
It's a loss making business with a major recession looming. Hard to see that it's worth very much.
Seb and Alonso buy the team and get Paddy lowe to run a Renault engine b team
B team hardly describes the cluster* that that collection of *s would be if they teamed up.
yep could it be any worse than it is now? Just for sheer amusement and egos! Its a real shame as I have grown up watching Williams go racing with McLaren.
Really annoying thing is they had Mr. Stroll's money as good as in the bank, but they let that go to Force Point India Racing! 🙂
Employees futures should have come before personal pride and heritage.
I always thought Rokit were another Rich Energy. Never seen any product for sale
A massive shame if Williams fall
Their decline started when Adrian Newey left. He wanted shares in the team, but Frank Williams refused. It's hard to imagine a Newey led team with BMW engines not winning multiple championships and turning into what Merc is now.
any chance of Latifi doing a Stroll or is he not on the same level in term of finances? On wiki it claims he put 200m into Mclaren
Shame if they go. They've always been a popular employer locally.
I remember when the angling obsessed Ross Brawn worked for them. He would do his regular job there and then spend the evening making his early carbon fibre fishing rods at the factory.
One of my mates drove for them. A transporter admittedly but that came late on in the 'conversation' with impressionable ladies.
any chance of Latifi doing a Stroll or is he not on the same level in term of finances? On wiki it claims he put 200m into Mclaren
Possibly - his father isn't short of a bob or two.
Great shame for Williams. There was a rumour in the early 2000’s that BMW wanted to buy a major stake in the team, but Frank refused to sell. I always thought if that had happened they would be still at the top.
But fair game, he refused wanted to remain in control and carry on, full respect. But unfortunately something has gone wrong, and not just lack of £££ plenty of other teams are getting better results with less cash.
I’m hoping Williams will live, perhaps Williams VW group? Although that might be difficult with current engine regulations and a looming global financial crises.
As soon as a team starts using wealthy talentless drivers who pay for their seats they are doomed to fail.
It's really quite sad to think that it's even possible we won't have a proper Williams on the grid, especially when you consider that it isn't THAT long ago when Stroll claimed a podium at Azerbaijan in a competitive car. I started watching F1 for Mansell's FW-14, then along came Prost, Senna, Hill, etc.
There's a lot of looking back at history and pontificating about what they could've/would've done etc, but small cumulative tactical blunders have become the norm. There's some seriously dysfunctional management going on there, that was evident when Paddy Lowe was dismissed.
Rokit don't even have a wikipedia page...
Rokit don’t even have a wikipedia page…
Even Rich Energy managed that!
It’s really quite sad to think that it’s even possible we won’t have a proper Williams on the grid, especially when you consider that it isn’t THAT long ago when Stroll claimed a podium at Azerbaijan in a competitive car. I started watching F1 for Mansell’s FW-14, then along came Prost, Senna, Hill, etc.
Remember the same feelings when Lotus chucked in the towel.
But fair game, he refused wanted to remain in control and carry on, full respect. But unfortunately something has gone wrong
The idea of having an independent constructor building a chassis and bolting in an engine hasn't worked for a long time. Brawn got a bit lucky, but before that, the last time it worked was Williams-Renault with Hill and Villeneuve. Since then, chassis and engines have been integrated much more. Red Bull-Renault seem like an exception, but that car and engine were quite tightly integrated - the blown diffuser only worked because the engine was developed with that in mind. On top of that, I can't remember the last time Williams actually produced a truly competitive chassis - bit hard to market yourself to manufacturers if you can't actually build a decent car.
Seems clear that the Williams way of being a 'proper' race team and making as much as they can themselves, having their own wind tunnel etc doesn't really work for the mid fielders any more.
Things like making your own gearbox just makes no sense unless you can get a significant advantage over just buying one in from Merc. It's a shame but if your immediate competitors are all buying everything in that they can from the front runners, then you have to as well to be competitive.
Rich Energy considering buying Williams, according to Planet F1
God help them...
Rich Energy considered selling drinks 🙂
Rich Energy considering buying Williams, according to Planet F1
God help them…
Planet F1 see a tweet from the weirdo at Not Whyte Energy and publish a story (not Storey). Nothing more to it than that, I hope.
Great shame for Williams. There was a rumour in the early 2000’s that BMW wanted to buy a major stake in the team, but Frank refused to sell. I always thought if that had happened they would be still at the top.
BMW invested in the Sauber team instead. After a few years BMW sold the team back to Peter Sauber and left the sport, having got bored with not winning.
Also worth remembering that whilst they had some success in the early 00's, William's and BMW won nothing in their last season together, having lost their power advantage of previous years.
If Frank Williams and Patrick Head had just retired, made Adrian Newey a shareholder, and let him run it, they would have had a chassis capable of winning championships. Good chance BMW would have stayed if they were frontrunners. Even if they had still quit, a Renault/Merc/Ferrari customer engine would still have been good enough to win championships with an Adrian Newey chassis.