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Other => Formula One => Topic started by: Chrill on January 16, 2018, 03:11:18 AM

Title: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on January 16, 2018, 03:11:18 AM
I'm bored. There isn't even any speculation yet. This topic is merely meant to wind you up.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)

Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Rich Energy Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)

McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)

Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez Mendoza (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905584)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://www.forceindiaf1.com/news/lance-stroll-race-alongside-sergio-perez-2019)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-confirmed-toro-rosso-2019/4304672/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45639663)

Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/12/george-russell-handed-f1-debut-with-williams-in-2019/)
88. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/46300009)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on January 16, 2018, 07:39:07 AM
Your report card would read: "Must try harder".
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on January 16, 2018, 07:58:29 AM
2020 Driver Speculation coming right up.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on January 31, 2018, 05:25:07 AM
Ricci admits he doesn't know where he'll end up in 2019:

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-new-deal-make-break-1000776/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on February 05, 2018, 05:20:34 AM
Ferrari with Vettel would be fun....

Could even be a spot at Merc depending on how Bottas goes this year.  I'd say he needs to shine brighter than in 2017 to justify his place.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on February 05, 2018, 05:52:09 AM
Well, Hamilton's "about to be confirmed" deal is taking time and the Hamster is openly horny for going into the music/entertainment industry. Who knows if he'll stay on past 2018? Five time world champion, which he will be by the end of this season, could just be enough.

That could create a completely new lineup at Mercedes next season, perhaps a Ricciardo-Ocon duo or something.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on February 05, 2018, 06:20:15 AM
No room at the inn for the poor old Finn... you're obviously not confident of a vintage 2018 for Valerie.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on February 07, 2018, 08:13:06 AM
Right. Assumption time:

1) Lewis will retire
2) Kimi will retire
3) Ericsson will not be retained
4) Hartley is not good enough
5) Ricciardo dumps Red Bull



Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
77. Valtteri Bottas

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel
11. Sergio Perez

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen
55. Carlos Sainz Jr.

McLaren F1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne
14. Fernando Alonso

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
12. George Russell
31. Esteban Ocon

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
27. Nico Hulkenberg

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
16. Charles Leclerc
36. Antonio Giovinazzi

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll
35. Sergey Sirotkin

Haas F1 Team:
4. Josef Newgarden
20. Kevin Magnussen

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
6. Dan Ticktum
10. Pierre Gasly

The number 6 of Rosberg will be available for 2019, so I'm giving it to Red Bull's newest recruit Dan Ticktum. He races with 33 right now, which Verstappen uses, and 3+3=6. Haas brings in an American driver in the shape of Newgarden, and he opts for number 4 courtesy of it being available. Sauber keeps Leclerc for another season, with Giovinazzi joining him in the car 36 (which is the number he used when debuting for Sauber in 2017).

Force India drafts George Russell as the newest Mercedes kid, and his number 15 is simply the number with which he won the GP3 championship.

Perez replaces Kimi, Grosjean replaces Sainz (who replaces Ricciardo at Red Bull), Ricciardo replaces the retiring Hamilton. Only McLaren and Williams remain with intact lineups for 2019, however no team fields two new drivers.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on February 08, 2018, 02:34:21 AM
Williams sticking with its two money makers for another year is a depressing prediction.

I assumed for ages that Perez to Ferrari was on the cards, but he's not shown himself as the perfect team player since Ocon arrived at Force India.  How much might that count against him?

Also, Big Jean to Renault - talented driver no doubt but surely needs a more consistent showing in 2018 to pique their interest... or is it enough that he's fast and French?

Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on February 08, 2018, 06:09:13 AM
I am counting on Romain's fast Frenchness to do it for Renault. I expect Sainz to be a goner after 2018, and if Ricciardo does leave Red Bull then Sainz is the logical replacement. Somehow the Ferrari seat was the hardest to fill. Replacing Kimi with Leclerc after merely a season is a non-Ferrari thing to do, even if Leclerc stuns everyone with fast reliable performances.

It could definitely turn out to be another season for Kimi, courtesy of simply noone else being up for it. I could see Ricciardo wanting to join Ferrari, but would Ferrari really be keen to pit Vettel against the Australian again? Or could Lewis somehow stun us and finish in red with Vettel alongside him? I don't see it happening.

If Kimi, Ricciardo, and Leclerc aren't options then who else should drive the second Ferrari?

Quote from: Penfold on November 30, 2017, 10:53:12 AMVettel against Ericsson, bound to be a close run affair....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on February 08, 2018, 07:38:21 AM
The perils of sarcasm....

How about Ocon for Ferrari.  He's been as quick as Perez but is right at the beginning of his career so perhaps more willing to play second fiddle to Vettel for a few seasons.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on February 08, 2018, 07:59:44 AM
Yes. Assuming Mercedes lets him go. I think Ocon is still too young for Ferrari, and I think Mercedes sees him as a viable future candidate for a drive.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on February 09, 2018, 01:26:07 AM
I bet they do, but if no Merc spot appears on the horizon and Ferrari comes knocking would they be able to stop him jumping ships?  As for his age, I would think another impressive season under his belt should dispel any concerns.  Then again, Ferrari might be content to wait and promote 'It is I' in a couple of years... does that bring me round to the idea of Kimi hanging on for 2019?  Quite possibly.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on February 09, 2018, 01:34:03 AM
OK, let's agree Ericsson will replace Kimi for next season then.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on February 09, 2018, 01:34:51 AM
That is what I'm desperate to see....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on February 09, 2018, 01:43:01 AM
We all know.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on February 12, 2018, 12:11:17 AM
Rosenqvist is flirting with F1:
http://www.planetf1.com/news/rosenqvist-hopes-fe-success-opens-f1-doors/

And we all know he should be there.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on February 12, 2018, 07:04:35 AM
Wonder how much store F1 teams put into FE results?  What he really needs is money... loads, and loads of money.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on February 12, 2018, 09:24:49 AM
Can we crowdfund F1 drivers? It worked for Caterham for a race...
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on February 14, 2018, 01:51:31 AM
Why the hell not, I reckon 500k per race should do it.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on March 07, 2018, 05:16:51 AM
Your Ericsson idea is now gathering steam in Swedish media. Ericsson says that if he can beat Leclerc, his eyes must be on moving up to Ferrari for 2019.

https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/Xwe3Kx/ferrari-ska-ta-marcus-ericsson-till-toppen
Learn Swedish.

Google Translate:
And in the back of his mind, Kimi Raikkonen turns 39 and has a contract with Ferrari, which will expire after 2018. Charles Leclerc, new team colleague of Marcus Ericsson, has long been referred to as a future Ferrari driver - if he is not beaten by Sweden. Then Ericssons's career can suddenly take a completely different way to one of F1's most classic teams.

- Who knows? says Marcus Ericsson and laughs.

"First of all, I have to do a really good year here, I have the perfect benchmark in Charles. He is the hottest newcomer to Formula 1 since Max Verstappen. He has a great reputation and can I beat such a guy, then I can beat anyone.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on March 13, 2018, 03:30:59 AM
Could Kubica's return be on the cards for 2019 instead?
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat

He's getting older, you know.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on March 13, 2018, 06:58:32 AM
Kubica has got to earn the right to a race seat, opines Paddy Lowe.  I suppose that's only fair, a team like Williams doesn't want to go giving seats to unworthy drivers.


My Ericsson idea... as if.  Fascinating to see how Mark 'Toys R' Us and 'It is I' compare on raw pace and race craft this year.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on March 15, 2018, 04:13:20 AM
Ocon keen to return to battling with Verstappen (and Leclerc), old rivalries in junior series:

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ocon-would-relish-verstappen-title-fight-1014477/

Is he angling for Ricciardo's seat or Valtteri's? Not quite sure. Perhaps both.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on March 15, 2018, 05:56:25 AM
Love to see him at Merc. if Val doesn't cut the mustard this year.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on March 16, 2018, 09:25:08 AM
Ocon is my favorite of the young drivers. I think he is really good.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on March 17, 2018, 05:09:00 AM
Was impressed with him right from the off with Manor, but duking it out with Perez last year was just a terrific showing.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on March 19, 2018, 11:52:56 AM
http://www.racer.com/f1/item/148165-ericsson-performances-masked-by-weight-vasseur

Turns out Ericsson was just too fat last season. Ferrari 2019 looking more likely by the day.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on March 19, 2018, 03:38:39 PM
Ericsson indeed was too fat. He's quite a tall lad, and the Sauber was overweight even with Wehrlein behind the wheel. So yup. 2019 Ericsson. I do think he stands a chance, I'd rate Ericsson to race for Ferrari in 2019 at 0.1%.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/ToMjGpKniGqRNLGBrhu/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on April 04, 2018, 02:33:29 AM
I'm actually going to start this now.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/

Ricciardo, Bottas, and Ocon in the running for second seat at Mercedes.

So, therefore we get:

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
?.

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
?.

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
?.
?.

Williams Martini Racing:
?.
?.

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
?.
?.

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
?.
?.

Haas F1 Team:
?.
?.

McLaren F1 Team:
?.
?.

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
?.
?.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on April 05, 2018, 01:57:43 AM
That Merc. spot is key.  Question is, can either of us be arsed to type out the assumed impact that each candidate might have on the wider driver market?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on April 05, 2018, 02:45:31 AM
I can. Bottas will keep the seat.

There you are. Ricciardo will remain at Red Bull. Ocon at Force India.

Raikkonen will continue for 2019 too. Leclerc to Ferrari in 2020.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on April 05, 2018, 03:57:08 AM
The most boring outcome is quite probably the most likely one.  I can imagine everyone bar Ericsson and Hartley staying put for 2019 - I'm not so sure F1 is in their long-term futures.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on April 05, 2018, 02:21:56 PM
I definitely agree with you there. Ericsson remaining in F1 is surely possible if his backers remain, but Ericsson remaining at Sauber depends on one of two things:

A) Leclerc goes to Ferrari, and Ericsson stays for 2019 to assist Giovinazzi
B) Giovinazzi goes somewhere else such as Haas, or drops off the F1 radar completely

I do think Ericsson's best 2019 bet is with someone like Force India or Williams, although if Leclerc does get the promotion after just one season (unlikely), Ericsson is suddenly quite a likely candidate for yet another season at Sauber. Which, I think, would also make him the driver with most starts for Sauber ever.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on April 06, 2018, 02:11:40 AM
Another possible change popped into my head just a few seconds ago (that's a few seconds before I began typing this sentence, obviously it will be several minutes/hours/days/weeks/months/years/decades ago depending on when you're actually reading this post).  On with the thought... If Williams continue to languish towards the rear of the field throughout 2018 will Mr. Stroll senior seek a new, more competitive, berth for Stroll junior?  In other words, might he try and convince the financially imperilled Force India to take his cash (and his son)?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on April 06, 2018, 04:49:36 AM
As it stands right now, is financially limping Force India really a stronger bet than Williams for the coming years? Force India may yet fold. Williams won't have those issues as long as Canadian and Russian money keeps coming on.


In other news, founding father Alexander Hamilton is on the verge of signing a three-year contract with Mercedes. That'd take him to the end of 2021, which would likely see him retire after that. As in, oh God 3 more years of this guy. As in, he'll reach 280ish starts before retiring. Won't beat Rubens, eh.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/04/05/hamilton-set-to-sign-e150-million-deal-with-mercedes/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on April 06, 2018, 05:18:15 AM
And the rickroller is aiming for that coveted Ferrari seat.

https://www.f1today.net/en/news/f1/237530/ricciardo-will-replace-raikkonen-at-ferrari-in-2019
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on April 06, 2018, 06:11:05 AM
Quote from: Chrill on April 06, 2018, 04:49:36 AM
As it stands right now, is financially limping Force India really a stronger bet than Williams for the coming years? Force India may yet fold. Williams won't have those issues as long as Canadian and Russian money keeps coming on.

Issue for Williams is they seem to have lost the ability to produce a decent car even with a reasonable budget behind them.  Force India getting more performance for less money of late, so assuming Mr. Stroll's cash would be sufficient to stabilize their finances, perhaps they'd be the better choice?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on April 06, 2018, 01:26:04 PM
Quote from: Chrill on April 06, 2018, 04:49:36 AM
In other news, founding father Alexander Hamilton is on the verge of signing a three-year contract with Mercedes. That'd take him to the end of 2021, which would likely see him retire after that. As in, oh God 3 more years of this guy. As in, he'll reach 280ish starts before retiring. Won't beat Rubens, eh.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/04/05/hamilton-set-to-sign-e150-million-deal-with-mercedes/

Secretary of the Treasury indeed.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on April 22, 2018, 03:56:21 AM
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/04/05/hamilton-set-to-sign-e150-million-deal-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.f1today.net/en/news/f1/237530/ricciardo-will-replace-raikkonen-at-ferrari-in-2019)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11277101/daniel-ricciardo-and-red-bull-agree-deadline-for-2019-f1-contract)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
?.
?.

Williams Martini Racing:
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
?.

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)
?.

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
?.
?.

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?.

McLaren F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/940754/Lewis-Hamilton-Fernando-Alonso-Daniel-Ricciardo-Mercedes-Red-Bull-F1-news-Bottas-McLaren)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
?.
?.


Lots of updates here. McLaren is in focus:
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on April 26, 2018, 04:04:32 AM
Leave Dan at RB, move Hulk to Ferrari, Bottas to Renault, Ocon to Merc, Stroll to Force India, and have Kubica at Williams.  Sorted.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on April 27, 2018, 03:08:15 AM
I'd rather not have the Hulk at Ferrari. Having followed him for a while on social media, I've come to realise he is a bit of an ass. He's the kind of guy who would be likely to bully the "sensitive" kids in school, you know? A proper jock.

Not that it affects his driving, it just makes him less likeable.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on April 27, 2018, 03:59:23 AM
A shame on two fronts.  Firstly that he's thirty and still acts like a prick, and secondly that it ruins my shuffling of the driver pack.  Need someone else to replace Kimi until 'It is I' is deemed ready... or do we?  Perhaps Sir Raikkonen stays put for 2019.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on April 27, 2018, 05:05:53 AM
Have you not read my signature?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on April 27, 2018, 05:32:45 AM
That Penfold chap sounds a tad delusional....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 09, 2018, 01:14:52 AM
Kimi implies he wouldn't mind remaining for yet another season. And let's be honest, his form so far in 2018 suggests he is closer to Vettel than he has been since his return to Ferrari.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on May 10, 2018, 03:19:02 AM
If he keeps up his current level why on earth would they want to replace him.  Give 'It is I' a couple of years at Sauber rather than rushing him into the limelight.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 15, 2018, 02:13:50 AM
Could Pascal Wehrlein be on the way back? Could he be on the way back this season? Could he be poached from Mercedes by none other than Red Bull? Could he replace Brendon Hartley? It's supposedly a paddock rumour.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on May 15, 2018, 03:35:46 AM
That is a tasty little rumour.  I guess we'd better all rush to pick Hartley lest we miss the opportunity....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 17, 2018, 09:08:59 AM
Bott boy is not interested in another one-year deal, he wants to secure two years minimum. Also not talking with anyone other than Mercy Merc right now.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-wants-at-least-two-year-mercedes-deal-1038568/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 22, 2018, 02:03:07 AM
Now this I have to post. DUTCH media is speculating that Brendon Hartley's F1 career will grind to a halt after Monaco. Come the next race in Canada, Red Bull is eyeing the talented Swede Felix Rosenqvist.

https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger

Don't speak Dutch? Well, Google translate it then. This post was shared by Felix's dad in a Facebook group that I frequent. He said no more than that, though.


Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/04/05/hamilton-set-to-sign-e150-million-deal-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.f1today.net/en/news/f1/237530/ricciardo-will-replace-raikkonen-at-ferrari-in-2019)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11277101/daniel-ricciardo-and-red-bull-agree-deadline-for-2019-f1-contract)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
?.
?.

Williams Martini Racing:
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
?.

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)
?.

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?.

McLaren F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/940754/Lewis-Hamilton-Fernando-Alonso-Daniel-Ricciardo-Mercedes-Red-Bull-F1-news-Bottas-McLaren)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
?.
?.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on May 22, 2018, 04:52:35 AM
About time we had a fast Swede in F1....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 22, 2018, 05:10:50 AM
Ericsson is faster than Grosjean. And Hartley. And Stroll. And Sirotkin. And maybe Vandoorne. Maybe not, perhaps Alonso is just THAT good.

But yeah, you're not wrong. :P
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on May 22, 2018, 05:20:05 AM
No (but he doesn't crash all the time). Yes. Yes. Yes. Don't know.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 22, 2018, 07:35:13 AM
http://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20987/motogp-champion-marc-mrquez-to-get-formula-1-test-with-red-bull

And an English speaking source also speculating about Axl Rose-nqvist.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on May 22, 2018, 09:03:53 AM
Personally this increases my dislike of Red Bull and everything about their company and system. They gave Kvyat like 10 chances and now Hartley will be gone after half a season?

But I like Rosenqvist and want him to get a chance. This could also be related to the fact that RBR knows Ricciardo is going to leave and do not believe that Gasly or Hartley are good enough to be replacements.

So you might as well start the hype train now. Rosenqvist to RBR 2019.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 23, 2018, 12:53:12 AM
Quote from: Matt on May 22, 2018, 09:03:53 AM
So you might as well start the hype train now. Rosenqvist to RBR 2019.
I mean, that has to go alongside Penfold's comment in my signature.

EDIT: Could you uhm extend the number of letters permitted in signatures? Mine is basically already full.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 23, 2018, 01:11:48 AM
Could Wehrlein be Hartley's replacement too?
http://www.apexoff.com/2018/05/16/pascal-wehrlein-potentially-replacing-brendon-hartley-toro-rosso/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on May 23, 2018, 01:50:43 AM
All fancy speculation but clearly neither Rosenqvist nor Wehrlein will be able to take Hartley's place this year: Williams chap Paddy Lowe explicitly told us that Sergei Sirotkin was the best driver available for 2018.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 23, 2018, 08:19:02 AM
Quote from: Penfold on May 23, 2018, 01:50:43 AMWilliams chap Paddy Lowe explicitly told us that Sergei Sirotkin was the best driver available for 2018.
Yes, but the best driver available for 2018 is no longer available courtesy of being chosen by Paddy.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on May 24, 2018, 12:37:29 AM
Now you're just being silly.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 24, 2018, 02:38:34 AM
Pietro Fittipaldi was scheduled to run a test for Haas later this year. Then he crashed oopsiedoopsie at Spa. Maybe he's still on the cards for 2019? Ferrari would love to associate itself with the Fittipaldi name.

http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/23460229/pietro-fittipaldi-had-talks-haas-leg-break-crash
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on May 28, 2018, 01:41:07 AM
ASSUMPTION TIME 2.0. This time, more conservative but still kicking out some of the old guys.

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton
77. Valtteri Bottas

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel
7. Kimi Raikkonen

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
33. Max Verstappen

McLaren F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez
91. Lando Norris

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
12. George Russell
31. Esteban Ocon

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hulkenberg
55. Carlos Sainz

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson
16. Charles Leclerc

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll
35. Sergey Sirotkin

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen
36. Antonio Giovinazzi

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly
94. Pascal Wehrlein

Right, so here's where we are:
Alonso leaves F1, Vandoorne is dropped by McLaren. With the top 3 teams all retaining their lineups, McLaren brings back Sergio Perez. Yes, it went bad last time but he is more mature now. He partners Lando Norris. Norris, who used 19 on his car in F2 and 31 in F3, cannot do so in 2019 since those numbers are still reserved for Felipe Massa and Esteban Ocon respectively. If Norris waits one year, he can pick 19 in 2020.

Force India brings in the next Mercedes recruit George Russell. His car in F2 is 8, and in GP3 he used 3. None of those are available, so he grabs number 12 for no other reason than it being available.

Renault makes their deal with Sainz permanent and keeps Hulkenberg onboard.

Alfa Romeo Sauber fails to promote Leclerc since Ferrari once more kept Raikkonen on a new one-year deal. Ericsson stays for another season because, well, there are no more Ferrari juniors to bring into F1 right now.

Williams still need their money, and so they keep their lineup too.

Haas is fed up with Grosjean's inability to drive F1 cars, and drops him for Ferrari money in the shape of Giovinazzi.

Toro Rosso has had it with Hartley, and Wehrlein loses his Mercedes backing. Toro Rosso bring the German onboard to secure a steady supply of points finishes.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on May 31, 2018, 10:14:48 PM
There were a lot of possible places to post this, but: https://racer.com/2018/05/31/mclaren-to-meet-with-potential-indycar-partner-teams-at-detroit/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 01, 2018, 02:43:32 AM
Hamilton sees no options for Ricciardo in 2019 and believes he will end up remaining at Red Bull:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-ricciardo-lacks-top-options-for-2019-1043640/

With Hamilton still not agreeing terms with Mercedes, I genuinely am starting to wonder if the Brit will stay onboard. How about a Vettel-Hamilton switcheroo? ;D

Is Alonso going fulltime IndyCar in 2019?
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/31/disenchanted-alonso-paving-way-for-indycar-switch/

Is Raikkonen going back to rallying in the future? (not 2019 though)
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/29/raikkonen-im-interested-in-rallying-when-my-f1-career-ends/

Aaaand could Kubica be the one Toro Rosso needs?
https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531

Aaaand if Sainz does not remain at Renault, could his replacement be Stoffel?
https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/renault-eyes-vandoorne-for-future-seat-20180531
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 01, 2018, 02:53:45 AM
All of the above now added, lookie look:


Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/04/05/hamilton-set-to-sign-e150-million-deal-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.f1today.net/en/news/f1/237530/ricciardo-will-replace-raikkonen-at-ferrari-in-2019)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-321000.html)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11277101/daniel-ricciardo-and-red-bull-agree-deadline-for-2019-f1-contract)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
?.
?.

Williams Martini Racing:
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
?.

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/renault-eyes-vandoorne-for-future-seat-20180531)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/23460229/pietro-fittipaldi-had-talks-haas-leg-break-crash)

McLaren F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/940754/Lewis-Hamilton-Fernando-Alonso-Daniel-Ricciardo-Mercedes-Red-Bull-F1-news-Bottas-McLaren)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
?.
?.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 04, 2018, 04:50:27 AM
That's a lot of speculation to absorb.

One question: What does Renault see in Toffee Van Door?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 06, 2018, 03:34:52 PM
Toro Rosso is actively trying to replace Hartley, McLaren confirms.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/44385107

Lando Norris was approached, McLaren turned down the request.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 07, 2018, 12:35:48 AM
Got to be great for Hartley's confidence going into Canada.  So, who's up next in Toro Rosso's list... Wehrlein or Rosenqvist?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 07, 2018, 02:20:25 AM
Quote from: Penfold on June 07, 2018, 12:35:48 AM
Got to be great for Hartley's confidence going into Canada.  So, who's up next in Toro Rosso's list... Wehrlein or Rosenqvist?
Rumours imply that Wehrlein is the first on that list, and Rosenqvist is also old for an F1 rookie (2 years younger than Hartley, 3 years older than Wehrlein). With Hartley not shining despite having the experience, is another "old" rookie really the way forward? In Wehrlein, Red Bull would get a decent driver. The question is if Mercedes would be willing to let him go, or if Red Bull is merely interested in borrowing him for a year to bring in solid albeit mediocre points finishes.

If they bring in Wehrlein just to score points, they might as well go for a more experienced driver. Massa seems reluctant to let F1 go, right? :P And how about our Polish friend Kubica?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 07, 2018, 02:32:17 AM
https://drivetribe.com/p/marc-marquez-tests-toro-rosso-f1-O2WV55RVSdCBIyXh_yR7dQ?iid=MApZI8arThOOS_F8hogOQA

Definitely not enough to put him on the list for Toro Rosso replacements for Hartley, but Marc Marquez enjoyed four wheel driving. He's only 25, the Spanish MotoGP rider. Despite that, he's got 4 World Championships to his name and, with his MotoGP track record, the potential to be a new Maldonado. Or a new John Surtees.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 07, 2018, 03:32:50 AM
Either one an exciting prospect.

Toro Rosso tends to go for younger guys - or in the case of Hartley an F1 rookie - so I'd be surprised (but pleasantly so) to see Kubica approached, and slightly less pleasantly so for Massa. 
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on June 07, 2018, 09:59:35 AM
I agree with this article: https://racer.com/2018/06/06/medland-heres-red-bulls-real-driver-problem/

There?s no reason to replace Hartley, especially with a young driver. Red Bull has nowhere for them to go. If they want to hire Kubica just to see if he still has it, I get that. They have nothing to lose there, he probably only would have a few years left anyway. But instability is not going to help. It just seems like Marko is mad that he gave Hartley a second chance and has not been immediately rewarded for it.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 09, 2018, 04:19:17 AM
Toro Rosso driver firings don't always seem to be based on reason.  That said, I hope they stick with J.R. for the season - surely a full year is the minimum one should allow a rookie to prove themselves?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 14, 2018, 01:10:12 AM
Is Alonso leaving F1 without retiring?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-alonso-must-race-in-indycar-in-2019-1045886/

This writer seems to think so. Go do Indy for 1-2 years, win that championship, then return to F1 when the new spec is launched in 2021. Alonso will be 40, but bear in mind Schumacher was the fastest man in qualifying around Monaco at the tender age of 43. If Schumi could at 43, why wouldn't Alonso be able to at 40?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 14, 2018, 04:53:36 AM
I can see why he'd be tempted.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 21, 2018, 02:37:16 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/21/mclaren-make-huge-offer-for-king-of-the-market-daniel-ricciardo-report

Could Ricciardo make the switch away from one of the top 3 teams? McLaren is attempting it. Also makes me think Alonso is definitely going for Indy next season.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 21, 2018, 03:45:27 AM
He'd be mad to make that switch.  No chance of a title with McLaren in the next couple of years - and likely for much longer than that.  As you say, it does sort of tally up with McLaren having an Alonso shaped hole to fill for '19, so who do we put next on their shopping list... how about Hulk?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 21, 2018, 06:05:31 AM
Quote from: Penfold on June 21, 2018, 03:45:27 AM
He'd be mad to make that switch.  No chance of a title with McLaren in the next couple of years - and likely for much longer than that.  As you say, it does sort of tally up with McLaren having an Alonso shaped hole to fill for '19, so who do we put next on their shopping list... how about Hulk?
I do like the idea of Hulk. I worry that Vandoorne may have to step up to team leader though.

Going through the grid, who could lead a McLaren charge if Alonso disappears?

Kimi Raikkonen, but I doubt he'd want to switch teams again.
Valtteri Bottas, if Mercedes were to steal Ricciardo. I doubt it.
Nico H?lkenberg, on the table for sure.
Carlos Sainz, who clearly is popular with Renault and also supported by Alonso.
Sergio Perez, has a poor history with McLaren.
Stoffel Vandoorne, just doesn't appear to be good enough.
Lando Norris, could be the new Lewis Hamilton and would then be able to fill Alonso's shoes.

So yes, Vandoorne-Norris isn't entirely unlikely.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 21, 2018, 07:59:27 AM
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-mclaren-renault-some-appeal-red-bull-honda-1047180/

Add Renault to the list of teams Ricciardo may join.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 22, 2018, 05:04:58 AM
Quote from: Chrill on June 21, 2018, 06:05:31 AM
I do like the idea of Hulk. I worry that Vandoorne may have to step up to team leader though.

Going through the grid, who could lead a McLaren charge if Alonso disappears?

Kimi Raikkonen, but I doubt he'd want to switch teams again.
Valtteri Bottas, if Mercedes were to steal Ricciardo. I doubt it.
Nico H?lkenberg, on the table for sure.
Carlos Sainz, who clearly is popular with Renault and also supported by Alonso.
Sergio Perez, has a poor history with McLaren.
Stoffel Vandoorne, just doesn't appear to be good enough.
Lando Norris, could be the new Lewis Hamilton and would then be able to fill Alonso's shoes.

So yes, Vandoorne-Norris isn't entirely unlikely.

I'd hope McLaren's line-up would be: Lando Norris & Someone better than Van Door.  Hulk and Sainz are the obvious choices, largely because I can't see Perez or Ocon going there.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 22, 2018, 02:42:21 PM
More whispers placing Ricciardo at McLaren and/or Renault are doing the rounds at the moment, together with this rather strong message of support for Leclerc:

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1

Leclerc-Vettel seems a rather clear option for 2019, with Raikkonen finally stepping away from F1.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 28, 2018, 12:40:40 AM
Are you ready to get SILLY?

If Alonso leaves F1, and Ricciardo turns down McLaren (not impossible), the McLaren team is reportedly looking at bringing back Kimi.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html

That's a fun one.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 28, 2018, 02:32:55 AM
Ricciardo looking increasingly likely to stay at Red Bull.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-red-bull-deal-close-1052724/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on June 28, 2018, 02:42:13 AM
And along with Ricciardo, I filled in lots of new names. Sauber, Williams, and Force India especially because they were practically empty.

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/04/05/hamilton-set-to-sign-e150-million-deal-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-ricciardo-f1-career-hinges-on-2018-1021182/)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-red-bull-deal-close-1052724/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-321000.html)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11277101/daniel-ricciardo-and-red-bull-agree-deadline-for-2019-f1-contract)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/renault-eyes-vandoorne-for-future-seat-20180531)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-mclaren-renault-some-appeal-red-bull-honda-1047180/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/23460229/pietro-fittipaldi-had-talks-haas-leg-break-crash)

McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/21/mclaren-make-huge-offer-for-king-of-the-market-daniel-ricciardo-report)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/940754/Lewis-Hamilton-Fernando-Alonso-Daniel-Ricciardo-Mercedes-Red-Bull-F1-news-Bottas-McLaren)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://franceracing.fr/f1/antonio-giovinazzi-en-f1-en-2019/) Italian
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 28, 2018, 03:37:26 AM
There's a whole load of wildly speculative placements going on in that post.  Good work.  Need to find something for poor old Perez to drive.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on June 28, 2018, 01:44:44 PM
I will give my guesses:

Mercedes:
Hamilton
Bottas

Ferrari:
Vettel
Leclerc

Red Bull:
Verstappen
Ricciardo

Force India:
Ocon
Perez

Williams:
Stroll
Sirotkin

Renault:
Hulkenberg
Sainz

Toro Rosso:
Gasly
Kubica

Haas:
Magnussen
?

McLaren:
Vandoorne
Norris

Sauber:
Ericsson
Giovinazzi

I see very few changes. If Ricciardo stays at Red Bull, there?s not much pushing people to move.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on June 29, 2018, 03:45:08 AM
Alonso is the other big (although not as big) unknown... will he decide enough is enough or will he plough on for another year with McLaren?  If he stays I'd say Van Door gets the boot, otherwise he's promoted to team leader and then humbled by Chuck Norris.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 04, 2018, 03:28:47 AM
I agree with you, Matt, except on two things.

Haas will retain Magnussen-Grosjean, and Toro Rosso will not sign Kubica.

I think Gasly-Hartley may continue, but I also think they could well draft in a non-Red Bull junior. Who is a young up and coming driver not affiliated with any rival F1 team?

Markelov is with Renault, those ties can be severed. Alexander Albon is Thai, as is the Red Bull's original drink, so that's a lovely connection. I can't find info on his being connected to other F1 teams but he is perhaps not a strong enough candidate. Sette Camara WAS a Red Bull junior, but they dropped him after a poor first season in Formula 2. Dan Ticktum, currently 2nd in Formula 3, is a Red Bull junior but is he ready to step up as soon as 2019? Most likely not.

I'm a big fan of Enaam Ahmed, born in the year 2000 so will be 19 by next season. Also, keeps winning every series he joins. After winning the British F3 last year, he is now 3rd in his first season in the full European F3 championship. Gambling on a Pakistani driver can surely have advertising benefits too. Does he have the necessary points to go get his F1 license?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 06, 2018, 06:41:21 AM
Quote from: Chrill on July 04, 2018, 03:28:47 AMDan Ticktum, currently 2nd in Formula 3, is a Red Bull junior but is he ready to step up as soon as 2019? Most likely not.
Heh.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on July 08, 2018, 08:57:18 PM
I think we can safely say that Santino Ferrucci will not show up in any rumors, no matter how much money he can bring.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 09, 2018, 12:29:12 AM
We can all agree on that.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 19, 2018, 04:26:28 AM
Sir Lewis confirmed for Mercedes until end of 2020 season. At least two more years of his whiny moping.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/

Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on July 19, 2018, 06:01:49 AM
On the plus side, two more years of antagonism between him and Vettel.

How many days before The Pie Man signs an extension with Red Bull?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 19, 2018, 07:34:58 AM
I'd say that deal is announced at Spa in the latest.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 20, 2018, 02:22:42 AM
Lewis now has a friend at Mercedes:
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html

Bottas secures another one-year extension (with a +1 clause inserted). A shame he only got 1, but I guess with Lewis on 2 they do not want two contracts expiring at the same time when they know full well Lewis may step down after 2020.

That locks Mercedes down, and we will now see Ricciardo staying put and Ferrari choosing between the old Finn and the French World War 2 resistance member.

Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 20, 2018, 02:23:50 AM
And some tables reflecting the Mercedes action:

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-red-bull-deal-close-1052724/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-321000.html)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11277101/daniel-ricciardo-and-red-bull-agree-deadline-for-2019-f1-contract)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/renault-eyes-vandoorne-for-future-seat-20180531)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-mclaren-renault-some-appeal-red-bull-honda-1047180/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/23460229/pietro-fittipaldi-had-talks-haas-leg-break-crash)

McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/21/mclaren-make-huge-offer-for-king-of-the-market-daniel-ricciardo-report)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://franceracing.fr/f1/antonio-giovinazzi-en-f1-en-2019/) Italian
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on July 20, 2018, 04:38:44 AM
'Allo 'Allo... me thinks you need to put Alonso as a potential McLaren driver; I'm about 83% sure he'll still be with them next year.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 20, 2018, 03:25:51 PM
Let's find a source saying "Alonso McLaren 2019" then.

http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/11400157/zak-brown-pretty-sure-fernando-alonso-will-be-in-a-mclaren-whatever-that-is-in-2019

This might be enough, but it implies Alonso could leave F1 so yeah.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 20, 2018, 03:43:16 PM
A Swedish journalist (trustworthy one) reported that the following mess could be happening in the coming weeks or months, that all these moves are at least being negotiated or discussed:

* Force India to become an official Mercedes B-squad, at the same time signing up Lance Stroll and his money. May keep Perez alongside Stroll
* Perez may also be looking for a move to Sauber or Haas because, you know, they're aligned with Ferrari
* Williams desperate for money, then, so we'll see what they do. Most likely George Russell of Mercedes fame, alongside Sirotkin
* Raikkonen could be going back to Sauber, where his career once began. Ferrari wants Leclerc, Raikkonen does not want to leave F1. Could be a straight swap come 2019
* The Sainz-Red Bull contract says "Red Bull seat for 2019 or free to leave". Sainz will then leave, because Ricciardo is retained
* Sainz to McLaren, alongside Alonso if he stays or replacing Alonso if he leaves
* That Renault seat is for Ocon, who would leave Mercedes (we never did find out which of the two manufacturers really had Ocon on their side, did we?


Now, how is that for gossip?

It would effectively turn Force India into a Toro Rosso-esque team. This is how such a grid could look for 2019, then:

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel
16. Charles Leclerc

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton
77. Valtteri Bottas

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
33. Max Verstappen

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico H?lkenberg
31. Esteban Ocon

Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
20. Kevin Magnussen

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez
18. Lance Stroll

McLaren F1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne or 31. Carlos Sainz
31. Carlos Sainz or 14. Fernando Alonso

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly
28. Brendon Hartley or ?. Dan Ticktum

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
5. Kimi Raikkonen
9. Marcus Ericsson or ?. Antonio Giovinazzi

Williams Martini Racing:
35. Sergey Sirotkin
?. George Russell
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on July 21, 2018, 04:36:08 AM
In a way I'll be slightly depressed if Haas sticks with its current erratic pairing (esp. Grosjean) when there are better options available, but on the other hand I'll be slightly depressed if I don't get to watch those two (esp. Grosjean) causing havoc on a semi-regular basis.

Stroll to Force India sounds plausible.  Vague memory of his old man saying that the money is simply a tool to get his son the best seat possible, and that doesn't seem to be at Williams anymore.  Mind you, I don't know that a George Russell support package from Merc. would come close to replacing Stroll Sr's (tens of) millions so losing the Stroller could be a huge blow for Williams.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 21, 2018, 06:17:20 AM
Let's start backing some of the rumours I posted above.

Kimi to Sauber
Giovinazzi to Sauber
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/

Ocon to Renault
https://www.planetf1.com/news/no-deal-done-between-ocon-and-renault/

Stroll to Force India
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/

I can't find any solid Sainz-McLaren links or George Russell-Williams.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 21, 2018, 06:20:23 AM
And with that:

I'm bored. There isn't even any speculation yet. This topic is merely meant to wind you up.

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-red-bull-deal-close-1052724/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-321000.html)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11277101/daniel-ricciardo-and-red-bull-agree-deadline-for-2019-f1-contract)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/renault-eyes-vandoorne-for-future-seat-20180531)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-mclaren-renault-some-appeal-red-bull-honda-1047180/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/no-deal-done-between-ocon-and-renault/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/23460229/pietro-fittipaldi-had-talks-haas-leg-break-crash)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/haas-boss-denies-kubica-rumours-20180720)

McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/21/mclaren-make-huge-offer-for-king-of-the-market-daniel-ricciardo-report)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/11400157/zak-brown-pretty-sure-fernando-alonso-will-be-in-a-mclaren-whatever-that-is-in-2019)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 26, 2018, 02:42:39 AM
2021 Driver Speculation?

https://www.racefans.net/2018/07/26/alonso-wont-race-f1-2021/
Alonso does not care about 2021 rules because he won't be in F1 by then. So we know he plans to retire within 3 seasons at most.

However, could Alonso go Ferrari in 2019? Martin Brundle thinks so.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/993695/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-Ferrari-Lewis-Hamilton-Max-Verstappen-Sebastian-Vettel
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on July 26, 2018, 06:34:57 AM
Definitely into silly season territory with that one!  That said, I'd love to see it and you never really know in F1....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on July 30, 2018, 02:41:45 AM
Some updated links (Ericsson at Sauber, Ocon at Renault) and some new ones (Vandoorne to Sauber) plus reshuffled into current constructor's order.

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-red-bull-deal-close-1052724/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-321000.html)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11277101/daniel-ricciardo-and-red-bull-agree-deadline-for-2019-f1-contract)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/renault-eyes-vandoorne-for-future-seat-20180531)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-mclaren-renault-some-appeal-red-bull-honda-1047180/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/137723/renault-admits-talks-with-ocon-for-19-drive)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/23460229/pietro-fittipaldi-had-talks-haas-leg-break-crash)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/haas-boss-denies-kubica-rumours-20180720)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/21/mclaren-make-huge-offer-for-king-of-the-market-daniel-ricciardo-report)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/11400157/zak-brown-pretty-sure-fernando-alonso-will-be-in-a-mclaren-whatever-that-is-in-2019)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/vasseur-plays-down-vandoorne-rumour/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/germany-drive-helps-case-for-2019-sauber-drive--ericsson.html)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 01, 2018, 07:52:34 AM
Oliver Rowland thinks he is behind both Russell and Norris in the queue for a 2019 race seat, but is doing what he can to prove his worth at Williams F1.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 01, 2018, 08:08:31 AM
Quite the crop of young British talent pushing at the F1 doors.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 03, 2018, 04:23:45 AM
Wow, Dan the Pie Man moving to Renault from next year: https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/

I'm now going to speculate wildly about Alonso taking his place:

With this news I am 100% certain that Fernando will get a deal with Red Bull for 2019 - unless Gasly gets it.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 03, 2018, 05:05:03 AM
I did not see that coming.

Yes, it's Gasly or Alonso. Or possibly Sainz but most likely not. I can definitely see Alonso at Red Bull now.

More speculation, as Fittipaldi is once again linked to Haas. Remember, I already have him on that there list!
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fittipaldi-haas-test-steiner/3153149/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 03, 2018, 05:26:05 AM
Yes, it is unexpected to say the least.  Alonso at RB would be fabulous but Gasly seems more likely - happy to be wrong!

Anywhere for Grosjean to go if Fittipaldi nabs his seat?  How about Sauber?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 03, 2018, 05:50:45 AM
Sauber is looking real crowded, since the following are tipped to go there:
Raikkonen, Giovinazzi, Ericsson, Sainz, Vandoorne, Perez. There is no room for Grosjean, even if Kaltenborg would be at the helm still.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 03, 2018, 06:05:34 AM
I'm not sure Ericsson will survive (at Sauber), but then it seems more like 'It is I' will stay put (and also Kimi at Ferrari) so that's still only one seat to squeeze a handful of guys into.  A tight squeeze.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 03, 2018, 06:16:00 AM
I think Ericsson will be out, unless he very steadily starts driving like he did in Germany and qualifies like he did in Hungary. If he matches Leclerc, he deserves to stay. If he's as far behind as he has been, he deserves to go.

Nonetheless, Renault have now officially confirmed Ricciardo and the Hulk as their 2019 driver pairing. Since Renault's own website is messing with me, I'll give you this source from Sky instead:
http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 03, 2018, 06:17:05 AM
And thus, a new list:

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-321000.html)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fittipaldi-haas-test-steiner/3153149/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/haas-boss-denies-kubica-rumours-20180720)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

McLaren F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/11400157/zak-brown-pretty-sure-fernando-alonso-will-be-in-a-mclaren-whatever-that-is-in-2019)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/vasseur-plays-down-vandoorne-rumour/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/germany-drive-helps-case-for-2019-sauber-drive--ericsson.html)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on August 03, 2018, 08:04:35 AM
Fittipaldi has not done anything other than have a famous last name... He won the last season of the World Series V8 3.5 series against no one. Rene Binder had four wins that season and was often 1+ seconds behind the next car in IndyCar this season. There is nothing on his resume suggesting he should be in F1. Or even IndyCar for that matter.

Ricciardo to Renault opens up silly season. And now Hulk can be compared to a proven winner.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 06, 2018, 06:29:43 AM
I'm surprised Rossi's name doesn't get bandied about more often in connection with a drive at Haas, the guy's not doing half bad in IndyCar this year....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 06, 2018, 12:46:02 PM
Well, he seems to prefer running at the front of the Indy grid over the F1 midfield.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on August 06, 2018, 11:01:14 PM
Yeah. I could be wrong, but I think it would take more than Haas to get Rossi back to F1, and that call isn't coming.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 09, 2018, 10:50:58 AM
Red Bull confirms Alonso!
As in, they confirm he is not an option:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-alonso-move-not-healthy-horner-gasly-sainz/3156035/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 10, 2018, 06:41:53 AM
 :) If I hadn't already seen Horner's comments about Alonso then that would've got my heart pumping.  Shame they won't leave Gasly where he is and give Nando a season against Max, for our entertainment if nothing else - I don't care what level of disruption it might cause to the inner workings of Red Bull!  Talking of Toro Rosso... Chuck Norris occasionally mentioned as a bargaining chip to help McLaren quickly prise away that engineer chap.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 11, 2018, 06:29:33 AM
Picking up Gasly ensures Hartley gets a second season at Toro Rosso, possibly alongside Chuck E Cheese.

Red Bull seriously needs to find some new talent. I still think they should consider Felix Rosenqvist for 2019.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 14, 2018, 02:37:08 AM
Alonso confident that sacrificing several FP1 sessions has helped McLaren grasp why the car is so shite, but that most of the gains from this work won't materialise until next year:

"There are some fixes for this year but let's say that 70% of the knowledge and the understanding of this car will be for next year's project because it requires time, three or four months' development and wind tunnel time et cetera. It's probably better to invest for next year.

"Sometimes it's good to go very deep into the problems and down in performance to understand the car. I see a much clearer and brighter future now with all the problems and all the understanding now."

So he sees a "clearer and brighter future"... surely quite a hint that he plans on being around next season.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on August 14, 2018, 09:07:03 AM
Except, nope... He is leaving.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 14, 2018, 12:41:32 PM
Alonso is doing the McLaren version of leaving. A sabbatical, that is. Hakkinen and Button also went on sabbaticals.

So, is that a Vandoorne/Norris, Vandoorne/Sainz, or indeed Norris/Sainz for the McLaren team in 2019?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 15, 2018, 12:24:34 AM
So his version of a "clearer and brighter future" entails not driving for McLaren... at least not next year.

The man Alonso wants to emulate in terms of sabbaticals is Prost: left Ferrari (and F1) after a pretty awful 1991 campaign, sat around twiddling his thumbs for twelve months, then walked away with the '93 title courtesy of what is perhaps the most dominant car I've ever seen in the sport.  Sadly, none of the 'big 3' have any interest in hiring Fernando so any return depends on McLaren making great strides in the near(ish) future.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 15, 2018, 06:17:14 PM
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-replace-alonso-mclaren-gasly-red-bull-2019/3159148/

And his replacement may well be Spanish too.

Thus, a new table of sources and links.

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2018/08/14/fernando-alonso-retire-formula-one-end-season/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31882/11272736/carlos-sainz-not-thinking-about-2019-red-bull-move)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fittipaldi-haas-test-steiner/3153149/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/haas-boss-denies-kubica-rumours-20180720)

Sahara Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/perez-secure-future-f1-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

McLaren F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/fernando-alonso-mclaren-carlos-sainz-replacement-f1-a8493371.html)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2018/08/14/fernando-alonso-retire-formula-one-end-season/)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://racer.com/2018/08/08/mclaren-working-to-hasten-keys-arrival/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/vasseur-plays-down-vandoorne-rumour/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/germany-drive-helps-case-for-2019-sauber-drive--ericsson.html)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/giovinazzi-not-simulator-driver-ferrari-sauber/3155840/?nrt=54)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 15, 2018, 06:37:04 PM
Also (and I have no sources yet for this), whispers claim Red Bull are heavily approaching Mercedes for Esteban Ocon. We'll see if anything comes out of that.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 16, 2018, 03:57:34 AM
He does need a new berth (we assume) and there's no room at Merc until Hammy retires or Bottas gets the boot.  Could be a good short-term move for all parties; well, perhaps not so great for Gasly, but then longer-term the Red Bull seat would still be there if he continues to perform at Toro Rosso.  Where else might Ocon end up... Williams (he hopes not!), Haas (Merc letting him go to a Ferrari B team?), McLaren (Sainz all but confirmed and I'm not sure they'll change both drivers, plus hopefully Lando Norris will get a drive in 2020 so only a one-year gap for Esteban to fill).
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 16, 2018, 04:22:42 AM
I think O'Connor can hold onto his Force Stroll seat alongside Stroll.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 16, 2018, 05:06:05 AM
Even after Perez did the team's dirty work and pushed Force India (as then known) into administration?  Do you reckon the Mercedes link with Ocon will be the deciding factor?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 16, 2018, 06:50:55 AM
I think Perez, judging from interviews, is shopping for a new drive. Ocon, judging from interviews, isn't. That's all.

Sainz to McLaren is now confirmed:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/

Unclear who will join him, but article mentions Norris, Vandoorne, and Ocon.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 16, 2018, 07:06:31 AM
It's like a round of musical chairs only the aim of this game is to avoid being sat on the Williams seat when the negotiations end.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 16, 2018, 07:28:08 AM
Who knows, Williams may yet do a Brawn for 2019. Nah, just kidding.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 21, 2018, 12:40:30 AM
Red Bull went the most likely route and promoted Gasly to the senior team.  Now to find Toro Rosso a second driver....

I see Lando Norris will be getting an FP1 session round Spa this weekend; is he being readied for a 2019 seat?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 21, 2018, 04:55:14 AM
Lando is definitely being readied for a 2019 seat. McLaren have never used a third driver in a Free Practice before. Vandoorne should be worried.

Still, with Toro Rosso promoting Gasly there is an obvious issue at Toro Rosso. Hartley looks very likely to retain a 2019 drive at Toro Rosso, but who will drive along him? There are no Red Bull juniors with the points required for promotion. It could open up for unconvential solutions like borrowing a driver from another team (Norris, Russell, Giovinazzi) or finding a more experienced driver (Vandoorne, Grosjean, Gutierrez) or even going back to drivers ditched in the past (Kvyat, Vergne, Buemi). Time will tell.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 21, 2018, 05:01:02 AM
And with that, some more stuff:

Sainz to McLaren confirmed
Gasly to Red Bull confirmed

Vergne to Toro Rosso speculated
Force India F1 Team no longer named Sahara Force India F1 Team



Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2018/08/14/fernando-alonso-retire-formula-one-end-season/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fittipaldi-haas-test-steiner/3153149/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/haas-boss-denies-kubica-rumours-20180720)

Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/perez-secure-future-f1-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2018/08/14/fernando-alonso-retire-formula-one-end-season/)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
25. Jean-Eric Vergne (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/903485/1/vergne-approached-over-f1-race-seat-2019)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://racer.com/2018/08/08/mclaren-working-to-hasten-keys-arrival/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/vasseur-plays-down-vandoorne-rumour/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/germany-drive-helps-case-for-2019-sauber-drive--ericsson.html)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/giovinazzi-not-simulator-driver-ferrari-sauber/3155840/?nrt=54)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 23, 2018, 03:49:48 AM
Come on, surely you've got to put Grosjean as a potential Haas driver for 2019....

Vandoorne - do you suppose Toro Rosso fancies hiring someone who so far has looked out of his depth in F1, or would that be too much of a clash with Hartley?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 26, 2018, 04:27:09 AM
Norris to have his second FP1 session next Friday in Monza.  So, seems we still need to find a space for Ocon for next year, unless Chuck Norris gets bartered out to Toro Rosso for a season.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 29, 2018, 05:10:38 AM
Vandoorne confirmed by Vasseur to be not in the equation for 2019 Sauber. Speculation says Ericsson/Leclerc or, if Leclerc goes, Ericsson/Giovinazzi.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vandoorne-not-in-the-frame-for-2019-sauber-drive/3166774/



Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fittipaldi-haas-test-steiner/3153149/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/haas-boss-denies-kubica-rumours-20180720)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-5892277/Crisis-torn-McLaren-want-Kimi-Raikkonen-replace-Fernando-Alonso-star-man-retires.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/948788/F1-news-Fernando-Alonso-next-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren-Lando-Norris-Mercedes-Ferrari)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/de-vries-given-2019-incentive-by-mclaren/)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
25. Jean-Eric Vergne (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/903485/1/vergne-approached-over-f1-race-seat-2019)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138182/albon-thinks-he-can-earn-toro-rosso-f1-shot)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Felix Rosenqvist (link) (https://www.f1today.net/nl/nieuws/f1/238656/brendon-hartley-rijdt-in-monaco-laatste-f1-race-felix-rosenqvist-mogelijk-vervanger) (Dutch)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://racer.com/2018/08/08/mclaren-working-to-hasten-keys-arrival/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/germany-drive-helps-case-for-2019-sauber-drive--ericsson.html)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/giovinazzi-not-simulator-driver-ferrari-sauber/3155840/?nrt=54)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vandoorne-not-in-the-frame-for-2019-sauber-drive/3166774/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/perez-secure-future-f1-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Artem Markelov (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 29, 2018, 05:52:36 AM
Good news for Ericsson but potentially disastrous for the Van Door's F1 future.  Which is a shame, I really like his name.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 29, 2018, 07:37:28 AM
To be honest, making such a statement makes me assume he definitely is in the running. You don't want to undermine Ericsson now that he is scoring the occasional point, but Vandoorne does on paper look like a stronger driver. Perhaps not in 2018, but overall.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 30, 2018, 03:52:24 AM
McLaren to reveal all (of its 2019 drivers) by end of September: https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/30/mclaren-announce-sainz-2019-f1-team-mate-in-september/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 30, 2018, 07:46:21 AM
And with Norris running two FP1 in a row, I think they are measuring if he is up for replacing Vandoorne in 2019. Sainz-Norris could be on the cards.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on August 30, 2018, 03:06:39 PM
Two more rumors for STR: Giovinazzi and the triumphant return of Kvyat.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-in-frame-for-shock-toro-rosso-return-/3167919/?nrt=54
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 30, 2018, 10:59:08 PM
Kvyat? Sure. Gio? Sure. I believe I've speculated about both.

Also, see attached.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on August 31, 2018, 03:27:10 AM
Wow, absolutely no idea Lawrence Stroll had so many tats.

Kvyat back to Toro Rosso... things are getting desperate.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on August 31, 2018, 05:20:30 AM
Quote from: Penfold on August 31, 2018, 03:27:10 AM
Wow, absolutely no idea Lawrence Stroll had so many tats.
It's uncanny how much he resembles the older man from that chopper building show.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 01, 2018, 05:44:30 AM
Distant relatives.

Zakky Brown saying that Norris is one of four guys in the running for a 2019 drive.  So that would be Norris, Van Door, Ocon, and ... (scrolls down to check Chrill's list of possibles, sees only Kimi and de Vries available) ... nope, still not sure who candidate no. 4 might be.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 03, 2018, 12:09:57 AM
Button? Wehrlein? Ericsson? Maldonado? Palmer? Sato? Franck Montagny? Alex Zanardi?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 03, 2018, 03:24:42 AM
More words on Kvyat's return to the Italian Red Bull, including Helmut Marko implying Giovinazzi to Sauber to replace Leclerc:

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-moving-closer-to-2019-toro-rosso-f1-seat/3170455/

And, Leclerc to Ferrari is once more gathering steam:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/leclerc-raikkonen-ferrari-2019-seat/3170465/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 03, 2018, 05:19:02 AM
Hello Norris, bye bye Van Door.

https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 03, 2018, 08:37:21 AM
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/07/raikkonen-every-year-i-am-out-same-story-for-15-years/)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc-1047195/?s=1)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fittipaldi-haas-test-steiner/3153149/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/haas-boss-denies-kubica-rumours-20180720)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/perez-secure-future-f1-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
25. Jean-Eric Vergne (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/903485/1/vergne-approached-over-f1-race-seat-2019)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-in-frame-for-shock-toro-rosso-return-/3167919/?nrt=54)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138182/albon-thinks-he-can-earn-toro-rosso-f1-shot)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-in-frame-for-shock-toro-rosso-return-/3167919/?nrt=54)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-raikkonen-return-vasseur-1061977/)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/germany-drive-helps-case-for-2019-sauber-drive--ericsson.html)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136990/sauber-interest-in-leclerc-a-good-problem-to-have)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/giovinazzi-not-simulator-driver-ferrari-sauber/3155840/?nrt=54)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vandoorne-not-in-the-frame-for-2019-sauber-drive/3166774/)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Artem Markelov (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 03, 2018, 09:05:09 AM
Good.  Glad McLaren has gone with the young'un.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 04, 2018, 12:19:28 AM
Indeed. It leaves Ocon without a McLaren seat, and also keeps Vandoorne searching. Ocon needs to be in F1 next year. If Mercedes can't place him at Force India or McLaren, perhaps Williams is a (sad) option. Other than that, they may just need to rent him out to a rival. Haas, Sauber, Toro Rosso?

Vandoorne's F1 future is looking real shaky too. With Sauber clearly denying Vandoorne is in the running for a 2019 seat, Vandoorne's best bet is Toro Rosso alongside what may turn out to be Kvyat.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 04, 2018, 07:08:26 AM
McLaren tells Toro Rosso to sign Stoffel Vandoorne:

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-toro-rosso-should-sign-vandoorne/3171099/?nrt=54
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 05, 2018, 12:47:06 AM
In a way it's somewhat cheeky for Zakky B. to suggest that this guy we're ditching is good enough for the likes of you... but maybe he has a point.  Van Door has not exactly sparkled at McLaren but perhaps he's just not got the experience/ability to overcome the car's deficiencies in the same was as can Alonso, thus exaggerating his gap to one of the best drivers in modern F1.  Given Toro Rosso's somewhat limited options - do they really want to hand Hartley another year? - I hope they give the Van Door his second chance in F1, if nothing else it's got to be preferable to resuscitating Kvyat's career.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 05, 2018, 01:39:52 AM
I'd still prefer Rosenqvist at Toro Rosso. Perhaps alongside Robin Frijns or some other F1 reject.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 05, 2018, 01:51:49 AM
Come on, we have to keep the Toffee man in F1 just for his name.  Robin Frijns... what am I meant to do with that?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 05, 2018, 05:27:39 AM
Quote from: Penfold on September 05, 2018, 01:51:49 AM
Come on, we have to keep the Toffee man in F1 just for his name.  Robin Frijns... what am I meant to do with that?

Rob the Fringe?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 06, 2018, 12:43:59 AM
Toro Rosso claims they have a list of 10 names:
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/09/05/marko-we-have-a-list-of-ten-drivers-for-toro-rosso/

Let us guess:

1. Daniil Kvyat
2. Brendon Hartley
3. Jean-Eric Vergne
4. Stoffel Vandoorne
5. Esteban Ocon
6. Sebastien Buemi
7. Alexander Albon
8. Antonio Giovinazzi
9. Dan Ticktum
10. ???

Well, 9/10 isn't bad. The ninth appears to be out of the question, simply because he lacks the points needed to compete.

EDIT: Maybe Pascal Wehrlein, they whispered his name earlier this year. That'd complete the list.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 06, 2018, 03:59:52 AM
Ocon to Williams still more likely with the Mercedes connection.  Let's also assume Ferrari chooses 'It is I' to be Vettel's no. 2 next year, which sees Giovinazzi toddle off to Sauber.  Suddenly, the talent pool has thinned markedly: several F1 rejects, two drivers half-way through less than stellar debut years, some guy called Albon, and one without a Super Licence. 

Quote from: Chrill on September 05, 2018, 05:27:39 AM
Quote from: Penfold on September 05, 2018, 01:51:49 AM
Come on, we have to keep the Toffee man in F1 just for his name.  Robin Frijns... what am I meant to do with that?

Rob the Fringe?
Of course... I don't know why 'fringe' didn't leap out at me.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 06, 2018, 04:37:20 AM
Or just "Robbing the fridge". I mean, perhaps he eats a lot of late night snacks. A little chubby, are we?

Rumours claim Leclerc to Ferrari will be announced during the day of today. As in, this day that we are currently living.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 06, 2018, 11:27:54 AM
Buemi?

Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 07, 2018, 01:09:25 AM
Now what's the word I'm looking for... ah yes, uninspiring, that's the one.  Perhaps he and Hartley could be paired to secure Toro Rosso the 'Worst Driver Line-up of 2019' award. 
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 07, 2018, 01:16:17 AM
How about Lucas di Grassi, Scott Speed, Nelson Piquet Jr, and Bruno Senna? Maybe Vitaly Petrov and Pastor Maldonado can knock on the door too. I think Karun Chandhok and Timo Glock still have what it takes.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 07, 2018, 01:33:40 AM
How dare you not even consider Anthony Davidson!
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 07, 2018, 02:13:46 AM
He spun during a warm-up lap at Silverstone.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 07, 2018, 05:27:12 AM
Talk about high standards.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 07, 2018, 06:32:26 AM
Esteban Ocon is ruled out of contention for a Toro Rosso seat, owing to his Mercedes ties:

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/toro-rosso-ocon-horner-mercedes/3172433/?nrt=54
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 11, 2018, 02:23:04 AM
Wow. This is not even fake. I promise. This is real:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen

Kimi Raikkonen confirms on Instagram that he has signed a two-year contract with SAUBER, securing his return to the team. That paves the way for Leclerc to join Ferrari.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 11, 2018, 03:35:55 AM
And the obvious followup, Ferrari confirms Leclerc alongside Vettel for 2019:

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 11, 2018, 03:40:06 AM
Look at this fashionable table with Kimi at Sauber and Charlie at Ferrari:


Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charlec Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/300770-magnussen-stability-haas-wants-keep.html)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fittipaldi-haas-test-steiner/3153149/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/haas-boss-denies-kubica-rumours-20180720)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/perez-secure-future-f1-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
25. Jean-Eric Vergne (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/903485/1/vergne-approached-over-f1-race-seat-2019)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-in-frame-for-shock-toro-rosso-return-/3167919/?nrt=54)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/13/inside-line-is-hartley-already-on-his-way-out/)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138182/albon-thinks-he-can-earn-toro-rosso-f1-shot)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-in-frame-for-shock-toro-rosso-return-/3167919/?nrt=54)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)
?. Sebastien Buemi (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/buemi-joins-2019-toro-rosso-shopping-list/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/toro-rosso-ocon-horner-mercedes/3172433/?nrt=54)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/germany-drive-helps-case-for-2019-sauber-drive--ericsson.html)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/giovinazzi-not-simulator-driver-ferrari-sauber/3155840/?nrt=54)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vandoorne-not-in-the-frame-for-2019-sauber-drive/3166774/)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Artem Markelov (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 11, 2018, 03:45:28 AM
That man Kimi is obviously still loving F1.  So, Eric's son or Giovinazzi as his sidekick?  I'm kind of hoping it's the latter (sorry!).
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 11, 2018, 07:23:41 AM
I'm obviously hoping for Ericsson, but that has nothing to do with his talent.

Then again, Giovinazzi hasn't been a superstar whenever he's driven a car in free practice.

Word has it Ferrari "owns" one seat at Sauber. Is that occupied by Kimi now, or is Kimi replacing Ericsson's seat? We'll find out in due time, I'm sure. I'd say Ericsson has a 50% chance at taking a Sauber seat, if that fails I'd assume he's perfect for Williams. Has money, is mediocre. That's all they require at Williams.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 12, 2018, 11:27:47 AM
Even though Red Bull have since moved to deny these rumours, I want to post it because of the name.

https://www.essentiallysports.com/mick-schumacher-targeted-toro-rosso/

Mick Schumacher connected with a 2019 Toro Rosso drive.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on September 17, 2018, 10:18:15 AM
Is the German publication Auto Motor und Sport (AMuS) a good source? From what I can tell, it is, but Europeans probably have a better idea.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 17, 2018, 10:29:58 AM
I think it is, but Chrill might have a better idea than me.

As mentioned by someone (perhaps Eddie Jordan) during yesterday's GP coverage, George Russell is moving closer to a Williams seat for 2019: https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/george-russell-on-pole-for-williams-seat-20180917

Also in that piece, Giovinazzi to Sauber is said to be a done deal.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 19, 2018, 01:01:52 AM
Kvyat is a done deal for a shock Toro Rosso return, but who is joining him? Wehrlein, that's who. Which we speculated about in a Swedish F1 group last week after a fan spotted Helmut Marko and Pascal Wehrlein dining together after the Italian GP. And now, media is reporting a Kvyat-Wehrlein duo at Toro Rosso for 2019:

https://www.planetf1.com/news/wehrlein-poised-for-return-with-toro-rosso/

Quote from: Penfold on September 17, 2018, 10:29:58 AM
As mentioned by someone (perhaps Eddie Jordan) during yesterday's GP coverage, George Russell is moving closer to a Williams seat for 2019: https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/george-russell-on-pole-for-williams-seat-20180917

Also in that piece, Giovinazzi to Sauber is said to be a done deal.
George Russell to Williams seems a bit less likely to me than, for example, any rich driver ever. If Mercedes can't fit Ocon in a car, why bother fighting for another young one?

Giovinazzi to Sauber and Vandoorne to a third driver/simulator driver role at Ferrari is what I've heard. Similar to what Giovinazzi and Kvyat has been doing for Ferrari lately.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 19, 2018, 01:40:30 AM
Kvyat and Wehrlein... talk about an underwhelming line-up.

Merc. would surely have to gift Williams all engine components (value of about $15 million per annum) to have a hope of getting a seat for Georgie Porgie, but then wouldn't they do that for Ocon first?  I don't know, perhaps Russell has some other backers of which we are unaware.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 19, 2018, 05:48:00 AM
I mean, if I am to bet who will go out of F1 at the end of this season:

Alonso, Vandoorne, Ericsson, Hartley, (Ocon)

Replaced by:
Giovinazzi, Norris, Kvyat, Wehrlein, (Markelov/Russell)

I mean, not quite in that order, but yeah you get the idea.

I could still see Grosjean leaving Haas replaced by Perez, for example, but it seems like the Mexican will accompany Stroll next year. I could also hope for Giovinazzi to find a spot at Haas instead of at Sauber. But then again, I know I'm one of few who would miss Ericsson. And then again, who knows, maybe I'll get a Swede in F1 sometime in the future. Linus Lundqvist of British F3, for example.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on September 19, 2018, 07:35:56 AM
I like Wehrlein. Kvyat, on the other hand, has had more than enough chances.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 20, 2018, 03:26:22 AM
You know what they say: Third time's the charm!

Ericsson still in with a shot at Williams; if Merc won't fund a driver it will need to be someone with personal backers.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 20, 2018, 06:29:12 AM
Yes, Ericsson's personal backers who seem to have sold out to Raikkonen. In other words, they have got their money's worth with Ericsson. I think if he leaves Sauber, joining Williams may not be right for him.

Ericsson would be excellent in WEC, he is great at tyre management and managing a car. He just lacks that absolute top speed. WEC, no problem, Ericsson would be a brilliant endurance racer.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 20, 2018, 12:09:11 PM
Helmut Marko declares that Toro Rosso is weighing up three drivers, and he names them:

Daniil Kvyat
Antonio Giovinazzi
Aaandddd....

Robert Kubica

https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/09/20/marko-kvyat-giovinazzi-or-kubica-for-toro-rosso/

They'll announce one driver in Russia, and Kvyat is Russian so there's that. Kubica vs Giovinazzi, unless Hartley improves decently in the last few races.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on September 20, 2018, 03:46:45 PM
And Giovinazzi is still considered likely to take the remaining Sauber seat? I really want to see Kubica get one real chance to return.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 21, 2018, 02:55:12 AM
I'd say right now my money would be on Giovinazzi at Sauber, but then again Ferrari only just promoted Leclerc. Giovinazzi has been a solid simulation driver but not as solid as a test/reserve driver.  I think Ferrari are hesitant to "waste money" on Giovinazzi.

I'd give it something like 60% for Giovinazzi to race for Sauber in 2019, 25% for him to remain in a supportive role and maybe 10% for him to join a non-Ferrari team. The last 5%, I suppose, is divided between "being dropped entirely" or "Ferrari paying to put him in Haas".

I'd place my money on Kvyat-Wehrlein at Toro Rosso, or indeed Kvyat-Hartley if he shapes up some more. Kubica is old, but then again a great PR stunt if you'd bring him back. Not to mention, if Gasly simply doesn't deliver then who wouldn't want to see Kubica racing Verstappen in a Red Bull?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 25, 2018, 06:05:33 AM
Giovinazzi confirmed alongside Kimi for 2019, ousting my fellow Swede:
http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team

Expected, the right call too, but definitely saddens me nonetheless. I like Ericsson.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 25, 2018, 06:49:01 AM
Ericsson stays on as "brand ambassador" and third driver for 2019:
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/906188/1/ericsson-become-sauber-third-driver

Effectively confirming he is not in the running for a seat at Williams.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 25, 2018, 07:47:54 AM
... so will it be Markelov?  I'm still assuming they need someone with a wodge of cash to help keep the lights on at Williams HQ (at least for their F1 operations, the engineering business is going fine).
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 25, 2018, 08:02:43 AM
I'd say this opens up for Ocon or Kubica at Williams. Or, indeed Markelov. Russell, why would he get a seat ahead of Ocon? That makes little sense.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 28, 2018, 01:28:25 AM
No change at Haas:

https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 28, 2018, 01:31:19 AM
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/perez-secure-future-f1-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
25. Jean-Eric Vergne (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/903485/1/vergne-approached-over-f1-race-seat-2019)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-in-frame-for-shock-toro-rosso-return-/3167919/?nrt=54)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/pascal-wehrlein-suddenly-emerges-strong-candidate-2019-f1-seat)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138182/albon-thinks-he-can-earn-toro-rosso-f1-shot)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/mick-schumacher-targeted-toro-rosso/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)
?. Sebastien Buemi (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/buemi-joins-2019-toro-rosso-shopping-list/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/toro-rosso-ocon-horner-mercedes/3172433/?nrt=54)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team)

Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Artem Markelov (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 28, 2018, 02:36:03 AM
Just popped by to post the Haas story... beaten to the punch, yet again.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 28, 2018, 02:57:52 AM
I like beating and punching.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 28, 2018, 03:05:51 AM
Is that you, Iron Mike?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on September 29, 2018, 05:03:48 AM
Kvyat confirmed for Toro Rosso.  How exciting.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on September 29, 2018, 05:34:06 AM
Very.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 01, 2018, 06:41:34 AM
Helmut Marko rules out Vandoorne for second Toro Rosso seat, calling him "not fast enough for us":
https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/vandoorne-not-fast-enough-for-toro-rosso-marko-20181001
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 02, 2018, 06:43:44 AM
This from the guy who gave J.R. Hartley a seat....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 12, 2018, 04:05:54 AM
Georgie Porgie (Russell) gets to race for Williams next year: https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/12/george-russell-handed-f1-debut-with-williams-in-2019/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 12, 2018, 04:21:38 AM
Quite. Cubit or Macaroni to race alongside him, it seems.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 12, 2018, 04:25:50 AM
New layout for our grid then. I've removed Buemi and Albon from Toro Rosso based on them being conformed as drivers in Formula E next year. Hartley, Wehrlein, Ticktum, Schumacher, Kubica, or Vergne may all still be in the run for that second Toro Rosso seat anyway.



Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/perez-secure-future-f1-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45639663)
25. Jean-Eric Vergne (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/903485/1/vergne-approached-over-f1-race-seat-2019)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (https://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/pascal-wehrlein-suddenly-emerges-strong-candidate-2019-f1-seat)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ticktum-hartley-replacement-toro-rosso-1056560/?tp%5B0%5D=2&s=1)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/mick-schumacher-targeted-toro-rosso/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/toro-rosso-ocon-horner-mercedes/3172433/?nrt=54)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43646314_2146572882049248_8856697695109120000_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&oh=82baf135ae0b3e77704aa63511fd5429&oe=5C5F6CBD)
?. Sebastien Buemi (link) (https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43646314_2146572882049248_8856697695109120000_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&oh=82baf135ae0b3e77704aa63511fd5429&oe=5C5F6CBD)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team)

Williams Martini Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/12/george-russell-handed-f1-debut-with-williams-in-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Artem Markelov (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 12, 2018, 04:31:12 AM
Also, 63 is almost 100% sure to be his number. It's free, and it sort of spells out GR. See?

(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ab93190cef372bf6644806b/5ac930c42b6a289d0895d743/5ad777802b6a28c3854e376a/1524070278341/Grid+Graphics+Images5.jpg?format=500w)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 12, 2018, 04:38:21 AM
I do.

Quote from: Chrill on October 12, 2018, 04:21:38 AM
Quite. Cubit or Macaroni to race alongside him, it seems.
I forget, which ones are Cubit and Macaroni?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 12, 2018, 04:39:07 AM
Quote from: Penfold on October 12, 2018, 04:38:21 AM
I forget, which ones are Cubit and Macaroni?
Kubica and Markelov.  ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 12, 2018, 05:09:44 AM
They're the chaps.

Just for future reference, I shall be referring to Mazepin (should he venture into F1) as Battenberg.  This obviously requires no explanation.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 12, 2018, 06:57:51 AM
I'll call him Princess Cake for the same reason.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_cake
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 15, 2018, 01:50:28 AM
Mika Hakkinen is only 50 years old, he can easily make a return to F1:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hakkinen-would-only-return-to-racing-to-kick-some-butt/3194961/

(No, I'm not serious)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 15, 2018, 03:16:22 AM
Quote from: Chrill on October 12, 2018, 06:57:51 AM
I'll call him Princess Cake for the same reason.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_cake
I'd say use prinsesstarta, that's a fantastic name.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 15, 2018, 05:49:46 AM
Quote from: Penfold on October 15, 2018, 03:16:22 AM
Quote from: Chrill on October 12, 2018, 06:57:51 AM
I'll call him Princess Cake for the same reason.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_cake
I'd say use prinsesstarta, that's a fantastic name.
Prinsesstarta it is.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 16, 2018, 12:33:52 AM
No Wehrlein for Toro Rosso 2019, he's signed for Formula E:

http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2018/october/wehrlein-and-dambrosio-to-race-for-mahindra-in-season-5/

As has the Stoff, as you previously announced:

http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/24987255/stoffel-vandoorne-confirms-formula-e-move-2019

And Jean-Eric Vergne stays with Techeetah in Formula E:

https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/ds-techeetah-unveils-new-ds-e-tense-fe19-car/

And Ticktum, not having enough points to race in F1, can be excluded too.



I'm starting to think perhaps Hartley will earn another one-year contract for Toro Rosso after all. It's him, the Polish man, or the little shoe maker. Shoemakerinho as he'd be called in Brazil, I reckon.

That gives us this table for Toro Rosso (and the rest of them):



Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/perez-secure-future-f1-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45639663)
28. Brendon Hartley (link) (https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/brendon-hartleys-chances-racing-in-2019-receive-big-boost-after-shock-driver-departure-f1-team)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/mick-schumacher-targeted-toro-rosso/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)
25. Jean-Eric Vergne (link) (https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/ds-techeetah-unveils-new-ds-e-tense-fe19-car/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/toro-rosso-ocon-horner-mercedes/3172433/?nrt=54)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2018/october/wehrlein-and-dambrosio-to-race-for-mahindra-in-season-5/)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43646314_2146572882049248_8856697695109120000_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&oh=82baf135ae0b3e77704aa63511fd5429&oe=5C5F6CBD)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.sport24.co.za/Motorsport/ticktum-not-ready-for-toro-rosso-tost-20181001)
?. Sebastien Buemi (link) (https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43646314_2146572882049248_8856697695109120000_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&oh=82baf135ae0b3e77704aa63511fd5429&oe=5C5F6CBD)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team)

Williams Martini Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/12/george-russell-handed-f1-debut-with-williams-in-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Artem Markelov (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 16, 2018, 02:06:46 AM
You know how sometimes you are bored? I couldn't find a table of all drivers and their super licence points for 2018 so I created one based off of a 2017 table.

See attached:
Google Doc "FIA Licence Points - 2018" (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IjI5OqULfYhNl0RgEVuMG75qxNqkeTz0njSD1RsUFZU/edit?usp=sharing)

To sum it up, these guys have 40 or more points (in order of total points). Highlighted are those speculated to join F1.

Sebastien Buemi
Lucas di Grassi
Lando Norris
George Russell

Simon Pagenaud
Kazuki Nakajima
Nicolas Lapierre
Scott Dixon
Nick Cassidy
Artem Markelov
Alexander Albon

Neel Jani
Will Power
Josef Newgarden
Kamui Kobayashi
Gustavo Menezes
Mike Conway
Jean-Eric Vergne
Sam Bird
Mick Schumacher
Timo Bernhard
Maximilian Gunther
Oliver Rowland
Nyck de Vries

Luca Ghiotto
Bruno Senna
Earl Bamber
Oliver Jarvis

In addition to them, anyone who has raced in F1 in the last 3 years also hold the licence.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 16, 2018, 02:17:30 AM
Also some notables who today do not qualify for the licence:

Pastor Maldonado, 10p
Dan Ticktum, 25p
Felix Rosenqvist, 36p
Jerome D'Ambrosio, 8p
Alexander Rossi, 34p
Sebastien Bourdais, 4p
Brad Keselowski, 7p
Will Stevens, 4p
Nikita Mazepin, 21p
Max Chilton, 0p (yup, zero)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 16, 2018, 04:54:43 AM
At least you're putting your boredom to good use.  Well, maybe good use is pushing it.  ;)

So, Pastor Maldonado can be yours for just 10p... cheap at twice the price - although I bet he costs a lot more to keep (feed) than an Alexander Rossi.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 17, 2018, 01:25:43 AM
Toro Rosso wants to steal Alexander Albon from Nissan's Formula E team:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-toro-rosso-hartley-2019-nissan-formulae/3196111/

We'll see if they are successful.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 17, 2018, 04:48:36 AM
Now, he can be called Blur.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 17, 2018, 05:51:28 AM
I always did prefer the Gallaghers.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 19, 2018, 01:21:38 AM
Ocon aiming for the second Williams seat alongside George Russell:
https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/19/ocon-wants-one-year-williams-deal-in-case-good-opportunities-appear-in-2020/

And here's an updated table, including Perez confirmed at the point of racing:

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905584)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45639663)
28. Brendon Hartley (link) (https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/brendon-hartleys-chances-racing-in-2019-receive-big-boost-after-shock-driver-departure-f1-team)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-toro-rosso-hartley-2019-nissan-formulae/3196111/)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/mick-schumacher-targeted-toro-rosso/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/kubica-could-replace-hartley-at-toro-rosso-20180531)
25. Jean-Eric Vergne (link) (https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/ds-techeetah-unveils-new-ds-e-tense-fe19-car/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/toro-rosso-ocon-horner-mercedes/3172433/?nrt=54)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2018/october/wehrlein-and-dambrosio-to-race-for-mahindra-in-season-5/)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.sport24.co.za/Motorsport/ticktum-not-ready-for-toro-rosso-tost-20181001)
?. Sebastien Buemi (link) (https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43646314_2146572882049248_8856697695109120000_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&oh=82baf135ae0b3e77704aa63511fd5429&oe=5C5F6CBD)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team)

Williams Martini Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/12/george-russell-handed-f1-debut-with-williams-in-2019/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/stroll-set-to-stay-at-williams-for-2019/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/19/ocon-wants-one-year-williams-deal-in-case-good-opportunities-appear-in-2020/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133985/williams-expects-many-years-with-sirotkin)
?. Artem Markelov (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (http://www.f1i.com/news/315268-markelov-mazepin-poised-replace-stroll-williams.html)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-young-talent-makes-f1-shot-difficult/3152053/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134008/williams-kubica-has-got-to-earn-2019-race-seat)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 22, 2018, 02:25:53 AM
Sounds like the Williams seat is Ocon's if the team can make the budget work, but that is quite a big 'if'.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 22, 2018, 02:52:32 AM
Well, Williams are losing a trifecta of cash for 2019 - Sirotkin, Stroll, and Martini. I'd genuinely prefer it if they kept Sirotkin's Russian money over Ocon's talent. Going for Ocon would have negative consequences financially, which would have a negative effect on their already poor performance. Ocon should grab a third seat at Mercedes and replace Bottas come 2020.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 22, 2018, 03:35:08 AM
Quite.  Claire Williams basically said that they'd love to take Ocon but the figures would have to make sense, i.e. Mercedes would have to stump up some cash/free engines; Claire also said that George Russell was hired on talent not on the back of Merc support: "This (hiring Russell) doesn't enhance our racing budget, this was a decision purely based on the talent we know George has."

You'd have to say that Sirotkin or Kubica (he's been doing the rounds in Poland trying to bolster his finances) are still favourites for the second seat, but Merc. has the option of keeping Ocon in F1 next year.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 22, 2018, 09:04:50 AM
Well, at this stage one has to acknowledge that Kubica is a one-handed veteran with limited funding and quite frankly limited experience. Sirotkin has not set the world alight, quite the opposite judging from our Driver Ratings, but at least he's rich. I'm surprised Williams are talking quite so openly about wishing to replace him with Ocon. It can't be good for his confidence.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 23, 2018, 08:09:45 AM
DAMS and Nissan e.dams (is that their name?) confirms that Toro Rosso is hunting for Alexander Albon, but no deal has been reached. They also confirm that they're all rather upset about it:

https://www.autosport.com/fe/news/139542/albon-fe-team-very-unhappy-after-red-bull-bid
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on October 25, 2018, 03:11:30 AM
I wonder where one goes to hunt for an Alexander Albon?  Never mind, after some exhaustive research (five seconds on Google), I see that the lesser spotted Albon is indigenous to the Milton Keynes area... but what will this information be worth to Toro Rosso?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 25, 2018, 07:45:58 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albon,_Dr%C3%B4me
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on October 30, 2018, 04:50:33 AM
Kubica in line to replace Giovinazzi as Development Driver for Ferrari:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-ferrari-simulator-role-williams/3205610/

In my view, that most likely includes a reserve driver role for Sauber and Ferrari, perhaps Haas as well.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 02, 2018, 05:56:44 AM
Hope it does include Haas - a few more penalty points for Grosjean and Kubica would be off to the races (race).
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on November 02, 2018, 08:37:35 AM
This might require going back in history, but what is the longest gap between scoring points? If Kubica makes it into a race next season and scores points, would he break that record?

In modern F1, with extended points and pretty standard career paths, no one goes eight years between scoring points. Back in the day, with fewer points-paying positions and a less predictable grid, it may have happened.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 02, 2018, 10:17:17 AM
Certainly going back in history for this one: Lucien Bianchi holds the record at 7 years, 11 months, and 7 days (between Belgium 1960 & Monaco '68).

Wasn't sure there would be a list compiled for such a statistic, but here it is: http://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/ecart.aspx

Good old Alexander Wurz in twelfth place, just nudging Aguri Suzuki by a few months.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 04, 2018, 02:36:11 PM
Decent statistics, that. Kubica last raced in 2010, meaning he'd be coming up on over 8 years if indeed he made the grid in 2019. That would put him first on that list, most recently scoring with a P5 in Abu Dhabi on 14 November 2010.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 09, 2018, 05:14:32 AM
No sources, but I'm hearing Sirotkin is no longer in the running for a Williams seat. I'm hearing Stroll may actually remain at Williams. I don't believe it yet, but it's fun to post. Force India is supposedly pushing to keep Ocon.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 10, 2018, 02:12:25 AM
Obviously they want to keep Ocon, they've seen how well Stroll handles an F1 car....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 12, 2018, 09:42:46 AM
Do you speak German?

https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/kubica-comeback-williams/

If you do, you'll see that this article claims "Williams will confirm Kubica as their second driver for 2019". As in, race driver. As in, Kubica to return. Auto Motor und Sport is generally a very reliable news source, not a gossipy F1 newspaper. If they say this, it is likely that negotiations are at a serious stage.

If you don't speak German, let my very poor German translate some highlights for you:
* 90% likelihood Kubica will make a 2019 comeback
* Ocon to take seat as reserve driver for Mercedes, Williams, and Force India
* Williams will sell Friday practice outings to highest bidder (Mazepin), so the number of weekends Kubica will have to stand aside is one of few things they still haven't agreed on, the only thing missing is a signature on the contract
* Wehrlein will replace Kvyat as third driver at Ferrari
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 21, 2018, 02:44:15 AM
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-williams-race-deal-2019/4301134/
'Kubica agrees 2019 Williams race deal'

Please be true, please be true. An announcement is expected early in the Abu Dhabi weekend, so I'm guessing tomorrow or Friday.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 21, 2018, 04:06:15 AM
Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on November 21, 2018, 11:20:13 AM
I already hate social media, but the amount of people bitching that he does not deserve it truly enrage me. How do you know that? He might not be good anymore, but how do you know that? And then there are the people who say he was never good to begin with... Sometimes I think the F1 fanbase is objectively the dumbest on Earth behind the Trump fanbase.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 22, 2018, 01:37:06 AM
Quite.  Stating that Rob no longer has 'it' is one thing, a fairly idiotic thing because Williams hasn't kept him hanging around out of sympathy, but then fairly idiotic is base level for a lot of people out there; stating that he never had 'it' takes idiocy to a whole new level....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 22, 2018, 02:19:03 AM
No longer mere speculation, Kubica will be racing for Williams next year: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46300009
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 22, 2018, 02:24:39 AM
https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/11/williams-martini-racing-confirms-robert-kubica-as-race-driver-for-2019

Sooo exciting.

Re Matt's comments: Yes, I've seen the very same in a few Swedish F1 groups I frequent. They argue that "something is wrong when a 33-year old one-armed guy can beat a young up-and-comer to an F1 seat".

From where I sit, we already have two of the top three F2 drivers of 2018 joining F1 in 2019 (Russel, Norris), alongside a former runner-up of the series (Giovinazzi) and potentially the final part of the 2018 podium (Albon). What could a FIFTH rookie bring that the other 4 cannot? This year, we got to see Leclerc and Gasly and they will both drive race-winning cars in 2019. Surely this proves F1 is healthy (assuming you align yourself with the big 3, that is another issue).

If Kubica brings sponsorship to Williams, and is capable at racing 90% of his previous capacity, he'll prove a real tough nut for Russell to crack and could really help the Williams team. Their 2019 duo looks a whole lot hotter than the 2018 counterpart.

The only thing wrong with F1 drivers at the moment is Stroll and Sirotkin. We're only keeping 50% of that.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 22, 2018, 02:28:35 AM
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Rich Energy Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905584)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-linked-force-india-move-williams-1061540/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621)
?. Nicholas Latifi (link) (https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/latifi-targets-f1-race-seat-for-2019-20180606)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45639663)
28. Brendon Hartley (link) (https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/brendon-hartleys-chances-racing-in-2019-receive-big-boost-after-shock-driver-departure-f1-team)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-toro-rosso-hartley-2019-nissan-formulae/3196111/)
?. Dan Ticktum (link) (https://www.sport24.co.za/Motorsport/ticktum-not-ready-for-toro-rosso-tost-20181001)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team)

Williams Martini Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/12/george-russell-handed-f1-debut-with-williams-in-2019/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/46300009)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 22, 2018, 02:49:11 AM
Kubica won his only F1 race with car number 4, and that number is available for 2019. Just saying.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 22, 2018, 03:30:07 AM
Agree with your comments re: Kubica & F1's current talent pool.  The only real weak spots for me in 2019 are Stroll, Hartley (assuming he stays), and Kvyat - unless he's magically improved during his enforced holiday.  This begs the question, which team will have the worst driver line-up next year: Force India with Perez/Stroll, or Toro Rosso with, let's say, Kvyat/Hartley?  Is Stroll so poor that he drags Force India's average below that of Toro Rosso?
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 22, 2018, 04:44:30 AM
I rated Kvyat highly before his farcical final season with Red Bull. If he has got his moral up and his mindset right, he is a really strong signing by Toro Rosso. If we get a grid like it seems we are, I'd say the weakest pairings will be Stroll/Perez, Kvyat/Albon or Sainz/Norris. In other words, pretty strong all around the grid.

Maybe something like this, I wrote it up with (very) little thought:

1. Vettel/Leclerc
2. Verstappen/Gasly
3. Ricciardo/Hulkenberg
4. Hamilton/Bottas
5. Raikkonen/Giovinazzi
6. Kubica/Russell
7. Grosjean/Magnussen
8. Kvyat/Albon
=. Stroll/Perez
=. Sainz/Norris
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Matt on November 22, 2018, 03:48:20 PM
Quote from: Chrill on November 22, 2018, 02:24:39 AM
The only thing wrong with F1 drivers at the moment is Stroll and Sirotkin. We're only keeping 50% of that.

The narrative that Williams?s struggles had nothing to do with the drivers started immediately in Australia, and it is ridiculous. Yes, the car is bad anyway. But we just saw Stroll get destroyed by Massa, who was way past his prime. And then we have Will Buxton, who is, to me, the most annoying personality in English-speaking F1 coverage, tweeting his normal cheerleading BS about how Sirotkin was ?brilliant? this season. Sirotkin was average at best. I just don?t get why some people act like every driver in F1 is actually a future world champion if only they got more of a chance (see: Vandoorne, Sirotkin).

On top of that, I have seen many people saying that Ocon has proven that he is just a pretty good driver and has no higher ceiling. This has intensified since Brazil, which was a dumb mistake, sure, but he has been right with Perez for two years, and Perez is good with a ton of experience.

So anyway, similar to my last post, I do not understand where people come up with some of the shit they think.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 23, 2018, 01:55:22 AM
Sirotkin has been poor this year. He was soundly beaten by Stroll, who was soundly beaten by Massa, who was soundly beaten by Bottas, who is getting destroyed by Hamilton.

I will happily rate Stroll and Sirotkin as the 19th and 20th best F1 driver of the season respectively. I don't know if my Driver Ratings align with that, though. Hmm, nope. I rate Sirotkin 19th and Stroll 20th. Oh well, they're still at the bottom. :)

Sirotkin has a season-best of 8 at the Singapore GP. Stroll, too, scored 8 but that was both in Italy and Azerbaijan. Only one other driver has failed to score 9 or 10 at least once, Bottas, but he consistently scored 7 or 8 so is rated far higher still. Bottas has been reliably mediocre, I suppose.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 26, 2018, 07:15:03 AM
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-set-toro-rosso-drive-2019/4304510/
Albon no longer tied to Nissan's Formula E project. It would be a very strange move to make unless he was about be announced for Toro Rosso. Which we can all agree he most likely is.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 26, 2018, 11:00:11 AM
And there's the confirmation, thus completing the grid. Technically, one seat is still open at Racing Point but I wonder who gets that...

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-confirmed-toro-rosso-2019/4304672/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 30, 2018, 05:00:31 AM
Could be almost anyone.

Glad to see Blur (Albon) in for JR (Hartley).  Means for 2019 we get: Three new racers, two guys promoted, and a Kubica in a Williams car. 
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on November 30, 2018, 07:06:58 AM
You'll never guess who's been picked to partner Perez at Force India: https://www.racefans.net/2018/11/30/2019-f1-grid-complete-force-india-drop-ocon-stroll/
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 30, 2018, 07:57:25 AM
Oh my word. I can't even.

And with that stunning announcement, we have our 2019 grid:

Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)

Renault Sport Formula One Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Rich Energy Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)

McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)
?. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)

Racing Point Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905584)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://www.forceindiaf1.com/news/lance-stroll-race-alongside-sergio-perez-2019)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45639663)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-confirmed-toro-rosso-2019/4304672/)

Williams Martini Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/12/george-russell-handed-f1-debut-with-williams-in-2019/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/46300009)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on November 30, 2018, 02:48:22 PM
And now, the FIA has published the official entry list, complete with numbers for all drivers except Albon as well as a non-Force India name for Force India. Ferrari includes "Mission Winnow" in their team name, Williams removes Martini, Haas adds Rich Energy, and Renault shortens their name to merely "Renault F1 Team". Good stuff.

Interestingly, it lists Perez as "Sergio Perez Mendoza" which I have not seen before but shall oblige with.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-new-contract-1061352/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/7/bottas-commits-to-mercedes-for-2019.html)

Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-announces-leclerc-replacing-raikkonen/3174725/)

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45253813)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2017/10/21/verstappen-signs-red-bull-2020/)

Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/03/daniel-ricciardo-quit-red-bull-f1-team-renault-2019-season/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11459194/ricciardo-quits-red-bull-for-renault)

Rich Energy Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/28/haas-keep-grosjean-and-magnussen-for-2019/)

McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/lando-norris/lando-norris-drive-mclaren-2019/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-to-race-with-mclaren-in-2019/3159457/)

Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez Mendoza (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905584)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://www.forceindiaf1.com/news/lance-stroll-race-alongside-sergio-perez-2019)

Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team:
7. Kimi Raikkonen (link) (https://www.instagram.com/p/BnlCYA-hWBD/?taken-by=kimimatiasraikkonen)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.fiatpress.com/press/article/antonio-giovinazzi-to-race-for-the-alfa-romeo-sauber-f1-team)

Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45639663)
?. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-confirmed-toro-rosso-2019/4304672/)

Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2018/10/12/george-russell-handed-f1-debut-with-williams-in-2019/)
88. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/46300009)
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on December 19, 2018, 12:18:36 AM
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/formula-one-entry-list-albon/4314693/

Albon does not want to copy Valentino Rossi because he is Valentino Rossi, so he goes halfway there. 23 for Albon.
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Penfold on December 19, 2018, 03:42:26 AM
That's about as exciting as the news gets this time of year....
Title: Re: 2019 Driver Speculation
Post by: Chrill on December 19, 2018, 07:41:43 AM
At least the grid is complete. Yay.