Yeees, it's time for this. The 2020 season refuses to start, so let's talk 2021.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/06/mercedes-confirm-bottas-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-future-three-more-years-mercedes/4846635/)
Red Bull Racing:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/12/18/official-perez-in-albon-out-at-red-bull-for-2021/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150474/racing-point-has-no-space-for-vettel--szafnauer)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/28/alphatauri-confirm-gasly-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-tsunoda-to-make-f1-racing-debut-with-alphatauri-in-2021-in-place-of.2AeT7L7KrbDKmIxvXgYrp4.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/official-raikkonen-and-giovinazzi-confirmed-for-third-year-at-alfa-romeo/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/official-raikkonen-and-giovinazzi-confirmed-for-third-year-at-alfa-romeo/)
Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-haas-2021-driver-schumacher/4919057/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mick-schumacher-haas-2021-seat/4919637/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/renault-vettel-2020-ricciardo-seat/4761236/
For example, Vettel to Renault if they lose Ricciardo? Sure.
Couldn't be bothered to find sources for everyone yet, but those who are with a team today remain linked to them. I've added Vettel to Renault and some of Red Bull's junior drivers to AlphaTauri, a Japanese driver and an Estonian driver.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton
63. George Russell
77. Valtteri Bottas
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
5. Sebastian Vettel
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
23. Alexander Albon
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz
Renault DP World F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/renault-vettel-2020-ricciardo-seat/4761236/)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
18. Lance Stroll
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly
26. Daniil Kvyat
?. Jüri Vips (link) (http://www.formulascout.com/could-juri-vips-be-red-bulls-next-shock-f1-promotion/53368)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpha-tauri-eyes-honda-driver-tsunoda.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen
99. Antonio Giovinazzi
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
20. Kevin Magnussen
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/08/01/formula-1-williams-confirm-george-russell-2021/)
6. Nicolas Latifi
About bloody time. We're mere days from our second non-race of the season and yet you've only just got round to this 2021-themed thread, a mite laggardly if you don't mind me saying....
I've no idea who might replace a departing Vettel, unless he did a straight swap with Ricciardo. I can't think of any other really obvious candidates out there, though I'm sure Ferrari would happily peel Norris away from McLaren.
Then there's the Bottas question. That question being will he do enough to keep Russell at bay?
Who else needs to keep a wary eye over their shoulder... Giovinazzi must be a prime choice. Time to resuscitate the Mick Schumacher rumours?
I could see several drivers joining Ferrari if Vettel goes: Perez, Sainz, Norris, Ricciardo, Bottas (if you want to win, hire a Finn). If Giovinazzi has a great season, he could even be on the cards for the seat. Talk about turnaround, since he's only racing in 2020 because Mick Schumacher wasn't fast enough in F2.
I'll happily concede that Giovinazzi improved as 2019 went on, but for me he's going to need another sizeable jump in performance before a Ferrari seat is merited. Who knows, perhaps he'll do just that.
As for Perez, isn't he generally regarded as not a great fit for a Ferrari team operating with a clear number one? Surely "It is I" would be undisputed top dog in '21 if Seb has been shown the door/left of his own volition.
I hadn't considered Bottas at Ferrari but I can see how he could be a good fit, very much reprising the role he's been playing at Mercedes.
Bottas could be the perfect Barrichello, could he not?
Worth noting is that several teams have not yet confirmed participation in 2021, and the current coronavirus outbreak could definitely push teams toward leaving. I am very uncertain about Haas, but I also have hesitations about Alfa Romeo. I think teams like Williams and AlphaTauri will hang in there, though, and I don't think Renault is ready to give up just yet. Mercedes could go, depending on how expensive this outbreak is to their car manufacturing.
Vettel to Renault or McLaren?
https://www.planetf1.com/news/sebastian-vettel-2021-offers/
I read another article stating Ferrari has offered him a new two-year contract which would see him remain with the team until the end of 2022. Still, I enjoy speculations.
Vettel staying put does seem more likely than a swap with either Ricciardo or Sainz, and God knows why either of them would fancy playing second fiddle to It is I - unless it's for money!
Leclerc was the clear number 2 when the 2019 season started. Why would Ricciardo or Sainz not think they could repeat that?
Official confirmation that Vettel and Ferrari are parting ways after this season!
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-news-sebastian-vettel-to-leave-ferrari-at-the-end-of-2020-f1-season.KBuBQw6AsUvOhB6p7IU9c.html
More info here:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sebastian-vettel-leaves-ferrari-shock/4791095/
Must say I assumed Ferrari would want to keep Seb around for another year - just shows how wrong you can be!
Quote from: Chrill on May 11, 2020, 07:47:46 AM
Leclerc was the clear number 2 when the 2019 season started. Why would Ricciardo or Sainz not think they could repeat that?
They might, although 'It is I' did have the good fortune to find himself alongside a guy not exactly at the top of his game, and that just opened a little window for the still-improving Charles to jump through. I'm not saying that Danny & Carly are slowcoaches, but I just can't picture them dislodging Ferrari's anointed one from his perch - where would such a failure leave their careers?
Anyway, there's the budget cap looming so no driver should assume that the current big spenders will be ruling the roost in years to come, least of all Ferrari whose success always seems so dependent on throwing money at the problem.
Quote from: Penfold on May 12, 2020, 02:04:19 AM
Anyway, there's the budget cap looming so no driver should assume that the current big spenders will be ruling the roost in years to come, least of all Ferrari whose success always seems so dependent on throwing money at the problem.
This is very true. I think Ferrari may struggle more than ever to attract a top talent. They may just end up signing a new Barrichello. That could be Bottas, it could be Giovinazzi, or Hülkenberg.
I still hold Sainz and Ricciardo as the two most likely candidates.
Where does this leave Vettel? I reckon he'd drive for a relative pittance for the right car, and whilst I'm sure McLaren and Renault would be happy to fulfil the salary part of that equation, I don't know that he'd consider them a tempting prospect on recent performance - unless he's gambling on the budget cap shaking up the order, or that McLaren's return to Merc power in '21 catapults them up the rankings. Alternatively, does retirement beckon?
I wouldn't be surprised to see him retire!
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/52440/mercedes-boss-wolff-unable-to-ignore-asset-vettel/
However, Toto says that he cannot ignore a driver of Vettel's calibre.
https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-ferrari-insider-reveals-daniel-ricciardo-has-already-signed-with-mclaren-for-2021-to-replace-carlos-sainz/
And, has Ricciardo already decided to move to McLaren for 2021, replacing Sainz who is headed to Ferrari?
McLaren jumps Ferrari, and announces the departure of Sainz plus the confirmation of Norris+Ricciardo for 2021:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/
We can definitely expect a Sainz to Ferrari announcement this week, maybe today.
With McLaren confirming Ricciardo for next season, they line up with car numbers 3 and 4, a nod back to when McLaren failed to beat Ferrari in the early 2000s. ;D
Here's the lineup so far. Added some speculations for the second Renault seat. I don't see Alonso returning, but the article mentioned him. I could see Vettel doing it, but I'd expect the Renault team to recruit a rookie or resign someone like the Hulk.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/52440/mercedes-boss-wolff-unable-to-ignore-asset-vettel/)
44. Lewis Hamilton
63. George Russell
77. Valtteri Bottas
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/sebastian-vettel-2021-offers/)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-news-sebastian-vettel-to-leave-ferrari-at-the-end-of-2020-f1-season.KBuBQw6AsUvOhB6p7IU9c.html)
Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
23. Alexander Albon
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Renault DP World F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/renault-vettel-2020-ricciardo-seat/4761236/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
?. Christian Lundgaard (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
?. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
18. Lance Stroll
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly
26. Daniil Kvyat
?. Jüri Vips (link) (http://www.formulascout.com/could-juri-vips-be-red-bulls-next-shock-f1-promotion/53368)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpha-tauri-eyes-honda-driver-tsunoda.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen
99. Antonio Giovinazzi
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
20. Kevin Magnussen
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/08/01/formula-1-williams-confirm-george-russell-2021/)
6. Nicolas Latifi
A Hamilton/Vettel pairing at Mercedes, however improbable, would certainly be fun to see! Mind you, would they even want to run two drivers nearing the end of their careers?
I shall wish Carly Sainz the best of luck at Ferrari, I get the feeling he's going to need it.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html
There we go. Did not take long for Sainz to be confirmed at Ferrari.
Is it just me, or are these movements happening very fast and also very early? I mean, these kinds of announcements usually happen post-summer break, not around Monaco.
Re Vettel at Mercedes, if the Mercs plan to leave F1 at the end of this spec (which was prolonged to 2021), then a final hurrah with Hamilton and Vettel could be the battle to end all battles. Why not let it all implode, leave everything on track, and just let them race their hearts out for a final season of Mercedes dominance?
Fast and early movements - consequence of eating dodgy doner kebabs!
Re: Vettel to Merc - I suppose it all depends on whether Toto fancies the hassle of having those two under the same roof.
I see the Alonso to Renault rumours are gaining momentum, with several sources telling Auto Hebdo that contact has been made.
Toto has said that whilst there would be some marketing value in hiring Vettel, Mercedes is pursuing a long-term strategy with its driver line-up - half of which is presumably George Russell as soon as he's deemed ready to roll.
Russell could stay at Williams for 2021 since they'll run the same damn car anyway. For 2022, assuming Mercedes is still around, they could go for Russell alongside Vettel or Hamilton depending on whether either of them intend to remain in the series.
Quote from: Penfold on May 18, 2020, 01:45:40 AM
some marketing value in hiring Vettel
some? SOME?
Daimler wants Vettel? The article says Toto does not want Vettel, and that Hamilton is pushing for yet another one-year extension with Bottas alongside him. I guess he feels safe beating the Finn.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/daimler-pushing-hard-for-sebastian-vettel/
Vettel to Aston Martin, then? It's a works team, with the budget that goes with it too. This would require dumping your own son, Lawrence, or ripping up a recently penned long-term deal with Perez.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/05/20/is-aston-martin-a-realistic-option-for-vettel-in-2021/
As the author of the second article suggests, Seb could well take a year off and come back renewed for '22, and perhaps by then Stroll senior will have accepted that his son is a liability to his F1 ambitions.
Ah yes. A sabbatical like Hakkinen.
Finnish and Swedish media have put Bottas at Renault for 2021, and now your language seems to have picked up on this:
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/52698/mercedes-driver-linked-with-renault-switch/
Bottas to Renault is certainly an easy one to picture, but I'm still keeping all fingers crossed for a Fernando encore.
This may be far-fetched, but with Red Bull suffering from a lack of reliable number 2 drivers to Verstappen, Bottas could be aiming for a seat for 2021:
https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2020/05/25/rykteskarusellen-snurrar-vidare-i-formel-1-valtteri-bottas-kopplas-ihop-med (Swedish-Finnish newspaper, article in Swedish)
If Albon fails to deliver in 2020 (and Gasly+Kvyat having failed in the past), bringing someone from the outside could be the unprecedented move Bottas needs to keep fighting for podiums and wins.
I thought Blur (is that my joke name for him? It's been so long since we've had any racing I'm starting to forget them...) had a strong showing last year. Obviously if he's miles off Max this year or next then he could be jettisoned from the good ship Red Bull, but I don't imagine Valerie (I won't forget that one!) would bet his career on Blur's demise. Like you said, quite a far-fetched piece of journalism... but then never say never in F1.
If someone said Prost was returning for Renault in 2021 alongside Hakkinen, I'd not rule it out. F1 is a never-say-never industry.
Bottas claims that Vettel is not an option for Mercedes:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-sebastian-vettel-bottas-2021/4804802/
My level of surprise could not be any lower....
And he's back... Alonso agrees two-year deal to race for Renault: https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/
Quite. I wonder why he thinks Renault of today could deliver what McLaren of just a few seasons back couldn't.
---
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/52440/mercedes-boss-wolff-unable-to-ignore-asset-vettel/)
44. Lewis Hamilton
63. George Russell
77. Valtteri Bottas
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/05/20/is-aston-martin-a-realistic-option-for-vettel-in-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly
26. Daniil Kvyat
?. Jüri Vips (link) (http://www.formulascout.com/could-juri-vips-be-red-bulls-next-shock-f1-promotion/53368)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpha-tauri-eyes-honda-driver-tsunoda.html)
Renault DP World F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen
99. Antonio Giovinazzi
Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/08/01/formula-1-williams-confirm-george-russell-2021/)
6. Nicolas Latifi
Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
23. Alexander Albon
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2020/05/25/rykteskarusellen-snurrar-vidare-i-formel-1-valtteri-bottas-kopplas-ihop-med) (Swedish)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
20. Kevin Magnussen
He leapt off the McLaren ship too soon and was rapidly drifting away from the F1 flotilla, the only life ring within reach bearing the Renault colours....
Well, he left McLaren because he did not want to fight in the midfield. We know he'll be in the midfield for 2021, since cars carry over, but what has Renault said to make him think 2022 is their year? That's what I wonder.
He may overtake Barrichello (and Raikkonen) as most GPs entered, assuming Kimi stops after 2020.
Hmm, what did Renault say to convince Alonso that ahead lies only glorious, sunlit uplands... I assume the exact same guff they sold to Ricciardo a few years back!
https://www.maximumf1.com/formula-1/297500/marko-was-instructed-by-mateschitz-to-bring-vettel-back-to-red-bull
Vettel is wanted at Red Bull? I don't see a Max-Sebastian tieup in the future, but who knows.
They thought about it, but decided not to bother: https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/10/red-bull-has-discussed-and-rejected-vettel-for-2021-horner/
He's definitely looking likelier to leave F1 for next season. Nobody with a fast enough car is interested.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-mercedes-contract-2021/4833817/
Bottas will remain at Mercedes. I'll not move him to confirmed just yet, because we are lacking an official Mercedes announcement.
https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a33296033/vettel-haas-f1-team-happy-talk/
Steiner says Haas would take Vettel.
How could Seb resist such an offer....
Allow us to confirm Williams retaining their 2020 lineup for next season.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html
I've also added Mick Schumacher as a potential Alfa Romeo driver, together with Perez. Perez also connected to Haas.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/52440/mercedes-boss-wolff-unable-to-ignore-asset-vettel/)
44. Lewis Hamilton
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-mercedes-contract-2021/4833817/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-6)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.maximumf1.com/formula-1/297500/marko-was-instructed-by-mateschitz-to-bring-vettel-back-to-red-bull)
23. Alexander Albon
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2020/05/25/rykteskarusellen-snurrar-vidare-i-formel-1-valtteri-bottas-kopplas-ihop-med) (Swedish)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150474/racing-point-has-no-space-for-vettel--szafnauer)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/05/20/is-aston-martin-a-realistic-option-for-vettel-in-2021/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Renault DP World F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmotorsport.nextgen-auto.com%2Ffr%2Fformule-1%2Fgasly-ne-pense-pas-encore-au-marche-des-transferts-pour-2021%2C149445.html)
26. Daniil Kvyat
?. Jüri Vips (link) (http://www.formulascout.com/could-juri-vips-be-red-bulls-next-shock-f1-promotion/53368)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpha-tauri-eyes-honda-driver-tsunoda.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.driver-market-raikkonen-in-no-rush-to-decide-future-amid-odd-situation.5m5Y5A5dPdiz4AtFP1Pk8v.html)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2020/06/giovinazzi-2021-not-right-time-for-ferrari-move/)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-transfer-news-mick-schumacher-to-alfa-romeo-is-michael-schumachers-son-making-his-formula-one-debut-in-2021/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html)
Haas F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a33296033/vettel-haas-f1-team-happy-talk/)
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-future-2021-elephant-room-grosjean/4837396/)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-timing-not-right-kevin-magnussen-on-ferrari-2021-seat/)
Hang on, why the hell would RP/Aston Martin let Perez leave? Please don't tell me it's to make room for Vettel.
Oh it's for Vettel alright. If Stroll lets Perez go instead of Stroll letting Stroll go, then Stroll just proved that Stroll's career (and in extension, Stroll buying a team for Stroll) is just a hobby for Stroll. If Stroll is serious about investing in Aston Martin and in F1, then Stroll would let Stroll go from Stroll's project to ensure Stroll can make money from this.
What I'm saying is, dropping Perez instead of Lance proves that Lawrence is not serious about F1, and just throwing money on his kid.
What's up with those first five words? Straight after I specifically asked you not to tell me it's to make room for Vettel. ;)
Love the Stroll usage. It's just the sort of post I'd write, ponder on that....
Mercedes confirm Bottas for another one-year contract in 2021, but no word on Lewis. Lewis is poised to sign a 3-year contract extension with Mercedes, however.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/06/mercedes-confirm-bottas-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/52440/mercedes-boss-wolff-unable-to-ignore-asset-vettel/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-future-three-more-years-mercedes/4846635/)
Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.maximumf1.com/formula-1/297500/marko-was-instructed-by-mateschitz-to-bring-vettel-back-to-red-bull)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150474/racing-point-has-no-space-for-vettel--szafnauer)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/05/20/is-aston-martin-a-realistic-option-for-vettel-in-2021/)
Renault DP World F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmotorsport.nextgen-auto.com%2Ffr%2Fformule-1%2Fgasly-ne-pense-pas-encore-au-marche-des-transferts-pour-2021%2C149445.html)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
?. Jüri Vips (link) (http://www.formulascout.com/could-juri-vips-be-red-bulls-next-shock-f1-promotion/53368)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpha-tauri-eyes-honda-driver-tsunoda.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.driver-market-raikkonen-in-no-rush-to-decide-future-amid-odd-situation.5m5Y5A5dPdiz4AtFP1Pk8v.html)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2020/06/giovinazzi-2021-not-right-time-for-ferrari-move/)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-transfer-news-mick-schumacher-to-alfa-romeo-is-michael-schumachers-son-making-his-formula-one-debut-in-2021/)
Haas F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a33296033/vettel-haas-f1-team-happy-talk/)
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-future-2021-elephant-room-grosjean/4837396/)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-timing-not-right-kevin-magnussen-on-ferrari-2021-seat/)
?. Louis Deletraz (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html)
Tsunoda will be in an AlphaTauri "sooner or later":
https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f2/news/tsunoda-alphatauri-tost-honda/4859649/
Aaand, Kvyat is not performing as expected:
https://www.grandprix.com/news/kvyat-not-performing-as-we-expect-says-marko.html
These two pieces of news emerging at the same time? Hmm.
Funny, because to my mind Kvyat is performing exactly as expected....
In a highly informative and transparent interview, Mr. Steiner clarifies who will drive for Haas in 2021. Their options are:
- Retaining both drivers
- Retaining Magnussen, but not Grosjean
- Replacing Magnussen, but not Grosjean
- Replacing both drivers
If they do replace one or two of their drivers, the most likely replacement is either:
- A driver with F1 experience
- A rookie driver
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-magnussen-grosjean-2021-steiner/4863975/
Summation much appreciated, saves me from reading the musings of Signore Steiner.
However, this article says bye bye RoGro, hello Hulkenbulken.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-hulkenberg-haas-2021/
Which would make sense.
Having one solid driver would be a start - though not sure why they'd want to keep either. Does KMag have some dodgy photos of Steiner or Haas? ;)
Well, who's available? Possible one of Stroll, Perez, Vettel. One of them, with Hulkenberg... I mean yes, it's a massive improvement. Massive.
Hulk all by himself is probably an improvement over them running KMag & Grosjean.
Sainz doesn't regret choosing Ferrari: https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/04/sainz-rejects-brawns-suggestion-he-may-be-regretting-ferrari-move/
Just to highlight one of Sainz's comments: "Let's just remember that last year they were capable of doing seven pole positions. So it's a team that I think knows how to produce very good cars."
Yes, but that was with an illegal car! A Ferrari that plays by the rules or can't outspend everyone else is doomed to failure.
Well, how many podiums have McLaren scored this year? One!
How many podiums have Ferrari scored this year? Two!
Yes, McLaren is on an upward trajectory, Ferrari downward, but I think if Ferrari goes through a proper restructuring now they will be able to do something in 2022. Don't forget how important Sergio Marchionne was to that team, and how his sudden passing messed everything up. The whole Arrivabene-Binotto situation would have unfolded much more smoothly had Marchionne been around today.
Ferrari is fundamentally flawed in it's setup, and they need to hit the reset button and start attracting talent from the outside again. Not necessarily in the aero department, but on the engine side for sure.
... and which of those teams would you expect to cope better with life under a budget cap?
Edit: Plus McLaren get their Mercedes engine upgrade next year, albeit mated to a car designed around the Renault unit.
Edit 2: Then again, maybe the budget cap will force Ferrari to streamline operations and produce a leaner, more effective outfit. We shall know in a few years.
The Renault engine looks pretty hot though. I mean, they occupy places 2-4 in FP3 at Monza. ;D
With a car designed for a Renault engine, the McLaren may suffer aerodynamically when adapting to the Mercedes. I believe the Mercedes is longer but narrower than the Renault, so the McLaren crew will definitely have to do some cunning engineering to fit it properly.
Aston Racing Martin Point dumps Perez, presumably for a four-time World Champion:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sergio-perez-racing-point-exit/4871384/
And Vettel is confirmed at Aston Martin (Racing Point) in a "multi-year" agreement:
https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/
With Vettel in, Perez out, the new table looks like this:
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/06/mercedes-confirm-bottas-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-future-three-more-years-mercedes/4846635/)
Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/66359/marko-received-message-from-hulkenberg-he-let-us-know-that-he-s-available-.html)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150474/racing-point-has-no-space-for-vettel--szafnauer)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmotorsport.nextgen-auto.com%2Ffr%2Fformule-1%2Fgasly-ne-pense-pas-encore-au-marche-des-transferts-pour-2021%2C149445.html)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
?. Jüri Vips (link) (http://www.formulascout.com/could-juri-vips-be-red-bulls-next-shock-f1-promotion/53368)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpha-tauri-eyes-honda-driver-tsunoda.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.driver-market-raikkonen-in-no-rush-to-decide-future-amid-odd-situation.5m5Y5A5dPdiz4AtFP1Pk8v.html)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-schumacher-believes-nico-hulkenberg-could-join-mick-schumacher-at-alfa-romeo-in-2021/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2020/06/giovinazzi-2021-not-right-time-for-ferrari-move/)
?. Callum Illot (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.analysis-will-kimi-raikkonen-stick-around-in-formula-1-in-2021.1nYjSHQQP4I5KuXcyL9CvR.html)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-transfer-news-mick-schumacher-to-alfa-romeo-is-michael-schumachers-son-making-his-formula-one-debut-in-2021/)
?. Robert Shwartzman (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.analysis-will-kimi-raikkonen-stick-around-in-formula-1-in-2021.1nYjSHQQP4I5KuXcyL9CvR.html)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-future-2021-elephant-room-grosjean/4837396/)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-timing-not-right-kevin-magnussen-on-ferrari-2021-seat/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-hulkenberg-haas-2021/)
?. Louis Deletraz (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html)
Seems fair, Perez is clearly the weaker of their two drivers....
Stroll is the one with a podium! ;D
To be honest, Stroll has driven better than I expected in 2020, but Perez utterly dominated Stroll in 2019.
He 's definitely beating Perez in terms of luck this year, I'll give you that.
Quote from: Chrill on September 04, 2020, 06:35:59 AM
Well, how many podiums have McLaren scored this year? One!
How many podiums have Ferrari scored this year? Two!
Now it's two apiece and McLaren is 37 points ahead of Ferrari....
Ah, yes, but which team has the nicest livery? It's not Ferrari, their 1000th GP Burgundy is really not a very nice livery.
Just seen it... umm, yeah, it's certainly burgundy. What's the old saying, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. Right then, do you think Alfa or Haas for Perez? If he has the choice of either which way should he leap?
I guess him being Mexican is good for Haas, but I don't know if Perez will remain in F1 now. Why not have a go at IndyCar, WEC, Formula E or wherever he can find a seat?
Red Bull should sign him. Albon's not up to it and I don't really see the sense in giving Gasly another chance to be destroyed by Max.
Mick Schumacher will run FP1 for Alfa Romeo at Nurburgring, in place of Giovinazzi. Rumour has it he will join the team in 2021 alongside the still racing Raikkonen. Pretty cool how Kimi used to race Jos and Michael, and will now be on the grid with Max and Mick.
Hang on, so you're suggesting Ant man hasn't done enough to keep his seat? Wow, talk about a bolt from the blue....
On a more serious note, Kimi will be a good yardstick for Mick if they end up together.
Kimi will be an old yardstick, if anything.
Still, I guess if Kimi does stay then Perez might join Ilott or Shwartzman in a Haas.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkone-record-2021-contract-alfa-romeo/4887401/
Alfa Romeo reportedly about to announce a one-year extension with Kimi over 2021. Giovinazzi or Schumacher not decided yet, but we all know it is decided in the German's favour.
Not much point giving Ant another year. Even if Schumi jr isn't any quicker than the Italian, he must surely be a positive on the marketing front.
Are you implying that a mediocre Italian driver would bring less sponsorship than the son of the most successful F1 driver of all time, even if that son is equally mediocre?
https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/08/ilott-not-on-haass-driver-shortlist-now-but-maybe-he-is-tomorrow-steiner/
Never has an outing in FP1 mattered more. Ilott is testing for a team with two open seats next season, and a solid performance here could bring him into contention for one of those seats.
Quote from: Chrill on October 08, 2020, 07:31:34 AM
Are you implying that a mediocre Italian driver would bring less sponsorship than the son of the most successful F1 driver of all time, even if that son is equally mediocre?
;D Only in every country outside Italy. No, that's not fair, probably in Italy as well.
Also, come on Callum, we could do with another British guy in F1. Got three and a half competing right now, but for how long will Lewis continue? Need to keep the UK's share of F1 peddlers above a sixth.
... and then FP1 gets cancelled because bad weather grounded the medical helichopper.
Nico Hulkenberg came close to driving for Red Bull in Nurburgring, since Albon first posted an inconclusive covid-19 test. A second test was negative, which saw Albon take part in the weekend. However, Helmut Marko says Nico could be an option for 2021:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-hulkenberg-2021-seat/4891277/
Marko also names Perez as a potential Albon sub, but says Albon is their preferred option assuming he can reliably be within three tenths of Verstappen.
Marko goes on to say Tsunoda is not an option for Red Bull for 2021, but definitely for AlphaTauri.
Sometimes when bored, I post what I think the 2021 lineup will be. This is that day.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton
77. Valtteri Bottas
Red Bull Racing:
23. Alexander Albon
33. Max Verstappen
Aston Martin F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel
18. Lance Stroll
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
4. Lando Norris
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso
31. Esteban Ocon
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc
55. Carlos Sainz
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly
57. Yuki Tsunoda (His two most commonly used race numbers, 5 and 7, combined)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen
32. Mick Schumacher (32 is the number Michael Schumacher debuted with at Jordan for the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix)
Haas F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez
27. Nico Hulkenberg
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi
63. George Russell
This year's grid is pretty much finished already, but three teams are yet to confirm either driver (AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo, Haas).
This lineup would see Giovinazzi, Grosjean, Magnussen, and Kvyat forced out for Hulkenberg, Alonso, Tsunoda, and Schumacher.
Also, hard to figure out which numbers Tsunoda and Schumacher would pick. Tsunoda especially might just go for any low available number such as 2 (Vandoorne 2018), 8 (Ericsson 2018), 12 (Nasr 16) or 15 (lowest number never used).
Schumacher could pick 32 for the Jordan car Schumacher debuted in, 91 for his dad's race wins, or something of his own. He raced car 4 in F3 (occupied by Norris) and car 20 in F2 (stupid Magnussen). He's born '99 (Giovinazzi), on the 22nd (last used by Button, is available) of March.
Quote from: Chrill on October 13, 2020, 05:08:50 AMMarko also names Perez as a potential Albon sub, but says Albon is their preferred option assuming he can reliably be within three tenths of Verstappen.
Well, Albon has been reliably half a second slower than Max in qualifying, and he's running out of races to show that he can reduce that to three tenths on a regular basis. Fortunately for Red Bull there's no one to challenge them for second place this year, but clearly going forward it's a risk to stick with a driver who has to fight with the second tier cars every race.
Marko higlighted Turkey, so that gives Albon some three races to prove he can be 3-4 tenths instead of 5-6 tenths off in qualifying. If he just manages to start 4th, and get away 4th, I think Albon can keep away from the midfielders. And what is there to say Hulkenberg or Perez could drive that extreme-rake Red Bull any faster? It seems a rather unique driving style is needed.
All we know for sure is that Blur struggles to drive it to the Max.
Yes. Albon is out of time, he's sitting there with his coffee and TV, and singing a second song about his country house. His performances are tender at best, for he could be out of time, he may be kicked out and forced to live a parklife to the end. Perhaps he'd cut it as an ice cream man on a ghost ship?
Those are all the songs I know. Oh, I've not heard whether he likes both boys and girls, but he is a fan of beetles and their bums.
Fantastic effort, there's no other way to put it, but I think we've no distance left to run with these....
Albon is no champagne supernova, some might say he's electric and he'll roll with it. Whatever, he'll fade away into a wonderwall but hey now, don't look back in anger, just stand by me even though I'm half the world away. Don't go away, d'you know what I mean?
Sure, I'm not a songbird, but I am a rock and roll star with my cigarettes & alcohol, so stop crying your heart out.
My wife is a big Oasis fan. Me? I'm more into Pulp and Suede if we're talking about britpop-esque bands.
The BIG question: Pulp's "Common People", original version or Shatner's?
Will Shatner, or "The Shat", makes everything better.
Thank God for that, I don't understand people who can't grasp the innate awesomeness of 'The Shat'.
You don't speak Danish, right? It's like the drunken brother of Swedish! I can understand it when written, but spoken it sounds like someone really is drunk. Or has their mouth full of porridge (I'm sure Bottas would love the Danish language, then).
https://www.bt.dk/kevin-magnussen/bts-formel-1-korrespondent-999-procent-sikkert-slut-for-magnussen
Their F1 genius reporter, Mr. Nygaard (who is close to the Magnussen camp, and called both his McLaren graduation and his Haas move before others) says that Magnussen will leave Formula 1 altogether. Well, he's 99.9% sure that such is the case.
He blames covid-19, saying Haas will have to look for drivers with a bigger portfolio of sponsors than Kevin Magnussen or Romain Grosjean. Presumably rich rookies like Nikita Mazapin, or someone with richer sponsors, for example Perez.
Racefans, a great website for motorsporting in general, put together this little list of potential 2021 moves:
https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/19/russell-out-schumacher-to-haas-whats-behind-the-2021-silly-season-rumours/
Red Bull/AlphaTauri connections
- Nico Hülkenberg to Red Bull, replacing Alexander Albon (although Red Bull is part-Thai owned and Albon's Thai ties are tying him to the team too)
- Pierre Gasly to Renault, replacing Esteban Ocon (which would be a way for Red Bull to get on better terms with Renault since they likely will have to use their engines in 2022)
Williams/Mercedes connections:
- Sergio Perez to Williams, replacing George Russell (ouch, this would hurt)
- Esteban Ocon to Williams, replacing Nicolas Latifi (why would Mercedes prefer Ocon over Russell? Unfathomable!)
Ferrari/Haas connections:
- Mick Schumacher to Haas (not Alfa Romeo), replacing any of the two drivers
- Nikita Mazepin or Robert Shwartzman to Haas, replacing the other of the two drivers
My takes?
Well, Schumacher to Haas works just as well as putting him at Alfa Romeo. The whole Ferrari/Haas flow seems plausible. The others less so, but not impossible. I especially dislike kicking Russell out when he has literally never qualified behind his team mate. Not once.
I don't mind Hulk replacing Albon. I don't mind the rookies replacing the Haas drivers. I dislike all of the other moves. I don't think Gasly is better than Ocon (I think he's worse, actually) and I don't think Russell deserves to get dropped. Perez replacing Latifi would be fine.
There are two holes left in this picture: Would these moves mean we're keeping Kvyat and Giovinazzi? Absolutely a downgrade if the answer is yes. We would be losing two better drivers (Russell and Ocon) in favor of two guys who have had a long chance to prove themselves and not stood out at all.
Quote from: Matt on October 21, 2020, 10:23:54 AMThere are two holes left in this picture: Would these moves mean we're keeping Kvyat and Giovinazzi? Absolutely a downgrade if the answer is yes. We would be losing two better drivers (Russell and Ocon) in favor of two guys who have had a long chance to prove themselves and not stood out at all.
Well, let's pretend like these rumours are true. If Haas lines up Mazepin alongside Schumacher, that leaves Giovinazzi, Ilott and Shwartzman fighting for a drive next to Raikkonen. Unless of course Perez or Hulkenberg grabs that one.
And assuming Gasly indeed does go to Renault? Well, I could see that happening only if Albon is demoted for Hulkenberg. Albon+Tsunoda at AlphaTauri, then. Like I said to you on Facebook, Matt, I don't see Gasly joining Renault for 2021 but perhaps for 2022 if he finds no opportunity to rejoin the Red Bull team.
Confirmation RoGro will not stay with Haas for 2021:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grosjean-leaves-haas-2021-/4895416/
He is definitely not expected to remain in F1, but I guess WEC is a resonable destination for him.
So, here is the latest grid:
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/06/mercedes-confirm-bottas-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-future-three-more-years-mercedes/4846635/)
Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-hulkenberg-2021-seat/4891277/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-hulkenberg-2021-seat/4891277/)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150474/racing-point-has-no-space-for-vettel--szafnauer)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/19/russell-out-schumacher-to-haas-whats-behind-the-2021-silly-season-rumours/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmotorsport.nextgen-auto.com%2Ffr%2Fformule-1%2Fgasly-ne-pense-pas-encore-au-marche-des-transferts-pour-2021%2C149445.html)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
?. Jüri Vips (link) (http://www.formulascout.com/could-juri-vips-be-red-bulls-next-shock-f1-promotion/53368)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpha-tauri-eyes-honda-driver-tsunoda.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.driver-market-raikkonen-in-no-rush-to-decide-future-amid-odd-situation.5m5Y5A5dPdiz4AtFP1Pk8v.html)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-schumacher-believes-nico-hulkenberg-could-join-mick-schumacher-at-alfa-romeo-in-2021/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2020/06/giovinazzi-2021-not-right-time-for-ferrari-move/)
?. Callum Illot (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.analysis-will-kimi-raikkonen-stick-around-in-formula-1-in-2021.1nYjSHQQP4I5KuXcyL9CvR.html)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-transfer-news-mick-schumacher-to-alfa-romeo-is-michael-schumachers-son-making-his-formula-one-debut-in-2021/)
?. Robert Shwartzman (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.analysis-will-kimi-raikkonen-stick-around-in-formula-1-in-2021.1nYjSHQQP4I5KuXcyL9CvR.html)
Haas F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-hulkenberg-haas-2021/)
?. Callum Ilott (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/08/ilott-not-on-haass-driver-shortlist-now-but-maybe-he-is-tomorrow-steiner/)
?. Louis Deletraz (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/19/russell-out-schumacher-to-haas-whats-behind-the-2021-silly-season-rumours/)
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/19/russell-out-schumacher-to-haas-whats-behind-the-2021-silly-season-rumours/)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
?. Robert Shwartzman (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/19/russell-out-schumacher-to-haas-whats-behind-the-2021-silly-season-rumours/)
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grosjean-leaves-haas-2021-/4895416/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kevin-magnussen-haas-exit-grosjean/4895448/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/19/russell-out-schumacher-to-haas-whats-behind-the-2021-silly-season-rumours/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/19/russell-out-schumacher-to-haas-whats-behind-the-2021-silly-season-rumours/)
Aaand Magnussen too:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kevin-magnussen-haas-exit-grosjean/4895448/
About time they had some new blood at Haas. Grosjean & KMag have been, what's the polite way of putting it... underwhelming in their performances.
About those Mick Schumacher to Haas rumours: A piece on RaceFans suggested that Ferrari might use Mick as a sweetener to keep Haas on board during these times of woeful engine performance; concern being that Haas could be lured away by Renault who are reportedly interested in running a satellite team. Haas gets to use Mick as a tool to draw in some sponsorship moolah, whilst Ferrari keeps flogging car parts to its customer. Everyone's a winner, baby, that's no lie....
Quote from: Penfold on October 22, 2020, 03:02:55 AM
About time they had some new blood at Haas. Grosjean & KMag have been, what's the polite way of putting it... underwhelming in their performances.
Yes, that is polite. The accurate way is that they both showed promise pre-Haas but definitely stagnated and should both have been replaced at least one season earlier.
Quote from: Penfold on October 22, 2020, 03:54:48 AM
About those Mick Schumacher to Haas rumours: A piece on RaceFans suggested that Ferrari might use Mick as a sweetener to keep Haas on board during these times of woeful engine performance; concern being that Haas could be lured away by Renault who are reportedly interested in running a satellite team. Haas gets to use Mick as a tool to draw in some sponsorship moolah, whilst Ferrari keeps flogging car parts to its customer. Everyone's a winner, baby, that's no lie....
Yes, I could see Schumacher at Haas. It'd also allow Giovinazzi to race on if Ferrari feel like he's good enough. Doubtful, sure. Do they promote Shwartzman, or Ilott, instead of Gio?
Almost anyone.
Seems like Mazepin's money (well, his father's) is being aimed towards Haas, so if they're happy to run two rookies it could be him and Mick S. Team likely won't often be competing for points next year, barring a miracle on the Ferrari engine side, so driver line-up not quite so crucial.
Marko saying that they need two consistent drivers for next year: https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/22/red-bull-need-a-driver-who-will-push-verstappen-in-2021-marko/
And this little comment about Tsunoda: "Sure we have our young driver programme, but presently we have only one candidate for F1, and that is Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver. He is planned for AlphaTauri if he manages to collect the necessary superlicence points."
Well then, Tsunoda is definitely on course to secure the points needed.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/23/hamilton-unsure-if-he-wants-another-three-years-at-mercedes/
Hamilton is unsure about how many years he want to commit to Mercedes, saying it depends in part on Toto Wolff and on his own ambitions/age. He's interested in the 2022 cars, and he's not talking to anyone other than Mercedes, but he is also saying a new contract could be a couple months away.
Gasly confirmed to remain with AlphaTauri for 2021:
https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/28/alphatauri-confirm-gasly-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/
Would've been a shame, and quite a surprise, to see Gasly dropped; whereas I'll be neither surprised nor saddened by the passing of Kvyat's F1 career.
That announcement more or less screams "we'll have one new driver in 2021".
Kimi and Antonio confirmed for a 3rd season together at Alfa Romeo in 2021. No word on contract length, I assume one-year deals for both drivers.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/official-raikkonen-and-giovinazzi-confirmed-for-third-year-at-alfa-romeo/
This pushes Mick to Haas for sure, right?
It Haas to...
Mick and Nicky Moneypants got to be favourites.
Mic-n-Nic. That sounds like a poor 80s pop duo. They can dress up like Mechanics. Mic-N-Nics. Get it? I'll see myself out.
So Mick S is leading the F2 table and likely heading to Haas, Tsunoda is 3rd in the standings and strongly linked to AlphaTauri, Callum Ilott is 2nd in the Championship and... nothing? I don't know why Ferrari isn't giving him a drive alongside Kimi, is there any reason for them keeping Giovinazzi besides his nationality?
The Mic-N-Nics... love it.
Quote from: Penfold on October 30, 2020, 03:11:14 AM
So Mick S is leading the F2 table and likely heading to Haas, Tsunoda is 3rd in the standings and strongly linked to AlphaTauri, Callum Ilott is 2nd in the Championship and... nothing? I don't know why Ferrari isn't giving him a drive alongside Kimi, is there any reason for them keeping Giovinazzi besides his nationality?
I think having an Italian driver is what keeps Giovinazzi around. He's struggling to match an old man. An old
world champion, true, but he's in his 40s and only won the one race during his stint alongside Vettel at Ferrari.
Callum Ilott is surely a talent with more potential, but perhaps Ferrari do not see anything implying Ilott will ever take on Leclerc or Sainz, which may be reason enough to let Giovinazzi run a third year. One would think, however, the plan was to put Schumacher at Alfa Romeo but circumstances forced him to Haas. That left a gap more easily filled by Giovinazzi than by Ilott.
If Gio's mediocrity continues throughout '21 then hopefully Alfa will finally let him go.
Great to see Russell confirmed at Williams for next year (Latifi and his money also staying put): https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/
Relieved to see Russell remain.
Perez out of F1
Perez to Haas (over Mazepin)
Perez to Red Bull (over Albon)
Which one do you expect? Surely the first?
I'm going to be bold and say Albon gets the chop. Tricky to call it that way because he's half-Thai and Red Bull has obvious links with the country, but there's a limit to how much under-performance a top team will tolerate and I suspect Albon has already punched through that level. Now to sit back and wait for Albon to be confirmed for next year....
Quote from: Chrill on October 30, 2020, 06:52:32 AM
Relieved to see Russell remain.
Perez out of F1
Perez to Haas (over Mazepin)
Perez to Red Bull (over Albon)
Which one do you expect? Surely the first?
Or maybe the latter. Perez now openly admitting that Red Bull is an option and that the team has not ruled him out.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/perez-says-red-bull-is-an-option-for-him-in-2021/
Quote from: Penfold on October 30, 2020, 08:33:45 AM
I'm going to be bold and say Albon gets the chop. Tricky to call it that way because he's half-Thai and Red Bull has obvious links with the country, but there's a limit to how much under-performance a top team will tolerate and I suspect Albon has already punched through that level. Now to sit back and wait for Albon to be confirmed for next year....
Sure, but I think Hulkenberg is on the top of their list. Reasons unknown, Perez and the Hulk have been very evenly matched throughout their careers and Perez brings more sponsorship than the Hulk.
Hamilton unwilling to say if he'll be in F1 next season:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-no-guarantee-ill-be-racing-in-f1-next-year/4902470/
Mercedes rushing to slow down the rumour mill:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-wolff-not-finished-mercedes/4902698/
Come on, surely he won't be able to resist the lure of title number 8....
Another cracking weekend for Albon! A few more like that should cement his future.
His future is cemented. Just not sure if that's in Formula E or AlphaTauri.
The electric option if Red Bull wants to promote Tsunoda.
There's always Extreme-E too, it's scheduled to start next season and sounds like the sort of thing Red Bull would like to get into.
Haas confirms Mazepin for 2021:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-haas-2021-driver-schumacher/4919057/
Ilott confirms he's no longer in the running for a 2021 F1 drive:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ilott-misses-2021-seat-f2/4918713/
So we can all safely assume Schumacher will make his 2021 debut regardless of the result in the final round of the F2 series.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/06/mercedes-confirm-bottas-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-future-three-more-years-mercedes/4846635/)
Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-hulkenberg-2021-seat/4891277/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-hulkenberg-2021-seat/4891277/)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150474/racing-point-has-no-space-for-vettel--szafnauer)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/28/alphatauri-confirm-gasly-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2020/08/06/formula-1-2021-silly-season-still-loaded-storylines/)
?. Jüri Vips (link) (http://www.formulascout.com/could-juri-vips-be-red-bulls-next-shock-f1-promotion/53368)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpha-tauri-eyes-honda-driver-tsunoda.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/official-raikkonen-and-giovinazzi-confirmed-for-third-year-at-alfa-romeo/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/official-raikkonen-and-giovinazzi-confirmed-for-third-year-at-alfa-romeo/)
Haas F1 Team:
?. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-haas-2021-driver-schumacher/4919057/)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-sergio-perez-looking-towards-other-teams-to-save-future-as-sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-rumors-intensify/)
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-hulkenberg-haas-2021/)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/19/russell-out-schumacher-to-haas-whats-behind-the-2021-silly-season-rumours/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
Not a surprise to see that half of the Mic-n-Nics confirmed, given Haas' worsening financial situation.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mick-schumacher-haas-2021-seat/4919637/
And the second part, that is Mick Schumacher joining Haas, is confirmed now.
Just a few years after his father left the sport, Mick joins. Exciting to see what he can do next to Mazepin. I think we can all agree that Magnussen-Grosjean would be a stronger pairing than Mazepin-Schumacher, but Schumacher at least has the consistency to be a solid midfield driver. Magnussen and Grosjean had the peaks to be front runners, but the consistency was not there.
Not like KMag & Grosjean have been spectacular of late, with Romain in particular delivering sub-par performances. I know Marzipan is a pay driver, and the Schumacher name has obviously aided Mick's progress to F1, but I'm still more interested in seeing what they can do at Haas next year than another season with the current pairing.
I'm happy to see Schumacher join F1, but less happy to see Mazepin. Still, he's 3rd in F2 in only his second season. He can't be as bad as perhaps I myself have made him out to be.
Mick picks 47 for his racing number in F1. 4 which he used to win the F3 title, and 7 to represent his father's titles.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/12/02/mick-schumacher-recognises-fathers-seven-f1-titles-by-choosing-race-number-47/
Nikita "Cause of the next big accident to almost kill someone in F1" Mazepin will use 9, but I can't find a link to a news article. Guess people don't care about him.
In a way I'm hoping Haas are dead last next year so Marzipan has less chance to fuck up people's races.
Tina Maze kept his cool in the sprint race, somewhat, but his drive in the feature race this Saturday was nothing short of scary. I was fearing a huge accident. He squeezed Tsunoda twice to the pit wall, and Fittipaldi twice (once to the pit wall, and once failed to "all the time you have to leave the gap" on the run down to T4). I was expecting at least two drive-throughs post-race for him, or even a DSQ.
Didn't see the race but read about Massivepain's antics. Steiner doesn't sound thrilled about his new driver, saying they have their work cut out with him. Yeah, that's for sure. Hope they keep a good reserve around to fill in when Nikita's serving race bans.
We'll have to settle for a nickname here, this will get too convoluted if we keep trying to invent a name every time we post about Nikitita you and I know.
True. Fortunately we have time to deliberate. Though I am quite liking my 'Massivepain' offering at the moment.
I'm a fan of Nikitita, for the ABBA reference, but it's difficult to spell. Tina Maze is a narrow reference at best. Massivepain is too blunt.
I don't get the Tina Maze reference, nor the ABBA one as it happens. Massivepain is completely unsubtle, I'll give you that.
Edit: Ahh, some skier I've never heard of. Fair enough.
We'll just go with "New Torpedo", since it seems Kvyat will leave F1.
Torpedo Mk II?
Torpetwo?
Yes! I think we have a winner :)
I appreciate how much we loathed Mazepin here, even before the whole Instagram debacle broke earlier this week. Haas must desperately need the money, because surely there are clauses in the contract related to off-track behaviour and they have not yet triggered them.
When did a team last refer to their future driver as abhorrent? That's... harsh.
He's a real charmer alright. Hope his stay in F1 is brief, I'm fairly sure it will be eventful!
Japan has a driver in F1 once again, with Tsunoda graduating after finishing 3rd in his debut season of Formula 2:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/tsunoda-alphatauri-confirmed-2021-gasly/4927873/
With this, only one real slot on the grid remains, at Red Bull. Of course, Mercedes are yet to confirm Hamilton but he is like 99% certain to stay with them.
Tsunoda used 7 in F2, and 14 in F3. Could he go on to use 21 then in F1, as a combination of the two? 7 is occupied by Kimi, and 14 will surely be retained by Alonso. As the first F1 driver born in the 2000's (oh my), he can't use his birth year.
We were born within an hour of each other, our mothers said we could be sister and brother; your name is Deborah, Deborah, it never suited ya; and they said that when we grew up, we'd get married and never split up; but we never did it, although I often thought of it
Oh Deborah do you recall, your house was very small, with woodchip on the wall; when I came round to call, you didn't notice me at all
And I said: Let's all meet up in the year 2000, won't it be strange when we're all fully grown? Something, something, by the fountain down the road. I never knew that you'd get married, I would be living down here on my own, on that damp and lonely Thursday years ago.
And so ends the brief musical interlude....
Anyway, good luck to the youngster, seems he has some talent in him.
Tsunoda came from Japan, he had a thirst for racing. He studied overtaking at St Coulthard's College, that's where I caught his eye.
He told me that his sponsor was loaded
I said in that case I'll have rum and Red Bull
He said fine
Then in 30 seconds time, he said
I wanna race with Max Verstappen
I wanna do whatever Max Verstappen does
I wanna sleep with Max Verstappen (huh...)
I wanna sleep with Max Verstappen and you
What else could I do? I said I'll see what I can do.
Fantastic! I'm just imagining The Shat reciting your version... :)
I'm half tempted to record myself doing it. I'll register an OnlyFans account and post them there.
https://www.change.org/p/fia-remove-nikita-mazepin-from-formula-1
Petition for the FIA to remove Mazepin from Haas under the 2nd point of Appendix B of FIA's International Sporting Conduct:
* Respect of the FIA's objectives and interests
All FIA Licence-Holders and all Participants in International Competitions undertake in particular:
- not to pursue any objective that diverges from those of the FIA,
- and not to cause, by words, actions or writings, damage to the standing and/or reputation of, or loss to, the FIA, its bodies, its members or its management, and more generally on the interests of motor sport and on the values defended by the FIA.
A lot of signatures very quickly indeed, near 40,000.
-----------
On a separate topic, I hear F1 fans will get some "big news" today, and speculation claims that the news is Perez confirmed as a Red Bull driver for 2021.
Quote from: Chrill on December 17, 2020, 08:31:57 AM
I'm half tempted to record myself doing it. I'll register an OnlyFans account and post them there.
:) Better get cracking on some more verses.
From 30th October:
Quote from: Penfold on October 30, 2020, 08:33:45 AM
I'm going to be bold and say Albon gets the chop. Tricky to call it that way because he's half-Thai and Red Bull has obvious links with the country, but there's a limit to how much under-performance a top team will tolerate and I suspect Albon has already punched through that level. Now to sit back and wait for Albon to be confirmed for next year....
Christ, don't tell me I've actually called something the right way! Well, I suppose it had to happen eventually, law of averages and all that....
Also, yay! Really hope this turns out to be true.
Perez confirmed at Red Bull! Awesome. Looking forward to that for 2021.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/06/mercedes-confirm-bottas-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-future-three-more-years-mercedes/4846635/)
Red Bull Racing:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/12/18/official-perez-in-albon-out-at-red-bull-for-2021/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Aston Martin F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150474/racing-point-has-no-space-for-vettel--szafnauer)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/28/alphatauri-confirm-gasly-will-drive-for-them-again-in-2021/)
?. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-tsunoda-to-make-f1-racing-debut-with-alphatauri-in-2021-in-place-of.2AeT7L7KrbDKmIxvXgYrp4.html)
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/official-raikkonen-and-giovinazzi-confirmed-for-third-year-at-alfa-romeo/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/official-raikkonen-and-giovinazzi-confirmed-for-third-year-at-alfa-romeo/)
Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-haas-2021-driver-schumacher/4919057/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mick-schumacher-haas-2021-seat/4919637/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
The final grid, then. We can safely assume Hamilton will extend his deal with Mercedes.
YES!!! Fantastic news. Now just need a cracking car from Red Bull so we can have a proper fight next year.
F1 Reddit is all over the idea that Haas is going to imminently drop Mazepin and replace him with Fittipaldi. I wouldn't mind the first part, and I like Pietro, but he would be the least qualified F1 driver since like Ide... He has absolutely no resume. He won the World Series Formula 3.5 championship in 2017, but it was against no one. He was not impressive in DTM. Not notably bad under the circumstances, but no runs that really made you sit up and take note.
I don't think he would be dangerous, I think he's competent enough. But he would be dead weight. And if Haas is willing to take a driver with less funding just to be rid of Mazepin, it makes absolutely no sense to take Fittipaldi over the countless other top-level feeder drivers who fell through the cracks. What about Ilott, even?
But no one has ever accused Haas of being well-run, so they'll probably do it. I have no particular affinity for convicted tax fraud Gene Haas, and his NASCAR team was junk until Tony Stewart became involved too.
If Haas could afford not to sign Mazepin, they would have. Unless there are clauses in his contract that releases him without refunding some of the sponsorship he brought due to "bringing the sport into disrepute". In which case, by all means, you could probably find a more well funded driver than Fittipaldi. How about Hülkenberg, or maybe someone like Sirotkin or even Kubica? Or perhaps resign Grosjean or Magnussen, whoever can find the biggest budget by mid-January?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-open-to-lending-albon-out-to-other-f1-teams/4932154/
Red Bull willing to lend Albon to rival teams if their driver cannot compete in 2021, corona and whatnot.
Sure they are, steal as much information as he can while he's there too. ;D
https://www.scuderiaalphatauri.com/en/alphatauri-drivers/
Tsunoda has elected to use 22 when he makes his F1 debut. This number hasn't been used since Button used it in Monaco in 2017.
We all expect Lewis Hamilton to be announced any day now, but fact remains he is not offically on the 2021 grid yet despite 2021 starting in a few days. When did a reigning World Champion last sign a contract as late as January? Feels like Hill had some messy contract deals in the late 90s?
I can't remember why Hill left Williams after '96 but I know he had a tough time finding a seat, hence ending up at Arrows!
January 5th. Speed this up, Mercedes. At some point, you'll just have to tell Sir Hamilton "Here is the offer, sign it or don't". If he does not, bring Russell up. Does the crew, mechanics and whatnot, benefit from the waiting game? Probably not.
https://www.racefans.net/2021/01/18/why-hasnt-hamilton-signed-a-new-mercedes-deal-yet-theres-a-few-million-reasons/
Dieter Rencken, generally a guy who knows his F1, is now wondering just why Mercedes and Hamilton have yet to sign a contract.
Lewis Hamilton will be confirmed by Mercedes within 24 hours. How do I know? I just decided to place a bet on Russell for world champion 2021. He's at 1500 times your money back sooo.
Quote from: Chrill on January 21, 2021, 03:18:43 PM
Lewis Hamilton will be confirmed by Mercedes within 24 hours. How do I know? I just decided to place a bet on Russell for world champion 2021. He's at 1500 times your money back sooo.
No he's not. I didn't place the bet in time and they changed it to just 48 times your money back, which is roughly equal to Ricciardo and Sainz. That's still a lot, but not enough!
Wolff says "curveballs" delaying Hamilton's new contract
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-contract-mercedes-curveballs-wolff/5189353/
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff says "curveballs" thrown at lawyers have delayed his team finalising a contract with Lewis Hamilton, but he has no doubts it will get sorted.
I suppose he'll get round to signing one of these days, got about another 45 of them before pre-season testing.
February now, no Lewis confirmation. By now, I'd say the likelihood of Lewis Hamilton racing for Mercedes in 2021 is down to... 75%?
I'm more confident that he will, let's say 86.35%
That's still a 13.65% risk Mercedes will be unable to sign him. Why would you round your number that much? Be more specific, as I was.
I was going to do it to four decimal places but thought it would be overkill :)
You know what, I really struggle to see Lewis walking away from that 8th title. So upon reflection, I'll amend my figure to 94.955%
So with just a 5.055% risk of him disagreeing, why has he not yet signed a deal when the season ended almost two months ago?
Money/terms of contract
Yes. And if those hasn't been wrapped up during the season, or even for the almost two months since, why are they 95% likely to reach an agreement in time for the Bahraini tests on March 12?
Because deadlines tend to concentrate minds and force a resolution
Fair enough. Starting today, I will remove about one percentage point per day from my guess.
If, by March 1st, no announcement has arrived, we'll be down to 50% or so likelihood.
Lewis Hamilton finally signs an extension with Mercedes, however it seems it is only for one year.
https://www.racefans.net/2021/02/08/hamiltons-new-mercedes-contract-finally-confirmed/
The deal includes "he and Mercedes will collaborate on a charitable foundation to promote diversity and inclusion across motorsport".
With that, the 2021 grid is complete. If indeed this is a simply 1-year deal, that implies he intends to retire after 2021. If it's a 1+1 or similar, we'll see. I could easily see him doing 3-4 more seasons, it all depends on how the grid shapes up in 2022 really and if Mercedes remain fully competitive.
If he leaves before the new car comes out...
I bought and watched all of the season review DVDs from 2003-19, and I have a few conclusions. One of which is that Hamilton has become overrated, his car has been just as dominant as Vettel's was during the RBR run and he hasn't had any teammate competition since Rosberg left. When Rosberg was there, he was just as much of an asshole as any other driver in that sort of position and did make some mistakes. Similarly, I think Rosberg has become underrated, to most people he's now just that guy who got lucky and beat Hamilton once. Bottas is overrated, he's fine but he puts up 1/10th the fight that Rosberg did. I think Vettel is a little underrated from a career perspective, but the last two seasons he has truly been not good at all.
Which is not to say that Hamilton isn't the best F1 driver ever. This is F1. It's basically impossible to properly analyze this, everyone in the conversation got most of their results in the best car at the time.
Hamilton has certainly enjoyed a phenomenal run in cars capable of delivering championships. If we include the upcoming season, I make it 10 out of his 15 years where he's had the machinery to realistically have a shot at the title; I'd put Schumacher at 10 out of 18 seasons, and Senna at just 4 out of 10 - would've been 5 from 11 but his 1994 was somewhat curtailed. Trying to think of any other driver who's spent two thirds of his career in the best car. Mind you, at least all of Hamilton's cars were legal, more than can be said for some of Schumacher's motors.
It can be argued that Bottas has spent 5 of his 9 seasons in dominant machinery with no wins, or Massa for perhaps half his career.
The Sennas, Schumachers, and Hamiltons drive the best cars because they are the best drivers. In Sweden, a lot of people think Hamilton is mediocre at best.
Well, yes, of course they need to be good enough to beat their teammates, it was more a nod to there being several drivers during the Schumacher & Hamilton eras who could've racked up seven titles at those teams. I was going to add that but lost the will to type....
Senna only had four years in the top car, but he still put in some spectacular efforts in '92 and '93 - especially in qualifying. I'm sure he could've made it six titles (adding '94, '96, and '97 with Williams) but instead we got Hill and Villeneuve as champions... oh, and then Schumi would've had one less as well. Sorry, slipped into some pointless rambling there.
The Sennas, Schumachers, and Hamiltons drive for the best teams because they're great drivers. That's not why they drive the best cars, that's mostly luck and good timing. Which we've seen with Hamilton himself, who went from dominant championship contender with a great McLaren to inconsistent good driver with a worse McLaren to dominant championship contender with a great Mercedes. Or Alonso, who was dominant in the best cars and not able to pull worse cars to a championship. Or Vettel, who was dominant in the best car, competitive in a close car, and shit in a mediocre car.
Exactement, as those people across the Channel might say.
https://www.racefans.net/2021/03/02/no-flirting-with-other-drivers-before-talks-with-hamilton-on-2022-wolff/
Time for a 2022 Driver Speculation yet?
Long overdue, I'd say