Could I create this topic any sooner? I'll get back to you.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20150522003214/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119064)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-secures-mercedes-contract-for-2018-952398/)
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.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-secures-new-ferrari-deal-943426/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing: (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/9/f1-aston-martin-red-bull-title-sponsor-2018.html)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-21/ricciardo-rules-out-move-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10943372/max-verstappen-will-be-at-red-bull-for-sure-in-2018)
Sahara Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41299050)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/sergio-perez-stays-with-esteban-ocon-at-force-india-in-2018-4847858/)
Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/11/22/williams-confirm-kubica-sirotkin-stroll-test/)
35. Sergey Sirotkin (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133914/sirotkin-announced-as-2018-williams-driver)
Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda: (Honda) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-announces-end-toro-rosso-engine-deal/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/11/16/toro-ross-confirm-hartley-gasly-2018/)
28. Brendon Hartley (link) (https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/11/16/toro-ross-confirm-hartley-gasly-2018/)
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hulkenberg (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
McLaren F1 Team: (Renault) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/mclaren-confirmed-split-honda-renault-engine-deal-2018/)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/23/mclaren-confirm-vandoorne-for-2018/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/10/alonso-to-race-on-with-mclaren-in-2018.html)
Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team: (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-alfa-romeo-returns-partnership-983901/)
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-confirms-ericsson-leclerc-for-2018-f1-season-985150/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-confirms-ericsson-leclerc-for-2018-f1-season-985150/)
Not unless you can go back in time.
But I could edit the timezones. It'd appear as though I created this yesterday.
I'm bored, I'm at work. I'm going to speculate.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton
94. Pascal Wehrlein
Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
33. Max Verstappen
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel
55. Carlos Sainz Jr.
Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez
31. Esteban Ocon
Williams Martini Racing:
13. Pastor Maldonado
18. Lance Stroll
McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne
77. Valtteri Bottas
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
26. Daniil Kvyat
?. Pierre Gasly
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
20. Kevin Magnussen
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
14. Fernando Alonso
27. Nico Hülkenberg
Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson
?. Sergey Sirotkin
How about this? Wehrlein recovers, drives a good season for Sauber, and replaces Bottas. Bottas is drafted to McLaren to replace the fleeing Alonso. Alonso goes back to Renault once again because they are looking strong for 2018. This pushes Palmer away from F1.
Massa ends up retiring for good, despite having destroyed Stroll. Williams go back to their winning ways with Pastor Maldonado. Yes, their winning ways. He is their most recent GP winner.
Kimi Raikkonen is finally leaving F1, and Ferrari draft Spaniard Carlos Sainz from Toro Rosso. Sainz is not willing to stay for yet another year at Toro Rosso, but Red Bull keeps their lineup intact and therefore moves on.
Toro Rosso, having no real choice, keeps Kvyat for yet another year and finally drafts Gasly.
Sauber replaces Mercedes-bound Wehrlein with Russian money in the form of Sergey Sirotkin.
What I don't like about this:
* No room for Giovinazzi
* Not enough sponsors to justify bringing back Maldonado
* Is Wehrlein really up for the task next year? They did put Ocon at Force India before Wehrlein had the chance.
* Would Alonso really jump to Renault again?
If I go "out there" a bit more, this would be an interesting change of faces in F1:
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
33. Max Verstappen
44. Lewis Hamilton
Red Bull Racing:
14. Fernando Alonso
55. Carlos Sainz Jr.
Scuderia Ferrari:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
5. Sebastian Vettel
Force India F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon
77. Valtteri Bottas
Williams Martini Racing:
11. Sergio Perez
18. Lance Stroll
McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne
22. Jenson Button
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
62. Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, Royal Prince of Hungary, Bohemia and Croatia
?. Pierre Gasly
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
20. Kevin Magnussen
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg
?. Jean-Eric Vergne
Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson
?. Joel Eriksson
NOW THIS. This is interesting. Take it from the top:
Mercedes wants the best. They take Verstappen. Lewis loses the WDC to the Dutchman and 2018 proves to be his last season in F1.
Poor Red Bull! Both drivers are gone! They bring in Carlos Sainz because, why would they not? They are just not very pleased with Kvyat, so therefore draft the great Alonso alongside Sainz. Double Spanish line-up.
Ferrari goes all Red Bull in their Ricciardo-Vettel duo. Sparks fly. It is great.
Force India brings in the sexy Finnish man alongside Ocon. Two reliable, albeit perhaps not spectacular, drivers.
Williams manage to bag Perez thanks to a great season for the British Martini boys.
McLaren can't find anyone willing to race for them. Button, however, likes the look of these new cars and decides that his one-year sabbatical really was a one-year sabbatical.
Toro Rosso, not keen on keeping Kvyat around, brings in a moderately successful Habsburgian Prince alongside Pierre Gasly. After all, double rookie is the Toro Rosso way.
Haas keeps their boys. Nothing to see here, lads.
Renault wants a French driver, you know. That's where Vergne lands his return to F1.
Sauber, with lots of Swedish money, decides to promote the newly crowned F3 champion Joel Eriksson. He is not related to his (almost) namesake Ericsson.
Should you be drinking so heavily at work... ;)
I say:
Merc - Ham/Bott
Red Bull - Dan/Max
Ferrari - Seb/Grosjean
Force India - Perez/Ocon
Williams - Sainz/Stroll
McLaren - Alonso/Van Door
Toro Rosso - Gasly/Kvyat
Haas - Giovinazzi/Magnussen
Renault - Hulk/Some French guy - perhaps 'It is I' Leclerc.
Sauber - Ericsson/Wehrlein
Grosjean to Ferrari? I'd say you are the one who needs to drink some water. Grosjean to Ferrari just isn't likely. The Frenchman hasn't been fast enough.
Also, Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, Royal Prince of Hungary, Bohemia and Croatia is Austrian which Red Bull also is. WHO CAN RESIST AN ARCHDUKE IN F1!!!
Judging by Kimi's performances over the last few years, Ferrari is perfectly content to run a no. 2 who is consistently incapable of matching the team leader.
You do raise a valid point. I must confess.
While this is a weak one, I shall start this thread with Perez to Ferrari.
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/04/19/perez-happy-in-pink-but-dreaming-of-red/
Wouldn't mind seeing what he could manage in a top team and against someone of Vettel's calibre.
He did get a shot at a top team once before, and didn't really deliver on that. He has developed a lot since joining Force India though, and I'd be OK with him getting promoted.
I assume you mean McLaren in 2013. Only you threw me somewhat with the 'top team' remark.
Well, yes. In 2012, McLaren won 7 races (the most of any team that year) and that was the season in which they signed Perez. Come 2013, they weren't close to that level. Still, they were a top team when he signed for them!
Feels like an exercise in semantics. Hopefully if he joined Ferrari for 2018 they would actually still be a top team, unlike McLaren in 2013....
OK, I've gathered some more rumours to fill that list.
Vettel staying at Ferrari:
http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-312409.html
Giovinazzi to Ferrari:
http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/ex-boss-wants-giovinazzi-replace-raikkonen/
Ricciardo to Ferrari:
http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/ricciardo-denies-signing-ferrari-contract/
Alonso to Renault:
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/04/16/alonso-to-renault-talks-have-begun/
And just to add some more names, at least this ties Oliver Rowland to Renault:
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/04/13/oliver-rowland-named-as-renault-f1-development-driver/
We've already reached the Renault part of the Alonso cycle again? Kimi can just stay another year and then Alonso can take his place.
According to Italian journalist Leo Turrini (the man who first claimed Raikkonen was to be retained in 2016, and made the same claim for 2017 first too!), Vettel agreed a pre-contract with Mercedes for the 2018 season. This was done after Rosberg announced his retirement. The pre-contract is to be activated if Bottas underperforms in comparison to Hamilton, and Ferrari fails to secure enough points for the 2017 season. With Bottas already winning 1 race and Ferrari already winning 2, we can safely assume that this pre-contract will turn out invalid.
* Why would Vettel leave the Scuderia just as they ramp up the first proper title challenge in 10 years?
* Why would Mercedes kick out Bottas if he is on the same level as Hamilton?
Only question at the top three teams is whether Kimi hangs on for 2018. I think he's had his day and would rather see someone like Perez or Sainz have a crack in a top car.
Yes. Perez, Sainz, Hulkenberg, Vandoorne, perhaps Ocon too at the end of the year.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/129946
I'm not saying anything. Realistically he won't be physically able to drive all circuits, I know. Still, Kubica is to demo a 2012 F1 car from Lotus/Renault. I'm looking at you, Jolyon Palmer.
I'm starting to think that even you would be a suitable replacement for Palmer....
I once set the 7th fastest lap of the year on a gokart track in Stockholm. That means only 6 kids in Stockholm are more suited for it than me. That year. Or those 8 months, this was in August...
We should do a MF1 meet and try our hands at gokarting!
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/04/16/alonso-to-renault-talks-have-begun/)
91. Christopher Rehn (link) (http://minardif1.com/forum/index.php?topic=32.msg428#msg428)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/04/13/oliver-rowland-named-as-renault-f1-development-driver/)
EDIT: I kinda wanna slap Kubica onto this list too.
"It [the test] follows on from his first single-seater tests earlier in the year – in a GP3 car at Franciacorta in Italy and a Formula E at Donington. What was significant about these earlier tests was they allowed him to assess whether the limited articulation of his injured right arm still prevented him from being able to steer within the confines of a single-seater's cockpit. The Franciacorta circuit was chosen for the fact that it features two tight hairpins that require a lot of steering lock. Kubica was reportedly delighted to find that the arm no longer presented a problem, that it was now possible for it to function without being held out at an angle that had previously prevented it from fitting into such an enclosed space. So if it is now possible for him to properly drive a single-seater, does that beg the tantalising question of an F1 comeback? A test with a current F1 team hardly pours cold water on such an idea."
In response to my above post regarding Kubica:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-pace-is-there-for-kubicas-f1-return-says-renaults-permane-918536/
See, he does have the pace. Watch out, Palmer:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-renault-warns-palmer-deliver-918842/
All the warnings in the World won't make Palmer good enough for F1....
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-kubica-not-list-renault-seat-919151/
Kubica is speculated to Renault to such an extent that Renault have to deny him being "on the list". That means he is a rumoured Renault driver for 2018. I'll take it.
http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/alonso-not-ruling-2018-indycar-switch/
Alonso not ruling out 2018 switch to IndyCar fulltime. That won't put him on the list for any one team, but is definitely a speculation about a driver for 2018.
He also won't rule out anything else. They probably could have asked him if he was going to WRC. It does seem less and less likely that he'll return to F1, but I think WEC is more likely than IndyCar.
https://drivetribe.com/p/OcTQCeCzR7OV2ef9EmmV8Q?iid=af64NCjFRP6NzLwfUQHT9A
Lewis Hamilton opening the door to retirement after this season. Meanwhile daddy Hamilton says his son could go on for another 10 years.
http://www.marca.com/en/more-sports/2017/06/23/594d82e422601d02228b4592.html
Horner slams the door shut on Alonso to Red Bull rumours.
Sainz to McLaren?
http://www.essentiallysports.com/carlos-sainz-jr-on-mclaren-hondas-radar-for-2018/
Alonso (back) to Ferrari?
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/06/28/alonso-to-ferrari-hype-or-a-possibility/
I just can't see him and Vettel getting along, and it would require Ferrari to shift their entire philosophy of having a clear number one driver.
I agree, but it's called "silly season" not because it's all highly likely to come true :P
Sainz "unlikely" to remain at Toro Rosso next season:
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/07/06/sainz-unlikely-ill-toro-rosso-2018/
So for me, that's one of 5 options: Ferrari, Renault, McLaren, Red Bull, or Williams. (or leaving F1)
Ferrari: Well, they have flirted in the past and Kimi is not getting any younger. Sainz appeared to be a match for Verstappen and may very well be so.
Renault: Even I could replace Palmer, but Sainz would definitely be a better replacement. The driver pairing Hulkenberg-Sainz doesn't sound too bad. However, with Kubica making claims that he is 80-90% sure he WILL return to F1, maybe Sainz won't fit here?
McLaren: If Alonso goes, Sainz comes in. Alonso has encouraged his team to sign Sainz, and always speaks very highly of his countryman. Would not be impossible.
Red Bull: Bit of an outside, despite Sainz driving for Toro Rosso. If Ricciardo signs for Ferrari, which is a weak rumour but still a rumour, then Sainz is the obvious replacement for the Aussie.
Williams: Let's face it, Massa is old even though he APPEARS to be driving well. Stroll had a great weekend in Baku but will he maintain that or drop back down the order again? Any of the two might leave Williams at the end of this year, and Sainz would be a great replacement.
There's obviously an outsider's chance he will remain at Toro Rosso, or sign for someone like Force India or Sauber, but I somehow doubt it.
Kubica is obviously the most interesting piece of the 2018 puzzle, but I think we'll see him before Australia... Alonso is the other interesting piece. What about Hulkenberg going to Ferrari, opening up Renault to an Alonso/Kubica pairing? They're good friends, if I remember correctly.
This silly season looks like it could be better than most. Or everyone could re-sign again and nothing really happens.
Oh, I like your thinking. Renault going Alonso-Kubica, now that is something right out of the 00's. That would have been high profile ten years ago.
Hulk to Ferrari is possible, but like Sainz I feel that his cause has not been helped this season. Yes he is destroying his team mate but that comes down to Palmer being very poor.
But which of the "second tier" drivers are having great seasons? Hulkenberg, Grosjean, Sainz, and Perez have all had their own problems this season. Unless Ferrari steals Ricciardo, which I really don't see happening, any of them seem like equally good candidates.
I'd say Perez. He has *just* had the edge of his team mate, and their crashes and comings together have been caused by Ocon. Grosjean can't brake, so he's out of the equation. Yup, Ricciardo, Perez, Hulk, Sainz. Those remain potential candidates to me.
But Perez's teammate is a rookie and his failure to do what his team wanted him to in Canada won't look good to a team like Ferrari. It also brings up the negative reputation he gained at McLaren.
DTM star (well. Currently 2nd in standings behind an old Swedish bloke) Lucas Auer linked to Force India for 2018
http://www.planetf1.com/news/dtm-racer-auer-in-talks-with-several-f1-teams/
Horner disagrees about Sainz: http://www.racer.com/f1/item/142071-sainz-staying-at-toro-rosso-for-2018-horner
Well that's a mess. Sainz doesn't want to stay, Horner is keeping him for another TWO seasons.
Kvyat stays for yet another season at Toro Rosso:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-new-toro-rosso-contract-928978/
That's... disappointing.
Sticking with him for another year... what's happened to Red Bull's ethos of bringing on new talent?
It's as though winning GP2 isn't enough for F1. Poor Gasly. I'd rather see him than Kvyat driving that car. I'd rather see Haryanto driving that car...
McLaren:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10943760/stoffel-vandoorne-to-keep-mclaren-drive-in-2018-says-zak-brown)
I'd say this borders on confirmation for Vandoorne to stay on at McLaren. It's as official as it can be without being official.
He's not exactly been mega this season but I'm glad he'll be getting another year at McLaren to prove his stuff.
Echo the 'poor Gasly' comment.
More Polish news. Robert Kubica has tested at Paul Ricard where he and Renault confirm that he has no physical limitations preventing him from returning to F1. He'd have to fit most buttons on the left side of the steering wheel so that he can switch his switches and button his buttons. That's it.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/40587621
"I have not yet driven a current F1 car. I could not be ready for Silverstone [this weekend's British Grand Prix]. It would take me two days of tests in a current car. That would accelerate my chances 1,000%."
Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul said it was "too early to say" and that plenty more testing would need to be done to assess Kubica's fitness.
A run in a 2017 car could come in the official F1 two-day test at the Hungaroring on 1-2 August - the Tuesday and Wednesday after the Hungarian Grand Prix - but Abiteboul said it was "too early to say if Robert will be with us in Budapest".
http://en.f1i.com/news/273324-kubica-drives-2017-spec-car-renault-simulator.html
He has also tested a 2017 Renault F1 car in the simulator, and was positive about that experience.
So then the only question which remains is when....
Well, if Renault decides to give him 1-2 days after Hungaroring, he could theoretically be ready to race at Spa. Hungaroring, which hosts the tests, is the final race before summer break. There's plenty of time to evaluate him at Hungaroring and then decide it. If he's capable of two full days of testing, then he sure is ready to compete again. The only question remaining then is his ability for wheel to wheel combat.
Hamilton implies this may be his final season in F1, all the while admitting that such a development would be highly unlikely since he is driving better than ever according to himself.
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/07/17/hamilton-i-cant-really-say-what-will-happen-six-months-from-now/
Let's make some predictions! Going for some less likely rumours, but all in all it's a rather calm transfer market. Most teams maintain their lineups. The standouts are Perez to Ferrari and Sainz to Renault. Also Haas kicks out Grosjean for Leclerc. Might as well kick Magnussen out really.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton
77. Valtteri Bottas
Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
33. Max Verstappen
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel
11. Sergio Perez
Force India F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon
94. Pascal Wehrlein
Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll
19. Felipe Massa
McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 Team: (see what I did there?)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne
14. Fernando Alonso
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
26. Daniil Kvyat
?. Pierre Gasly
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen
?. Charles Leclerc
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg
55. Carlos Sainz Jr.
Sauber F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
9. Marcus Ericsson
Drawbacks here:
Why would Grosjean go to Sauber? Well, Sauber aligns with Ferrari and Grosjean is too good to leave F1. Simple as that.
Why would Giovinazzi NOT be in F1? Well, Ferrari is focusing on Leclerc.
Why would Ferrari sign Perez? Well, why not?
Why would Force India sign Wehrlein? Well, Mercedes made them.
Two-day test in Hungary in a fortnight will give us a huge clue as to whether Kubica will be in a Renault next year.
Is that so? I have not heard confirmation about him testing for Renault there.
Will he/won't he be at the test, that will provide the huge clue.... :D
The fact Mercedes has to deny speculation means it's a rumour worth including. If only to highlight the so-called silly season.
Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-mercedes-hamilton-ferrari-932345/
By far the silliest of the silly season.
AMuS (Auto Motor und Sport) is announcing that Renault will be fielding Nicolas Latifi at the Hungaroring test, for one day. The other day, the one for "normal" drivers, will be dedicated to Robert Kubica.
This means that, if AMuS is right (they usually are), Kubica will get a full day in a 2017 car on modern tyres. Palmer will not get a single day of inseason testing, since two out of 4 days are for rookies and the Hulk has already had one day.
Assuming all goes well at the test we should see Kubica back in F1... and the back of Palmer in F1.
Well, we currently have two drivers rumoured to Renault for 2018 or even this year. Sainz or Kubica. Either Sainz is a backup to the Polish driver, or Hulkenberg is being approached by someone like Ferrari. Or, third option, one of the two simply isn't being approached by Renault.
We can all agree that Palmer racing for Renault is 2018 is not just unlikely, it's next to impossible. Hulkenberg + Sainz + Kubica = 3. Car + car = 2. Monisha Kaltenborn is needed to sort that out.
:)
Like the sound of Hulk to Ferrari; if his efforts this year don't garner him a top drive then nothing will. Trying to think if he signed a multi-year deal with Renault requiring a buyout, this could then provide the cash to pay Red Bull for Sainz.
Never mind the last bit, seems as if Sainz is staying put: http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/07/18/sainz-i-am-confirmed-for-toro-rosso-next-year/
Are they really going to keep hold of Kvyat as well? What a fun team environment....
Kvyat will be missing a race if he gets 3 points or more from now until October. That's a lot of racing where he cannot score points.
I'd say there's more than 50% chance Gasly will have to replace Kvyat due to reaching 12 points in a year.
I fully supported giving Kvyat the full season after dropping him from RBR last year. It was worth finding out if he could get his confidence back and drive better consistently. But it seems pretty clear now that he can't, and I don't know why they're apparently keeping him another year.
Because Gasly is the only Red Bull junior even permitted to join F1. The others are too young or have too few FIA points.
Gasly did win GP2, but is considered weaker than Sainz or Kvyat. If they do lose Sainz, they cannot also lose Kvyat because it would mean drafting an external driver.
I could see Leclerc or Giovinazzi get a Toro Rosso seat though, with Ferrari paying for it. Doubt it would happen though.
They've brought in outside drivers before, including Vettel. Kvyat has not notably improved since he came into F1 and has no future in F1. Even if they think Gasly is worse, there's no reason not to give him a chance and see what happens. STR has dropped far better drivers than Kvyat who had been there "too long" and had nowhere to advance, including Buemi and Alguersuari.
Yes, indeed they have. But who could they bring in? Someone young, with a very bright future, and not connected to another team?
I still believe Robin Frijns would do a marvelous job but in F1 rookie terms he is now old.
Haas confirms unchanged 2018 lineup.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/
And in regards to Kubica, the only roadblock remaining (assuming he can actually cope physically with the driving) is demonstrating to the FIA that he can get out of the car within five seconds. This is apparently a specific condition in order to be granted a super license.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-drive-renault-hungaroring-test-933962/
Yes. It has been confirmed by Renault. Kubica will indeed drive for one of the two days at the post-Hungaroring test.
Huh. I thought you said this a few days ago... perhaps my mind has finally gone. Good news whatever the timing, unless your surname happens to be Palmer.
I said that it was reported in German media, but never officially confirmed.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/matsushita-sauber-hungary-test-933992/
Matsushita will drive one day for Sauber, Gustav Malja the other.
This confirms two things:
1) Sauber-Honda is still on.
2) Sauber Swedish is very much true.
Malja is mediocre at best in GP2. (F2, sorry). Even Ericsson was better at the time. Matsushita is a McLaren junior.
I'm just going to, you know. Put this out there.
Kubica, if his test with Renault goes well next week, might replace Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso for the latter half of the 2017 season.
That would be slightly odd.
If I had to pick two drivers that should be out at the end of the season, it's Palmer and Kvyat.
Certainly no tears shed if they both exit.
Either Antonio Giovinazzi or Charles 'It is I' Leclerc into Sauber as part of new engine agreement?
Quote from: Matt on July 27, 2017, 09:41:24 AM
If I had to pick two drivers that should be out at the end of the season, it's Palmer and Kvyat.
If I had to pick two drivers that should be out at the end of the season, it's Palmer and Kvyat.
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/07/28/hamilton-leaving-mercedes-is-a-difficult-call-to-make/
Hamilton will not leave Mercedes before he retires. As in, "I won't race with another team in F1".
Why would he.
Back to speculating on 2018 drivers: If Sauber run Ericsson & Leclerc next year, where does that leave Wehrlein? I'd thought a Force India berth might open up with Perez taking Kimi's space at Ferrari, but who knows if that's a realistic proposition.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-monza-vettel-raikkonen-deals-936918/
Ferrari implying an unchanged driver lineup for 2018.
---
http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37050.html
Leclerc to Sauber?
---
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/Formula1/f1-hungary-grand-prix-gp-test-luca-ghiotto-williams-f2-gp2-2018-grid-drivers-named-line-up-a7859121.html
Luca Ghiotto to Williams?
Instead of Stroll? Not sure Williams could afford it.
I should do another "predicted lineup" for 2018. With all the new constellations, Sauber-Ferrari for example.
We know Haas has confirmed their pairing, and we know Ferrari wants both Leclerc and Giovinazzi in F1 next year according to this:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-sauber-junior-team-marchionne-937321/
If Ferrari does invest heavily in Sauber, then Ericsson will need to find another drive despite his Swedish backers.
The topic also implies that Ferrari will be looking at bringing more customer teams into its group over the years to come. With good old Stefan GP looking to set up an Italian team, could that be shaped into an Alfa Romeo F1 Team?
Or perhaps Ferrari will have to pick one of those two guys for 2018 so that Sauber's owners keep a Swede in a racing suit.
F1 seems at risk of becoming a small number of big teams and a bunch of obedient junior outfits used as test beds for young drivers. Is it a positive if Ferrari (or anyone else) ends up with multiple teams on the grid all singing from the same song sheet in dealings with F1's owners?
Well, is it a negative? I mean, half the grid won't be allowed to win, but at least the grid will be populated with different cars and drivers. I dont mind the Red Bull/Toro Rosso setup, but I wouldnt want a setup with 3-4 teams playing along with the same major player.
Isn't that where Ferrari could be heading? Haas, Sauber, and one more customer (perhaps badged as Alfa like you suggest) brings us to four teams under the Prancing Horse roof.
Anyway, what a wasted opportunity if Liberty rejigs F1's financial model to encourage new entrants and all we get are two or three new customer teams - surely Renault & McLaren each need one?
Mercedes would usurp Force India. Ferrari would go for Sauber + Alfa Romeo. Red Bull would maintain Toro Rosso. McLaren would need a new one. Renault would need a new one.
Only independent left would be Williams, unless also incorporated into the Mercedes fray. That would mean we reach 13 teams on grid, but all belonging to the big 4. Shameful.
EDIT: YES I AM GOING TO MAKE A 2019 DRIVER SPECULATION WHERE I ASSUME THAT ALFA ROMEO, MCLAREN B TEAM AND RENAULT B TEAM ARE ON THE GRID.
Big 5 - Merc, RB, Ferrari, McLaren, Renault.
And yes, shameful.
EDIT: I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR 2019 THREAD.
2019 Grid, with 3 new entrans. Teams ranked in order of position in the 2018 Constructors Championshion.
This list is created with a lot of imagination and very little connection to reality. It's also worth mentioning many of the drivers on the 2017 grid are old and may have retired by 2019.
Red Bull Racing:
1. Max Verstappen
3. Daniel Ricciardo
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel
11. Sergio Pérez
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton
77. Valtteri Bottas
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
4. Robert Kubica
27. Nico Hülkenberg
McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne
55. Carlos Sainz, Jr.
Force India F1 Team:
12. George Russell
94. Pascal Wehrlein
Sauber Ferrari F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen
97. Charles Leclerc
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
10. Pierre Gasly
22. Richard Verschoor
Williams Martini Racing:
9. Marcus Ericsson
31. Esteban Ocon
Haas F1 Team:
9. Romain Grosjean
96. Pietro Fittipaldi
Scuderia Alfa Romeo: (Ferrari B team)
36. Antonio Giovinazzi
99. Marcus Armstrong
China F1 Racing Team: (Honda B team)
31. Lando Norris
95. Nyck de Vries
Nissan Formula One Team: (Renault B team)
17. Sergey Sirotkin
65. Enaam Ahmed
I tried giving everyone good numbers, but when I couldn't find one that carried relevance I gave them the number of their birth. Leclerc 97, Fittipaldi 96, Armstrong 99, de Vries 95 :)
I desperately wanted to include Mick Schumacher but he's not impressive enough. I also wanted to put Joel Eriksson in F1, but he will go down like Rosenqvist - a great driver without money.
Let's discuss these B teams:
For Ferrari, I considered Sauber as a B team and Alfa Romeo as a B team too. This makes 4 seats. I grabbed a more experienced driver for Sauber, which meant Magnussen due to his Ferrari ties via Haas. They have ousted Ericsson.
Leclerc and Giovinazzi are nobrainers. Marcus Armstrong is a Ferrari affiliated driver from New Zealand, currently winning the Italian F4 championship and doing really well in ADAC Formula 4 too.
Next up is Honda, where Matushita is left to rot outside F1 because he is not fast enough. Alonso has retired, which means McLaren is racing with the (now fairly experienced) Vandoorne alongside superstar Carlos Sainz, drafted in from Red Bull after yet another season at Toro Rosso in 2018. For their B team, Lando Norris is guaranteed a seat. Nyck de Vries is getting old (24 by 2019), but racing quite fast and therefore got a seat.
For Renault, surely Sirotkin is now worthy of a seat at the newly founded Nissan F1 Team. Since Kubica has replaced the ever deteriorating Jolyon Palmer, and Hulkenberg is staying put, there is no room at the top team yet. He is joined by a British driver currently doing the rounds in the British Formula 3 championship, Enaam Ahmed. This 17-year old Brit is Muslim. How is that for marketing?
At Mercedes, Lewis is entering his final season in Formula 1. George Russell (Force India) and Esteban Ocon (Williams) are both knocking on the door, with Wehrlein's star fading after a weak 2018 campaign at Force India. Marcus Ericsson, courtesy of money, has found his seat at Williams where he replaces Felipe Massa after the Brazilian races on through 2018.
Red Bull keeps their lineup intact, with a very encouraging return to form in 2018 which saw Verstappen win 12 out of 21 races on his way to the world championship title. Impressive. At Toro Rosso, obviously both Sainz and Kvyat are gone. Gasly is finally making his debut and his team mate is Richard Verschoor, former (2016) F4 champion and current (as of 3 August, 2017 :p ) 3rd place as a rookie in the Toyota Racing Series.
The only team I have not mentioned yet is Haas. While their form slumped in 2018, they still maintained Grosjean for another year. He is joined by a driver with a famous name rather than a proper racing career. Pietro Fittipaldi makes his F1 debut. Currently Fittipaldi is 2nd in the Formula Renault V8, formerly known as Formula Renault 3.5, so his nomination isn't that farfetched.
I like it. Interesting mix of new blood and old. Now we just need three new teams for 2019, which may be pushing it.
Then we need three new teams in 2024 to replace the three new teams from 2019 that failed and went bankrupt.
Quote from: Matt on August 03, 2017, 07:56:07 AM
Then we need three new teams in 2024 to replace the three new teams from 2019 that failed and went bankrupt.
No Sir we do not, since these are all backed by the big ones. The only issue would be if a team like Red Bull or Renault would pull out. That would take down 2-3 teams :P
And Honda is well-known for their commitment to owning F1 teams long-term.
Ok, so you may have a point..
OK, just going to spit all these out, some of which repeat or confirm previous links:
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/04/neale-we-will-do-everything-we-can-to-keep-alonso/
McLaren very keen to keep Alonso for 2018
---
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/07/gasly-target-is-to-be-on-the-grid-in-2018-with-toro-rosso/
Gasly target is 2018 race seat with Toro Rosso
---
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/07/wolff-decision-on-bottas-to-be-made-next-month/
Bottas extension confirmation at Mercedes expected around Spa-Francorchamps
---
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/04/lowe-we-are-very-open-minded-about-next-year/
Di Resta to Williams for 2018?
---
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/05/sainz-my-only-target-is-to-be-a-red-bull-driver/
Sainz has only one goal - to one day race for the Red Bull team
---
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/04/marchionne-we-did-not-get-very-far-with-lewis/
Ferrari imply they held contract talks with Lewis Hamilton but did not go very far, and implies that their 2018 lineup will remain unchanged.
Quote from: Matt on August 03, 2017, 07:56:07 AM
Then we need three new teams in 2024 to replace the three new teams from 2019 that failed and went bankrupt.
Still hopeful that Liberty will shred F1's heavily skewed approach to doling out the readies once Mr. Concorde Agreement expires at end of 2019. At least try and make it viable for the independent teams.
http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/08/perez-i-want-a-new-deal-with-force-india-by-spa/
Perez aims to remain at Force India for 2018.
... seeing as Ferrari has indicated that Kimi will likely stay for 2018.
I did see that Grosjean fancies a return to Renault, but not until they're capable of winning races. Good luck with that one, Romain.
Quote from: Penfold on August 08, 2017, 07:19:53 AM
I did see that Grosjean fancies a return to Renault, but not until they're capable of winning races. Good luck with that one, Romain.
He even said he
will return when
we are winning. As if it's already a done deal, and as though he has anything to do with Renault returning to winning ways. Spoken like he is a part of the elite "multiple world championships" club. Vettel, Alonso, and Hamilton may be excused if they speak that way because they are good enough. He isn't.
More talk of Sauber being a Ferrari junior team, with Leclerc and Giovinazzi in position to replace Wehrlein and Ericsson.
Vasseur says it will be difficult to do it (secure their 2018 driver lineup) before September.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/young-drivers-sauber-vasseur-939621/
... but will it be Leclerc & Gio for 2018 or just one of them, perhaps alongside Ericsson given his Swedish credentials. Arrange an F1 slot for the other guy in 2019.
Williams content with performances (cheques) that Stroll (Stroll senior) is producing: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stroll-has-cracked-formula-1-after-shaky-start-s-williams-939838/
So that's a safe seat... and Massa happy to continue for another year. Trying to think who else they would consider drafting in to replace Felipe.
The only realistic choices would be Di Resta, Ericsson or Palmer. The latter two bring money. If they sign any of them, it is proof Williams is in serious financial difficulty.
So nothing better out there than Massa... that's what I figured; and please don't even joke about Palmer getting a Williams-shaped lifeline.
As expected, but I am disappointed, Raikkonen has been maintained by Ferrari for 2018:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-secures-new-ferrari-deal-943426/
So that's another thirty races of playing second fiddle to Vettel... what better way for a World Champion to finish his career.
How about Raikkonen actually matching Vettel? That would be a decent way to end your career.
Kimi will be up to 294 races by the end of 2018, putting him behind only Schumacher, Barrichello, and Button. And Alonso will still remain ahead of Kimi if the Spaniard does race on in 2018. Alonso will be second only to Barrichello if he enters all races for the remainder of this season as well as next year.
I don't think Kimi's able to match Vettel these days, perhaps at certain tracks when he's having an 'on it' weekend, but not across a full season. Fortunately (for Kimi) that's not an issue when it comes to Ferrari filling their second seat.
Kartoffel van Door is confirmed for 2018 at McLaren.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/23/mclaren-confirm-vandoorne-for-2018/
Here's the 2018 tables, rearranged in order of current constructors championship position.
Could I create this topic any sooner? I'll get back to you.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20150522003214/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119064)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/new-bottas-contract-no-brainer-mercedes-931994/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-secures-new-ferrari-deal-943426/)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/ricciardo-denies-signing-ferrari-contract/)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/vettel-contract-speculation-increases/)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/04/19/perez-happy-in-pink-but-dreaming-of-red/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/06/28/alonso-to-ferrari-hype-or-a-possibility/)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-mercedes-hamilton-ferrari-932345/)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/ex-boss-wants-giovinazzi-replace-raikkonen/)
?. Charles Leclerc (link) (http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/12282/ferrari-needs-to-sign-charles-leclerc-for-the-2018-formula-one-season)
Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-21/ricciardo-rules-out-move-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10943372/max-verstappen-will-be-at-red-bull-for-sure-in-2018)
Force India F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon
11. Sergio Perez (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/08/perez-i-want-a-new-deal-with-force-india-by-spa/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
?. Lucas Auer (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/dtm-racer-auer-in-talks-with-several-f1-teams/)
Williams Martini Racing:
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
19. Felipe Massa (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2017/6/chasing-lady-luck---exclusive-felipe-massa-q-a.html)
?. Luca Ghiotto (link) (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/Formula1/f1-hungary-grand-prix-gp-test-luca-ghiotto-williams-f2-gp2-2018-grid-drivers-named-line-up-a7859121.html)
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-new-toro-rosso-contract-928978/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10940943/carlos-sainz-doesnt-regret-toro-rosso-comments-but-keen-to-talk)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/04/16/alonso-to-renault-talks-have-begun/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/renault-still-interested-sainz/)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-f1-renault-2018-seat-f2-925446/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-drive-renault-hungaroring-test-933962/)
McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team:
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/23/mclaren-confirm-vandoorne-for-2018/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/mclaren-honda-f1-hopes-keep-alonso-vandoorne-2018)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.essentiallysports.com/carlos-sainz-jr-on-mclaren-hondas-radar-for-2018/)
Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/13030/new-f1-rumors-suggest-formula-2-driver-leclerc-could-be-in-a-sauber-for-2018)
?. Charles Leclerc (link) (http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37050.html)
Includes the fresh rumour linking Lance (and Lawrence) Stroll to Force India. How about a Force Canada? Force America?
Watching FP1 from Spa. Swedish commentary, and Marcus Ericsson agent, Eje Elgh accidentally confirmed that Wehrlein needs to find a new seat for 2018 because he's not staying at Sauber.
He also implied Ericsson might replace Massa at Williams rather than staying at Sauber before turning back and saying Ferrari won't be putting both Leclerc and Giovinazzi in F1 next year.
What I imagined Ferrari would do... question is which one? Gio because he's already had a brief foray into F1... or the talent of 'It is I' Leclerc?
I guess the Ericsson to Williams story hangs on whether Stroll stays put for next year.
Quote from: Penfold on August 25, 2017, 03:39:27 AMGio because he's already had a brief foray into F1... or the talent of 'It is I' Leclerc?
Well, 3 things speak in Leclerc's advantage.
1) Leclerc is more dominant in F2(GP2) than perhaps anyone ever has been
2) Giovinazzi made a mess of his final Sauber apperance as well as his Haas practice debut
3) Giovinazzi is apparently a proven simulator master, helping propel Ferrari to Hungaroring success.
Keeping Giovinazzi as third driver for Ferrari, Haas, and Sauber would make sense then.
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
Apparently Vettel was confirmed at Ferrari a few days back. I missed that. I suppose it's major non-news.
Saw it, couldn't be bothered to mention it.
Also seen speculation that Massa will be out of Williams at year end... and some outlandish rumours that Alonso will take his spot. Not sure why Fernando would be keen to do so.
I have heard the Alonso-Williams connection. I don't see why he would go there, their car is not very good this year. Who knows if Paddy can turn that around for 2018?
Also in the rumour mill is Ericsson to Williams. A more likely contender to replace Massa, perhaps.
Kubica to Williams?
http://www.planetf1.com/news/kubica-linked-with-williams-seat-report/
Or Sauber, for Kubica? That would surely be a Ferrari tie appealing to the Polish driver. I'd assume it's a Kubica-Leclerc tie then. Link coming soon.
EDIT: Here's the Kubica-Sauber report, also including the Alonso-Williams rumour:
http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica
And a new table, comprising all the latest reports. INCLUDING Honda and Renault for Toro Rosso and McLaren respectively.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20150522003214/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119064)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/new-bottas-contract-no-brainer-mercedes-931994/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-secures-new-ferrari-deal-943426/)
Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-21/ricciardo-rules-out-move-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10943372/max-verstappen-will-be-at-red-bull-for-sure-in-2018)
Force India F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon
11. Sergio Perez (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/08/perez-i-want-a-new-deal-with-force-india-by-spa/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
?. Lucas Auer (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/dtm-racer-auer-in-talks-with-several-f1-teams/)
Williams Martini Racing:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
19. Felipe Massa (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2017/6/chasing-lady-luck---exclusive-felipe-massa-q-a.html)
?. Luca Ghiotto (link) (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/Formula1/f1-hungary-grand-prix-gp-test-luca-ghiotto-williams-f2-gp2-2018-grid-drivers-named-line-up-a7859121.html)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/kubica-linked-with-williams-seat-report/)
Scuderia Toro Rosso: (Honda?) (http://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/14226/mclaren-renault-toro-rosso-honda-a-done-deal-report-says)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-new-toro-rosso-contract-928978/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10940943/carlos-sainz-doesnt-regret-toro-rosso-comments-but-keen-to-talk)
?. Nobuharu Matsushita (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/opinion-sainz-renault-toro-rosso-gasly-951330/)
?. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-confirms-toro-rosso-chance-951689/)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/04/16/alonso-to-renault-talks-have-begun/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/renault-still-interested-sainz/)
?. Oliver Rowland (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rowland-f1-renault-2018-seat-f2-925446/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-drive-renault-hungaroring-test-933962/)
McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team: (Renault?) (http://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/14226/mclaren-renault-toro-rosso-honda-a-done-deal-report-says)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/23/mclaren-confirm-vandoorne-for-2018/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/mclaren-honda-f1-hopes-keep-alonso-vandoorne-2018)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.essentiallysports.com/carlos-sainz-jr-on-mclaren-hondas-radar-for-2018/)
Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/13030/new-f1-rumors-suggest-formula-2-driver-leclerc-could-be-in-a-sauber-for-2018)
?. Charles Leclerc (link) (http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37050.html)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
Alonso to Williams sounds as crazy today as the first time I heard it, way back at the beginning of September.
Marcus Ericsson to Williams?
http://www.expressen.se/sport/motor/uppgifter-ericsson-nara-nytt-toppstall/
Learn Swedish. Do it.
The source is his manager who also commentates F1 for Swedish TV. To translate, "there is a seat at Williams, WE BELIEVE, available for next year. Every day it is becoming increasingly likely that Marcus is in a position to take that seat"
That reads like a near confirmation to me. Not that I see why Williams would pick Marcus but still.
Bottas confirmed for another one year deal at Mercedes. One can assume it contains a clause for 2019 too.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-secures-mercedes-contract-for-2018-952398/
Marcus to Williams would have to be driven by good old moolah; but would it be to replace Massa (so two pay drivers), or is there still a chance of Stroll taking his charms elsewhere?
I will answer you with this:
Marcus Ericsson, to Swedish Viasat (our Sky, basically): "Yes, there is contact with Williams"
Eje Elgh, Marcus' agent and Viasat commentary, just seconds ago: "No. I do not think Massa will stay at Williams for 2018. It's just a hunch. I think he is going to Formula E."
Reading between the lines, it's a Stroll-Ericsson pairing for 2018 and it's virtually done by now. Ericsson is matching the former future world champion Wehrlein so I don't think it's a massive step down for Williams to take Ericsson in. He is a safe reliable team player, but not very exciting. He'll frequently deliver 6-7/10 drives, rarely better and rarely worse.
A second rumour, which is more along the lines of pure speculation, but Sauber wants to replace Ericsson with Felix Rosenqvist. Which I think most F1 fans would approve of. This is definitely nothing concrete, it's barely even a whisper, but I like the sound of two Swedes in F1.
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/rosberg-working-kubicas-return-f1/
However, this sounds like a Kubica to Williams story for me.
Renault to loan Sainz for 2018 season, confirmed:
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/
I'd prefer Kubica over Ericsson at Williams but I'd also like to see Rosenqvist in at Sauber. Why can't I have this combo? Why must the F1 Gods toy with me so?
Quote from: Penfold on September 15, 2017, 05:24:15 AM
I'd prefer Kubica over Ericsson at Williams but I'd also like to see Rosenqvist in at Sauber. Why can't I have this combo? Why must the F1 Gods toy with me so?
I'd prefer Kubica-Ericsson at Williams. And Stroll in, I don't know, Canadian NASCAR?
So, this is updated then:
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20150522003214/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119064)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-secures-mercedes-contract-for-2018-952398/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-secures-new-ferrari-deal-943426/)
Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-21/ricciardo-rules-out-move-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10943372/max-verstappen-will-be-at-red-bull-for-sure-in-2018)
Force India F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon
11. Sergio Perez (link) (http://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/08/perez-i-want-a-new-deal-with-force-india-by-spa/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
?. Lucas Auer (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/dtm-racer-auer-in-talks-with-several-f1-teams/)
Williams Martini Racing:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
19. Felipe Massa (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2017/6/chasing-lady-luck---exclusive-felipe-massa-q-a.html)
?. Luca Ghiotto (link) (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/Formula1/f1-hungary-grand-prix-gp-test-luca-ghiotto-williams-f2-gp2-2018-grid-drivers-named-line-up-a7859121.html)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/kubica-linked-with-williams-seat-report/)
Scuderia Toro Rosso: (Honda) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-announces-end-toro-rosso-engine-deal/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-new-toro-rosso-contract-928978/)
?. Nobuharu Matsushita (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/opinion-sainz-renault-toro-rosso-gasly-951330/)
?. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-confirms-toro-rosso-chance-951689/)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
McLaren Formula 1 Team: (Renault) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/mclaren-confirmed-split-honda-renault-engine-deal-2018/)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/23/mclaren-confirm-vandoorne-for-2018/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/mclaren-honda-f1-hopes-keep-alonso-vandoorne-2018)
Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/13030/new-f1-rumors-suggest-formula-2-driver-leclerc-could-be-in-a-sauber-for-2018)
?. Charles Leclerc (link) (http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37050.html)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
Giovinazzi/Leclerc to Sauber, Ericsson to Williams?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-giovinazzi-leclerc-sauber-marchionne-953733/amp/
Added:
Leclerc, Giovinazzi --> Sauber
Ericsson, Kubica, Palmer --> Williams
Perez --> Force India (confirmed)
Plus tidied up some links and speculations, removing drivers who are now confirmed at other teams.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20150522003214/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119064)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-secures-mercedes-contract-for-2018-952398/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-secures-new-ferrari-deal-943426/)
Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-21/ricciardo-rules-out-move-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10943372/max-verstappen-will-be-at-red-bull-for-sure-in-2018)
Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41299050)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/09/20/ocon-its-official-i-am-staying-with-force-india/)
Williams Martini Racing:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-giovinazzi-leclerc-sauber-marchionne-953733/amp/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
19. Felipe Massa (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2017/6/chasing-lady-luck---exclusive-felipe-massa-q-a.html)
30. Jolyon Palmer (link) (http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/father-admits-palmer-eyeing-williams-seat/)
?. Luca Ghiotto (link) (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/Formula1/f1-hungary-grand-prix-gp-test-luca-ghiotto-williams-f2-gp2-2018-grid-drivers-named-line-up-a7859121.html)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/kubica-linked-with-williams-seat-report/)
Scuderia Toro Rosso: (Honda) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-announces-end-toro-rosso-engine-deal/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-new-toro-rosso-contract-928978/)
?. Nobuharu Matsushita (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/opinion-sainz-renault-toro-rosso-gasly-951330/)
?. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-confirms-toro-rosso-chance-951689/)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
McLaren Formula 1 Team: (Renault) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/mclaren-confirmed-split-honda-renault-engine-deal-2018/)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/23/mclaren-confirm-vandoorne-for-2018/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/mclaren-honda-f1-hopes-keep-alonso-vandoorne-2018)
Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/13030/new-f1-rumors-suggest-formula-2-driver-leclerc-could-be-in-a-sauber-for-2018)
?. Charles Leclerc (link) (http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37050.html)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-giovinazzi-leclerc-sauber-marchionne-953733/amp/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
Kubica to test a 2014-spec Williams?
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/131871/kubica-in-frame-for-williams-test
We can now safely exclude Felix Rosenqvist from any silly season. Not that I ever thought he was genuinely in the running.
http://mailchi.mp/ff70c706cff6/felix-rosenqvist-returns-for-second-formula-e-season-with-mahindra-racing
Added Paul di Resta as rumoured for Williams:
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20150522003214/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119064)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-secures-mercedes-contract-for-2018-952398/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-secures-new-ferrari-deal-943426/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-21/ricciardo-rules-out-move-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10943372/max-verstappen-will-be-at-red-bull-for-sure-in-2018)
Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41299050)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/sergio-perez-stays-with-esteban-ocon-at-force-india-in-2018-4847858/)
Williams Martini Racing:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-giovinazzi-leclerc-sauber-marchionne-953733/amp/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
19. Felipe Massa (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2017/6/chasing-lady-luck---exclusive-felipe-massa-q-a.html)
30. Jolyon Palmer (link) (http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/father-admits-palmer-eyeing-williams-seat/)
?. Luca Ghiotto (link) (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/Formula1/f1-hungary-grand-prix-gp-test-luca-ghiotto-williams-f2-gp2-2018-grid-drivers-named-line-up-a7859121.html)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/kubica-linked-with-williams-seat-report/)
?. Paul di Resta (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11053022/paul-di-resta-in-frame-for-2018-williams-seat-as-doubts-persist-about-robert-kubica)
Scuderia Toro Rosso: (Honda) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-announces-end-toro-rosso-engine-deal/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-new-toro-rosso-contract-928978/)
?. Nobuharu Matsushita (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/opinion-sainz-renault-toro-rosso-gasly-951330/)
?. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-confirms-toro-rosso-chance-951689/)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
McLaren Formula 1 Team: (Renault) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/mclaren-confirmed-split-honda-renault-engine-deal-2018/)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/23/mclaren-confirm-vandoorne-for-2018/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (http://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/mclaren-honda-f1-hopes-keep-alonso-vandoorne-2018)
Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/13030/new-f1-rumors-suggest-formula-2-driver-leclerc-could-be-in-a-sauber-for-2018)
?. Charles Leclerc (link) (http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37050.html)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-giovinazzi-leclerc-sauber-marchionne-953733/amp/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
More sources suggesting Alonso has outlined a one-year agreement to remain at McLaren, but nothing is signed yet:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-wants-future-decided-before-us-gp-958890/
Not as if he had a better F1 option out there. Is it too much to hope that McLaren can be within half a second of Mercedes next year?
Alonso's McLaren is already ahead of Mercedes. At least in Practice 2 in Malaysia. Which counts for everything.
Kubica & di Resta up for a spot of testing with Williams: http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/exclusive-kubica-and-di-resta-contest-williams-seat
I'm interested to see Williams pushing forward with Kubica as an option. Also, this shootout implies Massa is gone for 2018. Also, Paul di Resta? Really? You might as well go for Palmer or Ericsson, at least they bring money.
Di Resta never impressed me at Force India, he had his chances and never delivered. Kubica, if fit and healthy enough to do it, would be my pick.
Unless of course Williams, orthodox enough, sign Kubica but skip him for certain races where his physical limitations do not allow him to be at his best. It would in a way make sense. On circuits where Kubica is expected to perform better, let him drive. Whenever Di Resta would, on paper, be the better driver give him the seat.
Oh yeah, it's easily Kubica over di Resta for me as well; and for that matter I'd also prefer Palmer or Ericsson to di Resta. Interesting idea of bringing in Paul for any track where Rob would struggle physically, although even more interesting would be having a young hopeful fill that role... though Williams probably wouldn't be too keen on trying that for Monaco.
In an interview in Swedish Expressen after the Malaysian GP, Ericsson has confirmed he will race in F1 in 2018 but refusing to commit to a specific team when asked by the journalist. Could he be staying at Sauber alongside Leclerc? How would he cope when thoroughly destroyed by a rookie team mate?
Cry himself to sleep through 2018 and then run off to Formula E?
It's a fair offering.
Now now, some more stuff.
Ricciardo is definitely on the market for 2019, which is.. well, it's irrelevant to this topic. BRB, going to create a "2019 Driver Speculation" threa:
http://en.f1i.com/news/281562-red-bull-already-preparing-ricciardos-departure.html
Vandoorne implies Alonso may still leave McLaren:
http://www.racer.com/f1/item/144737-i-m-ready-to-lead-mclaren-vandoorne
Massa ain't got a clue bout whats up with Kubby and Paulinho:
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/10/05/351585/
Now that I think about it, Alonso not being confirmed for McLaren despite the McLaren-Renault being confirmed a couple weeks back is a bit worrisome. It should have been announced rather quickly afterwards.
Probably locked in conversation over how many more millions of squid McLaren should add to Alonso's bank account in 2018.
Brendon Hartley for 2018 Toro Rosso drive?
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/132366/hartley-favourite-for-toro-rosso-us-gp-drive
Lando Norris for 2018 McLaren third driver, or even full time if Alonso dumps them?
http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11077238/lando-norris-could-replace-jenson-button-as-mclarens-third-driver
Alonso confirmed to remain at McLaren in this very unusual announcement:
https://www.facebook.com/McLaren.Racing/videos/10155574203831413/
"My engine is good." :D
Marshall Pruett (IndyCar and IMSA reporter) thinks Hartley has already signed a contract with Ganassi in IndyCar and that there is no buy-out clause. Pruett, along with co-worker Robin Miller, are about the most reliable IndyCar reporters there are. We'll see how it plays out, but going to STR for 2018 could come down to more than just what STR wants.
Since the Sainz to Renault confirmation I've been assuming STR will run Kvyat & Gasly next year, and if Hartley is off the table then that pairing must be a near certainty.
With Hartley confirmed for the Mexican GP, is it time to consider him a 2018 option for Toro Rosso? Some might say. As you were.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2017/10/motorsport-expert-bob-mcmurray-believes-kiwi-brendon-hartley-perfectly-suited-to-toro-rosso.html
New table!
Could I create this topic any sooner? I'll get back to you.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20150522003214/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119064)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-secures-mercedes-contract-for-2018-952398/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-secures-new-ferrari-deal-943426/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-21/ricciardo-rules-out-move-to-mercedes-to-stay-with-red-bull/8139514)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10943372/max-verstappen-will-be-at-red-bull-for-sure-in-2018)
Force India F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41299050)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/sergio-perez-stays-with-esteban-ocon-at-force-india-in-2018-4847858/)
Williams Martini Racing:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-giovinazzi-leclerc-sauber-marchionne-953733/amp/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (http://en.f1i.com/news/276450-stroll-linked-force-india-speculation.html)
19. Felipe Massa (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2017/6/chasing-lady-luck---exclusive-felipe-massa-q-a.html)
30. Jolyon Palmer (link) (http://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/father-admits-palmer-eyeing-williams-seat/)
94. Pascal Wehrlein (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/wehrlein-in-the-running-for-williams-seat/)
?. Luca Ghiotto (link) (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/Formula1/f1-hungary-grand-prix-gp-test-luca-ghiotto-williams-f2-gp2-2018-grid-drivers-named-line-up-a7859121.html)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.planetf1.com/news/kubica-linked-with-williams-seat-report/)
?. Paul di Resta (link) (http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11053022/paul-di-resta-in-frame-for-2018-williams-seat-as-doubts-persist-about-robert-kubica)
Scuderia Toro Rosso: (Honda) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-announces-end-toro-rosso-engine-deal/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-confirms-toro-rosso-chance-951689/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-new-toro-rosso-contract-928978/)
?. Brendon Hartley (link) (http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2017/10/motorsport-expert-bob-mcmurray-believes-kiwi-brendon-hartley-perfectly-suited-to-toro-rosso.html)
?. Nobuharu Matsushita (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/opinion-sainz-renault-toro-rosso-gasly-951330/)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-retains-grosjean-magnussen-933321/)
Renault Sport Formula One Team:
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. (link) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/)
McLaren Formula 1 Team: (Renault) (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/09/15/mclaren-confirmed-split-honda-renault-engine-deal-2018/)
2. Stoffel Vandoorne (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/23/mclaren-confirm-vandoorne-for-2018/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/10/alonso-to-race-on-with-mclaren-in-2018.html)
Sauber F1 Team:
9. Marcus Ericsson (link) (http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/13030/new-f1-rumors-suggest-formula-2-driver-leclerc-could-be-in-a-sauber-for-2018)
?. Charles Leclerc (link) (http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37050.html)
?. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-giovinazzi-leclerc-sauber-marchionne-953733/amp/)
?. Robert Kubica (link) (http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/williams-alonso-or-kubica)
Sources updated include:
Hartley to Toro Rosso
Wehrlein to Williams
Alonso confirmed at McLaren
http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/15350/reports-claim-robert-kubica-exceeded-williams-expectations
"Sources" imply that Kubica was faster than Di Resta in their not-actually-shoot-out-but-still test in old Williams F1 cars.
I would hope there is still a gap between the two: Kubica was a demon driver in his day while di Resta was more of a middling peddler.
Second chance for Hartley to show what he has and so it seems my assumption of a Gasly/Kvyat pairing in 2018 may need to be given the boot.
Hartley supposedly has an IndyCar deal in place for 2018, but surely such a deal could be cancelled by Red Bull if they are serious about Hartley.
One advantage for Kvyat though... The Russian market is BIG. Having a Russian driver in a Red Bull car is nothing short of fanastic from a marketing perspective. However, already having an Aussie, a Kiwi doesn't have quite the same pull.
Despite what I posted, I do think STR could get Hartley away from Ganassi for a relatively acceptable price. Hartley would be going to the sponsored car at Ganassi, but Dixon still doesn't have a sponsor. Pruett said he didn't think that made a difference because Hartley was going to the sponsored car, but I don't see why that matters. Money is money. If Ganassi was really smart he'd try to leverage it into a sponsorship deal with Red Bull. IndyCar sponsorship is practically nothing compared to what Red Bull spends elsewhere, I think it's like $6-7 million per year.
So, I don't know, tell Red Bull that for $21 million, they can have Hartley and three years of sponsorship. Everyone wins.
Kvyat has raced his last race for Red Bull / Toro Rosso.
https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/10/25/kvyat-reaches-the-end-of-the-road-as-marko-confirms-he-wont-return/
This indeed implies that Gasly will partner someone other than the Russian for 2018. Maybe Hartley, especially since neither Sean Gelael or Nobuharu Matsushita (did I get those names right?) have the needed points for the SUPER LICENSE.
---
And Pascal could be set to lose the backing of Mercedes unless he secures a deal with Williams for 2018:
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/formula-1/mercedes/news/wehrlein-set-to-lose-mercedes-backing_310200.html
I like the Hartley for Red Bull sponsorship idea. As you say, everyone wins... except Kvyat.
Now unless Williams is going to get another chunk of money off their annual engine subscription, I really can't see why they'd consider Blaise (Pascal) over someone like Kubica - hell, I'd rather keep Massa in the seat for another year.
With Bottas failing miserably in the second half of the season, I think Mercedes might be regretting their pick for 2018. Then again, who else would they have opted to hunt? Ricciardo/Verstappen? Sainz? Vettel? ALONSO?
Ganassi has signed Ed Jones, which points to Hartley staying with STR.
Hartley has also selected his own racing number rather than using Toro Rosso's spare number. He will be number 28 which he used in Formula Renault 3.5 in the past. This implies that he will definitely see out the season.
https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/10/26/hartley-change-number-second-grand-prix/
Massa questions whether Kubica can cope physically with F1; says di Resta is too rubbish to deserve his seat: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/massa-kubica-di-resta-williams-drive-970197/
Chrill questions whether Massa is mentally fit; says Massa is acting like Villeneuve in the media at the moment.
I really do want to create a 2019 Driver Speculation thread now:
Hamilton says Ricciardo as his team mate would be a privilege:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-ricciardo-teammate-privilege-mercedes-red-bull-970864/
Also, Hartley to complete the season alongside Gasly as Red Bull evaluates whether the Kiwi should get a full 2018 season:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hartley-gasly-set-to-complete-season-at-toro-rosso-970907/?s=1
You could create a '2020 Driver Speculation' thread if the mood takes you... I don't think anyone will object.
Is Kvyat finding a lifeline with Williams?
http://www.planetf1.com/news/kvyat-in-contention-for-williams-seat/
Stroll & Kvyat, doesn't get much better than that.
Well, yes. Any pairing, ever, of all time, would be better.
Roger Benoit, arguably the journalist we can trust the most when it comes to Sauber (he found Longbow before announcement, he fired Nasr before announcement, etc.) claims that Ericsson-Leclerc is a done deal for 2018 and is to be announced very soon.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/formula-1/sauber/news/sauber-decide-to-drop-wehrlein-for-2018_310774.html
Bye bye Wehrlein then.
Fine by me. Marcus has clearly been the better driver this year.
Quote from: Penfold on November 01, 2017, 01:05:21 AM
Fine by me. Marcus has clearly been the better driver this year.
You didn't think 12 months ago that "Ericsson is a better driver than Wehrlein", yet here we are saying he has been just that this year.
He's just nudging it. I seem to remember Marcus coming on a step in the middle of 2016 and he's just maintained that level for this year - perhaps with an extra boost to his one-lap efforts. Now he just needs to cut out those silly crashes....
Ericsson doesn't have silly crashes. Oh you mean like Monaco, Suzuka, or Singapore? Oh yeah....
We don't yet know who will be driving for Williams in 2018 (well, I assume Stroll will be), but we now know that it won't be Massa: https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/11/04/massa-leave-williams-end-season/
Rumours circling that Brazil will be Massa's final race, with Kubica replacing him for Abu Dhabi with a view on a 2018 contract. Now, I don't think this will happen but it's being mentioned so I better mention it.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-confirms-norris-as-reserve-f1-driver-975116/
Norris confirmed as reserve for McLaren 2018
Good. He seems like a talented young chap; one who will likely be in F2 next year.
Peter Windsor of Sky Sports has his favorite for the coveted Williams drive - Sweden's Felix Rosenqvist. Yeehaa!
http://www.skysports.com/f1/live-blog/30104/10034948/f1-gossip-column?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral
Hartley & Gasly confirmed for next season: https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/11/16/toro-ross-confirm-hartley-gasly-2018/
Rosenqvist to Williams would be good to see; mind you, the team looks set to give Kubica a third test outing: https://www.crash.net/f1/news/887519/1/lowe-hints-kubica-williams-test-abu-dhabi
Hartley & Gasly confirmed for next season: https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/11/16/toro-ross-confirm-hartley-gasly-2018/
Don't try to take this from me, Penny folder.
Too slow, old chap.
Polish media are today confirming Kubica will make a full time return to racing in 2018 for Williams but are currently not stating any credible sources whatsoever. It's therefore definitely not reliable, and I'll wait until it's on either the Williams website or confirmed by a major news outlet.
Williams have just issued a statement saying they have not finalised a deal with Kubica, and that no announcement will be made prior to this weekend's Grand Prix.
Not finalised a deal... so at the moment it's a work-in-progress. I'm okay with that.
In other news: A few (thousand) more crap posts filling the 'Off topic' section. Matt not been around these parts for a while; I can only assume the pressure of single-handedly running a global motorsports forum finally became too much to bear. Hope he returns fit & well after a period of quiet recuperation.
I'd say just remove the entire section and repost the few topics we actually own in that broken down section of our forum. And perhaps limit user registration.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133187/sirotkin-to-join-kubica-in-williams-test-lineup
I think I can add Sirotkin to the potential drivers for Williams in 2018. That would mean a mighty inexperienced lineup, unless Williams is looking at dumping Stroll and run Kubica and Sirotkin alongside one another. The Russian can surely not match Stroll in cash, but would definitely bring a healthy dose himself.
Sirotkin or Stroll... can't say I care which of them is in F1. Now the two together at the expense of Kubica would be a different matter.
Quote from: Chrill on November 21, 2017, 08:10:24 AM
I'd say just remove the entire section and repost the few topics we actually own in that broken down section of our forum. And perhaps limit user registration.
Yep, we can just move the seven or eight pukka threads to another corner of the site and have Matt nuke what remains.
Right on cue Williams announces that Kubica, Sirotkin, and Stroll will all be getting some laps at next week's test: https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/11/22/williams-confirm-kubica-sirotkin-stroll-test/
I wonder who will be the quickest....
That statement is also the first time Williams confirms Stroll as a race driver for 2018, so I will go ahead and confirm him with that.
I really don't want to report this, but rumours are circulating that Marcus Ericsson will be replaced for 2018. Leclerc and Giovinazzi for Sauber, and Alfa Romeo badges on the cars. I'd be a bit sad.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ericsson-sauber-ferrari-junior-team-talks-my-main-worry-981821/
And I'll be a bit sad on your behalf... whilst at the same time excited by the prospect of 'It is I' and Giovinazzi (no nickname as yet) duking it out as team-mates.
That battle will be a walk in the park for It Is I. Giovinazzi, let me think.
Giov -> Giva = Give
Vin = Wine
Nazzi -> Nazi
So, Giovinazzi can only be referred to as drunk Hitler.
True that nothing quite says F1 like an inebriated fascist... but perhaps anyway I shall instead call him Adam. I assume this requires no explanation.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-delays-2018-driver-decision-982191/
Sauber confirms that no confirmation will be confirmed this weekend, although confirms that Ericsson and Leclerc will drive in the post-race test. Does that confirmation confirm anything? Nothing is confirmed.
More Sauber speculation:
Sauber already has a written and signed contract for Ericsson in 2018. The delay of announcing comes from Ferrari wanting to break that contract and put Giovinazzi in the team.
Williams is not announcing Kubica because their second seat will potentially be occupied by Ericsson if he is ousted from Sauber.
All speculative and all rumours, but Ericsson's agent did confirm Williams talks earlier this year.
Sauber should just hire three drivers, as is tradition.
That might not be far from the truth. German media is putting Ericsson as third driver for all Ferrari-engined teams in 2018. That would mirror the deal Gutierrez had in 2015 after being dismissed from Sauber. Here's hoping Raikkonen suffers a long-lasting but not too serious injury at the start of the next season....
Sauber confirms Ericsson-Leclerc for the post-Abu Dhabi tests, hinting at such a line-up for next year:
http://www.planetf1.com/news/sauber-hint-at-their-2018-driver-line-up/
So to summarise: Ericsson could remain at Sauber next year, possibly alongside 'It Is I'; on the other hand, Sauber might run 'It is I' with Adam (aka Giovinazzi) and Ericsson is thus reduced to being third driver for all Ferrari-powered teams; alternatively, Ericsson could make a sharp upwards leap into Williams should Kubica, Kvyat, di Resta, and Sirotkin not make the mark; or then again something entirely unexpected could happen, as can be the way with F1. So, erm, I think your 'nothing is confirmed' post was pretty much spot on.
Not to forget my speculative post from about a year ago where I placed Ericsson at Ferrari. I still think it's reasonable ;D
Alfa Romeo Sauber confirmed for 2018.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-alfa-romeo-returns-partnership-983901/
I assume Sauber will change colours to something more Ferrariesque then, perhaps with larger white areas than Ferrari.
I'm hearing whispers in German media (and then reported in channels I monitor) that Ericsson will be on a 1+1 year contract tied to a performance clause. If he does not perform in 2018, Giovinazzi (or whoever they deem most suitable) will replace him for 2019.
SO HERE WE GO, LADS. Ericsson to Ferrari 2019.
That's who I'm desperate to see replace Kimi. Vettel against Ericsson, bound to be a close run affair....
Thank you, I shall quote that in my signature.
That's outrageous! Never have such blatantly sarcastic words been so deliberately misrepresented....
Yay, we will feature Swedish drivers in F1 next year too, alongside F2 champion Leclerc. With a pretty Alfa Romeo car at that.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sauber-confirms-ericsson-leclerc-for-2018-f1-season-985150/
No word yet on what number Leclerc will use for the 2018 season. Giovinazzi is confirmed as their third driver.
EDIT: Although the Alfa Romeo mockup car carries the number 16, so that may be Leclerc's number. 16 is an available number, it hasn't been used since the regulations changed.
(https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/24796630_10155249011661267_2937876157236636910_n.jpg?oh=7896be6250e5a404d65140d2ff755f7d&oe=5A8C8A5D)
Here's an image of the modifications Williams have made to their car in order for Kubica to fit. The right side (his injured arm) is slightly expanded to allow more room.
Is Oliver Rowland in the running for that second Williams seat? He says he is. Williams says he is not.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133500/rowland-claims-williams-talks-team-denies-it
I think not. Anyway, they're going to hire Kubica so there isn't actually a spot available - unless Williams is in such dire straits that they're going to try a Kaltenborn special.
The fact we are still awaiting confirmation for Kubica makes me wonder if perhaps his Abu Dhabi tests were not as successful as we all hope. We shall see.
Also, Leclerc's number 16 is now confirmed.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/leclerc-2018-race-number-raikkonen-gasly-987368/
Last I heard (read) he was putting in some time on the team's simulator - this was after the Abu Dhabi test.
Kubica is out of contention according to Autosport. Sirotkin is now the front runner.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133521/sirotkin-favourite-to-get-2018-williams-drive
What an impressive lineup, Stroll-Sirotkin. Ugh.
That's depressing. So according to Williams, Sirotkin wins out over Kubica purely on performance, the 15 million Pounds attached to his person is just a nice bonus - same as it was with Stroll's money....
Honestly, Kubica would bring sponsorship due to basic publicity. It would be a fairytale. If he is rejected, then maybe he simply isn't fit enough to battle it out over a season, or he isn't capable of extracting the last few tenths that makes the difference between P7 and P17.
I'm sure Williams would maintain to the end that any decision was based purely on performance but we can never know for sure, what we can know is (roughly) how much of a financial boost Sirotkin could provide. Now, Kubica might well attract some sponsors to the team but Sirotkin's bag of money is said to hold roughly $20 million; to give that some context, Martini is believed to pay $25 million per year to be title sponsor. I can't believe that new sponsors would be throwing anything like that amount of money at Williams just because they signed up some driver on the comeback trail who is largely unknown outside of motorsport circles. If he'd been World Champion then that would be different, but he has a single race win almost a decade ago... how's his name going to boost sales of whatever widget you make? Perhaps a few million dollars of new money would come in but I honestly can't imagine it being much more.
This is true. Is Williams in such a dire financial state that they need Stroll and Sirotkin on top of a generous title sponsorship? Sirotkin is mildly impressive in junior formula and may well beat Stroll, but that's not really an upwards trajectory for the team.
I certainly wouldn't accuse Williams of being on an upwards trajectory.... Perhaps they're factoring in what that extra cash could buy in terms of car performance - a decent in-season development programme wouldn't go amiss. Makes one marvel at how Force India manages so well on such a tight budget.
Sirotkin & Williams seems a done deal - and just a month ago I was sure they'd put talent ahead of money... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/42579911
$irotkin and $troll, what a pairing.
Kvyat confirmed as development driver for Ferrari:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kvyat-joins-ferrari-development-driver-994378/
Which makes good sense too. He needs to regain his composure, because we know he can drive fast.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/133914/sirotkin-announced-as-2018-williams-driver
Well shit. Case closed, Williams officially has the worst lineup of 2018.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/42700482
However the Pole is official reserve driver for Williams, apparently. So there's that.
Yeah, that cheers me no end.
You saying worst line-up of 2018 got me wondering when Williams last had such limited talent behind the wheel. Scrolled up through this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williams_F1_Grand_Prix_results and got right to the top before the answer leapt out: 1977 with Patrick Neve as their sole driver.
Even 2012, with Maldonado/Senna, they had more talent. Maldonado won a race that year!!
Exactly. One fast but unpredictable peddler and one guy with a great surname - they haven't got either of those qualities this year!
Sirotkin to bring long-term benefits to Williams: https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2018/01/17/why-williams-picked-sirotkin-instead-of-kubica-for-2018/
Basically what I suggested a few posts back: a bet that the extra cash will buy them enough performance to outweigh Sirotkin's lack of experience.
Also, with Kubica as third/reserve/development/whatchamacallit driver, his experience will stay contribute to car development. That means Sirotkin/Stroll simply needs to haul the car around fast enough to score points.
Plus Kubica is pencilled in for some practice sessions; basically use him to help set up the car for the young 'uns - Sirotkin already benefited from this in their audition tests.
Sirotkin picks 35 as his permanent number.
https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/16671
Your Leclerc reference is picking up speed:
https://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2018/01/29/leclerc-nine-things-know-saubers-new-f1-driver/
Trend setting right here on MF1. Now if we can just get Monsieur 'It is I' to use it himself....
Paddy Lowe insists (again) that Sirotkin was chosen purely on merit, that money played no part in the decision: https://www.racefans.net/2018/02/16/williams-chose-sirotkin-simply-on-merit-lowe/
So Sergey was the very best/most promising driver on the planet available to Williams and he just happened to bring an estimated $20 million of backing. What a happy co-incidence.
If we look at available drivers at that time, we find a rather short list of people with at least SOME F1 experience:
Daniil Kvyat
Jolyon Palmer
Felipe Nasr
Robert Kubica
Sergery Sirotkin
Pascal Wehrlein
Nico Rosberg (I mean, it's not realistic. Still)
Paul di Resta
Let's be honest, I don't think Sirotkin is the worst on this list. Others are affiliated with various teams or simply unwilling to join Williams. I'd say out of the drivers likely willing to race for Williams in 2018, Sirotkin is in my top 3 behind Kvyat and Wehrlein. Still, Wehrlein was supposedly too young and Kvyat does not come from a good season at Toro Rosso.
Palmer is simply not impressive enough, Nasr never was fast enough (even though he had ties to Williams), Kubica apparently wasn't the one they went for and we can only speculate why, and di Resta is too old and inexperienced and never did impress enough during his spell in F1.
I can't be too upset with Sirotkin, although keeping Stroll is arguably a stranger choice despite his P3 in Azerbaijan. No denying Stroll kept his cool when so many others (pretty much all of them) crashed.
I know Sergey has several F1 practice sessions under his belt but to me that's of limited value compared to raw talent. So, with that in mind: Sirotkin or Rosenqvist?
As for Wehrlein, he's actually one year older than Sirotkin - so why did they ignore poor Pascal?
All this said, I'm still kind of expecting Serge to be quicker than the Stroller.
Sure, Rosenqvist I would have been thrilled with. Then again, clearly finances played a part. If Sirotkin is two tenths slower, but can bring funds that should allow improvements to cover those two tenths, well then Sirotkin's money is simply making the two cars faster despite being slower himself.
Picking a well funded average driver can be better than a poorly funded above average driver. Of course the dream is to bag someone like Alonso, technically a pay driver yet also a proven world champion driver. Santander surely contributed large sums of money to various teams.
Sure, Sirotkin's money should buy the team enough extra pace to at least offset any losses from driver performance - I suggested a while back that Williams would be thinking along those lines - and that's fine, it sounds like a sensible approach to take. What I dislike is Paddy Lowe popping up to tell us that money played absolutely no part in driver selection, because for that to be true you have to believe that Sirotkin is the very best driver on the planet who was able to compete for Williams in 2018. Well, what about Wehrlein, and what about Rosenqvist? How come they weren't given some time on the test track, or even in the simulator? Doesn't seem like Williams searched too hard before deciding Sergey is the best guy out there.
Swedish media reporting that Alfa Romeo wants to move from title sponsorship to full ownership of Sauber already this year. As in, no more Alfa Romeo Sauber, and simply Alfa Romeo F1.
As in, bye bye Ericsson, hey there Giovinazzi. Here's hoping it's wrong, for me, since I want a Swede in F1. :P
Isn't he going to be taking Kimi's spot at Ferrari next year?
Well yes that's almost a given at this point, but until then.
Late in the day for Alfa to take control and boot out one of its drivers. I suppose it could be a mid-season switch but got to be some difficulties extricating themselves from contractual obligations - how much to pay off 'Toys R Us' and his sponsors? And would it be worth it?
You are good with names.
Frankly I think Alfa Sauber benefits from not having two rookies during a buildup phase. For 2019, sure, but this season should be safe for my fellow rutabaga.
Can't keep calling him 'Chrill's mate Marcus', too much of a mouthful. Rutabaga would do, that or my Toys R Us nonsense.
Yes. I don't quite follow Toys R Us, although rutabaga and swede is the same thing. Right?
Fun fact: Rotabagge, which is where the English rutabaga comes from, is an extremely local dialectical word for the vegetable we in Sweden call K?lrot (Coal root). So basically, some immigrants from this area near Gothenburg called it Rotabagge, Americans interpreted it as rutabaga and boom here we are.
What we call swedes, Americans call rutabagas. Used to be called Swedish turnip over here to differentiate it from those little white turnips, but now they're just swedes... except for some places up north where they seem to call them turnips, or neeps, which is also how the Scots refer to them and why you might have neeps and tatties (potatoes) with your haggis.
Mark 'Toys R' Us Ericsson. Shortened to Toys R Us. No rhyme or reason why.