Yup. Hey guys.
So, this is where a drivers table will go. Later.
Later is now. All the drivers currently with a team will be linked to them for the time being.
As always:
Bold = Confirmed
Italics = Connected/Rumoured
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/mercedes-confirm-fourth-season-for-bottas-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/11/12/red-bull-give-albon-full-season-alongside-verstappen-for-2020/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/49529336)
Scuderia Alpha Tauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-confirmed-red-bull-2020/4595853/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/21/kvyat-will-stay-at-toro-rosso-in-2020-says-marko/)
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.giovinazzi-retained-by-alfa-romeo-for-2020.68W98hjaTHS4QX7SW3HUDX.html)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grosjean-keeps-haas-seat-hulkenberg/4543516/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/latifi-williams-2020-russell/4603510/)
Ahead of 2020 Bottas will lose his main personal sponsor "Wihuri", a team which has followed him since Williams. Not good news, I suppose:
Google Translate from Finnish:
Valtteri Bottas, the driver of Mercedes-Benz, has lost his main Finnish sponsor.
According to ILTA-MESSAGES, the Wihuri Group will not continue as a supporter of Mercedes-Benz or Valtteri Bottas any more this year.
Antti Aarnio-Wihuri, the main owner of Wihuri and Chairman of the Board, confirms the company's withdrawal from the F1 series.
- That's right. We don't go on. With regard to the benefit of it, we decided it was too expensive, Aarnio-Wihuri told IS.
The role of Aarnio-Wihuri and his company was remarkable in the fact that Bottas was racing from Merced at the beginning of 2017 when Nico Rosberg decided to suddenly stop his F1 career.
Read more: Direct talk from Valtteri Bottas dropping from the main supporter - disappointed with the results: also rejected the Finnish formula promise
SPONSORING AMOUNTS are not public, but it is certain that Wihuri has first paid the first F1 store in Bottas to Williams and then to millions of euros for Mercedes.
For over a hundred years, Wihur, a family company that has grown into an international group, has four distinct industries: packaging industry, grocery wholesaling, technical wholesaling and business aviation.
Source: https://www.is.fi/formula1/art-2000005960195.html?fbclid=IwAR1Ml80goWddmvPshhdiiLuiHhpIjcMHVvYy6h5F3y_KyFnC7f6Y_Pm6CCI
Barring some incredible upward spike in performance this year, I really struggle to see Merc. retaining Valerie's services for 2020. Time to get someone else on board and bed them in before Hammy retires.
Well to be fair, is Ocon really the one for the future? He's been evenly paced with Perez for two seasons. Perez, famously kicked out of McLaren. I think Mercedes need to look for George Russell and hope he has a cracking season at Williams in 2019, or consider stealing someone like Verstappen once Hamilton retires. Imagine a Verstappen-Ocon pairing. Oh boy.
I think Ocon has shown enough for a shot at the big times; stick him alongside Hammy for 2020 and see how he fares, I mean what better way to see if he's up to the task? Question is, for how long will Lewis keep rolling... might the revamped cars of 2021 tempt him to stay on for a few extra years?
Quote from: Penfold on January 10, 2019, 06:23:55 AMQuestion is, for how long will Lewis keep rolling... might the revamped cars of 2021 tempt him to stay on for a few extra years?
The 2017 cars could not persuade Button to stick around. Once Hamilton decides to go, he'll have projects lined up that he'll want to focus on full time. Be that music, film, fashion, or whatever. I surely see Hamilton having a second career after F1 that is also very much in the limelight.
I also back Ocon. Plus, as you guys have mentioned, Hamilton might not be around that much longer. Russell is just starting his first season and Mercedes probably will have more than one slot to fill relatively soon. Give Ocon a chance. If he?s nowhere close, then fine, you still have Russell and maybe even another seat.
And it's Mercedes, so no trouble attracting a decent driver in 2021 if need be. For starters, Ricciardo will be available by then.
Quote from: Chrill on January 10, 2019, 06:47:33 AMThe 2017 cars could not persuade Button to stick around. Once Hamilton decides to go, he'll have projects lined up that he'll want to focus on full time. Be that music, film, fashion, or whatever. I surely see Hamilton having a second career after F1 that is also very much in the limelight.
Who knows, perhaps if Button had been somewhere that gave him a shot at a second title (or even some podiums!) he would've found the motivation to continue, but after those last two seasons with McLaren, scoring just 37 points across 40 races, it's easy enough to understand why he called it quits.
Are you saying that McLaren in 2016 was not operating at the same level Mercedes did in 2018?
Easy for the untrained eye to miss it, but there was a subtle performance gap between the 2016 McLaren & Merc's 2018 motor....
I meant to post a speculated "this is what a grid could look like", but really all I did was replace Bottas with Ocon then struggle to put Bottas anywhere courtesy of no funding. Kubica may leave too, replaced by a young rich kid. 2020 grid may look very much like 2019.
Bottas to McLaren perhaps? Sainz to Haas? Grosjean out of F1?
Sainz agreed a multi-year contract with McLaren so fairly likely he'll still be there in 2020; perhaps Bottas to Haas is an option? Now, which one would get the boot... KMag or Big Jean? Both can provide entertainment in their own (unintentional) way, but I'd just favour the French guy over the Dane.
And, if Giovinazzi does not perform, perhaps Mick Schumacher to Sauber for 2020.
Shall keep an eye on him in F2 this year and see how he fares against the likes of Camara, Latifi, that Marzipan chap, de Vries, and also Jean Alesi's son.
Schumacher was fastest yesterday in F2 pre-season testing. And also, he's likely to run the Alfa Romeo in Bahrain's mid-season tests. Good for him.
https://www.essentiallysports.com/mercedes-keeping-a-close-eye-on-max-verstappen/
I mean, this should be enough to warrant a table linking Max to Mercedes.
... but perhaps one for your 2021 thread? Sounds like Max is bound to Red Bull next year unless that performance clause kicks in.
I'll create that topic too, don't you worry.
Never a doubt in my mind....
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/3975/ocon-admits-2020-out-of-his-hands/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/04/09/formula-1-max-verstappen-rumored-join-mercedes-2020/)
77. Valtteri Bottas
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
10. Pierre Gasly
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142541/schumacher-unsure-hed-be-ready-for-f1-in-2020)
McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
4. Lando Norris
Rich Energy Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
8. Romain Grosjean
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg
Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
23. Alexander Albon
26. Daniil Kvyat
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez
18. Lance Stroll
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
88. Robert Kubica
There we go.
Better late than never... :P
https://www.racefans.net/2019/04/17/vettel-says-hes-not-thinking-of-retirement-yet/
Vettel says he's not thinking of retirement yet. Which means he is. 2020, I still think he could be at Ferrari. 2021? No.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-laughed-verstappen-calls-mercedes/4372244/
Toto Wolff implies that he will keep Bottas and Hamilton for 2020, saying:
"After 2020 we will first discuss with Valtteri and Lewis, and once that decision is taken, we'll turn to the paddock. But hopefully the line-up stays forever."
Bottas is now performing at the level required for a Mercedes no. 2. Good on him.
He very much is. 1-2-2 is a very solid start to the season.
Significantly aided by having no particular competition from Ferrari.
O'Ward to Toro Rosso? Well, sure:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/oward-red-bull-junior-2020/4385138/
Some proper speculation, with little to no reliable sources:
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/40229/vettel-considering-f1-retirement-this-year/
Vettel to retire? If he does, names connected to that 2nd Ferrari seat (alongside Leclerc) include Sergio Perez, K-Mag, RoGro, and Bottman
Nothing I've ever seen from Saward has turned out to be true. Plus, I'm just as tired of this "Vettel is bad" narrative, or that he has needed team orders consistently to beat Leclerc. They're close. That's it. Leclerc is good.
I'd like to see Vettel go race somewhere other than F1 though. He has a good personality and I think he'd be a fan favorite in a series where everything isn't so sterile.
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/41447/ferrari-mercedes-on-red-alert-as-verstappen-s-red-bull-clause-revealed/
If Red Bull does not win a race by Hungary, Verstappen is supposedly free to discuss with other teams. Now, Bottas has been strong at Mercedes but he is not Verstappen in terms of PR. Could we see a Hamilton-Verstappen for 2020, or even a Verstappen in red?
And with that in mind, I will play a little game called "I'm bored, so let's make up a fantasy grid for 2020". Rules are:
* At least 3 rookies
* No team may keep their 2019 lineup
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
33. Max Verstappen
44. Lewis Hamilton
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc
77. Valtteri Bottas
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
14. Fernando Alonso
26. Daniil Kvyat
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen
?. Mick Schumacher
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris
27. Nico Hülkenberg
Rich Energy Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean
11. Sergio Pérez
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
31. Esteban Ocon
Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
?. Patricio O'Ward
23. Alexander Albon
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
10. Pierre Gasly
18. Lance Stroll
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell
?. Nicolas Latifi
Retiring from F1?
5. Sebastian Vettel
20. Kevin Magnussen
55. Carlos Sainz (unless maybe Racing Point want him?)
88. Robert Kubica
99. Antonio Giovinazzi
I'll have a go tomorrow.
It's all irrelevant since Red Bull needed a win. And got one. Good on Verstappen.
Alright. Let's get cracking with the old rumour mill. This article gives a lot of speculation, I like it:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/
Ocon -> Renault
Ocon -> Haas
Ocon -> Racing Point
Perez -> Haas
Latifi -> Racing Point
Kvyat -> Red Bull
Vettel -> Red Bull (I love this one)
Alonso -> Ferrari
I'll just list all of these in that lovely rumours page.
So, it looks like this:
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/3975/ocon-admits-2020-out-of-his-hands/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/04/09/formula-1-max-verstappen-rumored-join-mercedes-2020/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-laughed-verstappen-calls-mercedes/4372244/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
10. Pierre Gasly
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142541/schumacher-unsure-hed-be-ready-for-f1-in-2020)
McLaren F1 Team:
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
4. Lando Norris
Rich Energy Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
8. Romain Grosjean
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
23. Alexander Albon
26. Daniil Kvyat
?. Patricio O'Ward (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/oward-red-bull-junior-2020/4385138/)
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez
18. Lance Stroll
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
88. Robert Kubica
Horner actually flirts a bit with Vettel:
https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/07/05/horner-we-have-a-special-relationship-with-sebastian/
Seb to Red Bull must be the craziest one up there. I mean, he's already being out-driven by someone eleven years his junior, would he really fancy switching teams and risk repeating the experience with Verstappen?
I'm sure Lando must be on a multi-year contract - or at least McLaren will have the option to extend his tenure - so I can't see him going elsewhere in 2020.
Confirmtion that Lando stays with McLaren for 2020: https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/
So that's an intact McLaren lineup for next season. That's an early thing to announce.
Stability at McLaren... Something feels wrong.
... and looking good to come (a distant) 4th in the standings, which will be their best placing since the Hamilton/Button days.
Quote from: Matt on July 10, 2019, 10:24:50 PM
Stability at McLaren... Something feels wrong.
I assume the factory will detonate during the summer break.
Lando's confirmation added to table. And table sorted by current constructor's position. And "Rich Energy" removed from the Haas name.
As always:
Bold = Confirmed
Italics = Connected/Rumoured
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/3975/ocon-admits-2020-out-of-his-hands/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/04/09/formula-1-max-verstappen-rumored-join-mercedes-2020/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-laughed-verstappen-calls-mercedes/4372244/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/07/05/horner-we-have-a-special-relationship-with-sebastian/)
10. Pierre Gasly
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142541/schumacher-unsure-hed-be-ready-for-f1-in-2020)
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez
18. Lance Stroll
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
23. Alexander Albon
26. Daniil Kvyat
?. Patricio O'Ward (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/oward-red-bull-junior-2020/4385138/)
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
8. Romain Grosjean
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
88. Robert Kubica
The Hulk seems to find it "quite likely" Renault will retain him:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hulkenberg-quite-likely-renault-2020/4500545/
I concur with the Hulk's assertion.
https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/?fbclid=IwAR1Z9ankNBC8hLNkBtMPD8gr2XTDHjVVDKnGhiukspyitGNaK8i_WhwDkmE
Dieter Rencken, a long-time F1 journalist and a very trusted one at that, speculates on 2020:
Vettel and Verstappen will do a straight switch: likelihood more than 50/50
He also seems to think it's possibly bye bye Grosjean, that Bottas could slot in alongside K-Mag at Haas, and that Ocon could indeed race alongside Hamilton.
As for Toro Rosso? Well, he seems to think it's Gasly-Albon there, with Vettel-Kvyat at Red Bull. Or, possibly even Buemi-Albon at Toro Rosso, with Gasly tossed aside entirely.
Sauberomeo retains their driver pairing, Williams goes Russell-Latifi, and Racing Point keeps Perez and Stroll. McLaren already confirmed their two drivers for this year will remain for 2020.
As always:
Bold = Confirmed
Italics = Connected/Rumoured
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/3975/ocon-admits-2020-out-of-his-hands/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/04/09/formula-1-max-verstappen-rumored-join-mercedes-2020/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-laughed-verstappen-calls-mercedes/4372244/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/07/05/horner-we-have-a-special-relationship-with-sebastian/)
10. Pierre Gasly
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
?. Patricio O'Ward (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/oward-red-bull-junior-2020/4385138/)
?. Sébastien Buemi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hulkenberg-quite-likely-renault-2020/4500545/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
8. Romain Grosjean
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142541/schumacher-unsure-hed-be-ready-for-f1-in-2020)
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
88. Robert Kubica
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
And that provides this table, then.
Personally, the line-up I'd like to see:
Hamilton/Ocon
Verstappen/Leclerc
Vettel/Albon
Norris/Sainz
Kvyat/Buemi
Ricciardo/Hulkenberg
Perez/Stroll
Magnussen/Bottas
Raikkonen/anyone other than Giovinazzi
Russell/Kubica
Perez putting the finishing touches to a new deal with RP: https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/01/perez-finalising-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/
Hmm, I wonder who gets the other seat for the next 10 years?
There's a new interview with Perez in which he comments on how many more years of F1 he expects to enjoy:
"You never know what can happen in Formula 1. I certainly know I will not stay here for many more years – certainly less than what I've done in Formula 1 already. I've been here a while. So you never know, but I say to myself that if by 2021 I'm not in contention for podiums and I don't see it that I'm going to have that opportunity, then I will not be here beyond that."
So there you go. When Chrill begins to assemble his '2022 Driver Speculation' thread - and surely it won't be long now - he can put Sergio down as a definite possible for RP contingent upon the team's 2021 performance.
The full interview in case anyone cares - I skimmed through it and the above extract was the only noteworthy nugget: https://racer.com/2019/08/15/interview-inside-the-house-that-checo-built/
Perez seems older than 29.
I do appreciate that. We'll see if Racing Poindia is fighting for podiums in 2021, or we'll prepare to wave goodbye to the good Mexican.
Quote from: Matt on August 17, 2019, 10:57:31 PM
Perez seems older than 29.
It surprised me. If someone had asked me his age (an unlikely event, I'll grant you) I would've plumped for 32 or 33. Chap's been around for donkey's years and I'd plain forgotten he was only 21 when he debuted with Sauber.
The word on the street is that Bottas will remain with Mercedes, Ocon will replace the Hulk, and the Hulk will replace Grosjean. Hulk+Mag at Haas, now that sounds... brave. The team will implode.
Remains to be seen whether Grosjean can keep himself on the grid or if this spells the end of his F1 career.
I think that's it for Grosjean. He really did have a good F1 career, I think people downplay his results too much.
He's had plenty of strong races over the years, particularly during his first couple of seasons at Lotus, but unfortunately it seems only his cock-ups got lodged in people's brains.
Quote from: Matt on August 22, 2019, 10:26:14 PM
I think that's it for Grosjean. He really did have a good F1 career, I think people downplay his results too much.
Agreed. That 2012 crash at Belgium labelled him for good really.
On a Grosjean-related note, Denmark's premier F1 expert claims that Magnussen's 2020 Haas deal is signed and completed and that word on it will come within a week or two:
https://www.bt.dk/kevin-magnussen/b.t.s-formel-1-ekspert-rolig-nu-magnussen-bliver-hos-haas
The second seat, according to the article, is still open. It's a battle between the Hulk, the Wehrlein, and the Ocon.
Bottas stays with Merc. for 2020: https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/mercedes-confirm-fourth-season-for-bottas-in-2020/
So... Ocon to Renault and the Hulk to Haas?
It seems likely to go that route.
Ocon confirmed alongside Ricciardo, bye bye Hulkenberg.
https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/
Ocon and Bottas added to table, then:
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/mercedes-confirm-fourth-season-for-bottas-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/07/05/horner-we-have-a-special-relationship-with-sebastian/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
?. Patricio O'Ward (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/oward-red-bull-junior-2020/4385138/)
?. Sébastien Buemi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
8. Romain Grosjean
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/08/24/formula-1-nico-hulkenberg-tipped-replace-romain-grosjean-haas-2020/)
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142541/schumacher-unsure-hed-be-ready-for-f1-in-2020)
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
88. Robert Kubica
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
The interesting bit is who gets seat no. 2 at Red Bull if Albon doesn't perform? Give Gasly/Kvyat another shot, or do they draft someone in from outside the Red Bull family... perhaps Hulk could fill the gap for a season or two.
I don't think Hulk will be available by the time Red Bull could make that decision.
Quote from: Penfold on August 29, 2019, 09:23:26 AM
The interesting bit is who gets seat no. 2 at Red Bull if Albon doesn't perform? Give Gasly/Kvyat another shot, or do they draft someone in from outside the Red Bull family... perhaps Hulk could fill the gap for a season or two.
It will depend on the second half of Toro Rosso's season really, assuming Albon fails to impress. If Gasly outperforms Kvyat, he'll return to Red Bull. If Kvyat outperforms Gasly, he'll return to Red Bull. If they're both mediocre, it will have to be someone like Grosjean since he is looking likelier than ever to be available. They will of course try to persuade Alonso, maybe Rosberg, possibly even someone in the midfield like Kimi (?!) or Perez.
That's a good point, Matt. Hulk's not going to hang around for too long on the off-chance that Red Bull gives him a call.
Theoretically, Hulk could sign a two-way contract with Red Bull. If Albon fails to secure X points, Hulk gets that drive. If Albon succeeds, Hulk moves to Toro Rosso. It's a decent midfield team, the Italian Bulls.
Say, do you guys remember way back in the middle of August when Perez said he'd only be interested in racing F1 beyond 2021 if podiums were on the cards? Well, it turns out he has a crystal ball which showed him Racing Point as a highly competitive outfit come 2022 and so he has extended his contract until the end of that year: https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/
One would assume there is a performance clause, both ways, for that deal. I'll add him to the table.
Interesting(ish) to see that Ocon's two-year deal with Renault doesn't allow Mercedes to nip in and grab him for 2021: https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/11/ocon-cannot-replace-hamilton-or-bottas-at-mercedes-in-2021/
Mind you, were Hamilton to depart at the end of next year I doubt Mercedes would be keen on a Bottas/Ocon pairing for '21; whereas if Bottas leaves (gets the boot) I'd love to see Russell get the seat - assuming that having two British drivers is acceptable to the Merc. hierarchy.
I'd say Russell is currently ahead of Ocon, courtesy of him first winning the F2 title and then bringing the Williams near the midfield if not right into it.
Ocon need to take on Ricciardo and probably beat him if he is to keep a chance of promotion into Mercedes for 2021. I am not sure he will be able to beat Ricciardo.
For 2021, it currently seems like Hamilton might still want to be in F1, but if not then I see Russell and someone external (Vettel, Verstappen, Norris, Ricciardo, etc.?) being promoted to the other seat.
I share your doubt about Ocon besting Ricky Hairdo, and surely Esteban would have to really thrash Danny for Mercedes to consider buying him out of his Renault contract.
What, no mention of Alonso as a near-certain replacement for Hammy should he quit Merc/F1 before 2021? What a terrible oversight! ;)
Alonso has hinted toward rejoining F1 in 2021, but he will be 40 by then. Oh, wait, Kimi is 40 this year and will race next year too. Fine, Alonso can return if he so wishes. Would Mercedes? Honestly, they kind of might. I'll throw him in at a 2% chance. I would say, 1/50 times they would pick Alonso to partner someone for 2021.
It's all about Grosjean or the Hulk for Haas in 2020, and the decision is very difficult, according to Gene Haas and Herr Steiner.
http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/145928
Not sure where besides Williams the Hulk could go if he doesn't get the Haas gig.
Well, I am beginning to hope for Vettel to leave Ferrari. I'm slightly fed up with his constant solo errors. The Hulk would be a decent wingman to young Charlie Lick-Lerk.
It's getting somewhat painful to watch this new, error-prone version of Vettel being outclassed by young Leclerc. You can forgive drivers losing a fraction of their one-lap pace as the years roll by, but that should be counter-balanced with consistency on a Sunday afternoon.
At the moment, I feel like Vettel is as error prone as Grosjean is or Ericsson was. That is not the company a four-time world champion should be in. He has outclassed Kimi over their years in Ferrari, but look at what Kimi is doing to Giovinazzi. That would imply Vettel was at his best as soon as 13-14 months ago, before the 2018 summer break. What has happened since?
Obviously he had a really bad holiday experience in 2018 and it's still playing on his mind. That's right, I've nothing sensible to contribute....
Well, you could go rate the drivers performances from the Italian GP.
I hope you're not accusing my driver ratings of being sensible....
I accuse them of not being. At all.
They exist in my mind; tomorrow morn they shall live in whatever font this site employs.
Verdana.
Comic sans
Unsurprisingly, that feature doesn't work on my phone. It would be equally unsurprising if it doesn't work at all.
It does work on my computer, but not my phone.
But Verdana is the standard font for this forum, so I need not use a code to make it so.
Kubica in talks with Audi with plans for a DTM drive.
https://www.autosport.com/dtm/news/146033/audi-admits-to-dtm-talks-with-kubica-management
I do watch most of the DTM races and I'd be interested to see how Rob K. would perform.
I stopped watching DTM when Ekström retired, really. We have a Swede now, but he just so happens to back our nationalistic party which is a bit of a shame. The Sweden Democrats make UKIP seem leftist. I'd say the most telling aspect of that is that the SweDems stem from a neo-nazi movement, and only stopped saluting Hitler 25 years ago. :o
What, so not even allowed on special occasions like the Fuhrer's birthday? Seems a tad harsh....
I almost share my birthday with the Fuhrer. He was born on 20 April and died on 30 April (admittedly not in the same year) and my birthday is neither of those two dates but is also in April. So, in a way, we are brothers.
This is slightly off-topic.
One of us really should drag it back on-topic, or at least to something less Hitler-based.
Yes. What's your take on Benito Mussolini?
OK, back to F1.
In what is a surprise to me, Haas announce they are retaining both drivers for 2020. That means Grosjean is picked over Hulkenberg. Huh.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grosjean-keeps-haas-seat-hulkenberg/4543516/
What next for Hulk? He can hope to join Kimi at Alfauber, or maybe grab a seat at Williams. Other than that, his best bet is a surprise shuffle at Red Bull or Ferrari really. Or he's out of F1.
Kubica confirms he will not remain at Williams for 2020, paving the way for his move to DTM (which today announced a round in Sweden! It'll be our first international road course race since 2007!). Most likely, Latifi will take the vacated Williams seat.
https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/19/kubica-confirms-he-will-leave-williams-at-end-of-season/
Hmm, doesn't look tremendous for the Hulk. Like you say, Latifi has to be favourite for the Williams spot - apart from anything else he'll be considerably cheaper than Hulkenberg! As for Alfauber, well I had thought it likely that Gio would get the boot, but they seem to be pivoting towards keeping him for another year until Mick Schumacher is brought on board in '21. On the plus side, we do keep Grosjean in F1... and I rather like that chap.
Quote from: Penfold on September 20, 2019, 03:02:14 AMOn the plus side, we do keep Grosjean in F1... and I rather like that chap.
why.
The only one I like less is Kevin Magnussen. However, I love Gunther Steiner. I am very conflicted when it comes to Haas.
No great reason, just that he seems quite personable.
Could Kubica find himself in a simulator (third driver) role with Haas for 2020? The sponsorship from his oily Orlen friends will help Haas, surely.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/146183/haas-opens-talks-with-kubica-over-2020-role
Should be able to provide some useful feedback to Haas, plus he'll be on hand for when Grosjean or KMag finally pick up a race ban for crashing into people.
Quote from: Penfold on September 23, 2019, 03:53:59 AM
Should be able to provide some useful feedback to Haas, plus he'll be on hand for when Grosjean or KMag finally pick up a race ban for crashing into people.
Vettel is closer to one right now, 3 more points in any of the coming 2 (or 3?) races would see him out for a race. Who would Ferrari draft? Hartley or Ericsson ( ;D ), I suppose, but they wouldn't do very well.
They could always try to tempt Kimi back for a race and give Eric's son the Alfa seat....
Marko has confirmed that Kvyat will remain at Toro Rosso for yet another season. We'll soon find out who joins him there, and who goes to Red Bull.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/mercedes-confirm-fourth-season-for-bottas-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silly-season-2020-alonso-ocon/4488438/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/07/05/horner-we-have-a-special-relationship-with-sebastian/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/21/kvyat-will-stay-at-toro-rosso-in-2020-says-marko/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
?. Patricio O'Ward (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/oward-red-bull-junior-2020/4385138/)
?. Sébastien Buemi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grosjean-keeps-haas-seat-hulkenberg/4543516/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
?. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142541/schumacher-unsure-hed-be-ready-for-f1-in-2020)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grosjean-keeps-haas-seat-hulkenberg/4543516/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
88. Robert Kubica (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/19/kubica-confirms-he-will-leave-williams-at-end-of-season/)
Russell would not mind the Hulk at Williams for 2020:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-hulkenberg-williams-challenge-2020/4548092/
Question is, would Hulk take a seat at Williams in order to remain on the grid? I ain't too sure.
Probably would, if nothing else it'd give him a place in any beauty parade should other berths come available in 2021.
Wouldn't he rather do a full season of WEC, and have a go at a one-off race in something like the World Rallycross Championship or IndyCar?
Umm, I don't know.
Driver 99, Toni G, confirmed for another year at Alfauber.
https://www.sauber-group.com/motorsport/f1-news/alfa-romeo-racing-and-antonio-giovinazzi-to-continue-together-in-2020/
He has been better lately, but I still don't see anything to suggest he could earn a spot at a top team.
Or even at a mid-ranking team that doesn't race under the Italian flag.
Well, Ferrari have noone to put there. I don't know if the Hulk would be up for a one-year contract, but I guess he cannot afford to pay for the seat. Had Hulk been in this situation 12 months from now, then he could perhaps have replaced Kimi. As it stands, he'll be out of F1 at least one season and perhaps for good.
Go to DTM or drive for Williams, either way he's out of F1....
https://www.racefans.net/2019/11/12/red-bull-give-albon-full-season-alongside-verstappen-for-2020/
Albon confirmed at Red Bull for 2020. This means that technically only one seat remains open for the 2020 grid, although Alpha Tauri (hmm...) have not officially confirmed that Gasly will be retained.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/mercedes-confirm-fourth-season-for-bottas-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/11/12/red-bull-give-albon-full-season-alongside-verstappen-for-2020/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/49529336)
Scuderia Alpha Tauri Honda:
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/21/kvyat-will-stay-at-toro-rosso-in-2020-says-marko/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
?. Sébastien Buemi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.giovinazzi-retained-by-alfa-romeo-for-2020.68W98hjaTHS4QX7SW3HUDX.html)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grosjean-keeps-haas-seat-hulkenberg/4543516/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-hulkenberg-williams-challenge-2020/4548092/)
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/31/silly-season-or-sensible-season-the-state-of-the-driver-market-for-2020/)
Alpha Tory has now confirmed The Greasy Peril for '20: https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/11/12/formula-1-pierre-gasly-confirmed-alpha-tauri-2020/
Well then.
I guess Latifi must be favourite for the Williams spot. He has the great advantage of a wealthy backer (his father!) to aid his passage, but then he also put in a strong showing in F2 this year - although obviously not as strong as Nyck de Vries.
Well, they are both leftovers from a strong 2018 F2 season. Neither de Vries or Latifi come across as stellar junior drivers to me, but I'd happily be proven wrong.
Hulkenberg is past 30, so signing a rookie over him makes sense from more than just a financial perspective. For whatever reason, the Hulk just did not have what was required to beat the top drivers.
Latifi finally confirmed at Williams, and that completes the 2020 grid.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-renews-with-mercedes/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/mercedes-confirm-fourth-season-for-bottas-in-2020/)
Scuderia Ferrari:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (http://formula1.ferrari.com/en/extension-of-the-agreement-between-scuderia-ferrari-and-sebastian-vettel/)
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/11/12/red-bull-give-albon-full-season-alongside-verstappen-for-2020/)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11089963/max-verstappen-extends-red-bull-contract-to-end-of-2020)
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2018/8/sainz-signs-multi-year-deal-with-mclaren.html)
Renault F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/03/renault-announces-ricciardo-for-2019/)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/29/ocon-seals-return-to-f1-with-renault-in-2020/)
SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/08/30/perez-locks-in-three-year-deal-to-stay-at-racing-point/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/49529336)
Scuderia Alpha Tauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-confirmed-red-bull-2020/4595853/)
26. Daniil Kvyat (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/21/kvyat-will-stay-at-toro-rosso-in-2020-says-marko/)
Alfa Romeo Racing:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/11/raikkonen-to-join-sauber-after-ferrari-exit/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.giovinazzi-retained-by-alfa-romeo-for-2020.68W98hjaTHS4QX7SW3HUDX.html)
Haas F1 Team:
8. Romain Grosjean (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grosjean-keeps-haas-seat-hulkenberg/4543516/)
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/28/haas-to-take-unchanged-line-up-into-2019/)
ROKiT Williams Racing:
63. George Russell (link) (https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214527/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2018/10/williams-racing-confirms-george-russell-from-2019)
?. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/latifi-williams-2020-russell/4603510/)
Let's go create the topic for 2021, then.
And there was me thinking that it was an MF1 January tradition.... What we need is one of the guys from a top team to quit/get booted to inject some interest into the upcoming '21 thread. All looks a bit stable right now.
Yes, Latifi to Williams as expected. Money to replace Kubica's financial backers, which is a great starting point, and he also seems fairly handy behind the wheel.
2021 could see bit of a shakeup in terms of driver lineups. Many top teams have expiring contracts, and I expect changes at all 3 top teams for 2021. Assuming they all remain in the sport.
If Merc continues as a team I'd expect Hammy & Botty to stay put; I also don't see why the Red Bull line-up would alter, nor any reason for Leclerc to jump ship, leaving just a question mark over Vettel's future.
Quote from: Penfold on November 28, 2019, 05:32:24 AM
If Merc continues as a team I'd expect Hammy & Botty to stay put; I also don't see why the Red Bull line-up would alter, nor any reason for Leclerc to jump ship, leaving just a question mark over Vettel's future.
If indeed Mercedes remain for 2021, I see Hamilton paired with Russell. I also don't see Vettel and Leclerc continuing alongside each other for 3 consecutive seasons. Albon-Verstappen may work depending on how Albon develops, but if the Red Bull does not continue to close the gap then Verstappen will be knocking on an Italian or a German door come 2021.
'It is I' not going anywhere in a hurry, he's just signed a five-year deal with Ferrari: https://www.racefans.net/2019/12/23/leclerc-signs-five-year-ferrari-contract/
Well, that's 5% of your driver speculation threads dealt with for the time being....
Quote from: Penfold on December 23, 2019, 06:15:57 AMfor the time being....
At least up until the 2025 season, at which point Leclerc may very well be going somewhere else!
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alfa-romeo-kubica-orlen-reserve/4617950/
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, here Kubica comes. As a reserve driver.
An experienced driver and a new sponsor, not a bad deal for the Alfauber boys.
Now we have Max extending his stay with Red Bull until the end of '23: https://www.racefans.net/2020/01/07/verstappen-signs-new-deal-with-red-bull/
Mercedes on the back foot with all these long term commitments. Yet another indication they have not yet secured the go-ahead for remaining in 2021?
Quite possibly. Who knows when the Merc. Board will make that decision, though you'd assume it will be within the next couple of months.
Preliminary development will have started already for 2021, so the longer they wait the more it will cost to withdraw. The more developed their car gets, the more money they will have spent on developing it, and retiring then could put us in a new Brawn GP seat for 2021. Wolff GP? The Wolf name has a decent history, they won their first race just like Brawn I think.
Someone will have to pay top dollar to buy Merc's F1 outfit, especially if there's a partially-developed 2021 challenger being knocked up in the shed out back. I remember some Chinese group being talked of as a potential buyer, but how about Saudi Arabia as a left field option? It sounds increasingly like they'll join the F1 party in the next year or two, so perhaps they could use some more of that Aramco cash to add a 'Saudi' F1 team to a Saudi F1 race - seems a suitably wasteful use of their oil wealth.
We've had a Saudi team in the past too, or was that just a Williams sponsor? Hmm.
Perhaps the final post in this topic. Latifi will race with car number 6, last used by Nico Rosberg when he won his title.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/latifi-reveals-number-2020-rosberg/4664310/
WDC to Canada confirmed?
I think you're suffering from a bad case of premature proclamation....
I will say that we're more likely to see Latifi win a WDC than Williams add to its tally of Championships.
Just to chuck another post in this topic... Roy Nissany will be Williams' test driver this year, enjoying three practice sessions along the way: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula-one/51120155
Toffee Van Door is back in F1... as the Mercedes reserve driver: https://www.racefans.net/2020/02/14/mercedes-name-vandoorne-as-f1-reserve-driver-for-2020/
I'm sure he'll look great sat bored on the pitwall between Formula E weekends.