2016-17 Silly Season. Drivers Market

[RasputinLives]

Ferrari never run rookies Il_leone so if they are keen on him I imagine he'll be put in somewhere else first. I'm surprised LeClerc Isn't in a drive for next year. That to me suggests Kimi is staying for 2018 too.

 

[teabagyokel]

Hate the old points stats - anyone who's raced since 2010 has a massive advantage, no?

 

[Il_leone]

RasputinLives I doubt Kimi will stay for 2018 unless the fall out with Vettel is so bad that Ferrari turn to Kimi like they did in the way Lauda was forced out and they look to Reutemann back in 1977

Still think Ferrari might nab one of the 3 Red Bull drivers .. I can't see Sainz another season at Toro Rosso to be honest

 

[Wombcat]

teabagyokel Pretty much all stats in F1 favor the current drivers, since the season has got so much longer compared to the 50s and 60s.

 

[RasputinLives]

I doubt Kimi will stay for 2018 unless

Haven't you been saying the same about the last 2 seasons?

 

[FB]

I think more than just Il_leone have been saying that, me included. He is one of the great survivors in F1.

 

[Rutherford]

Williams has signed Massa for 2017, the contract is valued at 6 Mio. $ and will only be valid if Mercedes sign Bottas.

 

[FB]

 

[vintly]

Aaagh we'll have to listen to Massa's reasonable, dull and uninspiring voice and look at his reasonable, dull and uninspiring drives, AGAIN. LIFE IS HARD.

But hey, if he gets another drive we'll good luck to him. Not bad for a retired driver

 

[Greenlantern101]

I like Massa he is a nice bloke, bit of a safe call but the options were limited.
But even better we now get to see just how good Bottas is against Hamilton. Happy days.

 

[Incubus]

Of probably greater consequence Pat Symmonds has left Williams:
Williams F1 technical boss Pat Symonds leaves the team

No reason given. Clearing the way for Paddy Lowe perhaps?...

 

[Greenlantern101]

Dead cert I would say Incubus

 

[Greenlantern101]

Best...silly...season...ever.

 

[FB]

I thought there was supposed to be a handover between Symonds and Lowe. Does Massa's return mean Rob Smedley will be coming back to a front line role?

Rob Smedley to take a step back.

 

[Incubus]

Best...silly...season...ever.

-------------------------

Well taking everything into account it really has been very silly. Everyone has been joining everyone else even though everyone's under contract.

 

[Olivier]

I think more than just Il_leone have been saying that, me included. He is one of the great survivors in F1.

If Massa's rumor is true, he's another one.

 

[Incubus]

And in fact even more so. By a long shot.

 

[Il_leone]

FB RasputinLives A combination of a good 2nd half and a less convincing Vettel has risen Kimi's stock again, It seems the carefree attitude of Kimi and the high expectancy on Vettel not meeting his standards is helping him to survive

 

[Il_leone]

I'd very much doubt Massa will certainly become a front runner with Williams like Mansell did back in 1991 when he was convinced to u turn his retirement by Williams

The only thing that would stop Bottas signing for Mercedes is money and if the contract states he is a no 2

 

[Greenlantern101]

I doubt money is an issue. A chance in the team that has dominated the last 3 years. £5 would do it.

No2 status is another matter. But won't happen.