Highlight of next year for me is the Ferrari line up. FINALLY, Alonso has some competition.
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Highlight of next year for me is the Ferrari line up. FINALLY, Alonso has some competition.
I hope it's a one off dud as it's sad to see them fall into another slump. For me growing up the essence of Formula 1 was captured by two teams. McLaren and Williams and I'd hate to see these two teams slip too far. Williams already far in decline but one hopes that break will come. McLaren have the advantage of larger funds but something very big is lacking. They've lost good technical personnel and one of the best drivers on the grid in the last 12 month, so there are problems on more than one front. Let's hope 2014 is kinder to the great team.Quote:
Originally Posted by steveaki13
Quote:
Originally Posted by zako85
1. I can't see it happening. At this point though Mclaren would like Alonso, he has said he will stay with Ferrari. I think they are smart enough to continue paying him to stay.
2. That could be interesting, though I think the car is lacking at this point. I don't know if they could get a driver at a reasonable price that is better than Perez, unless Hulkenberg would risk the move.
3. I think the only teams interested in Pastor would likely be cash strapped teams. People want their cars to finish races!
4. Any team with a brain should be at least interested in Hulkenberg IMO. In all fairness though the Sauber has done well mid to end of season, and people thought Perez was worth looking at when he was in the same car,
5. Haven't followed this at all.
With the new car and engine specs, I think we might see some strange changes in 2014 as far as how we rate drivers and teams. It is bound to shake things up some.
As for McLaren I think they need someone stronger than Jenson to lead the team. He is a solid driver but not known to get the best out of cars at times.
Just when the things couldn't weirder, there are reports that Petrov could oust Sirotkin at Sauber.
http://www.inautonews.com/kaltenborn-co ... ith-petrov
Petrov has experience and brings lots of Russian money. Has Sauber not just received significant investment from a Russian company too?
I think that would actually be a decent signing for Sauber coupled with the Russian money.
Maldonado in talks with Lotus: it'd be great to have him in a top car!
He was extremely erratic last time he had a half-decent car. I can't see why it would be different this time around.Quote:
Originally Posted by tjoepie
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Originally Posted by Ranger
I think Maldonado and Grosjean pitted against each other in the same car could be a very good show. Hulkenberg and Grosjean would be even better. In the end, money will decide everything. If Lotus finds a good external source for money (investors, sponsors, etc), then Lotus can afford to sign up Hulkenberg and Grosjean. But if the team is broke, they may sign Maldonado, Massa, or someone else with good financial backing. I don't see a big problem with this. In the current economy, every team besides McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes is broke. Even Kimi said that the reason for moving to Ferrari was quite simple, Lotus did not have money to pay him. A sensible strategy for a team is to sign a decent driver with good sponsors, and use the money to subsidize the second seat. What I don't like is when the team sells its soul and gives both of its seats to pay drivers.
Hulkenberg denied the talks with McLaren when EJ just suggested it, but I would love to see Nico join the team. I think its strange how he has missed out on a couple of previously available top drives considering his performances this and last season. He has an impressive CV pre-F1 and comes across as a very driven chap indeed. Its a shame he missed out on the Ferrari seat, but Kimi will no doubt provide us with the excitement we expect. If I was McLaren though, I would seriously be considering signing the Hulk if there is any hole on Sergio's contract.