2014 Silly Season

[anfield5]

Here are my thoughts, for what they are worth

RedBull - Vettel and Ricciardo
Ferrari - Alonso and Hulk
Mercedes - Hamilton and Nico
Lotus - Kimi and Roman
McLaren - Button and Perez
Force India - Sutil and diResta
Sauber - Massa and Algusuari (a long shot)
STR - JEV and Bianchi (via Ferrari links)
Williams - Maldo and Bottas
Caterham - Kovalinen and Pic
Marussia - Chilton and Berthon

[zako85]

The rumor mill can't be wrong. Raikkonen will replace Massa at Ferrari. Ricciardo to Red Bull. Lotus probably will likely go with Grosjean and Hulkenberg.

[TheFamousEccles]

Interesting rumour. I can't see Kimi willing to be #2 to Fred, though...

[truefan72]

Interesting rumour. I can't see Kimi willing to be #2 to Fred, though...

I don't think Ferrari would mind too much about 2 #1's/ I think though that the garage will be firmly split into 2 camps
I also think ( a bit hopeful) that Alonso has learned from his lessons in 2007 and has matured to accept a driver equally as capable.
...then again the whole thing could blow up in their face, especially if Kimi starts winning and if they do have a few on track battles

I'll get my popcorn ready for those radio communications

[Parabolica]

I see that it is the time of year when Massa admits his drive is in doubt for next year.

It's become an annual event.

For what it is worth, which is nothing, I would not be surprised to see a driver in the Ferrari who is already employed to drive a Ferrari, and raced in F1 last year.

The year off hasn't noticeably hurt Sutil's speed, so I don't expect it would hurt Kobayashi's.

[anfield5]

Personally (and I am often way wrong ) I doubt that Ferrari would take Kimi back, he hardly covered himself in glory for them in the seasons after his title, so much so that Massa completely out performed him.

[Parabolica]

I too cannot see Kimi back at Maranello.

Despite the success of 2007, it was never a beautiful relationship.

More likely it is a Robertson-fuelled rumour designed to extract the best offer elsewhere.

The only time I can see Kimi return is if Alonso goes to Red Bull. That would leave Ferrari needing an A+ driver.

[anfield5]

True but would Kimi be that? If the car is as poor as the ones Alonso has had for the last few seasons, would Kimi be able to or be interested in hauling it up to the front, or would he give up?

Don't misunderstand me I think Kimi is a wonderful driver... when he is motivated, but I do question his ability to keep motivated when things aren't working well for him

[Mia 01]

I belive, weird ofcourse, that Ferrari wants Kimi back. They cant afford him.

[keysersoze]

I believe Massa is out at the end of the year. In past years when Massa was being evaluated, the question of whether any available drivers would be an upgrade was highly doubtful. But this year there seems to be more evidence that Massa is not the best option, and that there are several drivers who could do better. Hulkenberg and Raikonnen surely, and perhaps even di Resta, Perez (not sure is he is contracted to McLaren for '14), Grosjean, and Maldonado.