I bet on McLaren. Knowing the Japanese, they'll want to see their Honda engine conquer. These Japanese are the silent workers.... Nobody seems to trust Ferrari is gonna be supreme, that's how deep we've sunk!
A great deal of people said that at the end of 2014 I also expect McLaren to be somewhere in the top four. I think RBR will be the team to beat. And it will be hugely exciting to have Ricci and Max up there.
Ferrari won't compete because structurally it's in shambles. We didn't have a lead designer all year due to his wife dying, and the new one that replaced him is an engine designer! Mclaren realistically should jump up from 6th, presumably ending 4th next year. Perhaps a podium is on the cards... My bet: Red Bull Mercedes Ferrari Mclaren Force India Williams Toro Rosso Renault Haas Sauber Manor
I do hope someone knocks Merc of it's perch But with such a big gap I feel it won't happen earlier than 2018 and by then it'll be either RB or McLaren
Isn't STR returning to Renault? They had two tremendously good cars in 2015 and 2016.I think you might underestimate them. FI will see a tough year. I have no idea what Williams is up to. If they follow tradition, they will slip back further. If they did what I hope they might stir up the rear end of the front pack.
Good point that, and I have to be honest...I completely forgot they got the Renault engine again! I think they'll have a good fight with Mclaren in that case, and actually finish ahead of them (just). Revised list: Red Bull Mercedes Ferrari Mclaren Toro Rosso Force India Williams Renault Haas Sauber Manor It feels weird putting Williams so low on the list, but Force India continues to punch above it's weight as they have done for the past 6 years or so...
Hmmm, they had some financial difficulties in 2015. Couldn't test much least year because of it. But it's quite remarkable how well they're doing. I still think Williams is better equipped to deal with the new regulations.
DECEMBER 20, 2016 Marchionne not predicting 2017 title Sergio Marchionne says he has learned his lesson and will no longer be making any bold predictions for 2017. This year, many commentators said Ferrari was in obvious 'crisis' after the new Ferrari president targeted wins and the title but ultimately finished behind both Mercedes and Red Bull. "Do not expect proclamations," Marchionne said at Ferrari's Christmas media lunch on Monday. "Last time I was careless but now I only ask for us to do better than 2016, which does not seem difficult." But he admits Ferrari will need to do well to hang onto its champion drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, who each might have been a candidate to replace Nico Rosberg at Mercedes if not for their contracts. "I saw Raikkonen at his best ever, but I don't know if he wants to go beyond 2017," said Marchionne. "I have not talked about extending the contract with Vettel because it's too early; first he must be comfortable with the car next year," he added. "Vettel and Mercedes? (Niki) Lauda talks to everyone but in 2017, Seb is with us. I have to give stability to the team but we have to give those who drive for us a great car. "We'll keep an eye on availability of other drivers from 2018," said Marchionne. "With Seb we have to give him a winning car, otherwise it's useless to discuss the future. He wants to win with us, we know that. "In return he has to drive with confidence, with more calm and less agitation. Thinking of winning on the track, not engaging in personal battles." Marchionne also said an F1 foray for Alfa Romeo remains on the cards, which "could become an outlet for our young drivers". But before those juniors can be boosted into F1 with Alfa, "the brand has to make money with the Giulia and Stelvio (road cars)". One such junior is 2016 GP2 star and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, who will be Ferrari's official reserve next year. But another Ferrari recruit will not be Mercedes technical boss Paddy Lowe, although Marchionne admits there were talks. "We were not trying to get him," he said. "There were proposals, but they were not part of our technical development plans. We have an established team and will not change it. "If we continue to not win, the fault will be mine," said Marchionne. Finally, Marchionne was asked about new F1 owner Liberty Media's reported plans for a budget cap, saying that while it is "a noble principle", it is "not typical of F1". "But I think Liberty understands the business in a different way than Bernie (Ecclestone). With all respect for what he has done, we needed the change. "With Liberty, more attention will be on the public and things will get better," he said. Ferrari's 2017 car will be launched on a filming day at Fiorano on 24 February.
McLaren will be the dark horse, otherwise it will be business as usual. Renault did not find 40bhp this winter and Mercedes weren't sitting on their hands when they put resources into 2017 very early 2016.
I don't predict any major shake up. What I do think we are seeing with the Paddy Lowe move to Williams is Merc bolstering Williams in hopes of getting them to cause trouble for those whom are closing the gap on Merc. Not that Merc wanted the change but allowing it because that's a place that he can go that could still help them to an extent. Ferrari will cling to 3rd. McLaren may improve but probably only just. Williams will maybe slightly improve. I don't care to set my expectations to high. They're making these changes and telling us to expect a shake up. When they do this there's not much of a shake up other than maybe one single team moving up the ranks. 1. Merc 2. RB 3. Ferr
Man, how Sauber has fallen hard. I remembered when Checo almost beat Alonso at the 2012 Malaysian GP. McHonda finally in the top 4? I can see that. Ferrari slipping back?
Sadly, it looks like Williams have knifed themselves in their own back by opting for a pair of drivers that even Manor would be concerned about... I think they will struggle to beat Haas
Good thread! My bet: Red Bull Mercedes Ferrari Toro Rosso Mclaren Force India Renault Williams Haas Sauber Manor
