http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102478 Apparently Carlos Slim did not offer enough for LdM to hire his boy toy.
of course, how could LdM "ever" admit he was mistaken ...his achilles heel IMO i hope Perez continues to shine, either with sauber or another team ...IMO he is a bit to easy to "voice" off or complain, but then what F1 driver doesn't have mucho-ego!
+1 LdM will NEVER admit being wrong on anything, even though it'll cost him many millions if they get Perez a few years from now, at a huge mark up. Especially with Massa effectively costing the WCC, no matter how you look at it, will cost them a sizeable chunk in the prize pot at the end of the year.
In the post race interview of the Italian GP, someone asked Pérez if he thought that overtaking both Ferraris would harm his chances of getting a seat there. A stone faced Pérez just answered: "Ask Alonso". There wasn´t much communication between them in the podium either. I think that it´s not Montezemolo the one who´s not willing to have a young gun eager to show off as team mate. And after a bad experience with that, I think I can understand him (although I don´t necessarily agree).
I wonder if that means they'll stick with Massa for 2013 and then go for Perez in 2014. All the best, Andrew.
And who is in front of Massa in the wdc driving a Sauber? Crazy to think he is not ready, ok there may be a few mistakes but surely the team can't be saddled with Massa for another season....
Perez's lack of experience is not very credible, especially since he's part of the young driver program. Massa had three years of racing experience with Sauber, zero podium finishes and developed a reputation of crashing often. Granted he spent a year testing for Ferrari. There is something else in the works at Ferrari. I'm not sure where that would leave Alonso.
I beg to differ (again ). Ferrari don't do pay drivers. Not for a long time. Sure, some of 'em bring some "personal" money with 'em, but I'm pretty sure any logos on the car at least go to Marlboro, not the team. Driver uniforms etc I'm not so sure about but think anything "personal" there (The Schu's bank with the monster name for example) are indeed personal deals outside of the team. [Something Lulu is barred from doing with Mclaren BTW.] Further, the ongoing deal with Marlboro is said to be worth over $100MM per year. Add in anywhere from ~$40MM (if they *suck*) to ~$100MM if they win the WCC and they simply don't need Slim's money IMO. They'll take the guy they think is best. Not the best #2, the best available. FWIW, Rubens was always *adamant* that there was never anything specifying #2 in his contracts. Not once. He just wasn't quick enough most times. Cheers, Ian
Hey yeah that's the ticket, they can get Rubens in there for a year. I like that. haha No pay drivers, wasn't the Santander deal hinging on Alonso going to Ferrari?? I could be flat wrong, that's what I come back here! Fchat is not just a website, it's TRUTH lol.
They followed him to Ferrari (a year later IIRC - They were committed to Mclaren for that first season, although they may have been on both?) However, I don't believe the deal hinged on that money; LdM decided he wanted him, and was prepared to pay. As I said, I believe the Santander money actually goes back to Marlboro who "own" the rights to the whole car in return for their ~$.5 Billion investment. Cheers, Ian
He won't IMO. Especially not in 2014 with the big rules changes. He has Newey who will most likely find another clever breakthrough like the EBD and Red Bull will be the fastest again (at least until the FIA again ban whatever he comes up with...). And if Vettel does end up leaving I think his first stop would be Mercedes. He could put in a good 5 years there trying to create a German superteam and still go to Ferrari after that when he's as young as Alonso is now.
I beg to differ with your differing. Everyone knew the strategy Schumi put in place while picking Rubens then Massa. Your biggest competitor is the guy in the other car. Ferrari did not hire the best gun available to fill the seat of car #2. If so that would be saying that they truly believe that Massa is the best driver, other than Alonso, on the grid. Perhaps in the Bizzaro world between LdM's ears.
When Santander went to Ferrari the writing was on the wall. Contracts were in place that didnt make sense to break but the deal was done. Driver contracts can/are broken without much egg on anyone's face. Mega-Commercial sponsorship deals are a whole nuther kettle of fish.
I think you're underestimating how much Vettel wants to be in red: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89489
I think he wants it but not so bad that he would risk leaving the RB/Newey powerhouse right now. As he says, "Yes, it's my dream to race for Maranello one day. However I'm still young, there is time. At the moment I'm happy to be in Red Bull, without them I would have never arrived in F1." I'd bet he goes no sooner than 4-5 years. Probably after Alonso hangs up his helmet.
It never ceases to amaze me that Luca DM gets a lot of flack on here from some quarters, yet the fac is that the guy has been astonishingly successful and brought lots of the seeds for success to the team, and fiat in general. The fact he has certain ways of doing things, various strong views and exercises his power can of course be seen as wrong sometimes, but on the whole, has been the reason behind the guy becoming what he is. I, my friends, respect the hell out of the man
