It's looking like Seb's announcement caught RB (and the rest of the sport) flat footed. I suspect that he jumped without having a place to land. Is it true that he acts as his own manager? We know what they say about lawyers that have themselves as clients.
I don't believe that, If Seb left it's because he already had some kind of contract, otherwise he would have stayed...
Yes he is his own manager. Actually speaks for him and his intelligence. I'm pretty sure he had a contract from Ferrari before the announcement. He has been spotted enough times around the Ferrari motor home. I'm guessing Ferrari was playing it safe: If Alonso wants to leave, they have a replacement and if they find agreement with Alonso, they will sack an underperforming Kimi. As it stands, Alonso is leaving and we will see whether Kimi gets to stay or not. I guess Bianchi would have been the natural #2 next to Vettel but that plan is now null and void.
You'd hope so but not even discussing the move with Horner before announcing it speaks to impetuosity.
I personally doubt that either Alonso or Vettel are interested in having the other as team mate so I can not see them driving together for Ferrari next year. My guess: Vettel and Ferrari had a pre-contract for the years after 2015 and when Ferrari and Alonso decided to part (according to rumors on Thursday) Ferrari gave Vettel a call whether he wants to come a year earlier. As it seems that Vettels contract with RB allowed that he made a rather quick decision... It looks like Alonso does not want to drive for Ferrari anymore, Ferrari on the other hand is not keen to keep him and Vettel was not happy this year with Red Bull so this change might be the best for all involved parties...
Not arguing this, you could be right on all. However I do think Vettel made the decision a few weeks ago when he learned that Newey will have less influence and his mechanic left. I bet that broke the camels back.
Very plausible....but i still feel Alonso wanted to stay at ferrari, he knows next year the car will be a lot better and he knew he had no place at merc or red Bull. So he was trying to milk Ferrari untill the last cent, thinking that they had no real alternative to him....he was wrong, and i believe that will cost him a loooooooot of money!
That would mean on the other hand that Ferrari knew already that they want to replace Alonso so they safed a lot of money by voiding the contract with Alonso rather than firing him...So then one can assume that Alonso on the other hand has already a contract with someone (McLaren?) as if he would have taken a year off as some said he would have most likely taken the compensation from Ferrari for being fired.
Do you think for a minute they cared if he stayed given how Horner basically said as much on camera. It was time for him to go almost due to his age and the performance he had vs Daniel. I would say his job was already in review. They fully support him leaving. His time is done and they already knew he was looking around and Horner was well aware he had an 'exit' clause and used it. They knew his contract. Its not really that shocking based on Horners comments with SKY. Certainly not impetuous give the exit clause that was in force. It appeared to be just business. How long did it take to announce Kyvat lol?? Minutes allegedly.
I agree that Ferrari was planning on sacking Alonso. And I also think Alonso wanted to leave. I'm guessing he will end up with McLaren or Lotus. Both better choices than Ferrari next year That said, my tea leaves are as reliable as anybody elses
Lotus??? That ship is 3/4 sunk, all the rats have left already. I can't imagine any decent driver would want to drive for Lotus, unless they're moving up from Caterham or Marussia. Williams is a far better option, Force India would be better than Lotus, even Sauber.
Once he made the announcement yes. But until then no. This time of year all options are being considered but Seb is too valuable an asset on and off track for RB to cut him loose without very good reason and long deliberation. And yes, Kyvat was being considered but RB didn't choose him over Seb until Seb forced their hand. Seb caught them off guard. That much is apparent from Horner's initial comments.
Kvyat as talent no doubt, but IMO he as not been that impressive, i doubt he will be as good as many say. Williams is closed, even if Alonso is free, i very much doubt they would sack one of theyr drivers to get him....and Alonso won't go for a smaller team, it makes no sense for him to drive for something smaller than one of the top guns...i think he really as only 2 options...take a year off, or kiss Ron's ass...
By the way, i just red in the spanish press (wich in relation to f.1 is garbage by the way) that Alonso as some sort of deal with Mercedes, that they wan't to drop hamilton, that the plan was swaping JHammy for Fernando but Since vettel got free, Ferrari prefered Seb and screwd Alonso's plan...no they say Merc will only retain Hammy for one year more and Alonso is willing to wait.....It's all Bs to me, the guy is lost at sea and is desperate to catch a boat...
Perspectives maybe "slightly better" (or "slightly less worse?") Lotus F1 team close to finalising Mercedes engine switch for 2015 - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com Rgds
He has also been in the press about 'silver'. And when he makes an announcement it will all make sense and he is surprised the press dont quite understand his intent. What a game it is lol!
Bingo Also they are hiring engineers again. Alonso is better off doing a deal with them vs a sabbatical if the McLaren deal falls through. In fact the latest rumors have the Honda engine down on power so maybe Lotus would be better regardless
Possibly a seemingly better fit. Myself, I believe the Honda/Mclaren will just get better and better.
And he may enter his own Sussex beekeeper/bike racer squad. I do wish that someone would announce something and stop the speculation.
Ferrari and Vettel screwed Alonso lol thats how i see it. Now Alonso the logical choice is mclaren and i believe it's a done deal just keeping it secret for us to keep guessing. I welcome vettel to ferrari even it's not officially announced, a new guy in the team reorganize management just the kind of fresh start ferrari need
I'm 99% sure he has what he considers a very good landing place locked up already! I think his announcement caught many off guard.... Particularly Fred. His options seem to have been reduced quite a bit with no seat available with the Cans and Seb obviously going either red or Ron..... As for the suggestion of him going to Fauxtus or Sauber? "You have to be kidding me!".... May as well include Marussia & Caterham in that list too! As has been said many times, he's a very proud man. Red or Woking or sabbatical. And I don't think the latter was on his list until Sebs announcement, quickly followed by The Cans confirming Danny Fiat.... The only other possibility is the Totinator getting fed up with one or the other of his guys, and pushing one of them out to make room for him........ I don't think he's impetuous. Smart & calculating, sure. Seems he's very much 'his own man', which I like. I'm almost tempted to say the timing of his announcement was designed to **** with Fred!...... Cheers, Ian
