JB was written off by the press. End of. He was not taken seriously and was floundering at BAR. No one saw him as WDC material at all. JEV in a good Ferrari could potentially 'open' some eyes. Same as Button in the Brawn.
In that case, lets keep anyone on because if they land a good car they might open eyes... JB was lucky indeed that he was able to keep going with Brawn, and the fact that it was a phenomenal car got him a championship and a seat at Mclaren. He had to beat Rubens for it, who was definitely not slow. Slower than MSC, yes (as was just about anyone at the time), but he was a great #2. Button has since held his own against Hamilton. I try not to look into this season too much with Alonso there, the car is too inconsistant not only per session but on a lap by lap basis to conclude how he's holding up against Alonso. F1 is a tough business, Ricciardo frankly did better than JEV when the seat opened up, it was time to let others have a go. JEV's career isn't down the toilet, he'll easily get a drive in a decent championship until he's into his 40s, just F1 is quite unlikely.
Italian press this morning says that Santander is pushing hard to put Carlos Sainz Jr into the second Ferrari seat, bargaining that otherwise they would not renew their sponsorship. Kimi's retirement at the end of 2015 is a done deal for the Italian press... BUT: it is the Italian media...and we know that everytime it concerns Ferrari... Rgds
Yep, actually six years old: some people thought that it was Santander that pushed in 2008 for having Kimi replaced by Fernando in 2009... I guess that if Kimi is looking to change his banker, he will not consider having his money at Santander... But this morning, to the Italian press and media, Kimi is on his way out indeed. Rgds
Given that its still more 'car' than driver to make a difference there is some truth to your statement. JEV could be amazing but we dont know. We do know that Kimi vs Vettel, Kimi still struggles/bad luck etc. Im not worried about the Italian press but lets be clear - Kimi is saying its up to the team, he has a contract and the team including Sergio M say its up to Kimi. Thats not a prescription for improvement.
Actually, Mauricio Arrivebene said yesterday that he understood Kimi's feelings at the moment (see? Kimi can indeed FEEL something!) because everyone is speaking about his contract extension for 2016 or not, and that the best thing to do would be to stop talking about this... (and frankly, having followed Formula one for more than 40 years, I have learned not to trust the Italian press...even if, from time to time, they are actually right!) Rgds
The team talks about this and now says they feel sorry. Very strange. They actually have been on the press many times at high levels discussing Kimi and his future. The talk will not stop. Its impossible but the team should stop if they feel as strong about it.
Yes strange indeed, but very Ferrari...the Old Man would probably have done the same, back in the old days... Rgds
You're right in that the talk will not stop. It's Ferrari, it's in their genes. And of course Joe Public will eat up almost anything about the team, particularly in Italy where they're more important than the government & even the Pope in most circles...... Further, what's Mr Nearly Departabenne (*love* that moniker! ) meant to say when (constantly) asked? No comment? We know how that gets interpreted. He's answered as honestly as any of them would at this stage, "it's being discussed"...... He (and I guess sweater boy) may have made up their minds internally, but they're not going to announce anything until at least Monza. Pretty much always been that way. Cheers, Ian
My thoughts exactly. Its sounds as well to say we feel for Kimi and yet continue to talk. Monza weekend will be interesting!
+1 It generally is, one way or another. I can see them announcing that Kimi's done, but then refusing to name his replacement; *Then* we'll see a real feeding frenzy of speculation with almost every driver on the grid (and others!) all "certain" to get the seat depending on the source....... Cheers, Ian
Seems like the only time KR actually feels (or does) anything is when he's on the bubble. By then, of course, IMO, it's too late. The die was cast when he didn't perform in race after race. He can't save himself by stepping it up for one or two. Either you perform at the top, or you will be put out. That simple. And, if the Scuderia thinks that his performance won't revert back to mid-pack once he's off the bubble, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell them. Fast on occasion, but totally aloof and, perhaps, disturbingly uncaring. If you're going to be an F1 driver, there are dozens of qualified drivers wanting your job. And, if you're being paid millions upon millions, you better act like you give an F. ALL. THE. TIME. Not just when your ride is in jeopardy. Sorry, but I don't consider him to be a professional if he's not going to bust his behind to win. I can appreciate not acting desperate, but his on-track performance tells the tale. Bad luck, engineering and design decisions, and team mistakes may not be able to be apportioned directly to him, but this is the career he's chosen. So, ciao, Kimi! CW
Crap, Alonso nº2..no thanks, they better stuff theyr money where the sun doensn't shine....Ferrari just lost 5 years for taking crap.....if Kimi must go, there are plenty of other good drivers around, Hell, Sainz is doing ok but it wasn't just talent that put him there, he raced some 20 times agains Da costa and got beaten on all of them...so REs Bull choices are very strange, like in Kvyat case....Ferrari want a good driver, solid, fast, agressive, take Hulkenberg, if he's not as good as Seb, he'll be a heck of a nº2.....if they are going to pick someone for the money, hell, they already have Gutierrez!!!
Interesting post. I for one was not thinking Kimi replay was a good idea for Ferrari. Those in power we all say, must know better. Frankly this was predictable. His integration and performance at Ferrari were never smooth. He was paid to leave. The fools are in Maranello for not moving on from Kimi after the first trial. Nice to have the money burn 2x. Of course a miracle could occur but given how badly FA beat him last year the odds are against it and in terms of subtle support the team is around Vettel if not overtly. My impression. If so Kimi will fight an - up hill path to remain.
The fool was clown hack lawyer there is no way Kimi stays at ferrari. Impo which is always right hulk is perfect number 2 sign him to a two year deal with optional for more for.good money for those two years because ferrari won't be the best team next year but they need max points . Second should be the goal this year and next . Ferrari is not a training seat hulk was ready at the time they rehired kimi .
Can we for F sake stop looking for mundane number 2 drivers for Ferrari. Hulk, I'm sorry but being factual, is behind Webber in ability and that is not what Ferrari should be hiring as a number 2. To complete the discussion on Hulk: Hulk has been in F1 for ages and has done nothing, not attracted himself to any top team so has proven himself to be a seat filler/waster. He should not be in any team principles aim!! Why he is still steering a F1 confuses me. I might as well sit in a F1 seat. Now back to Ferrari's number 2: Ferrari do NOT care about the WCC like the other British based teams. This has been proven over and over and over again, and is further proved by their lack of excitement in 1999 and the fact that they considered themselves not to have won for 21 years, when they last won the WCC in 1984 (21 years ago was 1979 BTW). So Ferrari is all about winning the top prize, and remember the only prize when they started in F1, the WDC. They understand the marketing weight of the WDC driver won driving their car is FAR more impressive than their cars scraped together enough points to loose, but win the consolation prize of the WCC. So for the second driver, Ferrari need to choose a hotshot young chap who they can hone into the next Schumacher, Lauda, etc. Considering their cars are always within the top 4 on the grid, racking up WCC points just requires that driver to finish ... easy. So again for F sake, Hulk is completely the wrong choice! I personally think that Verstapen would be the right choice, who Vettel can train up. Verstapen appears to be quick and has potential and unlike Hulk, has not peaked years ago. Pete
Sorry but Hulk is way better than Webber, he's proved it many, many times, even Alonso said he was one of the best out there, and he almost landed a Ferrari seat before Kimi, before 1999 Ferrari last won in 83, not 84, and sorry but i don't believe the wdc is more important for Ferrari tna the wcc, in fact i believe the wcc is a lot mkore important for Ferrari than to any other team, in this for the simply fact that most of the fans are cheering for Ferrari, theyr drivers are secondary, but if you look at Mclaren, Merc, Red Bull, most of the fans are cheering for Sennna, Prost, Lewis, Seb, not for the team....Right now imo Hulk is the best for Ferrari...
+1 Hulk is at the top of his game and he desperately wants the drive. IMO Ferrari has been overpaying drivers, in the current era it isn't necessary.
Hulk is good, but not who I would choose if I was running the team. Hulk is a good points collector. He isn't young anymore. He has become a journeyman, as they say. He is not capable of winning a WDC. Ferrari has their driver to win the WDC in Vettel. Now they need a young driver to be groomed for future #1 status, that will not ***** about being the #2 for the next 2-3 years. Verstappen hasn't soured yet. I would take the gamble with him NOW. He is still humble, and his old man would help keep him in-line if he made the jump to Ferrari now. Some may say Max hasn't "earned it" yet. But, that's the idea. Give him the "gift" of driving for Ferrari, then they will "own" him. He will be obliged to do whatever they say. Then, after Vettel gets them another Championship or 2, start to lengthen Max's leash against Vettel.
Whether or not a WCC is important to a team it is important that they have a number two driver scoring points (and stepping up when number one is out). If only to deny those points to another team and driver.
I think it is, apart from the financial rewards. A WCC stays in the team history; a WDC doesn't, it follows its winner.
Ferrari is selling car not drivers they want WCC . Who would you hire right now to get the maximum out of the car. Hulk is the right choice or the Russia . I believe if ferrari doesn't hire hulk the ferrari American team will .
