Ferrari extends Raikkonen's contract for 2017 Ferrari extends Raikkonen's contract for 2017 That's good news in my book.
I think its good for stability but they had no other options as predicted by the press. Hopefully this will increases his drive and performance but in the end, I think Ferrari need a new younger(not rookie by measure) driver to invigorate the team and actually push Vettel. Kimi is the default #2 even its only implied.
I don't know. Vettel is pretty damn motivated and once there's an oppertunity he goes for it. He's a smart guy, he knows how fast the Merc is, and when they pull away too quickly and then hold station, he isn't dumb enough to go chase them for what will always be a losing battle (destroying his own cars mechanics that'll hurt him in coming GP's). Throwing in (for example) Ricciardo won't make Vettel drive closer to the unbeatables. Perhaps a little, but only will entice more car breakage than we already have...
This surely means that the doors are firmly closed at Ferrari for Grosjean, too. Haas has said if he gets an offer for a top team he won't stop Grosjean leaving. Could've gotten him at a smidge, too.
AND besides, Grosjean is Yesterday’s news: he started in Formula One back in 2009, so I can’t really see the point in Ferrari hiring him? As a Kimi fan, I’m happy to see him at Ferrari one more year, but I guess his prolongation was perhaps a choice by default? Probably not many other options open, but I wouldn’t have been disappointed should they have signed Perez for 2017 instead. Perhaps he was not available. I think it is time for Ferrari to think about the future and hire a younger guy; Seb will be 30 next year, so a younger driver would be a good choice. Rgds
+1 very much agree. +1 Apparently Marchionne really wants Hamilton at Ferrari 2018. Please not. At least I can support Red Bull I guess with Verstappen and Ricciardo...
I wouldn't be surprised that one of the two Mercedes jockeys will be available for 2018; their pairing will not last much more than one season. Of course, it also depends on the pecking order of the teams after the 2017 change of regulations... But a change of regulations + Adrian Newey, my guess is that the best seats for the next seasons are now at Red Bull... Rgds
Yep. I have high hopes for next year. Bit fearful for Ferrari (RBR factor), but if at the very least Mercedes gets dethroned I'm good .
Yes: you cannot blame Mercedes for having done a much better job than the others (and/or have been able to lobby for regulations that suited them just like a glove) but three seasons with Lewis and Nico in front of the rest and only their crumbles for amusement is now enough I guess... Rgds
Don't blame them really for having done the better job, but I blame the rule makers for agreeing to all this. The biggest mistake was the engine freeze in februari 2014. Only now are Ferrari catching up with Mercedes engine power (who can still improve), Renault still working on it.
Mind you they should allow for a Friday engine where they can test upgrades at free will (and not limited by tires either!). Cars will be out a lot more, test their upgrades if they work or not in the real world. At the very least...
https://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/125187/why-ferrari-kept-raikkonen-for-next-year "(Kimi Räikkönen) also possesses extraordinary sensitivity for the tyres, and ultra-precise feedback on car behaviour - an ability to spot problems that other drivers cannot. Engineers who have worked with him closely say he is among the best there has ever been in this regard". Rgds
