Hilarious quote of the season from McLaren wasn't that. Alonso perfectly happy being a backmarker with the occasional midfield battle. Laughable.
Maybe he knows something we don't? Maybe they knew about the 2017 rule changes 2 years ago and that's the end game? Maybe I win the lotto today?
I would think Mercedes are probably putting the screws to Vettel and Alonso for a 2018 contract. That would let them have the most clarity on who to sign for 2017. Both should be interested since McHonda have great potential but poor past performance to judge against, and Ferrari have quite a bleak future, though I think Vettel may want to retire with Ferrari (win or lose).
I really think Vettel will jump ship from Ferrari when his contract is done. I doubt they'll be competitive next year given the changes and their seemingly inability to adapt to anything quickly and efficiently. I hope I'm wrong, Vettel doesn't seem like he's content just to drive around the track as evidenced by his radio. He wants to do well and win races so I think that may just override his romantic view of Ferrari as the relationship seems to be souring somewhat anyway.
Enhanced aerodynamics, bigger and better tyres, plus continued engine development unfettered by token limitations, should make F1 faster than ever before in 2017. That's my favorite part. No tokens. That should allow ferrari, Honda, and Renault catch up to the Merc somewhat. Maybe hulk will do good at Renault with a works team? Maybe Merc knows their reign is at an end which is why nobody is rushing to jump ship.
And he is definitely not a recognised "top F1 driver" right now so Toto would be keeping his word if Mercedes hired him!
He wasn't good enough to keep his Force India seat but is good enough to go to Merc? He's also not driven the current PU's. It's a long shot, maybe if Merc sign Vettel or Alonso for 2018 and absolutely no one is willing to take a 1yr contract.
Perez brought along a bag of $$$$$ ,having been turfed out by Mclaren,Paul had no personal sponsorship. I doubt Paul would be given a seat next to Lewis,especially considering his High Court battle with his previous manager (Lewis' dad Anthony) not that long ago.... He showed flashes of brilliance but also picked up a reputation for making derogatory radio calls to his team.The 'dour Scot'image also seems to cling to him ,rightly or wrongly. Tough world F1 ,but you never know he might yet get a ride with Williams if the Rosberg shake up affects them.
More 'buzz' on Bottas - No shock. He's the best fit in my opinion. Ocon and some other Manor driver just dont have the experience. Via SKY F1 16:31 Valtteri Bottas is 'now high on Mercedes' shortlist' in their search for Nico Rosberg's replacement, according to The Sun. The newspaper reports that Alonso is no longer the Silver Arrows' top target after McLaren stressed the Spaniard's contract was binding. 'F1 insiders now think Wolff will now push through a move that will see Bottas, 27, join Mercedes in exchange for revised terms with their engine deal,' it declares (Full story - external site)
F1 Fanatic round-up: "50% chance" Alonso will join Mercedes - de la Rosa Apparently 50% chance alonso joins Mercedes according to de la Rossa. Surely his contract will a way out he wouldn't be so stupid to sign one without a performance related clause. Praying this is true bottas is no match for hamilton. Alonso vs hamilton will be the most exciting rivalry since senna and Prost. Bernie better make it happen
Alonso will be sooo happy seeing Bottas winning races next year while mclaren forced him to stay and just fight for points
Seems FA has something of a chance - No #2 either parity remains for the replacement Mercedes 'considering' Fernando Alonso to replace Nico Rosberg | F1 News
Whenever a team is forced into a public statement claiming their man is committed to them, its a near certainty that he isn't! This should be fun to watch In typical Fernando style, he will be probably jump ship from McLaren at precisely the time that they produce a stellar car and Merc's car ends up being a dog. Wouldn't that be poetic justice..!
If they are serious about having two #1 drivers like Toto says, everyone knows there are only two who can go head to head with Lewis aside from the RB guys. Smart move by RB and McLaren locking their young guys down. I bet Vandoorne wishes they had given JB another season now. He's also very high on Toto's list and had his contract expiring this year.
Werlein is a fraud..he couldn't even beat convincingly harianto...but i guess that guy with the white moustache that runsn Mercedes likes him....(not sure if something sexual involved ...but i would put Bottas on the driving seat...just one thing...Hulkenberg must be the unluckyest guy on the grid....spurned all these years, and when finaly a big team hires him, teh best car on the grid opens a spot for him...and he cannot take it!! i really feel sorry for him, has i believe he could take on Lewser.
