ROSBERG RETIRES!

Here is hoping for Wehrlein

 

Wehrlein is going to Sauber no?

I though it was all signed already.

 

Why, afraid of the competition?

 

Wehrlein is the official replacement driver. This is his great chance and I find it unfair when the guy whose job it is to fill the position gets overlooked

 

Frankly speaking, Bas, and not doing provocation, I'm wondering if Bottas deserves the seat either?
If it wasn't possible to contract Alonso or Vettel, then I would really have prefered a young guy like Carlos Sainz Jr to get it. I found Bottas slightly disappointing during the last two seasons, but maybe that's just me.
At least, after a full season driving the same car than Lewis, then we will know where he stands exactly.

Rgds

 

I doubt that he was said that he will take over the seat no matter what...He was in their junior team and got a drive in a lesser car to get experience to step up when his time has come. I doubt that anybody promised him anything and if they doubt that he is ready then it is unfortunate for him that Rosberg left too early but that´s life.
Obviously they think they need an experienced driver and one that can push Lewis to his best performance and most likely Wehrlein is neither of that in the moment.

 

Agree

Bottas should have been driving circles around Massa but failed to do so

 

Wehrlein was the official replacement driver and stepping in is his main role

That's how that job is defined

If Obama had died Biden would have taken over, qualified or not. Granted this is a private contract and not the govt but what's the point of having a 3rd driver if you don't use him when the situation arises?

 

If MB thought he was up to it they would put him in the hot seat ...they have all the data on him etc so for them it is just too much risk ..if they can find a better alternative.i expect Bottas to be right up there from the get go ...wouldn't be at all surprised if he was WDC in 2017

 

I would think that his role would have been to replace a driver in case he was not able to drive during the season and not to replace him when he retires.
To stay with your Obama-Comparison: if Obama would have not been able to fullfill his presidency in the middle of his tenure then Biden would have become president but not automatically at the end of the tenure when Obama leaves or is it Biden who gets inaugurated on Januray 20th

 

Rumour was Hamilton vetoed him

 

Given that all seats and pilots have been spoken for when Rosberg decided to retire the situation is similar to a driver dropping out mid season.

If Bottas gets it, fine. But Wehrlein in the seat would be just karma

 

+, and with Bottas, now he must show he has the pace. Hakkinen thinks he does. When the flag drops we will know. Not surprised they made Wehrlost wait longer. If Bottas does not impress maybe they will warm to him and move him up in 2018.

 

No it is not...as in football it is end of season and teams will look for new players if they think they need to as will be drivers looking for new opportunities. Some might have contracts but this means nothing one could not solve with money. If the rumours are true and Mercedes pays a lot of money for Bottas then this might be good for Williams as they need to improve...It is not like Bottas alone makes the difference for them but maybe a budget that makes them sleep better at night.

 

But at the end of the day, they still thought Wehrlein was incapable.

Personally, I think Bottas could be quick. At least Rosberg quick. It's not surprising he lacked motivation at Williams, so I'm keeping an open mind on him until the flag drops.

 

Disagree.
Bottas is a known quantity. We might see a RBR driven onslaught on Mercedes in 2017. Why should Mercedes risk putting a novice side by side with hot head that threatens to quit every morning after breakfast?
Wehrlein might have excellent potential, Bottas drives races the same way Rosberg does. He is a suitable replacement with a warranty certificate stuck to his name.

 

Wehrlein has signed for Sauber now.

I take it he has been dropped from the Mercedes "junior team".

Sauber uses Ferrari engines.

 

I think Mercedes 'placed' him and probably offered something of 'compensation' to Sauber possibly?

 

Wolff wanted someone experienced, in that light picking Sainz doesn't make sense either.

 

The stats dont lie , but to me is just emphasizes the importance the car in todays F1.

Its 90% car and 10% driver so the drivers are going to be pretty close on performance, its hard to absolutley trounce your partner unless he is 'useless'.

So i still hold on to my opinon of Bottas for now ..watch out lewis!