Ferrari drivers 2018

Red Bull's Christian Horner categorically stated that Ricciardo and Verstappen are locked up for 2018. But looking at other drivers who are out of contract at the end of this season, 2018 driver line-ups look very interesting. Among them are Sebastien Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas. None appear certain to return to their 2017 teams though Vettel looks a bit surer than the others.

But if I am the Sweater (who really runs the team, doesn't he?) I'd adore to see Fernando and Valtteri in my red cars, the first who is widely regarded in the garages as the best driver on the grid, the second perhaps a younger WDC challenger who could accept being #2 for the time.

What do you think?

 

Depends on whether Bottas wins the WDC this year at Mercedes.

 

that you Ron Dennis? lol

 

Marchionne has already stated that Ferrari has let be known to Fernando Alonso that they are not interested in hiring him again. That be said, Formula One being Formual One...
But I believe that Vettel, Alonso and Bottas will stay where they are. Kimi possibly so.

Rgds

 

You seem like a nice person and i don't want to disrespect you, so i'll just skip the comment part!

 

LOLOLOLO

 

Seb and Max

At least that's my hope

 

would be dope!

Max is the next Schumi

 

True dat

 

My real hope would be the RBR team .

However, I'm convinced Vettel will stay for the next 2-3 years easily. Verstappen is quite simply not happening before 2019 anyways...he's definitely the real next schumacher. I think Vettel is great but Max raised the bar.

For 2018 I think likely we'll stay with the current team. Vettel is smart, Kimi isn't as bad people are saying here (despite their wishful thinking), no point changing it.

 

Same as 2017. I believe VET's contract allows him to have as say in who his teammate is.

 

A say but not a dictate.

I believe Ferrari is after Ricciardo for 2019 (alongside Vettel or Verstappen). Perez, Grosjean(please no), Sainz etc will not accept a 1 year contract.

 

Vettel and Ricci (despite what RB says)

 

everyone but Sainz!

 

When Max's car is actually working properly, Ricciardo can't keep up with him - Max is the No.1 target that Ferrari have in mind for 2019, and the Verstappen's know it too: (From: F1 News, Drivers, Results - Formula 1 Live Online | Sky Sports ) :


Max's Red Bull situation may become "more complicated"? Rowland to drive Renault car at Assen; Kubica could replace Palmer at Spa?


Max Verstappen's situation at Red Bull will become "more complicated" if they do not provide him with a winning car in 2018, his father Jos Verstappen has said.

The 19-year-old has been hampered by unreliability this season and has finished only half of the 10 races, claiming one podium.

Amid rumours of a move to Ferrari, Jos confirmed to Sky F1 in Austria that his son would remain at Red Bull next season but has now hinted they may seek a move for 2019 if Red Bull

"Max wants to become a champion and he will do anything to win," Jos was quoted as telling RTL GP.

"Right now he does not have such an opportunity, but he uses this year to become stronger.

"Next year, it is clear what our goals are. We want to win, and if this does not happen, the situation will become more complicated.

"At the moment Max cannot do anything. He is doing everything right, and he feels good in his skin, but he just wants to win.

"That's what you notice about Max. The disappointment that he cannot win, which is why he has had some problems. He has never experienced [not winning] before."

 

It is funny that both Mercedes drivers, Vettel, Alonso and Max "demand" a winning car...As long as Mercedes does not bring 5 cars to the GP it is not likely to happen anytime soon...
Furthermore I am curious why going from RB to Ferrari necessarily change that for Max as Ferrari seems to be fighting more likely RB in the next races than Mercedes.

I guess the other 19 drivers want to become champion as well

 

I think a swap Hamilton X Vettel is possible. Hamilton probably wants a new challenge and Mercedes would love to have a German world-champion again.

 

+1


If young Max thinks jumping to Ferrari will answer his ambition, he may be disappointed though ...

 

Personally I can't see it, but you never know.

Toto Wolff would be mad accepting that deal without any resistance.

Also, good luck to Arrivabene with Hamilton at the Scuderia !

I also wonder what the tifosi would make of that !!! LOL

 

..but Ferrari doesn't want a useless driver in his seat...

 

Well, you can rule out Nico returning to F1 as a driver.....

Nico Rosberg in line for Mercedes Formula E management role

Nico Rosberg in line for Mercedes Formula E management role

 

Perfect fit: boring personality meets boring sport

 

You can rule out Nico returning to F1 as a driver because he said he didn't want to return - He'd achieved his life dream and doesn't need the stress involved with driving an F1 car.

As for the linked article: It's all conjecture based on the fact that Nico was seen in Monaco talking to the organisers of Formula E. As it stands, someone has put two and two together and come up with seven as the answer!

 

Sticking with Red Bull might not answer his ambition.

Going to Mercedes might not answer his ambition.

In F1, for a driver it's a gamble whatever you do - Just ask Fernando Alonso!

Max may see Ferrari as a better chance to demonstrate his abilities than he is currently getting at Red Bull, and a chance to be part of a special piece of F1 history!

 

As you said: you will never know.
But I would put my money rather on RB than Ferrari once the regulations change and the engine (or "power-unit") is not the dominant factor anymore as RB (with Newey) are still great in aerodynamics. So as long as this formula stays I would say Mercedes remains the car to beat and after that the chances are good that RB is again in the game.
Over the last years Ferrari seems to have more internal problems than the other top teams and without continuity I do not see them coming out on top. It takes years as seen in the Schumacher-era and with Mercedes as well.