2018/2019 Silly season

Yes yesterday the salary issue was reported. I think Ferrari are now changing how they do driver business with respect to the second driver. I think LeClerc could be given an early Ferrari race possibly YAS, if in fact Kimi is now leaving. I believe Kimi is now being replaced given the Autosport report.

 

And why not? Elton was very good in his first year, and so far there is nothing to believe that Charles isn't every bit as good or better than him! In Ferrari he will grow and develop a lot faster than in a smaller team, he will start fighting with the best and working with the best..go for it!...Look at Ocon he's already faster than perez, and i believe he's better than Bottas!

 

Leclerc could push Vettel more than Kimi does; he has something to prove.

We will see.

Not sure about Ocon being better than Bottas though ...

 

Latest rumor:

McLaren offers Ricciardo $20M to join them.

Translation: Alonso and his $40M / year salary is HISTORY

 

I hope you are right, but Ricciardo is taking a hell of a gamble, IMO.

If the deal go through, he would be leaving a very well structured team, to join one that is in disarray at the moment.

We will see.

 

Ricci won't go to Mclaren, unless he prefers to be a bit richer and forget about winning the title....

 

The Jacques Villeneuve model.

 

Ricciardo would be "bold" to join teams he's lapping

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-would-be-bold-to-join-teams-he-s-lapping-1047252/

 

But JV had a title under his belt, not exactly the same model


He is currently on the Webber "I'm comfortable" model.

 

Mercedes ready to announce 2018 drivers

JUNE 26, 2018


Mercedes now appears ready to announce its 2018 driver lineup.


At Paul Ricard, Lewis Hamilton gave the strongest indication yet that his long-delayed new contract with Mercedes may finally be ready to sign.

"It's going to be done and I think soon," said the world championship leader.

And although there have been rumours about Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon, it is expected that if Hamilton is re-signed, so too will be Valtteri Bottas.

"We do not want to delay anymore. We will announce it very soon," team boss Toto Wolff is quoted by Finland's Iltalehti.

He has made clear that Mercedes wants Hamilton to stay, adding: "Valtteri is doing extraordinary work, and there is currently no reason to change the line up."

 

I think they should have done that a while ago

 

Ricciardo is NUTS if he takes the offer seriously. He's got plenty of coin made under Red Bull already and is on a lucrative contract. His family is quite wealthy. His next move should be motivated by a better car (and will be). He'll either stay at Red Bull or go to Mercedes/Ferrari.

With Elton taking so long to sign, here's my take:

Elton to retire, but will remain brand ambassador. Will move to LA or something and start singing and whatnot.

Ricciardo to take his place, Gasly to RBR

 

This should shuffle your "insights" Bas:

Autobild article about Lewis signing a 2 year contract at Mercedes (until 2020). 38 mio € yearly. It will be announced before Silverstone or during the German GP. Another interesting part: "And Mercedes also agreed to Lewis‘s request of keeping Bottas"

 

I'll admit this was more hope than insight

 

It says "Mercedes ready to announce 2018 drivers" and I think they should have done that before the first race in March

 

More is never enough.

You should know by now, that sportsmen ask for more money, not because they need it, but because it's a mark of recognition: it's a tag behind their name.

Reb Bull is not generous with its drivers it is rumoured, and they are tied up in complex contracts.

That was one of the reasons why Vettel left as soon as he could, not feeling recognised in spite of 4 WDCs

So I am surprised to hear that Ricciardo "is on a lucrative contract". .

 

Does this sound like he is keeping his job? http://www.f1i.com/news/308473-raikkonen-dont-get-worse-just-session.html

 

Now this - https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/137051/toyota-open-to-raikkonen-wrc-test

 

Next thing is Toyota opening a retirement home....Alonso, Raikkonen.....

 

LOL

 

LOOOL

Williams did both....a retirement home and a day care center.....all at once.