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Post by pre65 on Dec 5, 2016 11:14:22 GMT
Here we are, looking forward to a new season with anticipation that the rule changes will make the racing faster and (hopefully) more interesting.
Given that Mercedes have to find another driver, what is the general feeling about how a top driver would fare against Lewis in identical cars ?
I'm thinking Vettel, Alonso, Verstappen and Ricciardo in the main.
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Post by John on Dec 5, 2016 11:23:14 GMT
I am hoping Vettal
That would be quite spicy with both drivers really going for it
I do not really see any of the Red Bull drivers moving over
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2016 12:01:13 GMT
I still think Alonso has the same speed and determination. He's just been hampered by a useless car. He might also be able to work alongside Hamilton because he's matured since 2007. Vettel may struggle IMO as he's used to getting his way, if Mercedes favoured him as a German driver, I reckon he'd do well. I think the toughest for Hamilton would be Ricciardo. He's very popular and he's already outshone Vettel and arguably Verstappen. I think he'd give Hamilton a very hard time mentally and make him look bad in the press if there were any fallouts. Whilst I don't like Verstappen, he's the most Hamilton-like and probably the one who would give us the most entertainment. If any of these four get the drive, I will be delighted. Anyone else, and I fear we are in for a snooze-athon of a season unless the rule changes really do overturn Mercedes dominance.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2016 13:00:44 GMT
I kind of agree to a point but I wouldn't want Alonso in the car... I am not sure he'd want to either given he was beaten by Lewis in his rookie year, so he'd likely blow him away now he is in his prime (IMHO)... Vettel, not likely to happen whilst Hamilton is there... although I genuinely believe he will go to Mercedes in 2018 once Lewis' current contract has expired. Lewis will then either retire or if he is still hungry, he might fill Vettel's vacant seat at Ferrari.
The risk to Verstappen is that if he were to go to Mercedes and Lewis came out the vitor, it could destroy his confidence and ultimately career, whereas he is fairing very well against Ricciardo. Could Ricciardo go to Mercedes?, doubt it, think he's happy at Red Bull for now.
I think the most likely is actually Pascal or maybe Bottas or an outside chance possibly Hulkenberg.
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Post by MartinT on Dec 5, 2016 15:00:40 GMT
I think Ricciardo would get closest to Hamilton.
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Post by kettlechips on Dec 5, 2016 16:51:27 GMT
I think Ricciardo would get closest to Hamilton. I suspect Verstappen would be closest, despite his relative lack of experience, and he'd not be in the slightest fazed by partnering Lewis, but I doubt that Red Bull would let him go. I see that Paul DiResta has been mentioned by a couple of pundits, and he is in the Mercedes family, however, I don't think that Mercedes would want two British drivers, they tend to like to have at least one German. |
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Post by Clive on Dec 5, 2016 18:40:54 GMT
I wonder whether Ricciardo is too emotional for clinical Merc. Vettel could be a risk as he needs the car to suits him to be fast, likewise Kimi. Verstappen would be fast and WDC within a season or two. I can't see RB releasing him without a mega fight. Getting Sainz would be easier. Maybe they'll go for a stopgap driver for one year, I still wonder about Button. Maybe they could stomach 2 Brits just for one year.
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Post by Clive on Dec 6, 2016 22:57:30 GMT
I see a lot of the headlines are favouring Alonso, this would be good for Merc if Alonso behaves....but would he, he'll be there to win the WDC at all costs. Same for Hamilton. This suggests fireworks. Hmm, maybe Merc need a strong number 2 rather than joint number 1s.
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Post by stanleyb on Dec 15, 2016 14:51:56 GMT
There are rumours that Williams have asked Massa to come back for another year. If that is true, then a likely move to Merc is on the cards for Bottas.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2016 14:16:17 GMT
I believe Bottas is a done deal and either Massa or Button will return to F1 for the Williams drive.
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Post by stanleyb on Dec 16, 2016 14:32:42 GMT
Bottas would be a very good choice. He has been undone by the stability problems of the Williams at high speed, but other than that he is a steady hand.
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Post by MartinT on Dec 16, 2016 15:04:53 GMT
Bottas is a great choice. Fast and reliable and he will get on fine with Hamilton due to his even-keeled temperament.
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Post by davidf on Dec 16, 2016 18:53:11 GMT
I kind of agree to a point but I wouldn't want Alonso in the car... I am not sure he'd want to either given he was beaten by Lewis in his rookie year, so he'd likely blow him away now he is in his prime (IMHO)... Vettel, not likely to happen whilst Hamilton is there... although I genuinely believe he will go to Mercedes in 2018 once Lewis' current contract has expired. Lewis will then either retire or if he is still hungry, he might fill Vettel's vacant seat at Ferrari. The risk to Verstappen is that if he were to go to Mercedes and Lewis came out the vitor, it could destroy his confidence and ultimately career, whereas he is fairing very well against Ricciardo. Could Ricciardo go to Mercedes?, doubt it, think he's happy at Red Bull for now. I think the most likely is actually Pascal or maybe Bottas or an outside chance possibly Hulkenberg. I have a feeling Ricciardo is going to be one of those decent drivers who never win a championship... |
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Post by pre65 on Dec 19, 2016 16:32:05 GMT
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Post by MartinT on Dec 19, 2016 17:07:43 GMT
Nasty - I've seen that quite a few times in corporate life.
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Post by stanleyb on Dec 20, 2016 9:46:43 GMT
Been there myself in my last job. The main difference was that it was me who was being pushed out, and then those who were judged not to be capable of doing their job without me present were also sent packing.
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Post by speedysteve on Dec 20, 2016 9:58:03 GMT
I hope its Bottas, if Bottas is fast enough expect fireworks with Hammy.
Bottas and Kimi were knocking seven bells out of each other for much of the season.
Keeping it always clean is the hard part as the margins are small.
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Post by pre65 on Jan 9, 2017 10:27:11 GMT
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Post by kettlechips on Jan 9, 2017 11:08:01 GMT
Still no news from Mercedes re Bottas.I heard he has recently visited the Mercedes factory... I've also heard that Mercedes, Williams and Sauber are all trying to synchronise their press releases on driver line up, so that none of them get out of step and are left looking like fools if one of the driver deals falls through. I hope that we will hear the definitive line ups sometime this week. Pity about Manor, and if it fails for good this time, then Pascal Wehrlein looks like he'll lose out on a seat. |
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Post by kettlechips on Jan 16, 2017 15:12:39 GMT
Well it has happened, the press releases went out today and as expected Bottas is going to Mercedes, Massa returning to Williams, and Wehrlein has signed with Sauber.
And Manor might just be saved....
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