silly season - F1 2017 driver line up

[Glaucus]

I can't see jb having any interest in returning for anything other than a Merc seat.

 

[andicole0]

I can't see jb having any interest in returning for anything other than a Merc seat.

I'm hoping he'll join Sky
Andi.

 

[andicole0]

Looks like Williams have said Mercedes can't talk to Bottas, so where now? You have to wonder what Bottas thinks of that.
Andi.

 

[KiNgPiN83]

Hopefully Sainz. Or just take Werhlein and stop messing about?! Lol

 

[Syla5]

Wow. Part of a deal for Bottas? Leaves the door open for James Allison @ Mercedes.
Andi.

I heard that Merc brought the option on Allisons contract. This could be a complete fantasy but they would have been very smart to have done this if they did.

 

[andicole0]

Massa in talks with Williams!? Acording to the French magazine L'Equipe.

The Brazilian driver is in talks to take the wheel for Williams. What unlock the puzzle of Mercedes, still seeking a replacement for Nico Rosberg.

Have they given up on Bottas and JB not available?
Andi.

 

[andicole0]

No replacement for Nico until new Year according to BBC Sport.
Andi.

 

[The_Abyss]

Yeah, I heard that on the way home. There's going to be some last minute seat fitting for someone!

 

[lunarwolf]

Williams admits it may allow Mercedes to sign Bottas

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-admits-it-may-allow-mercedes-to-sign-bottas-859640/?s=1

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

This is the only way I can see Mercedes avoiding Wehrlein, if Massa steps back in. I didn't see that coming!

Its going to cost Mercedes £17 million though

However, in reality, not sure Massa is the driver he once was..

 

[Duke]

Williams will want a lot of cheaper engines and other bits from Merc if they let Bottas go.

 

[englishpremier]

This is the only way I can see Mercedes avoiding Wehrlein, if Massa steps back in. I didn't see that coming!

Its going to cost Mercedes £17 million though

However, in reality, not sure Massa is the driver he once was..

He was never a great driver, just one of the top tier 2 guys like Rosberg, Webber, Rubens and the like.

I think Massa would be a backwards step for Williams. The new(er) crop of drivers are all better than him.

 

[The_Abyss]

They only need him for a year though.

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

They have to have a driver over 25 as a stipulation for their martini sponsorship, that's why massa suits till they can find someone else! Not to mention needing some continuity with the car transition/development.
As said, it will be a 1 year deal at the most..

 

[Cold Fusion]

My prediction.

Bottas to Mercedes
Button to Williams


That will please smr

 

[The_Abyss]

I think there's quite a lot of fans wanting to see Button get back in a car for next year, but he's been very consistent in saying that he won't drive for anyone other than McLaren, and he really has mentally left the sport now - it was evident by the end of the season.

 

[EddScott]

Massa and Button in Williams cars - one, last, ride

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

Sauber got Pascal then Thats Bottas mailed on for Merc

 

[Duke]

Odd move going to Sauber, who don't have Merc engine, when their car is likely to be slower than Manor's too. Might just be due to Manor going through a buy out and might be risky.

 

[The_Abyss]

Let's wait and see. Sauber probably haven't finished hiring their 2017 driver line up just yet - we'll need to wait until FP1 at Melbourne to be sure