silly season - F1 2017 driver line up

Glaucus · 11 Dec 2016 at 20:29

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

andicole0 · 11 Dec 2016 at 22:21

Glaucus said:
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 · 12 Dec 2016 at 09:48

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 · 12 Dec 2016 at 09:51

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

Syla5 · 12 Dec 2016 at 10:04

andicole0 said:
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 · 15 Dec 2016 at 13:59

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 · 15 Dec 2016 at 16:08

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

The_Abyss · 15 Dec 2016 at 17:28

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

lunarwolf · 15 Dec 2016 at 20:23

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 · 15 Dec 2016 at 20:38

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 · 15 Dec 2016 at 21:05

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

englishpremier · 15 Dec 2016 at 21:57

Malt_Vinegar said:
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 · 15 Dec 2016 at 22:15

They only need him for a year though.

Malt_Vinegar · 15 Dec 2016 at 23:50

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 · 16 Dec 2016 at 08:54

My prediction.

Bottas to Mercedes
Button to Williams

That will please smr

The_Abyss · 16 Dec 2016 at 10:10

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 · 16 Dec 2016 at 10:12

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

Malt_Vinegar · 2 Jan 2017 at 22:10

Sauber got Pascal then

Thats Bottas mailed on for Merc

Duke · 2 Jan 2017 at 22:56

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 · 3 Jan 2017 at 13:25

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