Silly Season 2011 Thread

[segedunum]

The picture that's emerging now is of a driver lineup that is nowhere near as set in stone as it once was, even for drivers who supposedly have contracts.

I never thought Webber would be at Red Bull in 2011 since the end of 2009. That's no shock to me and I predicted that Raikkonen would be a shoe-in at that team. It's still a possibility but I'm not sure now. Red Bull clearly have mental issues over drivers getting the upper hand over Vettel and drivers like Raikkonen, Kubica or even Heidfeld would all be out.

What will be really interesting is if Massa has had enough, as the rumours still swirl, and finds himself a seat he's happy with. Kubica might also then be available.

[raymondu999]

Is it too late to start the Vettel - Yamamoto Red Bull 2011 lineup rumors then?

[jddh1]

Is it too late to start the Vettel - Yamamoto Red Bull 2011 lineup rumors then?

Yamamoto? I was thinking Karun Chandhok.

[raymondu999]

sounds good too

[Miguel]

Why should Williams keep Hulkenberg?

Because he's got the first pole for Frank's team after 99 races.

[zeph]

that pole is impressive, but one pole does not a champion make.

[Miguel]

that pole is impressive, but one pole does not a champion make.

You're right, zeph. However, it will hopefully attract some sponsors following some kind of sane logic: "Hey! This kid seems good!" and "Hey! Williams are improving". Those two reasonings certainly beat "We'll pay you to put Sakon Yamamoto in the car" or "We'll pay you to put my dutch son-in-law van der Gaarde in the other car". Heck, I never understood why some companies paid for Sakon's drive. What do they expect if they put him in the worst car?

[raymondu999]

that pole is impressive, but one pole does not a champion make.

If it did, Sebastian would have been champion a while back

[lebesset]

why sebastian ? what about all the others who would have been ...and before sebastian

[zeph]

I thought Williams is looking for a pay driver? They have already extended Barichello's contract so there's no wiggle room there.

Unless Hulkenberg brings in new sponsors, I don't think he'll be at Williams next year. Maybe Force India.

edit:
not so sure about Barichello's contract. Positive I saw a news item but can't find it now.

[raymondu999]

why sebastian ? what about all the others who would have been ...and before sebastian

I said that because he's had half of the year's poles... sorry for the confusion

[ringo]

hulk to mclaren or renault! =D>

[andrew]

Hulk stays, Barrichello goes for 2011? Fantastic!!

[aral]

Hulk stays, Barrichello goes for 2011? Fantastic!!

Hulk stays, if he signs a five year contract.
Barrichello stays if he takes a big cut in his pay.

[ESPImperium]

If Williams ditch Hulkenberg they will be laughed at, if they drop Rubens they will be the same consequence. The need money with RBS ($10M), Phillips ($12M), Air Asia ($8M) and MacGreggor ($5M) leave the team in 2011, they need the $10M that Maldanado has to spend to get a seat.

I just wonder if Rubens will take that pay cut and stay for one more season...

This one is a tough situation for them.