Silly Season 2013/14

[Websta]

The RBR young driver program is to find the next Vettel, not really to hone and develop the skills of young drivers. If Vergne or Ricciardo really show that sort of potential then they should expect to get promoted, but I think Red Bull would be better off going after Hulkenburg or Massa if the two STR drivers do not jump off the paper after 2 seasons.

I think Chilton might be flattering Bianchi a little, but I definitely expect Bianchi to be around a long time. But to promote him to an RBR seat after 1 season at Marussia would be incredibly risky and not a good idea, unless he really shows something other than the ability to outpace Max Chilton and Caterhams. Remember, Findia chose the more expensive Sutil over Bianchi after seeing both of them in the car in Winter Testing.

[mnmracer]

The RBR young driver program is to find the next Vettel, not really to hone and develop the skills of young drivers. If Vergne or Ricciardo really show that sort of potential then they should expect to get promoted, but I think Red Bull would be better off going after Hulkenburg or Massa if the two STR drivers do not jump off the paper after 2 seasons.

I think Chilton might be flattering Bianchi a little, but I definitely expect Bianchi to be around a long time. But to promote him to an RBR seat after 1 season at Marussia would be incredibly risky and not a good idea, unless he really shows something other than the ability to outpace Max Chilton and Caterhams.

True.

How about
- Hülkenberg to RB.
- Bianchi to TR through the Ferrari engines.
- Da Costa to TR through RB jr.

[Hail22]

True.

How about
- Hülkenberg to RB.
- Bianchi to TR through the Ferrari engines.
- Da Costa to TR through RB jr.

Bianchi has already been slatted as driver of the future for Ferrari compared to Perez, So I wouldn't put my beans on him for a TR seat...depending on how Massa performs this year he may see himself next to Alonso.

Also the rumour mill is running hot that Ferrari will be dropping TR as a client, Watch this space.

[Websta]

I could see Mitch Evans being one of the next Toro Rosso drivers, although probably not next years new batch. He isn't apart of the Red Bull young driver's program, but he is racing for Arden International (founded/managed by Horner) in the GP2 series and is Mark Webber's protégé. He is also only 18 years old and already has been impressive in GP3 and is showing promise in GP2. But hopefully they don't rush him into F1 - just ask Alguersuari how that works out for you. I would probably rate Evans as having more potential than Da Costa

[FrukostScones]

If Webber gets replaced I think Daniel Ricciardo will fill in his seat. Otherwise, why would Red Bull use a driver programme?

yeah, but I can't see how Ricciardo is better than Buemi apart from looks.

[Nando]

or Vergne. I cant see all the hype behind Ricciardo at all frankly.

[CBeck113]

Remember, Findia chose the more expensive Sutil over Bianchi after seeing both of them in the car in Winter Testing.

Sutil = Mercedes , Bianci = Ferrari

http://t.co/oevftk6M8W

That is why FI chose Sutil, no other.

[SiLo]

I thought Vettel is most likely going to Ferrari next year? 2 seats to fill at Red Bull?

[Websta]

Remember, Findia chose the more expensive Sutil over Bianchi after seeing both of them in the car in Winter Testing.

Sutil = Mercedes , Bianci = Ferrari

http://t.co/oevftk6M8W

That is why FI chose Sutil, no other.

I am not really convinced - it didn't stop FI signing him (or Ferrari allowing him to serve) as reserve driver and giving him 9 practise sessions in 2012. I don't see how a race seat would have been really much different.

Edit: Sutil isn't more expensive though, that was a mistake

[CBeck113]

FI showed interest in Ferrari engines for 2014, hence the flirt with Bianci. Choosing Sutil for a race seat helped reduce the price for the new Mercedes engines. And, to get back to the topic, TR would like to switch to Renault engines for more "legal" synergies with RBR, so Bianci will most likely have to wait for Massa's seat, and will not replace Mark at RBR.
Kubica, on the other hand, would do just about anything to show that he can drive F1 again, so a simple one year contract as the clear #2 would work for both parties...

[Glyn]

If Vettel stays at Red Bull, I would like to see Raikkonen replace Mark Webber.

I think this is the only driver who can work well with Vettel. And also bring in the points. And Adrian Newey would have to stay.

[chepoi]

to many fanboy opinion. hope that the moderator delete all of it. don't just choosing one fella than the other one fella...

[raymondu999]

to many fanboy opinion. hope that the moderator delete all of it. don't just choosing one fella than the other one fella...

What do you think the point of silly season threads are?

[astracrazy]

If Vettel stays at Red Bull, I would like to see Raikkonen replace Mark Webber.

I think this is the only driver who can work well with Vettel. And also bring in the points. And Adrian Newey would have to stay.

as i've said on the page before - will never happen

The best for Red Bull and Vettel would to find a perfect number 2. Not someone whos gonna challenge Vettel but someone who accepts his 2nd best (for the time being anyway) which is why a driver from TR would suit

Kubica could happen, but a big risk - not one i'd expect RB to take though. Someone further down the field i could see happening

[bhall]

to many fanboy opinion. hope that the moderator delete all of it. don't just choosing one fella than the other one fella...

+2