krisfx wrote:
Wehrlein the DTM champion and guy who "beat" Hamilton in equal cars
Yes, exactly this Wehrlein. And no, I don't put much weight in the fun event and who beat who. What matters is F1, in a F1 car. We've seen many GP2 champions, exceptional champions, reach F1 and disappear back into insignificance before. Not that I think Wehrlein is that kind of driver... yet. But so far, his F1 career hasn't been exactly setting anything on fire. This might be difficult in a Manor though.
Still, Wehrlein has time and this is the season 2016/2017 thread. I don't see Wehrlein moving. He is young, he still as time. As does Verstappen.
Assuming Mercedes does entertain the idea of losing Rosberg, the question is who will be the most attractive driver available? IMO that driver is Dan Ricciardo (assuming he can and wants it). He is young, fast and mature and experienced enough. Bottas might be arguably an okay bet too if you are looking for a consistent point scorer, but IMO, a team in Mercedes position shouldn't aim for a "point-scorer" but a young talent, a rising star, someone who might in given time (if he doesn't in his first year already) beat/replace the current top-driver under contract (Hamilton). Putting a driver in your seat is all about a long-term game too. Which is why for instance, I wouldn't put an Alonso in that seat, unless you perhaps want a 1 year or 2 year filler. But why do that if you already have a 3 times world-champion under contract till the end of 2018? Better to secure someone who will take it beyond and if you can get one of the brightest prospects of F1, you will also avoid him driving against you at your competitors team.
