Silly Season 2016/2017

[namao]

Video message from Toto and Lewis

Lewis: "We are going to be in the strongest partnership next year"

Interesting. "Strongest team" would not suggest Wehrlein. I'm doubtful it suggests Bottas. I wouldn't know why Toto would be talking to Lewis about it, unless it's Alonso and there is known to be history there.

If it is, count me surprised.

I also smell something similar is going on. Lewis needs to be briefed about his new team mate and that's exactly what Toto is doing and taking feedback.
Alonso is definitely a front runner and I am sure something is going on behind the scene.
When can we have an announcement on this replacement.

Nothing is going on behind the scene. It will be very simple: Bottas or Werhlein. That's it.

[Sevach]

I think Williams will sell Bottas, it has been said that he walks free next year, plus i think Williams is Stroll's team for the foreseeable future(unless he sucks really bad), so a guy who isn't threatening, Nasr for example, would be perfect.

[Gettingonabit]

BBC teletext quoting, Lowe is close to finalizing a deal with Williams and will be replaced by Allison. Also Williams have rejected an initial offer for Bottas.

[mcjamweasel]

BBC teletext quoting, Lowe is close to finalizing a deal with Williams and will be replaced by Allison. Also Williams have rejected an initial offer for Bottas.

Teletext - is this 1984?

Williams driver Valtteri Bottas is Mercedes' first choice to replace Nico Rosberg as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate, BBC Sport has learned.

But Williams have rejected an initial offer to release Finn Bottas from his 2017 contract.

In a separate development, Mercedes technical boss Paddy Lowe is close to finalising a deal to join Williams.

[Gettingonabit]

BBC teletext quoting, Lowe is close to finalizing a deal with Williams and will be replaced by Allison. Also Williams have rejected an initial offer for Bottas.

Teletext - is this 1984?

Williams driver Valtteri Bottas is Mercedes' first choice to replace Nico Rosberg as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate, BBC Sport has learned.

But Williams have rejected an initial offer to release Finn Bottas from his 2017 contract.

In a separate development, Mercedes technical boss Paddy Lowe is close to finalising a deal to join Williams.

Many means of reading news, Teletext is on the Telly and that's the first thing that gets switched on in this house.

[bauc]

If they (Mercedes) can lure Valtteri Bottas to the team, that would be great for them and I think Bottas will give Lewis a run for his money during the season.
On the other hand, where does this leave Williams with one rookie driver and another empty seat?

[turbof1]

If they (Mercedes) can lure Valtteri Bottas to the team, that would be great for them and I think Bottas will give Lewis a run for his money during the season.
On the other hand, where does this leave Williams with one rookie driver and another empty seat?

Joe Saward mentioned rumors that Stroll's contract had a specific clause to have Bottas as team mate, because that would allow him to copy car setup from an experienced driver, as well as a free pass to be outmatched during the first year. Emphasis on rumor of course, but that would make the entire deal much more complex.

Also know that with the Stroll family bringing in a wealth of financial resources, money is much less a concern for Williams. Mercedes does not really have anything to leverage a good deal for Bottas.

[bauc]

If they (Mercedes) can lure Valtteri Bottas to the team, that would be great for them and I think Bottas will give Lewis a run for his money during the season.
On the other hand, where does this leave Williams with one rookie driver and another empty seat?

Joe Saward mentioned rumors that Stroll's contract had a specific clause to have Bottas as team mate, because that would allow him to copy car setup from an experienced driver, as well as a free pass to be outmatched during the first year. Emphasis on rumor of course, but that would make the entire deal much more complex.

Also know that with the Stroll family bringing in a wealth of financial resources, money is much less a concern for Williams. Mercedes does not really have anything to leverage a good deal for Bottas.

Hmmmm, rookies this days, they want all on silver plate - Well, when I think about it, they pay for it

[Big Mangalhit]

...
Mercedes does not really have anything to leverage a good deal for Bottas.

Except maybe Paddy Lowe could play a role here?? It would benefit mercedes twice, since that way he would stay away from a rival team.

[jonas_linder]

...
Mercedes does not really have anything to leverage a good deal for Bottas.

Except maybe Paddy Lowe could play a role here?? It would benefit mercedes twice, since that way he would stay away from a rival team.

Except that Lowe's contract runs out at the end of the year. It is difficult to exchange something you don't have

[George-Jung]

Incase Alonso is really out of the picture..

Williams will not let Bottas go, they need a driver with experience next year, next to Lance.. therefor they will not go for Wehrlein who couldn't impress anybody this year.

So.. maybe Ocon goes to MB and Wehrlein to force india after all, together with a interesting powerunit deal.

Or Sainz..

Besides Alonso, I rate Sainz higher than any other name mentioned above.

[Gaz.]

I've repeatedly rubbished the Button rumours/speculation/wishes since Rosberg announced his retirement but now I.m not so sure as every door has closed in Merc's face and if they wanted Werhlien in the car they would have announced him as a driver immediately. I get the impression that he is the last resort.

[Manjhi]

Now a new rumor is coming up, that Mercs team is in contact with Renault to release Hulk.

Most likely choice to replace a strong German driver with another proven talented German. =D> [-o<

[Raleigh]

Wehrlein has driven nothing but a backmarker trashcan with zero pressure, zero goal, and zero interest. He doesnt know squad from competition. And you're about to slam this guy in a championship capable car next to a giant right in between the wolves. lol, did you give this even a half second of thought?

You forget because he is so young, but Wehrlein is already DTM champion, a very competitive series where many former F1 drivers have struggled to make an impact.

He knows a lot about competition.

[NL_Fer]

And Wehrlein did some nice drives on all powerunit tracks this year, the tracks Manor had any chance.

With Vettel and Alonso not moving, Williams holding on to Botta's and probably FI thinking the same about Perez. Renault just had a hard time getting the Hulk. The only available would be Button. Experienced to be on speed with the car quick, known to be able to handle Lewis and would settle for a 1 year contract. I wouldn't be suprised.