Silly Season 2017/2018

[ChrisDanger]

https://twitter.com/julien_febreau/stat ... 9317561344 i.e. Charles Leclerc will drive for Sauber in FP1 sessions in Malaysia (and then possibly Austin, Mexico, Brasil and Abu Dhabi).

[zeph]

With the rules of engagement at Mercedes the Hammer-time qualifying pace would be too hot for my boy 'Lonzo to get a look in.

But ALO's lightning starts could make up for that qualifying deficit.

[namao]

Game:

1. McLaren and ALO is waiting to Honda Spec 4 (September-October)
a) If it works, McLaren will stay with Honda in 2018 and ALO out of F1 (WEC, Indy, Museum, etc).
b) If it not works, McLaren will brake contract with Honda (financially very bad for team, critical situation) and begins with Renault, ALO stays.
c) ALO waiting for a miracle with Bottas's contract.

2. Toro Rosso and RedBull waiting for option 1.b).
a) If it happens, Toro Rosso will have Honda engines and Sainz goes to Renault F1 Team.
b) RedBull will begin talks with Honda for 2019.

My prediction: option 1.a) despite of Spec 4.

OK. So option 2.a) is coming. Now we have to wait to option 1.b) to come. https://twitter.com/tgruener/status/903572239878160384

[Phil]

As stated in the McLaren Team topic, I really can't see Honda leaving McLaren. McLaren can't really afford to either IMO - too much is being invested by Honda. Judging by Alonso's change of tune, I'd also bet on McLaren continuing their partnership... all IMO.

[namao]

As stated in the McLaren Team topic, I really can't see Honda leaving McLaren. McLaren can't really afford to either IMO - too much is being invested by Honda. Judging by Alonso's change of tune, I'd also bet on McLaren continuing their partnership... all IMO.

Financially would be a enormous disaster for McLaren. It'll be a sucide if they drop Honda. But...anything can happen in F1, we all know that.

[Phil]

In an interview with Marko (RedBull) on ORF, Mercedes inquired about Verstappen at Baku. So there is a lot of interest there... RedBull not giving him up though. So it would make sense that Bottas will only be put on a 1 year contract to keep their options open (like Ferrari is doing with Kimi)...

[TAG]

Stuff is happening this weekend, you can smell it.

[namao]

Stuff is happening this weekend, you can smell it.

Smelling and looking...https://twitter.com/AlbertFabrega/statu ... 2354395136

[George-Jung]

Stuff is happening this weekend, you can smell it.

Damn bru.. I smell it too!

[PlatinumZealot]

Stuff is happening this weekend, you can smell it.

Smeary brown stuff or soft rosy red stuff?

[zonk]

[NL_Fer]

Stuff is happening this weekend, you can smell it.

Smeary brown stuff or soft rosy red stuff?

Yellowish energydrink with sushi and bacon/eggs with a croissant

And i saw Kubica talking with Arrivabene.

[PlatinumZealot]

Mclaren to renault. Toro to honda.

?

[PlatinumZealot]

Stuff is happening this weekend, you can smell it.

Smeary brown stuff or soft rosy red stuff?

Yellowish energydrink with sushi and bacon/eggs with a croissant

And i saw Kubica talking with Arrivabene.

Kubica always wanted to go to ferrari after his renault stint.

[ESPImperium]

The McLaren problem will be solved this week;

* McLaren will sever with Honda as early as Monday, or as late as Tuesday
* Toro Rosso will take Honda and €100m a year, however the team will have 2 new drivers in Pierre Gasly and Nobuharu Matsushita.Sean Gelael will be announced as FP1/Test/Reserve driver for a even larger budget.
* Sainz will be loaned to Renault for a year to finally replace Palmer, as Red Bull would like him as a replacement option for Red Bull if Riccardo and or Verstappen jump ship to Mercedes and or Ferrari.
* Renault, McLaren and Red Bull will all push the engine development
* Alonso will sign on for two more years, however this could mean he takes a pay cut.
* McLaren will be free to get more sponsorship to negate the €100m loss of Honda and pay Alonso.
* McLaren to have their Renault engine rebranded/rebadged as a Nissan
* FIA will announce a new Engine Manufacturers Championship - New penalty system announced as well.