Silly Season 2020/2021 (starting with silliness in 2019)

[PlatinumZealot]

I think Bottas to Ferrari would make a lot of sense for both parties.

By this point, BOT knows he cannot beat Hamilton in the same car. He doesn't know that about LEC, although I personally have hard time seeing him being as fast over a season as LEC. If he doesn't beat LEC, BOT will be able to look back at a career driving for two of the three great teams, establishing him as one of the better drivers of this era. Not one of the greats, but a good driver. And he wouldn't get stuck in the yearly "Will BOT be replaced by OCO?"-carousel once more.

Ferrari on the other hand would get an experienced driver, used to the workings of a big team, and with some insight into the development of their main rivals. He seems to be a stable driver, uninterested in politics, and has on numerous demonstrated the ability to do what he's told.

This. Bottas is the prefect candidate.

For Ferrari he is:
Experienced.
Fast.
Team player.
Has Mercedes insider information.


For Bottas:
LeClerc is a lot easier to Handle than Hamilton. There is some chance there of beating LeClerc.
His time at Mercedes was growing stale.
It was only a matter of time before he is replaced by Russel.

[nzjrs]

Bottas to Ferrari solves Totos little management conflict of interest too

[GPR-A]

Verstappen - I think he is locked in at Red Bull for the long run.

CAMILLERI: WHY GIVE CREDIBILITY TO A 22-YEAR-OLD BOY?

As for Verstappen, Camilleri is still furious with the Dutchman after he accused Ferrari of “cheating” with its 2019 engine, and told guests on the day, “There is no place here for those who say these things.

He also preferred not to elaborate, “Silence is sometimes the strongest weapon. We are Ferrari. Why give credibility to a 22-year-old boy?

If max gets a title or two at Red Bull, you can bet Ferrari will forget such things if there's a chance of hiring him. Some memories are easily forgotten in F1 when circumstances require it.

Camilleri: IF Max gets a title or two..... we will see.
Me: What if Leclerc gets a title or two at Ferrari before Max at Red Bull?

[GPR-A]

Thanks to @Wouter.
https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-fe ... le-details

Carlos Sainz will be made official within the next 48 hours, only the details remain to be defined,
then the Scuderia will be able to formalize the arrival of the Spaniard in Maranello.

[PlatinumZealot]

So Eddie Jordan gets it right again?

[Just_a_fan]

Yes, that's 13 years ago. I think there's been talk that that Ferrari's contract with F1 states that they need to have a champion in their car. So it's Hamilton or Alonso then.

How can a contract between Ferrari and the FIA / FOM be enforced to ensure they have a champion in the car? It can't. No one can force a driver to go to a team. If the extant champions want to drive elsewhere then they'll go elsewhere.

Maybe it was between Ferrari and Marlboro, I might remember it incorrectly, I'm sure someone else can remember this. Of course every clause can me negotiated.

Yes, that would make more sense.

[Just_a_fan]

Sainz means Ferrari is going to number one and number two driver.

Red Bull should take Vettel back, but I assume they think it would be fireworks.

No reason to take back Vettel. Red Bull have the new wunderkind already, why would they want an old man getting in the way?

Vettel will either go to a mid field team for a year of messing about to see if "just racing" with no pressure still appeals, or he'll just walk away and enjoy family life. He's got more money than any sane man needs so he's not looking for a pay check anymore.

[Just_a_fan]

So Eddie Jordan gets it right again?

If you throw enough paint at a wall, some of it will stick...

[GPR-A]

Sainz means Ferrari is going to number one and number two driver.

Red Bull should take Vettel back, but I assume they think it would be fireworks.

No reason to take back Vettel. Red Bull have the new wunderkind already, why would they want an old man getting in the way?

Vettel will either go to a mid field team for a year of messing about to see if "just racing" with no pressure still appeals, or he'll just walk away and enjoy family life. He's got more money than any sane man needs so he's not looking for a pay check anymore.

Imagine Vettel being swapped with McLaren and an ever improving McLaren churning a winner for 2021 with a Mercedes engine and budget restrictions!

[AMG.Tzan]

Any reason why Ferrari would not take Ricciardo? Too much money?? Too big a threat to Leclerc??
Any reason why Sainz would leave Mclaren where he has found his feet at last and which has become his own team right now??

Seriously asking!

Btw...if Vettel retires and Ferrari picks up Sainz...then there is a vacant seat in the field! Either Mclaren or Renault (if Danny Ric chooses Mclaren)...do you believe Fernando will be back in one of these seats??

(Thankfully it's not Giovinazzi)

[selvam_e2002]

Alonso for two years would be perfect, after that Leclerc will be ready. If he can handle it!

No, please no. Give new people a chance. The sport will not be better by keeping aged drivers in even longer. It's a competition, not a gourmet cheese.

I agree with you. Alonso would be perfect with early renewal.

[Macklaren]

Any reason why Ferrari would not take Ricciardo? Too much money?? Too big a threat to Leclerc??
Any reason why Sainz would leave Mclaren where he has found his feet at last and which has become his own team right now??

Seriously asking!

Btw...if Vettel retires and Ferrari picks up Sainz...then there is a vacant seat in the field! Either Mclaren or Renault (if Danny Ric chooses Mclaren)...do you believe Fernando will be back in one of these seats??

(Thankfully it's not Giovinazzi)

These are good questions. I think SAI going to Ferrari will be primarily to mess with VER. He still probably has a chip on his shoulder from the STR days and wants to be in a fair fight with VER competing for wins. But I think he will be in for a bit of a shock with the Ferrari team culture and what will likely be clear #2 status.
Yes I hope McLaren doesn't end up with a vacant seat if they are not able to afford RIC and he stays with Renault. They don't even have a real third driver right now.

[selvam_e2002]

I think Bottas to Ferrari would make a lot of sense for both parties.

By this point, BOT knows he cannot beat Hamilton in the same car. He doesn't know that about LEC, although I personally have hard time seeing him being as fast over a season as LEC. If he doesn't beat LEC, BOT will be able to look back at a career driving for two of the three great teams, establishing him as one of the better drivers of this era. Not one of the greats, but a good driver. And he wouldn't get stuck in the yearly "Will BOT be replaced by OCO?"-carousel once more.

Ferrari on the other hand would get an experienced driver, used to the workings of a big team, and with some insight into the development of their main rivals. He seems to be a stable driver, uninterested in politics, and has on numerous demonstrated the ability to do what he's told.

Brilliant and well argued. Agree 100%

well said. Ferrari is a Brand they have to put WCC driver along with Lecrec. You cannot just believe young drivers until they prove them self and will take a time. Every one cannot be Hamilton in early stages of racing. He won it second season of F1 (without Alonso as his team mate). I would echo your point bring back Alonso for 1 or 2 year and pay based on performance. Then we will see how Lecrec is cope up with him in race.

Else, Lecrec will drive for Ferrari for next 3 years then gone like Vette. Who will take him after Ferrari if he does not prove it?

[Jolle]

Ferrari is probably going to operate like a whole team focused on one driver, Leclerc. Sainz has proved that he can score without dropping the ball.

It will be a big responsibility for a young driver in only his fourth year in F1. Doing something like that at RedBull is one thing... having the whole Italian press watching your every step.

So. That would suggest that someone like Kimi actually could work. Alonso might... but then Verstappen and Hamilton will laugh out loud with an upcoming internal battle at Ferrari again.

So. My guess is Sainz with Kimi as a contender if they think he needs a bit of protection

[Pany]

In my opinion Ferrari bet on Leclerc and sainz or bottas or hulk as number two is a risky move. I like Leclerc, but bet strong, mature and fast drivers ready for wdc in 2021 are only Hamilton and Ricciardo. Leclerc is a clever deal for the future. Don't forget wclqren is rebuilding and from 2021 will be strong. If they take Lewis or Daniel, then one more title contender against Ferrari will be racing