[ 2020 ] AMG Mercedes F1 Team - Mercedes

[PlatinumZealot]

Makes sense. Mercedes have already recouped their investment many times over.
Toto too will make a killing on the sale.

Unlike the chassis, only the engine matters technology wise anyway.

[zibby43]

Motorsport.com scuttled Jordan’s claims today.

Ineos may buy some shares, but they’re not going for majority ownership.

Merc makes billions in advertising/business goodwill from their F1 involvement.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ineo ... n/4874139/

Such a dramatic exit for Mercedes is understood to be unlikely however, with the German car manufacturer having been clear in recent months that it is fully committed to remaining in F1 as a works team for many years to come.

However, what cannot be ruled out is Ineos ramping up its involvement in the outfit by buying a shareholding on the back of it becoming a major sponsor and technical partner earlier this year.

[e30ernest]

Mercedes is a lucky team to have a Legend:

https://i.postimg.cc/8ztQCX1H/200914065 ... ge-169.jpg

I wonder who can replace him in few years. I was hoping for Ocon but he couldn't beat Perez and now being schooled by Riciardo.

Of the current young drivers on the grid, only Russell seems to have the potential. Lando had some high moments but lately Sainz seems to have his number. Of course Merc can try to pirate Max, or Charles too.

[Moore77]

the Mailonline article says 'according to Eddie Jordan' Maybe we should not jump to conclusions yet

The thing with rumors is that there is always some merit to it.

Rumours had it that Mercedes was to exit F1 in 2018 and Hamilton was moving to Ferrari. Same rumor resurfaced that same exact thing was going to happen in 2021. Now Mercedes have signed the concord deal.

[hollus]

Guys, NO POLITICS. Thank you.
Yes, I know it is Hamilton. No politics for now, please.

[Big Tea]

Mercedes is a lucky team to have a Legend:

https://i.postimg.cc/8ztQCX1H/200914065 ... ge-169.jpg

I wonder who can replace him in few years. I was hoping for Ocon but he couldn't beat Perez and now being schooled by Riciardo.

Of the current young drivers on the grid, only Russell seems to have the potential. Lando had some high moments but lately Sainz seems to have his number. Of course Merc can try to pirate Max, or Charles too.

Charles would be my guess. Ferrari will rush to get M Schumacher on the car and Charles will leave for Merc.

[214270]

Mercedes is a lucky team to have a Legend:

https://i.postimg.cc/8ztQCX1H/200914065 ... ge-169.jpg

I wonder who can replace him in few years. I was hoping for Ocon but he couldn't beat Perez and now being schooled by Riciardo.

Of the current young drivers on the grid, only Russell seems to have the potential. Lando had some high moments but lately Sainz seems to have his number. Of course Merc can try to pirate Max, or Charles too.

RUSs speed is debatable. I do believe he needs to be tested in a team further up the grid but it’s not apparent he’s better than BOT on a Sat or Sun.

[SiLo]

I'd like to see him get some time in the Mercedes at in season tests. Or even both Hamilton and Bottas missing an FP1 for Russel and someone else to get some practice in there.

[Jolle]

Mercedes is a lucky team to have a Legend:

https://i.postimg.cc/8ztQCX1H/200914065 ... ge-169.jpg

I wonder who can replace him in few years. I was hoping for Ocon but he couldn't beat Perez and now being schooled by Riciardo.

Of the current young drivers on the grid, only Russell seems to have the potential. Lando had some high moments but lately Sainz seems to have his number. Of course Merc can try to pirate Max, or Charles too.

Charles would be my guess. Ferrari will rush to get M Schumacher on the car and Charles will leave for Merc.

I think Mercedes is quite proud (behind the scenes) that all of their drivers since 2010 were in some way the product of the Mercedes junior program.

When Hamilton decided it will be enough (in a couple of years) he would probably have Russell next to him already. Can’t see any other way then 2021 is the last year of Bottas at Mercedes.

In 22 there would be a clear indication how good he is, what Hamilton’s plans are and if Mercedes is still top dog.

As for Leclerc and Verstappen, both their teams have committed to them in great extent. An open spot at Mercedes will drive up both their salaries to heights never seen before for a non world champion.

At the moment Leclerc, although very fast over a single lap, huge personality and very aggressive, he still needs to further sharpen is race crafts in being nice to tires and car. Verstappen is a more complete driver and had these abilities naturally. Leclerc is a bit Mansell like.

So, lots of stuff still has to happen in the next couple of seasons, but at the moment my money is on Verstappen already having a letter of intent with Mercedes.

[Big Tea]

Of the current young drivers on the grid, only Russell seems to have the potential. Lando had some high moments but lately Sainz seems to have his number. Of course Merc can try to pirate Max, or Charles too.

Charles would be my guess. Ferrari will rush to get M Schumacher on the car and Charles will leave for Merc.

I think Mercedes is quite proud (behind the scenes) that all of their drivers since 2010 were in some way the product of the Mercedes junior program.

When Hamilton decided it will be enough (in a couple of years) he would probably have Russell next to him already. Can’t see any other way then 2021 is the last year of Bottas at Mercedes.

In 22 there would be a clear indication how good he is, what Hamilton’s plans are and if Mercedes is still top dog.

As for Leclerc and Verstappen, both their teams have committed to them in great extent. An open spot at Mercedes will drive up both their salaries to heights never seen before for a non world champion.

At the moment Leclerc, although very fast over a single lap, huge personality and very aggressive, he still needs to further sharpen is race crafts in being nice to tires and car. Verstappen is a more complete driver and had these abilities naturally. Leclerc is a bit Mansell like.

So, lots of stuff still has to happen in the next couple of seasons, but at the moment my money is on Verstappen already having a letter of intent with Mercedes.

Don't forget Charles is driving a Ferrari, the same one Vettel is struggling with. He may be able to change style as required.

[Jolle]

Charles would be my guess. Ferrari will rush to get M Schumacher on the car and Charles will leave for Merc.

I think Mercedes is quite proud (behind the scenes) that all of their drivers since 2010 were in some way the product of the Mercedes junior program.

When Hamilton decided it will be enough (in a couple of years) he would probably have Russell next to him already. Can’t see any other way then 2021 is the last year of Bottas at Mercedes.

In 22 there would be a clear indication how good he is, what Hamilton’s plans are and if Mercedes is still top dog.

As for Leclerc and Verstappen, both their teams have committed to them in great extent. An open spot at Mercedes will drive up both their salaries to heights never seen before for a non world champion.

At the moment Leclerc, although very fast over a single lap, huge personality and very aggressive, he still needs to further sharpen is race crafts in being nice to tires and car. Verstappen is a more complete driver and had these abilities naturally. Leclerc is a bit Mansell like.

So, lots of stuff still has to happen in the next couple of seasons, but at the moment my money is on Verstappen already having a letter of intent with Mercedes.

Don't forget Charles is driving a Ferrari, the same one Vettel is struggling with. He may be able to change style as required.

I am aware. But also that in his style the car is eating tires, while Vettel with his experience can go longer. At the moment Verstappen can do a blistering fast lap like Leclerc and at the same time extend tire life like Perez/Vettel.

But, all, at the moment. I’m very aware that this is just Leclec’s third year in F1, driving a barn door on erasing rubber with the heaviest politics looking over his shoulder. Big names have cracked with less.

[214270]

I'd like to see him get some time in the Mercedes at in season tests. Or even both Hamilton and Bottas missing an FP1 for Russel and someone else to get some practice in there.

I think Merc have this comparison data already. He needs an RP seat or something similar (not that that’s ever going to happen) or somehow for the Williams to jump up the grid. He’s in a difficult situation either way.

I’d wager VER is the backup anyway once HAM retires.

[SiLo]

I'd like to see him get some time in the Mercedes at in season tests. Or even both Hamilton and Bottas missing an FP1 for Russel and someone else to get some practice in there.

I think Merc have this comparison data already. He needs an RP seat or something similar (not that that’s ever going to happen) or somehow for the Williams to jump up the grid. He’s in a difficult situation either way.

I’d wager VER is the backup anyway once HAM retires.

Verstappen and Russel sounds like a good pairing.

[Jolle]

I'd like to see him get some time in the Mercedes at in season tests. Or even both Hamilton and Bottas missing an FP1 for Russel and someone else to get some practice in there.

I think Merc have this comparison data already. He needs an RP seat or something similar (not that that’s ever going to happen) or somehow for the Williams to jump up the grid. He’s in a difficult situation either way.

I’d wager VER is the backup anyway once HAM retires.

Verstappen and Russel sounds like a good pairing.

VER still has three years (21-23) on his contract, LEC a year longer (21-24)

a three year deal with HAM sounds like a good starting point.

He could quit with ten championships under his belt.

[e30ernest]

Mercedes is a lucky team to have a Legend:

https://i.postimg.cc/8ztQCX1H/200914065 ... ge-169.jpg

I wonder who can replace him in few years. I was hoping for Ocon but he couldn't beat Perez and now being schooled by Riciardo.

Of the current young drivers on the grid, only Russell seems to have the potential. Lando had some high moments but lately Sainz seems to have his number. Of course Merc can try to pirate Max, or Charles too.

RUSs speed is debatable. I do believe he needs to be tested in a team further up the grid but it’s not apparent he’s better than BOT on a Sat or Sun.

I haven't seen anything to indicate that George is anything but very fast. I think until now he's still held a perfect score in qualifying against his team mates, he's consistently putting that Williams up further up than I would think that car would normally be in during a race and he seems to have a pretty mature, calm head.

Also anecdotal, he pretty much dominated the F1 virtual off-season. I know it's just for fun, but all those drivers are competitive against each other. I'm sure at least part of them would try to win even those virtual races.