2018 F1 Silly Season Thread

[Everso Biggyballies]

Bottom post of the previous page:

In an interview on Sky with Niki Lauda today (prior to the Ferrari confirmation) he said there was very little discussion with Vettel over any move, saying what took place was just a negotiation ploy on Seb's side to drive his contract price with Ferrari up. He said no discussions have taken place between Merc and Seb for 2 to 3 months. That was before the news broke re the Ferrari confirmation.

[Everso Biggyballies]

Just to cheer Palmer up it seems reports are floating around that Kubica may get a Friday practice in Malaysia later in the year.... no confirmation or denial so a 'definite maybe' at this stage.

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul said "We don't have all the answers that we potentially wanted to get from that (recent) test," said the Frenchman.

"In a perfect world we would want to do more of this type of test to see if he can race again at the level that he and we could have wanted. It may or may not be possible," Abiteboul added.

There are reports that Kubica might indeed be given another chance to prove himself in a few races time, in Friday free practice ahead of the Malaysian grand prix at Sepang.

For now, Abiteboul is not giving anything away.

"I don't want to create speculation and I don't want to put on the team that we have some obligation to go further because there is an interest from the public to see Robert back.

"We would all like Robert to be back, but it has to make sense," he insisted.

Note: Me posting this does not indicate any change in my total disbelief this exercise will get Robert back in F1 permanently.

[caneparo]

In an interview on Sky with Niki Lauda today (prior to the Ferrari confirmation) he said there was very little discussion with Vettel over any move, saying what took place was just a negotiation ploy on Seb's side to drive his contract price with Ferrari up. He said no discussions have taken place between Merc and Seb for 2 to 3 months. That was before the news broke re the Ferrari confirmation.

Also because bottas has a renewal clause in the bank already
Vettel would have been an option only if there was a swap with hamilton. Very hard to happen

[Everso Biggyballies]

Also because bottas has a renewal clause in the bank already

Apparently that will be confirmed at Monza.

[caneparo]

He had an earn out clause which he succeded to achiee thanks to his podium in hungary

[kals]

He had an earn out clause which he succeded to achiee thanks to his podium in hungary

So maybe that's why Toto Wolff was so animated when Lewis surrendered third place on the last lap?

[Everso Biggyballies]

Leclerc is making his move on a confirmed F1 seat at Sauber for next year.... Nicholas Todt his manager has all but guaranteed he will be on the F1 grid in 2018. To back that Leclerc has been confirmed for five FP1 sessions (with Sauber) towards the end of the year. He is expected to run in FP1 in Malaysia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

At the same time, Force whatever they will be have confirmed their wish to continue with Ocon and Perez next year. Not a confirmation of fact, just intent.

Not looking good for Wehrlein, who has said DTM and Formula E are potentials, in a seemingly my F1 hopes for 2018 are at best remote statement.

[MonteCristo]

Wehrlein hasn't stood out. He's been far from rubbish, but not impressive. Better to give Leclerc the seat and the opportunity.

[Everso Biggyballies]

Wehrlein hasn't stood out. He's been far from rubbish, but not impressive. Better to give Leclerc the seat and the opportunity.

.... and keep Ferrari happy because they will be running latest spec Ferrari engines with updates next year. And no doubt more tech help. Agreed Leclerc deserves an F1 gig.
I think Wehrlein has the talent, just having to cope with a relatively untalented team mate with benefits.

[John]

But will Wehrlein race for Audi or BMW in DTM? Seems doubtful.

[kals]

Wehrlein hasn't stood out. He's been far from rubbish, but not impressive. Better to give Leclerc the seat and the opportunity.

Considering the equipment he's been given these past two seasons, he's been superb. The unfortunate thing for him is timing. As he's been gaining experience he's been usurped by the other Mercedes backed junior Ocon.

[kals]

Bottas is confirmed with Mercedes for 2018.

[Antonov]

that means the 'silly season' is very nearly over.

[Everso Biggyballies]

It never even got to be Silly, beyond Kubica attempting a return.
But we have next year's Silly Season to look forward to, and that is going to be insanely silly given the number of variations and big contracts / seats up for grabs.

[erwin greven]

[Antonov]

it seems that the Palminator got to know that news via autosport.com