The '13 driver transfer discussion/speculation thread op updated 16/10
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- rabbit_9-8
So has Hamilton confirmed he is leaving Mclaren? Or is it just a paddock rumour? Because I honestly cant see him anywhere else.
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He hasn't confirmed that he is leaving McLaren. For now, this appears to be an attempt to get some leverage over McLaren to try and get a better deal out of them. But he hasn't ruled out leaving, either, so there is always a possibility of it happening.
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- Peasantslayer
Massa might not have had the best of seasons but he seems happy to sacrifice his own performance for his team mate, I doubt there are many drivers out there willing to do such a thing. Perhaps they shouldn't upset the balance in the garage because Alonso with a car which has generally been inferior to the other big teams has picked up a lot of points.
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- mrvajj
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- MRT_Cinnamon
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I think I'd like to see Antonio Felix da Costa get a drive. He's been very impressive in Formula Renault and GP3 this year. If Valterri Bottas can transition from GP3 to Formula, then I think da Costa can, too. The problem is that he is a part of the Red Bull program, and it would be difficult for any other team to get their hands on him, and since Toro Rosso are likely to keep Vergne and Ricciardo in 2013, da Costa will have to do another season in a feeder category and hope an opening becomes available.
Salo also said that Williams would replace Senna with Bottas "soon", and that was several months ago.
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- m8h3r
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Weird comments from Sir Jackie:
I suspect, however, that Jackie has either believed the reports of Hamilton agreeing to "personal terms" with Mercedes, or he mis-spoke.
He seems to be under the impression that Hamilton has already made up his mind and left the team. However, he makes no comment on the way Hamilton has seemingly left the team without a firm deal in place somewhere else - and with Jackie Stewart being Jackie Stewart, he'd almost certainly criticise Hamilton for jumping ship without any idea where he will land.
I suspect, however, that Jackie has either believed the reports of Hamilton agreeing to "personal terms" with Mercedes, or he mis-spoke.
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- gdwest1
This was my thought prior to the start of the European season
"Massa to AF Corse?"
But I think if he keeps going well like he has been as of late, he'll get at least another year.
"Massa to AF Corse?"
But I think if he keeps going well like he has been as of late, he'll get at least another year.
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- GTP_Mars
Every comment from both Lewis and McLaren this weekend seems to support the idea that he has already signed a deal - some very strange and carefully chosen words from all involved, and I wouldn't be surprised if a deal has already been done.
I personally think that Sir Jackie is dead right, Lewis would be better off staying with McLaren, but there is definitely something up... whether it is Lewis's ambition of securing an Alonso/Vettel-esque #1 driver status, or the head honchos (i.e. Ron Dennis) at McLaren seeking to stay in charge and not let their star team member dictate terms to them, or a bit of both...
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- gdwest1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01mm6wb/Formula_1_2012_The_Italian_Grand_Prix_Highlights/
It's at the end. Around 1 hour and 20 minutes, I guess.
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What will come first - a decision on Hamilton's future, or Godot?
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Yeah, I'd like to see that, too. Ever since they've joined the sport, there has been constant talk that they are on the verge of quitting. It hasn't come true.
I can't see either team taking him. I'm betting Williams will take Maldonado and Bottas, and Sauber will keep Kobayashi and Perez. If Perez moves on, they will probably get Gutierrez. Or they could try for Kubica if he can return.
I think the most-likely destination for Massa is Caterham, but only if Kovalainen takes the Ferrari seat. It's probably better for all involved if Massa retires, though. I think he'd be a waste of a seat, really. A bit like Jarno Trulli last year.
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James Allen reckons Lewis Hamilton may have signed a contract with Mercedes at Monza.
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- F1fan1
Being booted out of ferrari after three years of mostly below par driving with most teams not even showing the slightest interest will either force him to leave f1 or end up at a minnow team. I really like Felipe. He's a really nice guy and came very close, but no team will offer anywhere near that money. Nor will he expect them to. I wouldn't be surprised if his best offer is to drive for no money. Failing that, he'll probably be offered a similar salary to the toro rosso drivers.
Hell, if Alonso played hardball and demanded 50 million from Ferrari, they'd show him the door.
Hell, if Alonso played hardball and demanded 50 million from Ferrari, they'd show him the door.
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- GTP_Anghammarad
Lewis' son Axl Jamie Stronginthearm Hamilton will be triple WDC before Godot arrives.
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- gdwest1
If Lewis signed at Mercedes, that's really McLaren's loss. They won't have much in the way of drivers of that caliber to choose from.
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