The 2018 F1 driver transfer discussion/speculation threadFormula 1

[adb]

I will have a go too

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Hamilton
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Gasly

Renault
Ricciardo
Hulkenberg

Haas
Magnussen
Perez

Sauber
Giovinazzi
Kubica

Force India
Ocon
Russell

Toro Rosso
Ticktum
Norris

Mclaren
Alonso
Sainz

Williams
$troll
$irotkin

 

[twitcher]

I will have a go too

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Hamilton
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Gasly

Renault
Ricciardo
Hulkenberg

Haas
Magnussen
Perez

Sauber
Giovinazzi
Kubica

Force India
Ocon
Russell

Toro Rosso
Ticktum
Norris

Mclaren
Alonso
Sainz

Williams
$troll
$irotkin

Not bad not bad 👍

I don’t at all disagree with LeClerc at Ferrari as a genuin possibility. Personally though, I think the possible negatives of pushing him to far too soon outweigh the potential positives, and on the flip side, I don’t at all think Kimi is doing a bad job, certainly not to the point he needs to be replaced ASAP. I think LeClerc would benefit more from having a stable shift from season 1 to 2, under the watchful eye of Fred Vasseur, and potentially test his abilities more with a more capable teammate...like Kubica.

I don’t know if it’s a long shot or what, but I’d love to see Kubica back in a Sauber, and with the pace they’ve shown this year, I think he could be an outside threat for podiums on days when the top teams stumble.

If LeClerc does indeed go to Ferrari....how awesome would Kimi and Kubica af Sauber Alfa be!?!? That would actually be my dream lineup


I find the choice of Ricciardo to Renault interesting. I don’t think Ricciardo has been impressed with the Renault unit he’s been working with, and I don’t think he believes Renault can build a better chassis that Redbull. Daniel has said that his primary motivation in this round of contract talks is to get a seat that gives him the best shot at winning a title next year. With the Merc and Ferrari seats spoken for, I think a RB Honda has a better shot at the title than the factory Renault. I do understand the reasoning of wanting to get out of RB and away from Max though, and he has stated he likes the idea of building a team around him.


The last choice of yours I find a bit odd, is McLaren and Redbull trading straight across, Norris for Sainz. I think of Alonso stays, Norris will be his teammate at McLaren. I don’t know why RB would trade a proven talent for an unknown quantity (Norris at an F1 level), and vice versa why would McLaren go after a driver they haven’t shown previous interest in, while trading away their protege that they’ve been working on since he was very young (Norris had McLaren connections back when he was doing TRS in New Zealand).


I will admit I’m disappointed to see Ticktum on your list I’m a few rounds F3 behind right now, but from what I’ve seen of the season, he hasn’t been all that impressive (in fact the whole F3 grid this year has seemed mediocre, compared to years past). Assuming that we agree it is unlikely that Hartley will be resigned at TR, that does leave an empty seat in the RB/Honda camp. Given that Ticktum is RB’s only junior driver of note, and given that he hasn’t been LeClerc/Norris impressive in F3, I could see that last TR seat going to a Japanese driver. Matsu****a is a Honda development driver, he’s done F1 testing, he has F2 podiums (does he have a win, i forget?). I’m not even sure Ticktum has his super license, whereas I’m quite sure Matsu****a already does. I don’t see either of them as anything ubber special, I think they would only be selected as a “least worst” option - which is actually what I think Hartely’s only chance of keeping that seat, that there’s not really anyone in the RB/Honda camp who could do a better job (except Sainz, but I can’t see him back at TR).


I agree with Williams, which is why I joked I might get the seat if I win that $60mil. What about Markelov to Williams instead of Sirotkin? Markelov has quite a lot of financial backing behind him. Or even Latifi?? Yikes.

 

[adb]

I don’t at all disagree with LeClerc at Ferrari as a genuin possibility. Personally though, I think the possible negatives of pushing him to far too soon outweigh the potential positives, and on the flip side, I don’t at all think Kimi is doing a bad job, certainly not to the point he needs to be replaced ASAP. I think LeClerc would benefit more from having a stable shift from season 1 to 2, under the watchful eye of Fred Vasseur, and potentially test his abilities more with a more capable teammate...like Kubica.

Yeah, it's more that I would like to see him there pretty soon more than anything Also the fact that on top of speed, he seems very mature and strong, I think a driver that did a weekend like Baku in F2 in those circumstances can handle pretty much everything. As for Kimi, I think it's more about last few years, apart from fact that he's a bit slower then Vettel, it means he will never get priority and that means he can't motivated apart from few races a year around time of contract renewal.

I find the choice of Ricciardo to Renault interesting. I don’t think Ricciardo has been impressed with the Renault unit he’s been working with, and I don’t think he believes Renault can build a better chassis that Redbull. Daniel has said that his primary motivation in this round of contract talks is to get a seat that gives him the best shot at winning a title next year. With the Merc and Ferrari seats spoken for, I think a RB Honda has a better shot at the title than the factory Renault. I do understand the reasoning of wanting to get out of RB and away from Max though, and he has stated he likes the idea of building a team around him.

It's few things. First he might be a bit scared of Honda engine. Second, Renault as a constructor can only go upwards (especially as it was reported earlier this year that if they score 4th they will get much bigger budget). And last but not least, Max. Dan knows fully well that in regards of speed Max already has upper hand, and he will only be getting faster and more experienced, while Dan has probably hit the peak.
Also there has to be some tension there, Austria qualy, something about Silverstone strategy, he's starting to sound salty.

The last choice of yours I find a bit odd, is McLaren and Redbull trading straight across, Norris for Sainz. I think of Alonso stays, Norris will be his teammate at McLaren. I don’t know why RB would trade a proven talent for an unknown quantity (Norris at an F1 level), and vice versa why would McLaren go after a driver they haven’t shown previous interest in, while trading away their protege that they’ve been working on since he was very young (Norris had McLaren connections back when he was doing TRS in New Zealand).

Well, I'm basing Sainz to McLaren purely on rumours that his contract states that they can't demote him back to TR, and if there is no RBR seat then he's free to go. And I'm pretty sure RBR would like him to destroy Hulkenberg to earn RBR seat.
And snatching Norris from McLaren, after getting Honda works deal, would be, well, just

I will admit I’m disappointed to see Ticktum on your list I’m a few rounds F3 behind right now, but from what I’ve seen of the season, he hasn’t been all that impressive (in fact the whole F3 grid this year has seemed mediocre, compared to years past). Assuming that we agree it is unlikely that Hartley will be resigned at TR, that does leave an empty seat in the RB/Honda camp. Given that Ticktum is RB’s only junior driver of note, and given that he hasn’t been LeClerc/Norris impressive in F3, I could see that last TR seat going to a Japanese driver. Matsu****a is a Honda development driver, he’s done F1 testing, he has F2 podiums (does he have a win, i forget?). I’m not even sure Ticktum has his super license, whereas I’m quite sure Matsu****a already does. I don’t see either of them as anything ubber special, I think they would only be selected as a “least worst” option - which is actually what I think Hartely’s only chance of keeping that seat, that there’s not really anyone in the RB/Honda camp who could do a better job (except Sainz, but I can’t see him back at TR).

I've never really followed Ticktum, I only remember him taking Macau win after two drivers in front imploded Also I think Helmut said that he might have a shot, and he's the only semi-realistic choice from RB juniors, and as you've noted there are no F3 stand outs this year, but I've read he's been unlucky (on top of this horrific crash) but still close to the lead?

I agree with Williams, which is why I joked I might get the seat if I win that $60mil. What about Markelov to Williams instead of Sirotkin? Markelov has quite a lot of financial backing behind him. Or even Latifi?? Yikes.

Markelov, he's the guy with 5 seasons in GP2/F2? I think he would have the same backers as Sirotkin so probably no. Latifi will be given few sessions in McLaren so prolly no as well.

 

[twitcher]

Yeah, it's more that I would like to see him there pretty soon more than anything Also the fact that on top of speed, he seems very mature and strong, I think a driver that did a weekend like Baku in F2 in those circumstances can handle pretty much everything. As for Kimi, I think it's more about last few years, apart from fact that he's a bit slower then Vettel, it means he will never get priority and that means he can't motivated apart from few races a year around time of contract renewal.


It's few things. First he might be a bit scared of Honda engine. Second, Renault as a constructor can only go upwards (especially as it was reported earlier this year that if they score 4th they will get much bigger budget). And last but not least, Max. Dan knows fully well that in regards of speed Max already has upper hand, and he will only be getting faster and more experienced, while Dan has probably hit the peak.
Also there has to be some tension there, Austria qualy, something about Silverstone strategy, he's starting to sound salty.


Well, I'm basing Sainz to McLaren purely on rumours that his contract states that they can't demote him back to TR, and if there is no RBR seat then he's free to go. And I'm pretty sure RBR would like him to destroy Hulkenberg to earn RBR seat.
And snatching Norris from McLaren, after getting Honda works deal, would be, well, just


I've never really followed Ticktum, I only remember him taking Macau win after two drivers in front imploded Also I think Helmut said that he might have a shot, and he's the only semi-realistic choice from RB juniors, and as you've noted there are no F3 stand outs this year, but I've read he's been unlucky (on top of this horrific crash) but still close to the lead?


Markelov, he's the guy with 5 seasons in GP2/F2? I think he would have the same backers as Sirotkin so probably no. Latifi will be given few sessions in McLaren so prolly no as well.

I agree that Sainz to McLaren seems logical enough, I picked it too. However I don’t see McLaren letting Norris go - not without at least 1 year in F1 after all the work they’ve put into him, and certainly not to Honda lol.

Ticktum is the kid who got banned for a year for chasing down a rival after the race on the cool down lap and hitting him. I can’t find any videos of it right now unfortunately.

Markelov has been in F2 for a long time, 4 or 5 years. I just suggested his name because I think he could do what Sirotkin is doing. At the very least, Markelov has shown some moments of utter brilliance in his F2 career. His consistency and quali pace hurt him, but he can be a magician in races.

 

[twitcher]

A really great interview with Kubica. Talks about karting days with Lewis, his family, days at BMW Sauber and Renault, his crash and rehab, and his desire to get back to F1. One of the better F1 interviews I can remember hearing


I really hope he’s on the grid next year

 

[adb]

I agree that Sainz to McLaren seems logical enough, I picked it too. However I don’t see McLaren letting Norris go - not without at least 1 year in F1 after all the work they’ve put into him, and certainly not to Honda lol.

It’s a bit hard to speculate about junior’s contracts, but yeah, I’m sure Mclaren won’t be willing to let him go, but I don’t know what’s in his contract, maybe he can be bought out, maybe there is some conditions about F1 seat in regards to F2 championship position, who knows. It would be logical for RB as they are in a bad situation with their juniors so they probably have to start snatching other drivers

Ticktum is the kid who got banned for a year for chasing down a rival after the race on the cool down lap and hitting him. I can’t find any videos of it right now unfortunately.

I know about ban, it’s more about RB junior situation being dreadful and Helmut mentioning that he has a chance.

A really great interview with Kubica. Talks about karting days with Lewis, his family, days at BMW Sauber and Renault, his crash and rehab, and his desire to get back to F1. One of the better F1 interviews I can remember hearing

Loved the bits about karting, had legitimate shivers in that bit about almost missing the rally and having signed with Ferrari...

 

[baldgye]

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Hamilton
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Riccardo

Renault
Gasley
Hulkenberg

Haas
Magnussen
Perez

Sauber
Ericsson
Kubica

Force India
Ocon
Russell

Toro Rosso
Sainz
Grosjean

Mclaren
Vandoorn
Norris

Williams
Stroll
Sirotkin

 

[adb]

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Hamilton
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Riccardo

Renault
Gasley
Hulkenberg

Haas
Magnussen
Perez

Sauber
Ericsson
Kubica

Force India
Ocon
Russell

Toro Rosso
Sainz
Grosjean

Mclaren
Vandoorn
Norris

Williams
Stroll
Sirotkin

Not bad, but haven't expected Gasly at Renault and Gro at TR.

 

[baldgye]

Not bad, but haven't expected Gasly at Renault and Gro at TR.

I think Gro has too much experience for a mid-tier team to be dropped totally and a promising French driver for THE French team... could happen! haha

 

[Jimlaad43]

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Hamilton
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Ricciardo

Renault
Hulkenberg
Markelov

Force India
Perez
Ocon

Haas
Magnussen
Vandoorne

Toro Rosso
Gasly
Hartley

McLaren
Sainz
Norris

Sauber
Sirotkin
Ericsson

Williams
Stroll
Russell

 

[adb]

Renault
Hulkenberg
Markelov

Bwoah

 

[Pezzarinho17]

I'll have a go....

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Hamilton
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Ricciardo

Renault
Hulkenberg
Markelov

Force India
Russell
Ocon

Haas
Magnussen
Fuoco

Toro Rosso
Gasly
Sainz

McLaren
Vandoorne
Norris

Sauber
Giovinazzi
Grosjean

Williams
Stroll
Sirotkin

The biggest unknown for me is where Sainz will end up. I'm sure he would prefer to stay at Renault if there wasn't room for him at Red Bull, but I think ultimately Renault will stall over money for too long and end up on "Plan B". The issues with the current F2 car may just give Markelov and Fuoco the bargaining tools to explain away why they are not closer to the F2 Championship hunt.

 

[mustafur]

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Ricciardo
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Sainz

Renault
Hulkenberg
Vandoorne

Force India
Perez
Ocon

Haas
Magnussen
Grosjean

Toro Rosso
Gasly
Ticktum

McLaren
Raikkonen
Norris

Sauber
Giovinazzi
Ericsson

Williams
Stroll
Russell

I think Hamilton is going to retire, His body language and the way he talks about his career when in 1 on 1 interviews points that he feels he has done all he wanted to do, It could be a I want to retire but i'll do another season thing though but I definitely see it happening this year or the next, Ricciardo might hold out long enough to be able to take the seat but he could sign with redbull before it happens, Im not 100% sold on Leclerc to Ferrari(based on Kimi more then Leclerc) but I think it's more likely then not I feel Ferrari may decide to keep Kimi just because he has alot more pace this year relative to other seasons.

Mercedes will get Russell into a seat I think Williams would be the obvious one here, they will be willing to put a bit of coin to make this happen so I think it will be enough for Williams to drop the driver who pays them the least.

Mclaren are craving an experienced driver to replace Alonso when he pretty much will leave I think Kimi on a 1 year deal will do it, the rest should stay in a predictable fashion.

 

[Dan Hill]

I'm interested in seeing what Hamilton does. In a interview with Jenson Button at Silverstone he said he couldn't do 17 seasons like Button did and he's a few seasons off that now.

Also he's been close to signing a new contract at Mercedes since the start of the season and as yet is still unsigned.

 

[adb]

Well, while the thought of Lewis retiring crossed my mind, I’m pretty sure it won’t be this season, I mean he seems a bit down, lacking motivation, sometimes even performance, but I think he will change teams before retiring, he needs to do so to find some motivation again.

Of course that means Ferrari.

Of course there is Seb, which I believe Lewis wouldn’t want to share teams with, and Ferrari wouldn’t stab Seb in his back.

But I believe he will sign a Merc deal to get on terms with Seb’s contract (2019 or 2020 was it) and see if there is an opening at Ferrari before retiring

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Twitcher seems to never help his own case so I'm not defending him, but if I asked a question, got an answer, asked for the reason (because, presumably, I don't know what it is), and was told by someone else 'why can't you just agree', I think I'd be a bit miffed.

It's a forum. If someone doesn't want to explain an answer, that's grand - but I'm not seeing the issue with asking for it in the first place.

It explains itself which is why he got the answers he did more or less. It's further clear by what you quote from the snippet you did take that that is what you focused on. I didn't say for him to agree just because I told him for now he should just agree/let it go, until evidence suggests otherwise. Simply because other info is so well stacked against a tabloid rumor pushed by a correspondent constantly creating narratives on Sky as well. Now you can focus on the tiniest portion of that comment or understand it in full context as intended. You've seemed to make up your mind toward the former so far.

Ok so in this entire thread, I’ve mentioned Ericsson and Grosjean two times, not once. Terribly sorry for repeating myself over and over and over and over and over and over again.

My bad if I didn’t catch your “hints” that you were changing gears to talking about everything I’ve been saying for the last few weeks as opposed to this most recent convo, although I should have seen the clues you left when you started referring to stuff you posted on page 1.

You’re not debating my ideas. You’re getting pissy because you seem to think I’m repeating myself, you’re arguing against assumption you think I’m making, questioning how much I actually follow the sport, etc.

The only thing you’ve said re drivers is that you think basically everyone’s seat is safe for next year. You think Grosjean and Ericsson will be back next year, and other than Kimi/LeClerc, not much will change in the Ferrari seats. Ok, cool, that’s your oppinion. You could have just said that instead of writing these novels and trying to psycho analyze everything I’ve said in this thread.

Care to move on, or want to keep going?

No I'm simply debating your ideas, I couldn't care less about how you feel or perceive me. I'm simply here for the same reason you claim to be, which is enjoyment of the sport and hashing out its inner workings. Which tend to create heated debate. I'm trying to make this clear to you because I feel you're taking this personally. I will continue to debate what I disagree with here when the evidence I've found or been shown clearly disputes whatever it is.

@mustafur I wanted to clarify an earlier post on Ericsson where I said each year he's been at Sauber he's been beaten by his team mates, that was in correct actually. So sorry for that. In his second year at Sauber with Nasr, he beat Nasr 9-4 I believe in races they both completed.

I'm interested in seeing what Hamilton does. In a interview with Jenson Button at Silverstone he said he couldn't do 17 seasons like Button did and he's a few seasons off that now.

Also he's been close to signing a new contract at Mercedes since the start of the season and as yet is still unsigned.

Which has been a typical thing for him after getting his first WDC at Merc. It's not the first time he's pushed off signing a contract and seems to want to eek out as much money as he possibly can.

As for the Button convo, it should be said again that he may not want to go on as long a Button, but has also stated that he thinks he'd retire in the next few year.

 

[twitcher]

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Ricciardo
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Sainz

Renault
Hulkenberg
Vandoorne

Force India
Perez
Ocon

Haas
Magnussen
Grosjean

Toro Rosso
Gasly
Ticktum

McLaren
Raikkonen
Norris

Sauber
Giovinazzi
Ericsson

Williams
Stroll
Russell

I think Hamilton is going to retire, His body language and the way he talks about his career when in 1 on 1 interviews points that he feels he has done all he wanted to do, It could be a I want to retire but i'll do another season thing though but I definitely see it happening this year or the next, Ricciardo might hold out long enough to be able to take the seat but he could sign with redbull before it happens, Im not 100% sold on Leclerc to Ferrari(based on Kimi more then Leclerc) but I think it's more likely then not I feel Ferrari may decide to keep Kimi just because he has alot more pace this year relative to other seasons.

Mercedes will get Russell into a seat I think Williams would be the obvious one here, they will be willing to put a bit of coin to make this happen so I think it will be enough for Williams to drop the driver who pays them the least.

Mclaren are craving an experienced driver to replace Alonso when he pretty much will leave I think Kimi on a 1 year deal will do it, the rest should stay in a predictable fashion.

I think it’s sort of more likely that Joowje (George) will sort of end of up a Force India, sort of. Sorry that was my Johnny Herbert impression.

But ya, I think FI is more likely for Russell that Williams. He’s already driven for FI in rookie tests, and the team has said they like working with the kid, much like Ocon. With where Williams is at right now, and showing zero signs of recovery, if am a Merc boss managing Russell’s career, I would have a lot more confidence in putting him in a FI where he might actually learn some racecraft, and battle a competent teammate; whereas if he goes to Williams, he been floundering around the back of the grid, using practice sessions as test and development runs, and race no one but a pay driver teammate.

Unless Williams strike up a deal with Merc similar to what Ferrari has with Sauber and Haas (Stroll Sr has hinted he’s interested in this route), I think the Williams car is a graveyard for young careers at the moment. No matter what any driver does in those cars, they’ll look bad.


Btw, it would be much better for everyone if you would just agree that Hamilton won’t retire. Clogging up the forums with these off the wall ideas, the nerve of you . (Just be be clear, that last paragraph was all sarcasm)

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Unless Williams strike up a deal with Merc similar to what Ferrari has with Sauber and Haas (Stroll Sr has hinted he’s interested in this route), I think the Williams car is a graveyard for young careers at the moment. No matter what any driver does in those cars, they’ll look bad.


Btw, it would be much better for everyone if you would just agree that Hamilton won’t retire. Clogging up the forums with these off the wall ideas, the nerve of you . (Just be be clear, that last paragraph was all sarcasm)

I would like Merc to strike a deal with Williams to fast track a driver but with FI willing to be that partner, I don't think they're willing to spend the money. Especially if they have to buy out a seat over someone multi national, not that they couldn't do it, just the investment would have to be worth it.

As for Hamilton comments, simply bringing up recent interviews on a question that Lewis is frequently asked.

 

[twitcher]

I would like Merc to strike a deal with Williams to fast track a driver but with FI willing to be that partner, I don't think they're willing to spend the money. Especially if they have to buy out a seat over someone multi national, not that they couldn't do it, just the investment would have to be worth it.

Agreed. Merc can put a driver in a FI for less money, and in my opinion, FI is a currently a better learning environment for a young driver than Williams.

As for Hamilton comments, simply bringing up recent interviews on a question that Lewis is frequently asked.

I was just kidding around, I’ll drop it now (unless other people keep bringing it up ).





Edit: for anyone who watched/listened to the Kubica interview. What if Maranello dropped a bomb shell and signed Kubica for 2019 to partner Seb? It’s like a 1 in a million shot, but damn that would be one hell of a story.

 

[baldgye]

Edit: for anyone who watched/listened to the Kubica interview. What if Maranello dropped a bomb shell and signed Kubica for 2019 to partner Seb? It’s like a 1 in a million shot, but damn that would be one hell of a story.

While that'd never ever happen, he could get the Sauber seat... well he has as better chance of getting that than he does a Williams drive, unless he suddenly becomes a billionaire

 

[adb]

Edit: for anyone who watched/listened to the Kubica interview. What if Maranello dropped a bomb shell and signed Kubica for 2019 to partner Seb? It’s like a 1 in a million shot, but damn that would be one hell of a story.

That would be insane, but it's more likely that next year Verstappen will go to Ferrari, Seb to Sauber, Hamilton to RBR and Dan to Williams

But I could see him in Sauber or Haas, would be awesome

Re Russell, I guess it will be either FI or nothing (or TR ). Mercedes wouldn't attempt to outbid Stroll or Sirotkin as it would be silly, and Lawrence won't let George anywhere close to that car, no chance.

 

[RHODRIEWILLIAMS]

Ferrari
Vettel
Leclerc

Mercedes
Hamilton
Bottas

Red Bull
Verstappen
Ricciardo

Renault
Alonso
Hulkenberg

Haas
Newgarden????
Magnussen

Sauber
Giovinazzi
Ericsson

Force India
Ocon
Perez

Toro Rosso
Sainz
Gasly

Mclaren
Raikkonen
Vandoorne

Williams
Stroll
Sirotkin

Love to find a place for Norris or Russell or I would like to see Felix Rosenqvist but kind of think latifi is more likely

 

[RHODRIEWILLIAMS]

While that'd never ever happen, he could get the Sauber seat... well he has as better chance of getting that than he does a Williams drive, unless he suddenly becomes a billionaire

I think if Kubica was ready to race F1 he should have a couple of races in IndyCar or Super formula to prove he's still got it

 

[baldgye]

I think if Kubica was ready to race F1 he should have a couple of races in IndyCar or Super formula to prove he's still got it

given his practice sessions for Williams and Renault, not sure he has much more to prove

 

[adb]

I think if Kubica was ready to race F1 he should have a couple of races in IndyCar or Super formula to prove he's still got it

Completely different cars, tires, drivers, tracks, would prove nothing.

 

[Dotini]

Do F1 cars have power steering?

 

[RHODRIEWILLIAMS]

Completely different cars, tires, drivers, tracks, would prove nothing.

Just look at Gasly Super Formula is gonna help a guy who hasn't raced a high power downforce car in half a decade

Do F1 cars have power steering?

Yes I know IndyCar doesn't F2 doesn't not sure about Super Formula though? Ask Jann

 

[adb]

Just look at Gasly Super Formula is gonna help a guy who hasn't raced a high power downforce car in half a decade

Gasly didn't go there to learn high DF or to prove something. And I wouldn't say there is a reason to believe he wouldn't do just as well if he jumped in straight from GP2.

In the previous post you said Kubica had to prove something, not that it would help. And IMO it wouldn't help, he would have to learn Yokohamas, then unlearn Yokohamas, learn Pirellis and still adapt to higher speeds and even higher downforce.

So I believe the best thing for him is to keep going as Williams third driver, do a few FPs a year, tyre tests etc.

 

[TenEightyOne]

Just look at Gasly Super Formula is gonna help a guy who hasn't raced a high power downforce car in half a decade

He has however driven double-race-distances in testing and matched/beaten the race drivers in the same car. The word from Williams was that his innate understanding and experience provided more valuable feedback than they were getting from their 'juniors'.

I'm not sure a Gasly/Kubica comparison is worth a whole lot to be honest.

 

[twitcher]

If you guys haven’t, I suggest listening to the interview with Kubica. He touches on if he thinks he has what it takes. According to him, he believes that if he jumps in a 2012 car, similar to the 2010 car he last drove, he can beat anybody on the grid in equal machinery. Honestly, I don’t doubt him. Kubica has never been one to tell tall tales or mince words - if he says he believes he can do it, I’m inclined to believe him.

He states that his weakness with the current cars is seat time. He claims everything from the tires to controls are different from when he used to drive. He says he just needs some time to acclimatize, which is why he says this year at Williams is important for him - seat time is seat time.

In that segment, he also raises the extremely valid point that at the end of the day, racing is a sport, and takes practice. He claims that driving the car needs to be as natural as drinking a glass of water, and it takes practice to get to that level. I fully agree with him, that watching the 20 “best” drivers do battle while having very little practice and testing time is silly. Can you imagine watching a football game where the only time the team was allowed to practice was for an hour before a game? Soccer would be beyond terrible, as the players would suck.

Point is, Kubica doesn’t need time in Super Formula, or Indycar. He needs seat time in a 2018 car on Pirelli Tires. What Kubica needs is Stroll money so he can buy private tests for himself.