3279 replies to this topic

[Anderis]

Hulkenberg and Maldonado together! - 22 points in Williams
2 drivers only 43% of Barrichellos points...

It's no matter that they were two, as they weren't in two different cars at the same moment. It's even worse for Rubens, cause Maldonado started from zero, Hulk wouldn't if he stays at Williams.

In last 9 races in 2010 Hulk scored 20 points, while Rubens 18. So if we only count last 19 GPs and if Maldonado could manage his position until the end of Monaco GP (retirement wasn't his fault IMO), Rubens would have scored less points than two different rookies at one seat at the same moment, which isn't impressive achievement, certainly.

Not insist that Rubens should retire, though. For me it's the question if Williams is able to replace him by quite experienced, proven and rather fast driver. If not, he could stay for one season more.

Edited by Anderis, 27 July 2011 - 21:22.

[Lotusseven]

http://twitter.com/#!/GregoryHainesF1/...506226124402689

[lustigson]

http://twitter.com/#!/GregoryHainesF1/...506226124402689

Allow me to translate:

"Sauber retains Kobayashi and Perez for 2012 Formula 1 season"

I'll update my list accordingly.

[lustigson]

Oh, dear... Ruben's seat under threat.

http://motorsport.ne...2012,27215.html

When any report is sourced from GMM, I don't pay any attention to it until some other source backs it up.

[sosidge]

I don't think there will be any serious movement of drivers in 2012. Everything points to some really interesting changes the year after.

Although Sauber are keeping both their drivers next season, I can see both Kobayashi and Perez in better seats for 2013.

Perez is on the Ferrari programme and I can see him replacing Massa in 2013. There must be a limit to how long Ferrari want to retain a #2 who can't actually put himself between Alonso and his rivals.

Same for Webber. He may well stay at Red Bull in 2012, but by 2013 surely his age will point towards retirement in favour of a younger Red Bull graduate (if Ricciardo or Vergne can prove their mettle) or perhaps Kobayashi.

Schumacher will have finished his three-year return and will retire again. So that will be another vacancy.

Massa and Webber both have only verbal contracts for 2012 at present - there is still the possibility of a surprise.

[lustigson]

Updated.

Red Bull Racing
Red Bull Racing RB8 – Renault RS27-2012
Team Principal: Christian Horner; Technical Director: Adrian Newey
1. Sebastian Vettel (on a long-term deal until '15, perhaps with options)
2. Mark Webber (current driver and a likely candidate for '12)
Lewis Hamilton (rumoured, despite a '12 McLaren contract)
Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull junior driver, now with '11 F1 experience)
Nico Rosberg (rumoured)

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
McLaren MP4-27 – Mercedes FO108Z
Team Principal: Martin Whitmarsh ; Technical Director: Paddy Lowe, Neil Oatley
3. Lewis Hamilton (contracted until ’12)
4. Jenson Button (contracted until ’12)

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
Ferrari F2012 – Ferrari 056
Team Principal: Stefano Domenicali ; Technical Director: Pat Fry
5. Fernando Alonso (contracted until ’16)
6. Felipe Massa (contracted until ’12, but often rumoured to leave/be replaced)
Mark Webber (rumoured)
Nico Hülkenberg (rumoured)
Jenson Button (rumoured, despite firm ’12 McLaren deal)

Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team
Mercedes MGP W03 – Mercedes FO108Z
Team Principal: Ross Brawn ; Technical Director: Bob Bell
7. Michael Schumacher (contracted until ’12, but sometimes rumoured to retire (again))
8. Nico Rosberg (thought to be on a multi-year deal, but not confirmed for '12)
Paul di Resta (already in the Mercedes fold)
Nico Hülkenberg (Force India test driver)

Lotus Renault GP
Renault R32 – Renault RS27-2012
Team Principal: Eric Boullier ; Technical Director: James Allison
9. Robert Kubica (contracted until '12; doubt remain regarding his full fitness as long as he hasn't driven the car)
Nick Heidfeld (replaced Kubica during 2011 season)
Romain Grosjean (admitted by Eric Boullier to be frame should Kubica not be fit to race; also: managed by Renault owner GenII)
10. Vitaly Petrov (contracted until '12)

Sauber F1 Team
Sauber C31 – Ferrari 056
Team Principal: Peter Sauber ; Technical Director: James Key
11. Kamui Kobayashi (confirmed)
12. Sergio Pérez (confirmed; on a multi-year contract)

Force India F1 Team
Force India VJM05 – Mercedes FO108Z
Team Principal: Vijay Mallya ; Technical Director: Mark Smith
14. Adrian Sutil (current driver; may he stay on for a sixth (!) season?)
Nico Hülkenberg (current third driver; may move up to a race seat)
15. Paul di Resta (current driver; likely to stay on)

Scuderia Toro Rosso
Toro Rosso STR7 – Ferrari 056
Team Principal: Franz Tost ; Technical Director: Giorgio Ascanelli
16. Sébastien Buemi (current driver, under pressure to perform)
17. Jaime Alguersuari (current driver, under pressure to perform)
Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull test driver being prepared for either STR or RBR)

AT&T Williams
Williams FW34 – Renault RS27-2012
Team Principal: Adam Parr ; Technical Director: Sam Michael
18. Rubens Barrichello (current driver; allegedly frustrated at lack of progress; may look elsewhere)
Romain Grosjean (in frame with three teams, said GenII manager Eric Boullier)
19. Pastor Maldodano (current driver not doing too bad; comes with PDVSA money)

Caterham Team Lotus
Lotus T129 – Renault RS27-2012
Team Principal: Tony Fernandes ; Technical Director: Mike Gascoyne
20. Jarno Trulli (current driver, probably in his last season)
Karun Chandhok (drove in German GP)
21. Heikki Kovalainen (current driver)

Hispania Racing F1 Team
Hispania F112 – Cosworth CA2012
Team Principal: Collin Kolles ; Technical Director: Geoff Willis
22. Narain Karthikeyan (current driver)
Daniel Ricciardo (current driver)
23.Vitantonio Liuzzi (current driver)

Marussia Virgin Racing
Virgin VR-03 – Cosworth CA2012
Team Principal: John Booth ; Technical Director: Pat Symonds
24. Timo Glock (confirmed; contract for '12-'14)
25. Jérôme d’Ambrosio (current driver)
Romain Grosjean (in frame with three teams, said GenII manager Eric Boullier)

Edited by lustigson, 30 July 2011 - 02:16.

[Disgrace]

I don't think there will be any serious movement of drivers in 2012. Everything points to some really interesting changes the year after.

This.

[GhostR]

Couple of comments...

Lotus Renault GP
Renault R32 – Renault RS27-2012
Team Principal: Eric Boullier ; Technical Director: James Allison
9. Robert Kubica (contracted until '12)
10. Vitaly Petrov (contracted until '12)

Caterham Team Lotus
Lotus T129 – Renault RS27-2012
Team Principal: Tony Fernandes ; Technical Director: Mike Gascoyne
20. Jarno Trulli (current driver, probably in his last season)
Karun Chandhok (drove in German GP)
21. Heikki Kovalainen (current driver)

Renault / Kubica - He has a contract, but there are still doubts about whether he can come back or not. Might be worth introducing a new colour and noting that it's pending recovery?

Trulli - correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought he was confirmed for next year during the German GP weekend?

[lustigson]

Renault / Kubica - He has a contract, but there are still doubts about whether he can come back or not. Might be worth introducing a new colour and noting that it's pending recovery?

I'll add a remark.

Trulli - correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought he was confirmed for next year during the German GP weekend?

I thought I'd heard something similar, but my 2nd son was born during the Grand Prix, so I didn't cath all the latest news. I googled for it, but didn't find anything other than that he's talking to the team about 2012.

[GhostR]

I thought I'd heard something similar, but my 2nd son was born during the Grand Prix, so I didn't cath all the latest news. I googled for it, but didn't find anything other than that he's talking to the team about 2012.

Grats!

My memory is telling me it was a verbal confirmation during the weekend when Trulli was interviewed. The next Lotus Notes is due soon, so hopefully it'll be in there if he was confirmed for next year.

[HistoryFan]

Force India F1 Team
Force India VJM05 – Mercedes FO108Z
Team Principal: Vijay Mallya ; Technical Director: Mark Smith
14. Adrian Sutil (current driver; may he stay on for a sixth (!) season?)
Nico Hülkenberg (current third driver; may move up to a race seat)
15. Paul di Resta (current driver; likely to stay on)
Gary Paffett (another Mercedes junior put in the Force India)

Paffett will drive the next three years in DTM with Mercedes - contract was confirmed some weeks ago.

AT&T Williams
Williams FW34 – Renault RS27-2012
Team Principal: Adam Parr ; Technical Director: Sam Michael
11. Rubens Barrichello (current driver; allegedly frustrated at lack of progress; may look elsewhere)
12. Pastor Maldodano (current driver not doing too bad; comes with PDVSA money)

There is also a little chance to replance Rubens with Romain Grosjean if there is no place for him at Renault.

Caterham Team Lotus
Lotus T129 – Renault RS27-2012
Team Principal: Tony Fernandes ; Technical Director: Mike Gascoyne
20. Jarno Trulli (current driver, probably in his last season)
Karun Chandhok (drove in German GP)
21. Heikki Kovalainen (current driver)

I think it will not be Chandhok (he will drive Indian this year, that's the reason of his German drive), it will be Trulli or Valsecchi.

Hispania Racing F1 Team
Hispania F112 – Cosworth CA2012
Team Principal: Collin Kolles (there were rumours that he may be replaced; the sale of the team to a spanish investment group makes that unlikely, though) ; Technical Director: Daniel Audetto (?)
22. Narain Karthikeyan (current driver)
Daniel Ricciardo (current driver)
23.Vitantonio Liuzzi (current driver)

There will be two Spanish driver next season: I think of Villa, Soucek, Alguersuari or Costa. Team principal will be perhaps Villadelprat and technical director Willis (why Audetto?)

Marussia Virgin Racing
Virgin VR-03 – Cosworth CA2012
Team Principal: John Booth ; Technical Director: Pat Symonds
24. Timo Glock (confirmed; option for ’12 taken up)
25. Jérôme d’Ambrosio (current driver)

Perhaps Gravity want Grosjean for D'Ambrosio, both are Gravity drivers.

[Crafty]

Jarno has been confirmed for 2012 at lotus.

[ElmarO]

Updated.

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
Ferrari F2012 – Ferrari 056
Team Principal: Stefano Domenicali ; Technical Director: Pat Fry
5. Fernando Alonso (contracted until ’12)
6. Felipe Massa (contracted until ’12, but often rumoured to leave/be replaced)
Mark Webber (rumoured)
Nico Hülkenberg (rumoured)
Jenson Button (rumoured, despite firm ’12 McLaren deal)

Fernando Alonso has extended his contract until 2016 earlier this year.

http://www.fernandoa...until_2016/1582

[lustigson]

Paffett will drive the next three years in DTM with Mercedes - contract was confirmed some weeks ago.

Got it.

There is also a little chance to replance Rubens with Romain Grosjean if there is no place for him at Renault.

Ditto.

I think it will not be Chandhok (he will drive Indian this year, that's the reason of his German drive), it will be Trulli or Valsecchi.

I added Valsecchi, but kept Chandhok on the list, since I usually have current drivers on their, too, unless they've been confirmed elsewhere.

There will be two Spanish driver next season: I think of Villa, Soucek, Alguersuari or Costa. Team principal will be perhaps Villadelprat and technical director Willis (why Audetto?)

The drivers I've left alone for now. Or are there any sources for these rumoured drivers apart from this forum.;)

Villadelprat would be cool, indeed. But it would take some kind of deal or merger with EPIC Racing (née Epsilon Euskadi). Which I would applaud, indeed.

Audetto was the original TD, but I've wondered what had happened to him for quite some time (hence the blue in the list), but Willis is HRT's technical boss, of course, and has been for a while. Fixed that.

Fernando Alonso has extended his contract until 2016 earlier this year.

Oops, my bad. Fixed that.

[jals99]

http://uk.tomorrownewsf1.com/?p=162
Deal between HRT and Thesun Capital is in danger of fail.
The team may be bought by basketball player NBA, Paul Gasol
Gasol, according to the daily paper AS, has an option until August 22nd, 2011 to be able to acquire HRT, via the company Wasermann Media Group, who manages her rights and who would be associated for the opportunity with the firm China Erdos.
Ho Pin Tung will drive for HRT in 2012 in that case

Edited by jals99, 28 July 2011 - 19:03.

[MrMonaco]

Timo Glock extended his contract with Virgin to 2014.

[lustigson]

Timo Glock extended his contract with Virgin to 2014.

Crap. I knew that. Fixed, now.

[Disgrace]

Ho Pin Tung will drive for HRT in 2012 in that case

Christ Almighty.

[jals99]

http://translate.goo...pf-rollt-177681
Hulkenberg may replace Barrichello in Williams.
Rubens was talking to Sauber, but they decided to continue with current drivers

[highdownforce]

Rubens has just given an interview to Brazilian media earlier today where he kind of says that his negotiations with Williams have stalled.
He said that he has agreed to a proposed deal, but Williams haven't inked that yet, Barrichello would be waiting for them.

[William Hunt]

Ho Pin Tung will drive for HRT in 2012 in that case

He would have difficulties qualifying within 107%, he simply is not good enough for F1. I certainly rate him as a lot worse as Karhthikeyan and probably also slower as our Japanese friend Sakon Yamamoto.

[Disgrace]

He's not good enough for GP2.

[William Hunt]

Hulkenberg may replace Barrichello in Williams.

I think it's much more likely that Hülkenberg will be driving for Force India next year.
With uncertainty on the financial situation of Williams (that is believed to be not so healthy, especially after losing Royal Bank of Scotland as a sponsor and since they are currently behind Sauber, Force India and Toro Rosso in the constructors championship) I think it's more likely that they will hire a 2nd paydriver
(van der Garde? Razia? Clos?).

Edited by William Hunt, 29 July 2011 - 19:40.

[marcoferrari]

I think it's much more likely that Hülkenberg will be driving for Force India next year.
With uncertainty on the financial situation of Williams (that is believed to be not so healthy, especially after losing Royal Bank of Scotland as a sponsor and since they are currently behind Sauber, Force India and Toro Rosso in the constructors championship) I think it's more likely that they will hire a 2nd paydriver
(van der Garde? Razia? Clos?).

So, that means Di Resta will be on his way out? Cause the difference in scored points between Force India drivers is significant and it would be a strange decision to fire a driver (Sutil), who can bring home valuable points... My opinion is there is absolutely no need to make changes as this is the best lineup that Force India/Midland/Spyker ever had...

[William Hunt]

So, that means Di Resta will be on his way out?

Of course Di Resta is the one leaving Force India because he is on his way to Mercedes to replace Michael Schumacher.
Mercedes would be stupid to have Schumacher, who is half a second slower as Rosberg, one more year when they can have a younger driver that can challenge Rosberg with Di Resta.

[Hole]

Of course Di Resta is the one leaving Force India because he is on his way to Mercedes to replace Michael Schumacher.
Mercedes would be stupid to have Schumacher, who is half a second slower as Rosberg, one more year when they can have a younger driver that can challenge Rosberg with Di Resta.

Completely agreed. I really don't see the ****ing point of keeping Schumacher. He was a great driver but his time passed away. Much better to leave room for new talents (in this case Di Resta). Also, I'm interested to see what Nico can do with a really competitive team mate.

[metz]

I added Valsecchi, but kept Chandhok on the list, since I usually have current drivers on their, too, unless they've been confirmed elsewhere.

You failed to do so with Heidfeld, who has as good a shot as any, should Kubica not be able to come back.

[lustigson]

You failed to do so with Heidfeld, who has as good a shot as any, should Kubica not be able to come back.

Good point. Fixed.

[jals99]

Hulkenberg today said that he wouldn't be third pilot again in 2012. He is talking to some teams, which include some new teams, but there is a good chance, that he would leave F1 and start career in another championship in 2012
http://paddocktalk.c...ory-168847.html

Edited by jals99, 30 July 2011 - 22:20.

[cbbcisace]

Hulkenberg today said that he wouldn't be third pilot again in 2012. He is talking to some teams, which include some new teams, but there is a good chance, that he would leave F1 and start career in another championship in 2012
http://paddocktalk.c...ory-168847.html

Maybe Hulkenberg should have taken the HRT ride this year, instead of complaining!

[Hans V]

With uncertainty on the financial situation of Williams (that is believed to be not so healthy, especially after losing Royal Bank of Scotland as a sponsor and since they are currently behind Sauber, Force India and Toro Rosso in the constructors championship) I think it's more likely that they will hire a 2nd paydriver
(van der Garde? Razia? Clos?).

Williams is in quite good shape financialy. They posted a profit for the last two or three years and Maldonado brings with him something in the region of 40-50 million Euros a year. With Renault e

[Hans V]

With uncertainty on the financial situation of Williams (that is believed to be not so healthy, especially after losing Royal Bank of Scotland as a sponsor and since they are currently behind Sauber, Force India and Toro Rosso in the constructors championship) I think it's more likely that they will hire a 2nd paydriver
(van der Garde? Razia? Clos?).

Williams is in quite good shape financialy. They posted a profit for the last two or three years and Maldonado brings with him something in the region of 40-50 million Euros a year. With Renault engines - and Renault about to ditch its former team (they have apparently not received full payments for neither the raceteam nor the engines) Williams might be in a good position towards Renault (a future factory team) and will have better B2B marketing opportunities through this. The side projects, i.e. Williams Hybrid Technology, the F2 cars and the Jaguar Hybrid sportscar are encouraging and will strengthen the company - and might also create business for the race team. Williams has very good technical facilities, so if they can sort out the the technical department they should be in a very promising position - and it should be a great time to join it.

[lustigson]

... Renault about to ditch its former team (they have apparently not received full payments for neither the raceteam nor the engines)...

do you have any sources for this? It would be quite something if the Enstone team to lose its engine supply. (Renault-Cosworth anyone?)

[Mastah]

It's BS:

Renault Sport F1 chief Jean-Francois Caubet on Wednesday dismissed the speculation on RMC radio.

"We have a very clear contract of three years (through 2013) for the supply of engines (to Lotus Renault)," he said.

"We will respect this agreement. We have been very surprised to hear these rumours," continued Caubet.

"We are seriously discussing with Lotus Renault GP about the V6 engine in 2014," he added.

http://www.onestopst...rth switch.html

Edited by Mastah, 31 July 2011 - 10:18.

[William Hunt]

Williams is in quite good shape financialy. They posted a profit for the last two or three years and Maldonado brings with him something in the region of 40-50 million Euros a year.

Do you have a source proving that? I was under the impression that they had posted a loss each of the past 5 years and they also lost some important sponsors, including Royal Bank of Scotland, over the past seasons.

And if their financial situation is in such good shape, as you claim, then why did they have to dump Hülkenberg, who Frank Williams himself has rated as a potential world champion, for a driver who brought lots of money?

[jals99]

http://sport.ria.ru/.../410140277.html
Robert Wickens will probably have some races in the end of the year for Marussia Virgin, after Singapore Grand Prix, according to Nicolay Fomenco,director of Marussia. He said, that they haven't decided whether Glock or D'Ambrosio will miss races.

Edited by jals99, 01 August 2011 - 11:47.

[apoka]

Hulkenberg today said that he wouldn't be third pilot again in 2012. He is talking to some teams, which include some new teams, but there is a good chance, that he would leave F1 and start career in another championship in 2012
http://paddocktalk.c...ory-168847.html

He also said " I am confident that I can stay here (in F1),". It would be sad to see him leave F1. He was matching Rubens in the second half of his rookie season and usually drivers perform much better in their 2nd season. He could directly or indirectly benefit from Rubens retiring (if there is some truth in those rumours).

[mrmusicman]

After this win I think Jenson will head to Ferrari, maybe even next year. The way Massa was disposed of by Alonso, either by merit or team orders (probable) made it clearer than ever that Massa is no longer taken seriously or relevant at Ferrari. No doubt Alonso just see's him as traffic rather than a rival, and with Buttons stock so high I think Ferrari will pounce. Button and his dad wont be able to resist the lure of Ferrari.

[Jamelon]

After this win I think Jenson will head to Ferrari, maybe even next year. The way Massa was disposed of by Alonso, either by merit or team orders (probable) made it clearer than ever that Massa is no longer taken seriously or relevant at Ferrari. No doubt Alonso just see's him as traffic rather than a rival, and with Buttons stock so high I think Ferrari will pounce. Button and his dad wont be able to resist the lure of Ferrari.

Yeah, and Button is already familiar with the feeling of being destroyed by Alonso as a team mate.

[William Hunt]

there is no way that Button will move to Ferrari, completely impossible

[PEW]

Yeah, and Button is already familiar with the feeling of being destroyed by Alonso as a team mate.

When did this happen?

[Jamelon]

When did this happen?

Button was reportedly kicked out of Benetton/Renault by Alonso's performance as a test driver in 2002. Both Briatore and Mike Gascoyne were very impressed with the Spaniard and did not hesitate to drop the Brit.

Edited by Jamelon, 01 August 2011 - 21:27.

[artista]

Webber said tonight in Servus TV (Mateschitz's TV) that he may retire at the end of this season. He also said, he will make a decission in the next few weeks.

[Callisto]

Webber said tonight in Servus TV (Mateschitz's TV) that he may retire at the end of this season. He also said, he will make a decission in the next few weeks.

i hope he does not retire,imo he still has a lot to offer f1

[KavB]

Wow That's surprising. If he decides to retire then I hope he gets a win or two along the way. I think this season must have crushed his confidence. He was so close to winning the title last year, so getting dominated this year must be a huge blow.

If he does retire then Red Bull have a huge decision about who to hire for next season... He who cannot be named It's a shame Kobayashi is not available. It'll be a tragedy if one of the Toro Rosso drivers get promoted

[Lennat]

If Red Bull had to replace Webber, wouldn't Rosberg be the best driver without a contract for next year? Who else? Kimi? Kovalainen? Massa? Neither of the Torro Rosso guys have deserved a Red Bull seat in my opinion. If Ricciardo absolutely crushes Liuzzi he might deserve a shot, but it would make more sense to team him up with the better of the two Torro Rosso guys (ie: the one who impresses the most over the course of this season).

Edited by Lennat, 01 August 2011 - 22:33.

[rodlamas]

If Red Bull had to replace Webber, wouldn't Rosberg be the best driver without a contract for next year? Who else? Kimi? Kovalainen? Massa? Neither of the Torro Rosso guys have deserved a Red Bull seat in my opinion. If Ricciardo absolutely crushes Liuzzi he might deserve a shot, but it would make more sense to team him up with the better of the two Torro Rosso guys (ie: the one who impresses the most over the course of this season).

Red Bull wants Raikkonen. But I think he won't be convinced.

[Lennat]

When thinking about it, it might make sense for Kimi to come back next season. Didn't he turn down the Mclaren offer for 2010 because they wouldn't meet his salary demands? If I remember correctly, he only got to keep his full salary from Ferrari as long as he did not join a top three/top four (don't remember, but something along those lines) team? So, he made more money by just rallying for fun than he would have made driving a Mclaren for "only" 10 million a year or something. For this year there was no opening in any top team (would imagine that Red Bull wanted to keep Webber as he had a very real chance of becoming champion last year), as Renault was the only halfway descent seat available (or at least possibly available). Now IF Red Bull wanted him, he would be likely to make more money than he would anywhere else, as he certainly cannot earn 10-15 million euros a year rallying, or? And, he is likely to get a top car, a properly championship contending car. Not that I believe he stands a chance in hell of beating Vettel, but that's another story...

[KavB]

Red Bull would be brave to give the seat to Ricciardo, no matter how well he performs this season. They have a junior team for a reason, so it would seem pretty silly to not use it. If they are adamant to get him in their car soon, then I can see them signing Buemi for a year only then booting him for Daniel. Red Bull didn't fast track Vettel to their main team even when they were a midfield team, so I can't see them hiring Ricciardo.

Out of the available drivers I only see Red Bull being interested in:
- Raikkonen
- Rosberg
- Massa (Okay he's not available, and not doing so well at the moment however he's a proven title contender and regular race winner, and it's up to them to decide whether they think Felipe would perform better in a different team)

and if they are feeling really daring then
- Hulkenberg

Heidfeld's has effectively ruled himself out with a poor season which is a shame. Anyway this all depends on Webber decides to retire, so it's probably a waste of time to speculate until he announces his plans.

[DILLIGAF]

Red Bull wants Raikkonen. But I think he won't be convinced.

Source?