783 replies to this topic

[Cyanide]

PitLaneTalk ‏@

We've just been told Lotus will announce Pastor Maldonado in a few hours. Stay tuned. #F1 #Formula1

Edited by Cyanide, 29 November 2013 - 10:14.

[Shiroo]

So Quantum's mailbox was way too far

[EvanRainer]

I really don't understand why everyone is assuming that Lotus will be competitive next year.

 

Yes, we all appreciate what Enstone has done over the years and they have been consistently good but they may not even EXIST next year.

 

But even if they continue as normal, there is no reason to think they will be as competitive as they were the last couple of years. There is a big change in regs next year new car needed and they have lost people and have no money. And yet everyone is all up in arms about who deserves to get a race seat there because they assume it will be a potentially race winning car like this year.

[Gilles4Ever]

Jon Noble @NobleF1

Pastor Maldonado says he is revitalised by joining a new team in 2014 - with Lotus confirmation expected imminently autosport.com/news/report.ph…

[Shiroo]

I really don't understand why everyone is assuming that Lotus will be competitive next year.

 

Yes, we all appreciate what Enstone has done over the years and they have been consistently good but they may not even EXIST next year.

 

But even if they continue as normal, there is no reason to think they will be as competitive as they were the last couple of years. There is a big change in regs next year new car needed and they have lost people and have no money. And yet everyone is all up in arms about who deserves to get a race seat there because they assume it will be a potentially race winning car like this year.

 

I would say that they will be at least points contender

[Jvr]

Old Taki's tweet...

https://pic.twitter.com/9ydbesSSMv

 

Edited by Jvr, 29 November 2013 - 11:25.

[kimster89]

So MAL will be typical pay driver at Lotus? Coz i dont understand why they didnt go for HULK.

[dau]

Thank god for Twitter. Where else would we get our daily announcements of announcements of announcements?

[Roscoe]

Well you answered your own question.  Money.

 

It seems it's basically sign Maldonado or go out of business.

[Cyanide]

PitLaneTalk ‏@16m

Money talks in F1. Lotus signed Maldonado because of the PDVSA money. Quantum wanted Hulkenberg but they didn't transfer the money. #F1

[kimster89]

I wonder how much money will Lotus get from PDVSA.

[Roscoe]

I think it was £30 million for Williams so I assume similar.

[kimster89]

I think those 30M will go directly to Kimi's bank  account.

[F1ultimate]

I think those 30M will go directly to Kimi's bank  account.

That is if PSVD aren't clever enough to hand Lotus the money in instalments e.g. 2 million after each race weekend. 

[jrg19]

Silliest silly season onto part II. 

[eREr]

I really don't understand why everyone is assuming that Lotus will be competitive next year.

 

Yes, we all appreciate what Enstone has done over the years and they have been consistently good but they may not even EXIST next year.

 

But even if they continue as normal, there is no reason to think they will be as competitive as they were the last couple of years. There is a big change in regs next year new car needed and they have lost people and have no money. And yet everyone is all up in arms about who deserves to get a race seat there because they assume it will be a potentially race winning car like this year.

 

The car might be strong at the beginning of the year (if it will be on the grid) as its designing was started much earlier (late 2012 or early 2013, Allison and other engineers were still onboard). But its in-season development will be another question.

[midgrid]

Lotus should hold a press conference in which a large parcel is unwrapped to reveal Maldonado inside - a nice dig at Quantum.

[DanardiF1]

Lotus should hold a press conference in which a large parcel is unwrapped to reveal Maldonado inside - a nice dig at Quantum.

 

No they should do it with Pastor handing over a big novelty cheque that's come in the post with a big envelope... with a big sign in the background saying '**** YOU MANSOOR'

[DanardiF1]

Well you answered your own question.  Money.

 

It seems it's basically sign Maldonado or go out of business.

 

I was just a little bit sick in my mouth... thanks for that.

[Orrelto]

F1 is in sad state when such obvious talent as Nico Hulkenberg doesn't get a top seat. He's been performing at a very high level for several years now.

[Shiroo]

The car might be strong at the beginning of the year (if it will be on the grid) as its designing was started much earlier (late 2012 or early 2013, Allison and other engineers were still onboard). But its in-season development will be another question.

The works over 2014 car started as early as 2011 at least Allison and EB said so

[sergeym]

F1 is in sad state when such obvious talent as Nico Hulkenberg doesn't get a top seat. He's been performing at a very high level for several years now.

 

To be fair, Lotus is not really top seat. More like upper midfield. And there are serious dobts about their potential next year, if they struglle to even pay they staff and drivers.

Edited by sergeym, 29 November 2013 - 12:27.

[dau]

Well you answered your own question.  Money.

 

It seems it's basically sign Maldonado or go out of business.

Why not both?

[Nustang70]

Why is there a part II for this thread?  What is the point of this?

[Shiroo]

F1 is in sad state when such obvious talent as Nico Hulkenberg doesn't get a top seat. He's been performing at a very high level for several years now.

 

It's CVC and Formula management fault. 

They give to few teams more cash than to others for god know what reasons.

 

\

[eronrules]

Why is there a part II for this thread?  What is the point of this?

that's a silly question to ask in the 'silly seasons' thread 

[dau]

It's CVC and Formula management fault. 

They give to few teams more cash than to others for god know what reasons.

 

\

That's contributing, but the main reason is probably that the few top teams spend more than the rest of the grid combined, funded by either manufacturers with very deep pockets or massive sponsoring as with Red Bull. Most teams are struggling to acquire even small sponsorship nowadays - a few million FOM dollars here or there won't really make that much of a difference.

 

That's not to say that the payout shouldn't be more equal than it is, of course.

[Joetri10]

Why is there a part II for this thread?  What is the point of this?

Sometimes threads exceed their post limit. This thread (Going into multiple parts) will go on most likely till March though don't quote me on that.

[MustangSally]

Thank god for Twitter. Where else would we get our daily announcements of announcements of announcements?

 

The thing is, is today's announcement of an announcement any different from yesterday's?

 

Jon Noble's article is full of weasel words such as, 'sources suggest' and 'closing in on a deal' and confirmation 'could come as early as Friday' . . . half of which has already gone by.

[SophieB]

Why is there a part II for this thread?  What is the point of this?

Because huge threads put a strain on the forums software, even in this new version. As a result, the developers ask us to keep threads to a maximum of 4000 posts.

[Nustang70]

Because huge threads put a strain on the forums software, even in this new version. As a result, the developers ask us to keep threads to a maximum of 4000 posts.

Okay, thanks for clarifying (thanks as well, Joetri10).  

[Joetri10]

You know.... With all this talk about Maldonado being confirmed for Lotus... Aren't we missing something?....Like Grosjean!
Why is it that out of these two boys, Maldonado is going to be confirmed first... What's happening?
Even Button hasn't been officially confirmed but at least Button himself has said he's staying.

Edited by Joetri10, 29 November 2013 - 12:52.

[Slackbladder]

 Quantum wanted Hulkenberg but they didn't transfer the money. #F1

 

I'm shocked... truly shocked.....

[lustigson]

If we're in a new thread, allow me to post 'my' list here, too. :-)
 
By the way, never over the previous couple of seasons have I seen the silly season thread go into a second iteration. This should be called not silly season, but annum absurdus.
 
Infiniti Red Bull Racing
Red Bull Racing RB10 – Renault Energy F1-2014 1.6 V6T (engine deal until '16)
Team Principal: Christian Horner ; Technical Director: Adrian Newey
1. Sebastian Vettel (on a long-term deal through '15)
2. Daniel Ricciardo (confirmed)

Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team (HWA might get involved in ownership through Toto Wolff)
Mercedes F1 W05 – Mercedes FO106A 1.6 V6T
CEO : Toto Wolff ; Technical Director: Bob Bell
3. Nico Rosberg (on a multi-year deal beyond '13)
4. Lewis Hamilton (signed for '13-'15)
 
Scuderia Ferrari
Ferrari F2014 – Ferrari 057 1.6 V6T
Team Principal: Stefano Domenicali ; Technical Director: Pat Fry (engineering), James Allison (chassis)
5. Fernando Alonso (contracted through '16)
6. Kimi Räikkönen (1- or 2-year deal with option for another)
 
Lotus F1 Team (merger with Caterham rumoured)
Lotus E22 – Renault Energy F1-2014 1.6 V6T
Team Principal: Eric Boullier ; Technical Director: Nick Chester
7. Romain Grosjean (current driver)
8. Pastor Maldonado (confirmed)
Nico Hülkenberg (rumoured)
Heikki Kovalainen (rumoured)
 
McLaren Mercedes
McLaren MP4-29 – Mercedes FO106A 1.6 V6T (last year of Mercedes partnership; Honda from '15 onwards)
Team Principal: Martin Whitmarsh ; Technical Director: Tim Goss
9. Jenson Button (contracted through '13 with option for '14)
10. Kevin Magnussen (confirmed; probably on long-term contract)
 
Sahara Force India F1 Team
Force India VJM07 – Mercedes FO106A 1.6 V6T (multi-year deal)
Team Principal: Vijay Mallya ; Technical Director: Andrew Green
11. Adrian Sutil (current driver; tweeted he will be in the same shirt next year)
Nico Hülkenberg (rumoured)
12. Paul Di Resta (current driver; has a 2014 contract, but could be on the move)
Sergio Pérez (rumoured)
Felipe Nasr (rumoured)
James Calado (rumoured)
Giedo van der Garde (rumoured)

Sauber F1 Team (merger with Marussia rumoured)
Sauber C33 – Ferrari 057 1.6 V6T
Team Principal: Monisha Kaltenborn ; Chief Designer: Eric Gandelin
14. Sergey Sirotkin (confirmed for '14 depending on him securing a Super License; comes with Russian partners)
Nico Hülkenberg (current driver)
Adrian Sutil (rumoured)
Vitaly Petrov (rumoured)
15. Esteban Gutiérrez (current driver; expected to stay)
Sergio Pérez (rumoured)
 
Scuderia Toro Rosso
Toro Rosso STR9 – Renault  Energy F1-2014 1.6 V6T
Team Principal: Franz Tost ; Technical Director: James Key
16. Jean-Éric Vergne (confirmed)
17. Daniil Kvyat (confirmed)
 
Williams F1 Team
Williams FW36 – Mercedes FO106A 1.6 V6T (multi-year deal)
Team Principal: Frank Williams ; Chief Technical Officer: Pat Symonds
18. Felipe Massa (on a multi-year contract, according to the team)
19. Valtteri Bottas (on a multi-year contract, according to the team)
 
Marussia F1 Team (merger with Sauber rumoured)
Marussia MR03 – Ferrari 057 1.6 V6T
Team Principal: John Booth ; Technical Director: T.B.A.
20. Jules Bianchi (confirmed)
21. Max Chilton (current driver; maybe with long-term deal)
Vitaly Petrov (rumoured)
Esteban Gutiérrez (rumoured)
Felipe Nasr (rumoured)
Stoffel Vandoorne (rumoured)
Giedo van der Garde (rumoured)
Marcus Ericsson (rumoured)
Stefano Coletti (rumoured)

Caterham F1 Team (merger with Lotus rumoured)
Caterham CT04 – Renault  Energy F1-2014 1.6 V6T
Team Principal: Cyril Abiteboul ; Technical Director: Mark Smith
22. Charles Pic (said to be on a long-term deal)
23. Giedo van der Garde (current driver)
Heikki Kovalainen (former driver; rumoured)
Alexander Rossi (rumoured)
Felipe Nasr (rumoured)
Stoffel Vandoorne (rumoured)
Robin Frijns (rumoured)
Esteban Gutiérrez (rumoured)
Vitaly Petrov (rumoured)

Edited by lustigson, 30 November 2013 - 11:51.

[Slackbladder]

Is it wrong to reeellllly hope that Lotus go bust now?

[santababy]

So 2 pay drivers, Total $ & PDVSA $, should be enough to see Lotus through for the time being.

Edited by santababy, 29 November 2013 - 13:14.

[sergeym]

Is it wrong to reeellllly hope that Lotus go bust now?

 

I don't see the problem here. If team is in such desperate state, then maybe it's for the best, that Hulk is not there next year. Personally i'm just curious how it will all turn out. Grosjean has seriously improved over 2012, and Maldonado can  be fast when he keeps his head cool.

Edited by sergeym, 29 November 2013 - 13:19.

[Gilles4Ever]

Adam Cooper @adamcooperf1

Still awaiting the Maldonado/Lotus announcement. Don't expect it to trigger others, things are complicated at Sauber & Force India

[FredF1]

Is it wrong to reeellllly hope that Lotus go bust now?

 

 

If not now, wait until Maldonado has crashed every car they have.

[Nobody]

I really don't understand why everyone is assuming that Lotus will be competitive next year.

 

Yes, we all appreciate what Enstone has done over the years and they have been consistently good but they may not even EXIST next year.

 

But even if they continue as normal, there is no reason to think they will be as competitive as they were the last couple of years. There is a big change in regs next year new car needed and they have lost people and have no money. And yet everyone is all up in arms about who deserves to get a race seat there because they assume it will be a potentially race winning car like this year.

 

Maybe assume is not the right word, 'not surprised if' might be more correct.

 

As you know for a very long time, the Enstone team have never slipped below middle mid-field (at worst), and along with Sauber (and FI in recent years) do have the capacity to punch well above their weight. Along with the Renault motor, a very good grip on the Pirellis and a developing gun like Growjohn, I'd say most would be surprised to see them slip far from the lead pack.

[William Hunt]

@ Lustigson: Razia is not a candidate anymore at Marussia.

+ Gutiérrez is reputedly close to a deal with Marussia (according to Joe Saward and some other sources)

Other possible drivers for Marussia: Felipe Nasr, Stoffel Vandoorne, Giedo van der Garde, Marcus Ericsson and Stefano Coletti

 

At Caterham Ericsson is close to a deal.

Also in the running at Caterham: Alexander Rossi, Felipe Nasr, Stoffel Vandoorne, Robin Frijns, Esteban Gutiérrez, Vitaly Petrov

 

At Sauber Felipe Nasr is on top of their list according to Brazlian press.

At Force India James Calado is their test driver so will most likely be talking about a seat too

+ van der Garde possibly in the running at Force India with his dad in law rumoured to be willing to purchase shares of the team.

Edited by William Hunt, 29 November 2013 - 13:20.

[Slackbladder]

So 2 pay drivers, Total $ & PDVSA $, should be enough to see Lotus through for the time being.

 

It'll help cover some of the costs, but these days F1 budgets run in the 100s of millions.

[DrF]

Is the engine deal between Renault and Lotus confirmed?

Edited by DrF, 29 November 2013 - 13:42.

[William Hunt]

 

Adam Cooper @adamcooperf1

things are complicated at Sauber & Force India

 

 

Could that mean that Force India, like Sauber, is also struggling for survival?

[Slackbladder]

I'll tell you what... the top teams will be preying Lotus is at the back of the grid, otherwise they'll have to up their budget for 'accident' damage..

[bushgold]

You know.... With all this talk about Maldonado being confirmed for Lotus... Aren't we missing something?....Like Grosjean!
Why is it that out of these two boys, Maldonado is going to be confirmed first... What's happening?
Even Button hasn't been officially confirmed but at least Button himself has said he's staying.

that's a very interesting point. is it possible that mclaren are still wooing alonso ?

[sergeym]

that's a very interesting point. is it possible that mclaren are still wooing alonso ?

 

Isn't Grosjean already confirmed? I think Bullier at least hinted at that he will stay. 

[LuckyStrike1]

You know.... With all this talk about Maldonado being confirmed for Lotus... Aren't we missing something?....Like Grosjean!
Why is it that out of these two boys, Maldonado is going to be confirmed first... What's happening?
Even Button hasn't been officially confirmed but at least Button himself has said he's staying.

 

 

Button is confirmed as a McLaren driver for next season. 

 

Grosjean however is not confirmed for next year. Yet. 

[Nobody]

I'd say if Romain was not staying put he'd have signed for someone else by now.

[William Hunt]

News from Finland is that Lotus and Caterham are going to merge:

http://inagist.com/a...66819436331008/

 

Truly dreadful news if Caterham & Lotus would merge and Sauber & Marussia as well.

That would leave just 18 cars and 9 teams in F1.

Edited by William Hunt, 29 November 2013 - 13:43.