156 replies to this topic

[baddog]

The old fool has been driving bloody well. I refuse to believe anyone is thinking of getting rid of him on sporting grounds.

 

/he has been getting a bit TOO grumpy and selfish recently on track though.

Edited by baddog, 21 May 2022 - 05:30.

[Clatter]

This situation has got me thinking.

 

Much like in F2, where the champion is not allowed back, I’m thinking there could be an opposite rule in F1. If you’re the lowest in the championship at the end of any given season in F1, you should not be allowed to return the following year, and your seat must be given to the F2 champion unless they’ve found a drive elsewhere.

 

Example 1, after 2021, Mazepin would not be allowed to race in 2022 (but he could try to secure a drive for 2023, we’ll ignore the Russian situation for the purpose of this example). Haas would have to have Piastri in that car this season as Oscar hasn’t found a drive elsewhere in F1.

 

Example 2, After 2020, Latifi is not allowed back for 2021. However, Mick Schumacher has secured a drive at Haas, but Williams have to hire someone else to be Russell’s teammate.

Etc.

 

When a drivers fortune depends so highly on the equipment the team supplies, I think it's entirely unfair to force a driver out the sport on that basis. The teams and drivers have contracts in place, and who a team hires should be a decision entirely in their hands. If they decide the driver is the issue, they can dump him. Russell in his rookie year finished last, and it would have been a huge mistake for the sport if he had been dumped.

Edited by Clatter, 21 May 2022 - 12:10.

[ARTGP]

At this rate, Alonso will walk all by himself.

[Lerdes]

At this rate, Alonso will walk all by himself.

Maybe the time has come. Sad. But today has happened and tomorrow will happen. At his home ground.

Edited by Lerdes, 21 May 2022 - 15:49.

[InSearchOfThe]

It seems to me that Steve has learned many things from driving with Fred. The kid has calmed down and is figuring it out. He now has enough experience and F1 craft to lead the team.
Teams are always looking to the future and the Alpine Chief loves Piastri. Alonso leaving will happen sooner than later. Rossi is trying to figure out how to do it gracefully.

[Tufty]

If I was making the call, I'd be looking to the future. However, if Alonso doesn't quit, he'll have an endless contract I expect.

[William Hunt]

I think that the problem right now for Alpine (and Alonso) is: Alonso wants a multi year contract and Alpine and in all likeliness Alpine only wants to give a 1 year extension (otherwise they would need to bench or loan out Piastri for 2 more years and they risk losing him. They still have Victor Martins though who imho is just as good).

 

Now let's look at this hypothetical (but certainly not unlikely) scenario where Alonso has the following choices , what would he choose? I'm pretty sure he would choose one of those 2 year deals.

 

1 year deal with Alpine

 

1 year deal with McLaren

 

2 year deal with Aston Martin

 

2 year deal with Haas

 

3 year deal with Williams

Edited by William Hunt, 23 May 2022 - 03:32.