Just confrims all our speculation really.... http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/22058/7808732/Talking-Heads-The-Future-of-Lewis-Hamilton
I already posted this image (from Autosport magazine) in the 2013 driver thread, but I think this part of it is relevant here: please log in to view this image It was already very unlikely; now it's basically ruled out.
So its Mclaren for a season and then into the RB? or Its straight into the Merc as No1 on a mega 5 year deal?
Now does this Fernando "has no problem with Vettel joining" mean that they have Newey's services as well? Seb was clever making sure he had guarantees that certain people would remain at RBR while he was there until 2014. If he believed Red Bull was about to go down the pecking order at some point he would not be the last to jump ship that's for sure. Not sure how close Seb and Newey are but he did become his only WDC after 1999, so maybe Ferrari have got both Seb and Newey to bolster every weakness and Seb does a Schumacher saying who he wants from Red Bull to be on his side of the garage. Does Lewis believe Newey will be there if he signs? Maybe this is why people are saying McLaren and Mercedes are safer places to be at the moment.
I get the feeling Newey doesn't like Ferrari, plus it would mean moving abroad. I have nothing to base this on except a feeling mind.
In the past the rumours of Seb joining Ferrari pointed out that Seb wanted to continue winning WDC's more, yet Ferrari desperately wanted him to replace Massa and Alonso for the long term. It looked like Seb wanted to remain with RBR as Newey was there and is the only reason why he is still there and why he extended his contract with RBR. So let's just say this Seb to Ferrari in 2014 is true, what has changed since 2010-11 to now? Newey must be the factor as its the only certainty Seb would have that Ferrari would be competitive every year in the future. Why drive for Ferrari over Red Bull unless there's a very strong chance they can keep doing it every year or they are bringing in somebody who can.
The day Newey moves to Ferrari would likely be the same day that Satan ice skated to work. Can't see it happening.
Newey has only showed loyalty to one driver and that was Damon Hill. He left Williams after Sir Frank went against his wishes and sacked Hill for HHF. He knows that anyone can drive one of his cars fast, so I doubt he would be persuaded to go to Ferrari just because Vettel went. Newey apperciates a driver who has both speed and technical ability to provide feedback and develop the car. Many have said that Vettel still does nto have this (Silver included) so why would he want to go with Seb?
I thought Newey left Williams because they wouldn't make him a shareholder in the team. please log in to view this image
That does ring a bell too, but he was certainly upset by the nature of Hill's departure which was very much against his wishes.
http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12479/7833308/Hamilton-hints-at-McLaren-extension Seems as if this may be coming to conclusion. Whether its down to a lack of options available to him, or because he has now quite clearly got the measure of his team mate, or sence has prevailed and his managmentt team understand that Mclaren his the best option - this is a good sign for all Mclaren and Lewis fans. We await the conclusion!
Breaking News: Vodafone reviewing sponsership deal with Mclaren! I wonder if this is down to performance of Lewis having not yet resigned? Couple this with Santander being very interested with sole sponsership of the Ferrari and Phillip Morris (Tobbaco company behind Ferrari) being very keen on Lewis, could these be the key issues in the contract saga?
Sounds like Vodafone are about to jump ship to Red Bull more like. They did it with Ferrari now they're about to do it with McLaren. Vodafone like to jump ship to the best performing team. That and it's in the **** with something on the regions of 1 billion tax!
Just because they may leave McLaren doesn't mean they're going to RBR. Mercedes would be a likely destination, they used to sponsor them in the DTM (not sure if they still do, haven't watched it for a while). Or a return to Ferrari perhaps.
Vodafone have just recently announced that they'll stop sponsoring the Aussie V8's actually, link is below http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100157 What are they up to?
Not with the working progress that Nico and Michael are included in at the moment, sorry. Things are picking up since 2010 here.
