I wonder if McLaren are trying to put pressure on Pérez's sponsors, who reportedly haven't paid? After all, if he loses the McLaren seat, the only way is down or out.
I didn't realise just how few drivers were actually confirmed for next year. So far we've got: Red Bull - Vettel, Ricciardo Ferrari - Alonso, Raikkonen Mercedes - Rosberg, Hamilton Toro Rosso - Vergne, Kyvat Mclaren - Button Sauber - Sirotkin (subject to Super License) Marussia - Bianchi Caterham - Pic Force India, Lotus and Williams are yet to confirm any drivers for next season, so 10 seats are still technically up for grabs You'd expect Lotus to announce Grosjean-Hulkenburg at the next race, but beyond that it looks pretty hazy. My thoughts: Mclaren - Perez not impressing, and probably the most attractive seat left, you'd expect a lot of names to be considered Sauber - Sirotkin's money may mean they no longer need the Mexican money, threatening Gutierrez. Alongside Sirotkin they'd probably like someone with more than a years experience too. Massa is probably the most experienced out of work, although salary could be an issue. Force India - Literally no idea, and I don't think they will until nearer Christmas. Probably be lots of rumours then they'll announce an unchanged line-up. Williams - I think Bottas will stay on, they've put too much faith in him to ditch him after a single season. Probably need a well-backed driver alongside him, ideally with some experience, but the relationship with Maldo seems to have soured. Perez perhaps? Caterham - Pic announced, then I think van der Garde's form over the rest of the season will influence whether it's him or Kovalainen in the other seat. I'm inclined to think Kovalainen will get it, purely because I don't think he'd have hung around the team all season without strong indications he'd be back in a race seat in 2014. He could easily have picked something up in another decent race series this year. Also doesn't appear to be trying to raise sponsorship money, which I think he would have been if he was more concerned for his seat. There's a chance a bigger team could place a youngster there, depends on their finances I guess. Marussia - I reckon Max will get the nod, through connections rather than anything else, and there's hints that he may actually have progressed this season. Of the other drivers available, I still expect one Mexican to be on the grid if we're going to have a race there. Someone will stump up the cash to pay for a seat as the exposure they'd get at that GP would be huge. Wouldn't surprise me if Massa ends up in another race series though. Maldo'll probably get a seat if the money's still flowing. Going to be interesting to see if any of the bigger teams try to place any youngsters at the back of the grid.
Sauber are screwed for next year, need Sirotkin's money which means in turn they need another experienced driver but the only one left will probably ask for a salary that is out of their reach. Maybe they should get Heidfeld back for a fourth time...
Let's wait and see. Mansoor Ijaz doesn't have a good reputation, and so far Lotus haven't received anything: Despite all the assurances from Ijaz, Genii might have no choice but to take Maldonado.
If they end up with Maldonado they won't have done too bad. He is by far the best pay driver on the grid at the moment. They almost have to hope Lotus don't need him.
Interesting rumour doing the rounds a couple of days ago was that the Russians pulled out of the Sauber deal, and that new Middle East investment would be coming instead, thus leaving Sirotkin out of the drive. Also added that Sauber could sue the Russians if it had fallen through.
http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2013/...r-us-grand-prix-as-raikkonen-tries-2014-seat/ Alonso may not be able to race in Austin. They say if he isn't fit Bianchi will race or possibly De La Rosa, but with a few key drivers unpaid and changing teams could there be a reshuffle before the end of the season? Raikkonen's had a seat fitting at Ferrari for next year, but if his pay dispute isn't settled by the end of the season could he jump ship to Ferrari for the last two races? He wouldn't be paid the £15m he's owed but Ferrari could easily pick that up with the constructors' money they could earn through having Raikkonen for the last two races (presumably Alonso would be back for Brazil). Hulkenberg's Sauber contract was reportedly broken some months ago, so assuming they can squeeze him in to the Lotus there'd be nothing stopping him from filling in for Raikkonen. Alonso will probably be fit and there'll be nothing in this, but it's something to maybe keep on eye on in the next few days; they'll find out on Monday whether he can race or not.
As soon as I heard Raikkonen had had that seat fitting I thought "that's it, he's going to end up there before the end of the season". Then again, I thought Alonso wouldn't be at Ferrari next season, so I think if we've learned anything it's that Raikkonen will definitely be racing for Lotus at the last couple of races.
Raikkonen to miss last two races of the season to undergo back surgery. please log in to view this image I wonder if he's got his money and run, or thinks he isn't going to get his money so isn't bothering any more, or if he genuinely can't race. Hopefully Hulkenberg will replace him.
well Valsecchi & Custard boy are their reserve drivers So I imagine it'll be one of them, personally I hope Valsecchi gets the nod so we can see what he can do
I'm not sure what to think about this but, at best, it's disappointing. Can't help thinking this is Kimi being a bit of a King Cnut but, of course, I could be wrong. Edit: Yeah, I'd say give Valsecchi a go, Custard's had his chances and he wasn't very impressive.
Maybe Kimi and alonso are team building. They both may need their back looking at. They could have beds next door.
Also it's looking like Magnussen is getting the second McLaren seat. Which means Perez needs a seat. A decent driver with money should be ok? P.s. get well Kimi assuming it's real.
Its ok, our man has just logged onto the site: Andrew Benson ‏@andrewbensonf1 50s Just spoken briefly to Lotus team boss Eric Boullier. He confirmed Kimi Raikkonen phoned last night to say missing last 2 GPs with bad back As for Kimi's replacement Joe Saward ‏@grandprixcom 1h Valsecchi to replace Raikkonen http://wp.me/ppB1o-3vQ I suppose its the obvious choice. please log in to view this image
Has Valsecchi competed in any racing this year? I thought he was just test driver in a testing ban this year, If he has not been driving in some other series he will be very rusty. Although I agree he should be the one for the final 2 races.
