2012 Predictions / Driver Line-up / News etc...

I don't remember that thread, we had one about if we ran the BBC.

I think we could do a good job with STR, we are the fountain of all knowledge after all.

 

I'll move Webber back up to Red Bull because of this.

 

'very very likely' eh? is that re-sign or resign?

 

Must admit my eyes nearly popped out when I read the headline. Then I noticed the hyphen.

 

If the story that Daniel Ricciardo is to drive a HRT for the rest of the season, i think he can be pencilled in for one of the Torro Rosso seats for 2012.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...lverstone-ready-use-escape-route-McLaren.html

If this is true, then we could see Hamilton off to Red Bull or even Ferrari in 2012. The chances of Hamilton winning the WDC or McLaren winning the WCC this year are slim.

 

It adds more grist to the rumourmill but it's still tough to imagine him anywhere but at McLaren. I'd like to see him at Red Bull, especially if it's as dominant next year, just for a bit of competition. I think he'd beat Vettel, personally, but I'd think more of Vettel if he beat Hamilton.

It'd leave a fascinating spare seat at McLaren alongside Button.

 

I disagree with that.

Some of the comments he's been making (pre-McLaren PR talk) suggest Hamillton is not happy with the team and the car. Hamilton talks as if he's got the talent to be the next Senna, but he can't get the same results - so the car is at fault. Latham and Hamilton didn't sound like they were happy with each other in Valencia.

Hamilton has no loyalty to McLaren, and I'm sure he will do whatever is necessary to get his hands on a Championship winning car, even if that means leaving McLaren.

It would, and I think Rosberg would take the seat - Rosberg won't be afraid of Button either, because he signed up to Mercedes with the belief that Button would be his teammate in 2010.

 

Interesting I never knew that.

Thanks Forza for the link.

 

You know, when all this Hamilton talk started up I was pretty sceptical. However, I have to say that since then, it seems to be increasing in likelihood.

Part of me wants to see Vettel and Hamilton in equal machinery but part of me wants him to stick it out.

 

Agreed. I want to see Hamilton vs Vettel in the same car. I think Hamilton will stay, I think Ron and Nick and Anthony, will give him a last minute phone call just as he is about to sign for Red Bull and tell him think about all the things McLaren have done for you.

 

I think it would be good for Hamilton to move but there are two reasons I find it tough to imagine him going somewhere else. The first is his reputation and the second is his reputation. Firstly, whether it's strictly true or not, Hamilton has the same reputation as the young Schumacher: he's fast and capable of driving round a car's problems, which means his feedback is less conducive to improving the car. Well, Ferrari and Red Bull already have fast drivers. Secondly, Hamilton appears to be a disruptive influence both in his own team (e.g. Hamilton depends a lot on Andy Latham during races, so it's quite a big deal if they rub each other up the wrong way), not to mention stupid comments like Red Bull being a drinks company or Alonso being Prost to his Senna. If, having been McLarenised since he was a kid, he's not in tune or on message with their mighty corporate machine, how well would he integrate with Ferrari or Red Bull?

At McLaren he's a known quantity and they seem to accept his foibles and manage them reasonably well. I think he could beat Vettel on the track if they were team mates. I just can't imagine him getting the opportunity.

 

Yes, but if Red Bull have Hamilton, it means McLaren don't and Red Bull/Vettel have less competition.

 

Hamilton will be forced to stay at Mclaren because no other top team will want him.

 

On the list of priorities in recruiting a partner for Vettel I think that would be pretty low down. If the Red Bull management considers Hamilton to be a negative influence then recruiting him for a negative reason is asking for trouble. It might work in a football team but, with just two drivers, I don't think it's a good reason to hire someone.

 

There's an article which says that Hamilton and Red Bull are in serious talks now, with Anthony Hamilton involved as well - but it says that Hamilton wouldn't go to Red Bull before 2013

 

This, in isolation, is of course not a good reason for hiring a driver. My comment was simply implying that, from Horner's point of view, after first and foremost considering Hamilton's undeniable skill behind the wheel, the added bonus of taking competition away from Red Bull would purely be a nice cherry on top.

 

I would be staggered, staggered, if Red Bull hired Hamilton, although it would be fun to watch because you know it will end in tears.

 

Hamilton is not confirmed because he has an escape clause from the contract for next year and has hinted that he may use it at the end of the season
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...lverstone-ready-use-escape-route-McLaren.html

 

Would rip the team in two, GAME OVER MAN!!!!!

Why ruin what Sebastian and Newey have created to see it smeared because of some rogue McLaren driver that cant watch his mouth.