both parties seem to hold all the cards, I think that's the issue. At the end of the day Mercedes are in it for advertising and Hamilton is just after the prestige. The Mercedes looks to be the car to be in for a while so that makes Mercedes strong. For what ever reason Rosberg hasn't captured the imagination so they need excitement in the other seat, points to Hamilton there. Hamilton knows Mercedes can win without him but with the emergence of ferrari will that last? They need each other but the sensible choice is often the last choice in F1
Now Ferrari look like challenging, i bet the terms changed a little in Hamiltons favour and a few extra clauses were added.... just in case he needs out
Better phone all the bars in Bangkok and see if its been handed in lost and found... It looks something like this please log in to view this image
Hamilton wouldn't join Ferrari, it's not an option for him. If he left, Mercedes would sign Alonso so Hamilton doesn't really have the bargaining power in that regard. He needs Mercedes more than they need him. I imagine this is purely about making sure the contract is watertight for both parties. These things span several pages these days. The deal's almost certainly a formality by now. Edit: Didn't realise there was another page.
The way his contract negotiations are going could these guys be team mates next season? please log in to view this image
Ted said they'll retain him "If he's fast enough", and seeing how he hasn't out qualified AND beaten a team mate at the same race since Germany 2013, he needs to start doing so soon, or he should be replaced!
That's the perfect situation though isn't it? To have 1 driver always ahead taking maximum points for wdc, with the other guy behind helping to maximise wcc title. Unless Ferrari are certain of having a Mercedes like advantage for a couple of years they would be wise not to start mixing driving combos again while they are making great gains with these 2. This is why the Vettel-Webber combo was so effective and the Lewis-Rosberg atm.
Agreed. Assuming Vettel's driving to a high standard, then if Raikkonen's just a couple of tenths shy his pace is acceptable. There's also an excellent dynamic between Vettel and Raikkonen, they're arguably the best pairing, or even potential pairing on the grid given how well they work together. I don't think there are another two drivers of that quality who would get on so well as team mates.
Ferrari delaying talks with Raikkonen http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/32383584 Hamilton delaying his contract with Mercedes. Could it happen?
I actually enjoyed that interview, Lewis really relaxed (haven't seen him like that before!). Sparking rumours about moving to Ferrari, wonder what Seb was thinking...
I can't see Ferrari wanting it. Vettel and Raikkonen work well together, there'd be too much infighting with Hamilton. The only incentive I can see is that they'd be weakening Mercedes, but Mercedes would probably poach Alonso from McLaren anyway.
Something which is a little worrying at the moment. please log in to view this image If we take a look at the 'normally' performing drivers in Bahrain it seems theres some large gaps between constructors. Ferrari and Mercedes are so so close together on race pace but then Williams, Red Bull, and Lotus seem in no mans land behind them, which is less than ideal for racing. It wasn't quite so bed in China but Williams were still very much in no mans land. Before the safety car the two Williams were basically slap bang in the middle of a 70s gap from 4th to 7th. please log in to view this image With Williams having such a gap to play with it may be worth trying something new with strategies.
