F1 2019 SEASON: NEWS - RUMOURS

You could be right . Where would they put him though ?

 

If the press is to be believed Max doesn't want Sainz as a team mate. So he didn't have anywhere to go but he was a good bargaining tool for RB.
I wonder what will unfold.....

 

There is a gaping whole at STR

 

STR in a mess really unless they gamble on rookies?

Could Vandoorne go there (Honda link?) and Norris drive the McLaren?

 

Russel needs a drive as well. Many rookies on the lookout, and if Russel wins F2 he has no choice but to go elsewhere

 

To make a guess:

Mercedes: Hamilton - Bottas
Ferrari : Vettel - Kimi
Red Bull: Verstappen - Gasly
Renault: Ricciardo - Hulk
Haas: KMag - Leclerc
Mclaren: Sainz - Vandoorne/Norris
TR: Albon - Vandoorne/Norris
Force India: Perez - Stroll
Williams: Sirotkin - Ocon
Sauber: Giovinazzi - Ericsson

So that's Grosjean, Hartley and Alonso leaving the grid, Norris, Giovinazzi and Albon in.

I can't see where Mercedes can place George Russell, given they've also got to find a drive for Ocon. Williams are the only Mercedes-aligned team, yet I can't see Mercedes offering enough money to Williams to offset the SMP money from Sirotkin in order for Williams to run Ocon and Russell. Toro Rosso might want him, but I would think Mercedes could placate him for a season then find a spot somewhere for him.

 

Latest rumour is Ocon at mclaren too.

I'm finding it hard to justify a vandoorne seat next year.

 

Likeliest Force India partnership at this stage is a Stroll and Ocon.

That leaves Perez looking for a drive. Would you have him back at McLaren? I would at this point (assuming Kimi signs with Ferrari)

He and Sainz are experienced and hungry- I think they'd make a very interesting team .

 

Ocon to McLaren ?

Interesting .

 

I think McLaren owe Perez another shot.

Would Ocon have to break his Mercedes ties if he went to McLaren?

 

Was listening to Indy commentary last night, and chuckled when they said Alonso could not race a Honda powered car next year.

At first I thought it was because they would now refuse to work with him, but apparently its only if there is any sort of McLaren tie up with an Indy team that would prevent him from doing so.

 

Merc were prepared to let Ocon go to Renault . Would Perez want to go to McLaren ? Not much left for him I suppose .

 

Force India will always be mid-field. He has got some great results for them when opportunity came, but they'll never be consistently near the front. Also, who wants to play second string to Stroll jnr and his daddies money?

 

Red Bull have confirmed a Max - Gasly line up for 2019.

Toro Rosso trying to pinch other drivers begins!

 

Good luck to him, but his appointment feels more Kvyat than Verstappen.

 

A long time since a French driver was in a top team.

 

As a line up, it doesn't feel like the sparkle of Max and Daniel. Reckon Red Bull expectations are low for next season, the Honda link must be seen as a mid term strategy. You can never right them off though and I hope they have a good performance next year, we need them.

 

True . When was the last time they had a driver worthy of a top seal who is still alive ? I'm thinking Jules btw .

 

I think it must be Alesi in a Benetton

 

That Red Bull partnership feels a bit light on experience- I’d be interested to see if they set the cars up right next year. Gasly has had a great debut season but Hartley doesn’t really provide us the benchmark we’re looking for.

Toro Rosso now has a completely free line up- time for McLaren to get round the negotiating table with Norris, Vandoorne, Key, and Helmut?