Try and steal Vandoorne? Gamble on youth. That said I am ever the optimist, I think Rosberg has it in him, he just needs to be ruthless and not just try and please everyone.
Oh I forgot about Stoffel. Honestly Nico has lost it, whatever confidence he had after 2014 will be knocked out of him now. The dream for him is over, unless Hamilton retires from the sport.
It is difficult for Rosberg. Maybe if Vettel and Lewis keep crashing into each other then he could sneak into 1st. Just don't see it though. Lewis and Vettel are on a different level and they both know it.
I'd like to see Verstappen or Ricciardo to replace Rosberg if the RB Teams are forced out. Won't happen because it only makes sense from the audience's point of view. Only chance of some thing changing for next year is if we have 3 car teams.
If Hamilton didn't switch off after winning the WDC, then it appears Rosberg has got Hamilton's number.. Next year could be a ding dong battle on and off the track.. Exactly what Vettel will be looking for, if Ferrari continue to improve, the two Merc boys punting each other off now and then will only help him! Kimi, we all know is firmly in place as the teams #2 so he won't challenge Vettel, even if he could!
Its complete nonsense really. This is just a media campaign to keep up interest in next season. Hamilton battered Rosberg all through the season and Rosberg has got a bit angry for 3 races whilst Lewis has been celebrating job done. The idea that the Triple World Champ is suddenly ****ting himself is complete nonsense. The best thing that can happen is that Renault and Honda make a surprse step forward and give these guys something to think about. Until then, 2017 and the next direction for F1 is where the hope is, and even then, they will probably **** it up with some silly ideas.
I'm not sure it's pure media hype, based on the quotes. However I don't doubt it is littered with top spin. Either way, there is obviously a behind the scene conflict which may affect the WDC next year if the competition is stronger.
So, say Merc do ditch one of them, which one do they give the flick to? Don't think that will be too hard a decision for them to make..........
Rosberg only has one season left on the contract (I think), Hamilton signed up for another two years, to break his contract will cost them a ****e load! Therefore on a financial basis alone, it would make sense to keep Hamilton. Hamilton is also a 3x WDC to Rosbergs 0, if play top trumps he wins there too.. But Rosberg is German, do the Germans want one of their own winning in their car? If there is half a chance that Merc can get Max into one of their cars, then its good bye to one of them, who I don't know. Who knows, Hamilton could knock off the last of his "Senna did this" list and win a GP/WDC in a McLaren Honda, should they sort their power unit out! In short, I don't really know!
Is Verstappen honestly that good? Toro Rosso have had a mighty fine car this year and Max is a fearless young racer. I suspect he is looking better than he is and standing out in a stale development race. I find him a little bit reckless at times and completely panics under pressure, but then again thats just his age. I think he needs a bit more time first. Theres the likes of Hulkenberg and Ricciardo who are mighty fine drivers who deserve a chance in a top team first. If Rosberg ever leaves Merc, I'd want Hulkenberg in as he is fast, a great speaker, tough competitor, and German.
They'll go for someone who as a few years in F1. They can't afford to take risks with a rookie. He has a better chance of getting a seat with Manor and moving up later.
Reminds me of Kobayahsi. Seemed to set the world alight initially, but then tailed off after a couple of seasons and the magic disappeared. Can Max keep the hype up for the next few years, we'll have to wait to find out.
Plus with the fact that Sainz out qualified him over the season, and in the races that Verstappen did well at (Hungary, Austin) Sainz was ahead before his car broke down (what a surprise) in Hungary and a different strategy screwed him over in Austin. Anything that could go wrong did for Sainz and he seems to be more of a team player too. Most of his overtakes were illegal as well, the one at Spa he was well off track and someone like Grosjean was penalised for something similar in Hungary 2013 on Massa. I can't help but think he's going to cause a massive incident at some point in his career, and until then, he'll be as dangerous as he is now.
I think if they keep Lewis and dump Nico, they would be forced into a pure No2 who will not compete - otherwise they will experience the same issues. I still firmly believe that JB was the reason Lewis left McLaren.
Not sure what to make of this. My gut tells me it's just column inches, or posturing on Merc managements part to try and encourage more team harmony, because the comment about working with nice guys implies Hamilton would be the one to go, but Merc won't sack him, and he's unlikely to go elsewhere in a mutual agreement. Personally, I'd like to see the status quo maintained and have Ferrari close the gap for next year to the point that 3/4 drivers have a close fight for the title. What I expect, however, is that Merc will continue to be largely unbeatable and Rosberg will go back to being "not bad for a number 3 driver" resulting in yet another Hamilton "open goal" title.
I'd reserve judgement until the racing matters again, when the pressure is actually on. He's in a monster of a car and his teammate had wrapped up the title early- he has a LOT to answer for next year. Vettel and Hamilton in a diff league to him.