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Re: Rosberg retires!
[Re: bockers]
#1589640
02/12/2016 14:39
02/12/2016 14:39
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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Dear Toto,
I see a vacancy has arisen....
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Re: Rosberg retires!
[Re: bockers]
#1589842
06/12/2016 12:22
06/12/2016 12:22
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 16,603 Corridor of Uncertainty
Jim_Clennell
Forum veteran
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Forum veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 16,603
Corridor of Uncertainty
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Rosberg's decision has increased my respect for him. I have hugely admired his ability to come back from being obliterated by Hamilton with performances that have shown outstanding resilience and mental strength. I used to suspect that he was a pretty makeweight in F1 only thanks to his father, but it's not a view I hold any more. To retire now - as Champion - must surely be a great choice if he has no more questions to answer to himself. Bravo!
As for his replacement, Mercedes will have to balance a couple of factors: - the need to maximise success now while their car is the class of the field - the desire to bring on a young driver to keep Mercedes at the front after the Hamilton/Vettel/Alonso era has drawn to a close. - image: Mercedes need to combine talent, prestige, boldness and success.
There's only one driver I can see out there who answers all those criteria - and who the entire world would want to see up against Hamilton in equal machines - but I can't imagine how much Red Bull would demand to release him.
Ruling out Verstappen would leave:
- Vettel (don't think Lauda/Wolff would get on with his style of petulance, as opposed to Hamilton's), - Ricciardo (I suspect loyal to Red Bull and - although probably as talented - nowhere near as eye-catching as his team-mate), - Button (nope. Just not going to work; Button has clearly made the decision to quit - as shown by his recent performances) - Wehrlein (most likely of the young guns - Merc young driver and looks easily capable in F1, despite uncompetitive car) - Ocon (Wehrlein light) - Bottas (left-field choice. Williams unlikely to let him go, not terribly charismatic for the Merc brand). Alonso (Most likely of the Big Hitters. Still viewed as the F1 drivers' driver, the ticking clock could persuade him to make it happen, McLaren be damned. Ron Dennis' departure could mean the desire to keep him at Woking could be diminished. Reuniting Alonso with Hamilton would be superb box office and I'd put my shirt on the Spaniard being competitive right away).
Blimey, did I just say all that? F1 might be interesting again!
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Re: Rosberg retires!
[Re: bockers]
#1589847
06/12/2016 12:47
06/12/2016 12:47
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21,071 Chertsey in the Thames
bockers
OP
Hon Club Member 007
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OP
Hon Club Member 007
Forum Fossil
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21,071
Chertsey in the Thames
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Some interesting views.
I would love Hamilton/Vettel or Hamilton/Alonso. Light the blue touchpaper and stand back a distance.
Given the Rule changes and the lessened importance (relatively) on engines and Red Bull could again be the place to be. SO can't see their drivers going anywhere.
Valentino Rossi maybe?
If Alonso moves, would Button be asked back to cover his seat? Else McLaren would be very light on experience.
Did anyone else spot the difference in size for next years wheels, the rears look huge!
Last edited by bockers; 06/12/2016 13:01.
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Re: Rosberg retires!
[Re: bockers]
#1589852
06/12/2016 14:10
06/12/2016 14:10
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Jonny
Unregistered
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Jonny
Unregistered
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Given the speculation, Button has been surprisingly quiet...
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Re: Rosberg retires!
[Re: bockers]
#1589862
06/12/2016 18:28
06/12/2016 18:28
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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It has put Mercedes in a bit of a pickle. Everyone is pretty much committed but I expect they've all been on to their agents asking about the 'get out' clauses in their contracts.
There's nothing to guarantee another dominant season from Mercedes, so switching from McLaren, Ferrari or Red Bull perhaps isn't the dream ticket it might have been last year.
Safe and easy option is Wehrlein but we'll just have to wait and see where it lands.
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Re: Rosberg retires!
[Re: bockers]
#1589888
06/12/2016 23:23
06/12/2016 23:23
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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Toto is said to be a Bottas fan, but that would leave Williams with no real experience or continuity in the car. Which could, potentially, cost them much much more than any engine deal.
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Re: Rosberg retires!
[Re: MeanRedSpider]
#1589921
07/12/2016 17:17
07/12/2016 17:17
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,084 Pontypool
mr_tickle
Club member 1455
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Club member 1455
Competition Level
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,084
Pontypool
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I think Toto is more than a fan - I believe he's Bottas' manager. I've always wondered how that conflict of interest is resolved when a team principal is also a driver manager. I don't think it's that unusual. I wonder how much williams' engine contract negotiation included having Totos' wife as their reserve driver? F1 is full of conflicts of interest (or leverage depending on how you see it)
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