Formula 1 2017: General Discussion Thread

It would cost 25million to release Alonso from McLaren.
But Alonso is not short a good few tens of million himself (pretty sure he'd drive for almost free for a chance for a third title at the very least) and could bring major commercial backing too, which would kind of negate the release fee.

Surely that must play a factor?

Ghost Train wrote: »

Only thing against Wehrlein is he might make mistakes and is not guaranteed good results. Mercedes mightn't want to risk falling behind Redbull or Ferrari if they have a strong package next year. Could be $20 or $30 million lost plus what ever extra branding & sponsorship they generate as champions

Mercedes is known to outspend their rivals, so they have the money and at some point will pull out of F1 anyway, so price money is not their priority, it is winning and with Hamilton they have a winner at hand. So why the rivalry that caused them so many white hair during the last three years? Hamilton did well with Kovalainen or Alonso with Fisichella and Schumacher with Irvine/Barichello. As long as the second one, scores constant points all is good.

Likely they will. Plus let's not forget that although Mercedes-Benz have all the money at the moment, it's not a bottomless pit and the investors and sponsors will want to know the money is being invested well. Alonso isn't about to throw away his bank roll for the sake of another shot at glory, he is certainly being well pampered by Honda at the moment and I can't see him throwing it away for a chance that may well have diminished under the new regulations. (If Newey was at the team practically 100% of the grid plus all the GP2, Formula E, WEC and even BTCC drivers wouldn't give MB any peace. As much as I think Lewis needs a teammate to bring him down a peg or two, the opportunity to do that this year will be missed.

KC161 wrote: »

Since they returned to the sport Schumacher and/or Rosberg have been in the car to date. They clearly want to promote the German brand as much as possible but Pascal isn't the man for the job, for now at least.

Wolff stated that it is not a priority, what makes sense as F1 is a global competition and no other german brand is involved. Might be different if BMW would still be here.
Personally I never got the focus on a national driver, like why should I watch someone from my country who is mediocre when I can watch an exciting driver who will bring action.

Harika wrote:

Wolff stated that it is not a priority, what makes sense as F1 is a global competition and no other german brand is involved. Might be different if BMW would still be here. Personally I never got the focus on a national driver, like why should I watch someone from my country who is mediocre when I can watch an exciting driver who will bring action.

Jordan and Eddie Irvine were both average and both drummed up great attention to F1 in Ireland. Why it works doesn't really matter. It does drum up attention though.

Merc us dub s huge brand get I doubt they'll worry to much about the driver's nationality. Particularly with vettel and hulk on the grid. I'd say they'll just go for the best overall option and nationality will be a small part.

Harika wrote:

Germany had Mercedes, Rosberg, Hulkenberg and Vettel and was barely able to host a F1 race that covers costs. That's why there won't be a german GP next year. So I don't see how Wehrlein would improve this for Germany. Ironically, Germany worked better before the Schumacher years, where barely a german brand was involved, with the exception of Zakspeed and Porsche, but sold-out Hockenheim.

I don't see selling a German gp as part if wehrlein's job as a driver, or part of Mercedes job when picking a driver. I doubt nationality will be a big factor

LIGHTNING wrote:

Ah here I wont let that slide! Eddie nearly won the WDC and Eddie was a cracking driver himself back in the day.

1999 was a freakish season alright. For most of the Jordan teams existence it was a midfield team. Irvine was a decent driver but would gave been luckier than Rosberg if he actually won the title.

Either way, national interest was higher due to Irvine and Jordan, but Mercedes won't allow nationality to sway their decision

eviltimeban wrote: »

if (year > 1997) {
    That was a tough year for a Villeneuve fan.
}

FYP

KC161 wrote: »

Retired from the opening 11 races.

Adrian Reynard and Craig Pollock embarrassed themselves by saying "we will win our first race"

It ruined Villeneuve's career as well,especially when David Richards jettisoned him for Takuma Sato.

Imagine that Mercedes DNA goes back to B.A.R and Tyrell originally.

Do Lewis and Nico indirectly thank the late Ken Tyrell for their success.

Tyrell to British American Racing/B.A.R to Honda to Brawn to Mercedes.

Mercedes thus avoided paying the $48 million entry fee and those before them

True all that. Was such a relief in 2000 when JV scored his first BAR points. And then at some point in 2001 - 2002 he was linked to a McLaren seat. I wonder how his career might've gone had he moved?

KC161 wrote: »

Yeah I seen that. who will have the final say though? Wolff will want Bottas in the car personally but I don't know will it be a case of Lauda,Lowe and Wolff combined who will decide, will Hamilton get the chance to Veto any appointments?

Bottas would be a safe bet but probably a bit too safe. I think a deal could be done with Force India to put Perez in the Mercedes, a chunk of hard cash and/or Mercedes engine discount and a handy enough replacement in Pascal Wehrlein.

Carlos Sainz would also be a good option as he's hit the Red Bull glass ceiling - there's nowhere for him to go in the RedBull senior team.

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

The idea that Mercedes wanted Sainz would be enough to make sure Red Bull don't give him away. They're likely to be serious rivals next season so here would be a disadvantage to helping your rival.

RedBull blocked a move from Sainz to Renault, who would have paid to do so. So no chance in hell for Mercedes imo