F1 silly season on full throttle after Vettel's exit news
Jul.29 - A list of potential successors for the retiring Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin is already starting to build.
Team boss Mike Krack had made no secret in past weeks and days about his desire to ink a new contract with the 35-year-old for 2023.
"It's obviously a setback for the team, but that's life," he told Sky Deutschland. "We now have to make sure that we continue as best as possible.
Nico Hulkenberg
"Of course there are a lot of drivers on the list now, so it's clear that speculation is starting. But today is Sebastian's day," Krack said in Hungary.
"We should appreciate that now and not speculate about a successor today or over the weekend. We should first appreciate what he has achieved and see what his opinion is.
"We'll look at everything else after this weekend," the German added.
It makes sense that Vettel's first pick for his seat is countryman and protege Mick Schumacher.
"He has the ability but is still very young," Vettel said at the Hungaroring. "But it's clear that he is someone who learns and develops in a way that others don't.
"The decision is not up to me, but if they ask me for an opinion, I will give it," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Another top candidate is team reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg - who will actually test the green car for a Pirelli tyre test next week.
"The test was planned well in advance," said Aston Martin team manager Andy Stevenson.
Fernando Alonso
Yet another option is Fernando Alonso, amid rumours in Hungary that the Spaniard and Alpine are currently arguing over the length of a new deal from 2023.
"All the teams that do not have two confirmed drivers are an option," the two-time champion told Spanish media in Hungary.
"But as I have said, my priority is Alpine, because we have been developing this project for two years and we are increasingly competitive."
Alonso said that when he ultimately gets into serious contract talks, "10 minutes will be enough".
"You can't put a gun to anyone's head when you fight to reach an agreement," he insisted. "If we have to fight a lot, it would be strange."
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Nico easiest choice, and cheapest, FA hes happy at Alpine, DR not a hope in hell, and Msc junior not ready, other options?
Yes, Nico would be the best option in the building state AM is. He has also lots of experience and should get them up to speed in qualifying where they really suck now.
The only other logic option would probably be James Bond. But I heard he also has retired...
Didn't Rosberg hint on a return, do for a start.
Unfortunately, doing next-to-nothing, not only F1 but generally active racing-wise for a third consecutive year, is against him, which is why his regular F1 racing days are realistically behind.
Besides, cheapest is debatable & just because he's already in the team guarantees nothing - ask P. Fittipaldi or Kubica.
More viable options are available, so everything considered, he's effectively only a last-resort option.
First things first - Get rid of the Strolls. That Vettel was the Second driver is evident and dissatisfying. Shows a lack of respect and denigrated Vettel's strengths and experience. Get new sponsorship money and turf the Strolls. Playing second-fiddle to Lance is a buzz-kill for anyone's career aspirations.
How much does stroll ACTUALLY own of the f1 team ? He might be the face and brainchild behind getting the idea going BUT
Shropp - obviously Daddy Stroll owns enough of the team to make sure his swarthy son gets the #1 spot. I mean seriously, a 4 x WDC talent in the #2 spot? Never made sense to me. Missed opportunity for greatness. That Lancelot shaves his eyebrow above his nose is proof positive he's a knuckle-dragger.
I dont know what it is , but everytime i see Daddy Stroll, my mind goes back to my childhood and images of Papa Smurf pops up.
I don't entirely rule out Mick, but I don't view him as the most likely successor.
Hulkenberg's regular F1 racing days are realistically over, given how long he's been away from regular racing, not only F1 but generally.
Therefore, I can only see him as a last-resort option in case everyone else declines.
Alonso will likely stay put in his current team.
He's done more f1 his 2yrs out than Alonso did on his 2yrs
Alonso did proper racing & has previous success in F1, so apples to oranges.
The reality is Stroller AM need to develop their car, as it isn't competitive or a race winning proposition at the moment unless 19 cars fail to finish. Nico can help them along the development road to build a competitive car, and after a few seasons when they have achieved a good car Nico can leave, they can dispose of Daddy's boy, and engage a few good drivers with the ability to perform. Young Mick unfortunately does not have the benefit of good car development experience behind him at this stage of his career.
Nico should be the man to drive them to improvement.
If the situation were this clear-cut, they would've already announced him, so others are a priority for them, meaning he's effectively only a last-resort option.
Meaning nothing, except he remains an option, they have time to make a choice
& they ultimately & unexpectedly resorted to Alonso.
4 main players Fer, RB, Mer, Alp.
Fer have trashed their turn to win, Alp next in line, there are a tiny number of proven consistently super fast drivers who don’t make mistakes. Alonso is one so a second rate team is lucky to get him. Alp must have their sights set on someone better. My guess Ham and Pissy next year.
Must be getting old as I can't keep up, just read that Alonso will sign a contract with Alpine on the say so and the next page says he will be going to Am, big mistake or what.
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