2016 F1 Thread

[kelvedon]

I think Rosbergs retirement ensures Mercedes will not now punish Hamilton for ignoring team orders.

 

[whatmeworry]

Just in -- Rosberg retired

https://www.facebook.com/nicorosberg/posts/10154815043119874:0

Probably wants to get away from that Prima Donna HAM.

 

[eastwest101]

I think Rosbergs retirement ensures Mercedes will not now punish Hamilton for ignoring team orders.

Yes I don't think Mercedes ever had a leg to stand on disclipining Hamilton but agree with you that Rosbergs retirement would make this less likely. Interesting that a lot of the fans want to see Alonso or even Button take the spare seat in Mercedes but a lot of other talk about Werlhein or Orcon being contenders.

If we beleive that the Mercedes car will be as dominant next year as it was this year (which isn't necessarily a safe assumption) then it becomes a game of whom can get out of their current contract for next season and how much of a pay cut they may be prepared to take, in order to get into that car next year. You would have to think that competition for this seat will be pretty fierce as its basically a 50% chance shot to become the 2017 WDC if you are a contender and you think that you can be as good as, or luckier than, Hamilton.

Its interesting that a lot of the potential contenders actually had pretty poor drives and end of season races, I am thinking Bottas, Vettel, Ricciardo, Button, Sainz, Hulkenberg, Kvyat - all suffered end of season "brain fade" admittedly in some uncompetative cars. I think the big question is whether Verstappen wants to go, and if so will Red Bull let him go?

 

[whatmeworry]

Rosberg retires in style while Hamilton slags him off one last time.

Attending the same FIA prizegiving gala at which Rosberg announced he is retiring, Hamilton was quoted by Reuters as saying: “This is the first time he’s won in 18 years, hence why it was not a surprise that he decided to stop.

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[Meggsy]

Rosberg retires in style while Hamilton slags him off one last time.

Just another example of the lack of graciousness by Hamilton. Not at all surprising.
Very brave decision by Rosberg and good luck to him.

 

[Happy Trails]

Rosberg retires in style while Hamilton slags him off one last time.



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Just another example of the lack of graciousness by Hamilton. Not at all surprising.
Very brave decision by Rosberg and good luck to him.

I've no time for Hamilton, but in fairness he then goes on to say:

“He’s also got a family to focus on, and wants more children, and Formula 1 takes so much of your time. Will I miss the rivalry? Of course.”

“It’s going to be very, very strange and it will be sad not to have him in the team next year,” added Hamilton. “The sport will miss him and I wish him all the best.
“Of course it is a shame that he won’t allow me to take it [the title] back or fight to take it back but that is his choice and I respect his decision: go out on top while you can.”

 

[Meggsy]

If we beleive that the Mercedes car will be as dominant next year as it was this year (which isn't necessarily a safe assumption)

Will be interesting to see next year. The Hybrid turbos are here to stay until 2020 and Mercedes is clearly the dominant engine. Will the removal of the token system next year see a narrowing of the performance gap to other engine makers or will the new 4 engine season limit see mid season upgrades limited. I think there will be some frantic catch up develop work while the window is open in the off season. Roll on the pre season testing.

 

[docjames]

Bottas is managed by Toto Wolff. Would be cheaper to buy out than any of Vet, Ves, Alo, But etc. Woukd be solid "second driver" (think Massa to Scumi). Competitive enough in
a great car to beat most of the rest and secure the team championship. But not a threat to Ham so less disruptive to "team harmony".

Other interesting counterpoint: MB since reforming as a factory team have always had a German as one of their two drivers. Strengthens WEH's position.

 

[kelvedon]

Bottas is managed by Toto Wolff. Would be cheaper to buy out than any of Vet.

I agree, Bottas would be a better fit with Hamilton than Alonso (remember he left in a hissy fit when the two raced together at McLaren), and would create a more harmonious pairing than Vettel. I can't see Red Bull releasing Ricciardo and even less chance of them releasing Verstappen. Williams are not flush with funds this year and Mercedes could pay out Bottas's contract with some sort of engine deal.

 

[JessicaTam]

Let discussion on the new year commence:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/playground/2017-f1-thread-80453.html