2018 Formula 1 Season Paddock

So who the number 2 driver? Or whos the number 1 for that matter? Who will stay/who will go? And where will he (Renault driver) go?

 

Ahhh shit! Might just be my new fav team....

So wheres Sainz going?

 

McLosin

 

I was kind of hoping Alonso would go to Renault, but looks unlikely now.

 

this is the most exciting news i've seen in F1 for a while.

 

Wow. Why choose to send yourself into an Alonso type F1 purgatory? At least Fernando won a couple of championships before it happened to him.

 

He could luck out like Hamilton and the moment he starts his season at Renault they could be a top contender.

 

Not likely until at least 2022 and that seems highly dependent on how the 2021 payment and bonus structure spreads the wealth. Of course Merc and Ferrari...especially Ferrari...will try to keep the second tier teams in the second tier. Money makes the wheels go around.

 

the interesting part of all this, like the situation with Hamilton heading to MB, is all secret. we'll not soon, or maybe ever, know the details that helped him decide on the gamble. although i am expecting to one day find out that RB refused to match Verstappen's payrate.

 

https://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2018...nault-f1-move-on-the-cards-since-end-of-2017/

 

HAM's first year at MB was not all roses. He elevated the drivers' contribution -- his and Nico's -- but there was only one outright win. The really good stuff started happening the following year.

The same could happen with RIC going to Renault. I fully expect him to put the car further up the grid and finishing order almost immediately. And I'll cross my fingers that Renault's long term commitment to the sport pays dividends for him.

 

true. and he said that one of his thoughts was that whenever Renault made a full push for the front they eventually won. of course that was with NA motors, so it's a different landscape, but he knows more about that than us. still, i see this very much like the HAM move... all about preserving your independence as a career sportsman. from out here i'm inclined to agree that staying at RB would have worked right against that somewhat.

so now let's hope for Alo to RB. as if...

 

Personally I'd love to see Alonso go to Haas. No WC but he could raise that team's level immensely.

 

kinda like Williams said some time ago (i think it was Williams)... they are not ready for someone like him. the car may be fast but everything else is too weak to keep an Alo happy. just think the drama when they F up pitstops and stuff. Alo would likely head to Indy before downgrading. wait, what's a downgrade from McLaren? lol

 

I have had that thought too. He could be best of the rest.

 

I just want Alsono to have a fair shake with a decent car, but then again I am an Alonso Fan Boy

 

Ricciardo's Renault deal reported to be $70M over 2 years

 

Apparently McLaren offered him $31M / season

 

I think Ricciardo would rather have the money than try an outshine Alonso.

 

I'm making mental pretzels when I think about McLaren vs. Renault being a tough decision. My how times have changed.