He's put in some amazing drives, he might flourish once he's outside of the toxic Red Bull environment
How tight is his contract? If any have a getout clause I would expect Gasley's.
Ricardo to AT?
It would amaze me if he went to AT - it would be like going back to primary school.
He's only just signed a new one, hasn't he?
Pictures of next year’s McLaren leaked.
Very good...
So, umm, where is Piastri going?!
I'm expecting a tweet from William Storey announcing that he's created his own F1 team and Piastri is going to be his lead driver.
I cant see him ending up at Alpine - after what's gone on that would be very unpleasant for all concerned. So it has to be McLaren or maybe he ends up stranded on the sidelines for another season.
Either way his management handled this badly leaving him with the possibility of no drive.
Either way his management handled this badly leaving him with the possibility of no drive.
It seems to be looking a bit that way, doesn't it? I think his manager is Mark Webber, isn't it?
Piastri will be in the McLaren alongside Lando.
On the subject of overdue announcements, with the 26 engine regs agreed isn't it time for Porsche and Redbull to tell us what we already know.
Either way his management handled this badly leaving him with the possibility of no drive.
As well as the management of Alpine. I think Piastri would have a pretty strong case to say "A pox on both your houses" and walk away from both parties who've made themselves look amateurish
I think his manager is Mark Webber, isn’t it?
Yes its Mark Webber but I believe Briatore also has some involvement.
The delay is probably McLaren trying to agree a payout to Danny Rik - I’m sure he won’t go cheaply!! 😀
I'd like to see him in one of the new hyper cars in the WEC over the next couple of years rather than take a rubbish seat in F1.
Yes its Mark Webber but I believe Briatore also has some involvement.
I believe that Briatore is also Alonso's agent and Alonso and Webber are friends. The timing of Alonso's signing at AM was perfect- Alpine's option on Piastri had just lapsed so he was allowed to sign for another team.
The delay is probably McLaren trying to agree a payout to Danny Rik – I’m sure he won’t go cheaply
I read somewhere that they basically have to pay him his full salary for the final year of his contract, but they can basically sell him to another team and pocket whatever salary the other team agrees to pay. Apparently, Alonso was angry with Alpine because they wanted to reduce his salary to the same as Ocon which would suggest that they wouldn't be paying any more than that to take Ricciardo back. Surely that would make Piastri the most expensive rookie ever.
Giovinazzi is rumoured to be working on an F1 comeback! 😳
Those photos he's blackmailing the Ferrari management with must really be something! 🤣
What do Ferrari see in him!? If they like him so much pop him in their WEC Hypercar.
Piastri to be announced this weekend then?
Apparently Haas are keen on taking Ricciardo. Seems Mick Jnr isn't doing enough to keep his seat.
Would he be better going to Haas than a possible return to Alpine?
Although you have to wonder if there might be a bit of back room dealing between Mclaren & Alpine with the whole Piastri saga.....
Would he be better going to Haas than a possible return to Alpine?
Alpine are going nowhere - they've talked the talk for many years but seem nailed to the mid-field. Not saying Haas will be better, but there's no expectation either.
Haas as a back-door to Ferrari in a couple of years when Leclerc storms off in a huff?
Or even Haas selling to Andretti?
I reckon Ricciardo will be going back to Alpine. Not an ideal choice, but the best that's on offer
Pretty sure this hasn't played out fully yet.
DR won't be going to Alpine.
HAAS as a stop gap to something else maybe?
I wonder what it would take to see him in an Alpha Tauri...
Williams also mentioned on Autosport, don't see that happening they just don't seem to be able to get themselves going.
DR should look to Alfa with the rumoured Audi buy out!
But not until 2026 - he’ll be retired by then.
I wonder what it would take to see him in an Alpha Tauri
Gasly to Alpine presumably. He signed his new AT contract just a wee bit too soon...
So, Sauber was started with the aim of becoming a Mercedes works team, ended up as a BMW works team, and will soon be an Audi works team, having used Ferrari engines for most of its existence. Hope Audi treat them better than Merc and BMW.
https://twitter.com/joesaward/status/1562750207418593291
So Audi confirmed, but no team announcement yet.
Piastri to be announced this weekend then?
Interesting that McLaren have been very quiet on Ricciardo's replacement.
Interesting that McLaren have been very quiet on Ricciardo’s replacement.
Apparently there's a contracts recognition board meeting next week so nothing will happen till after that.
Piastri is on Sim duty for Alpine this weekend.
Formula 1: Audi to join from 2026 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/62684156
So Max and Charles to start at the back of the grid - Ferrari could let Carlos down again - Perez will be Perez...
...best chance all season so far for Lewis to sneak a win then! 🙂
I'd be more likely to bet on Perez if he did start at the back🤣
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Typical drive for him seems to be qualify badly, have a problem/spin on the first lap , go to the back, pass the race unnoticed by the cameras and then pop up on the podium if things get a bit weird as he can keep his head
Except this year he's been qualifying better.
Yep, Perez definitely does seem to flourish in adversity. Deal him a winning hand and he falls to pieces lol
Horner actually just has a button he presses at the end of the race that says "Well done Checo. That was a great recovery drive"
Mercedes looking verrry slow
Indeed. I guess the Red Bull and Ferrari planks weren’t flexing that much then!
Haha yep!
There was a rumour that they were bringing a big upgrade package to Spa but it didn't seem like much was changed
Ocon and Leclerc give their teammates a tow. Verstappen jumps out after one Lap in Q3!
Kato
Full Member
Indeed. I guess the Red Bull and Ferrari planks weren’t flexing that much then!
Well the 8+ weeks the fia gave them to find a work around probably helped 😉
Merc have problems getting their tyres working in quali, how they do in the race will be interesting.
Merc have problems getting their tyres working in quali, how they do in the race will be interesting
Yep, fingers crossed! Nearly 2 seconds behind though, that's brutal
