2013 Silly Season Thread

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 09 Jul 2012, 06:35

I've decided that I'd like to see Webber at Ferrari next year. Watching him and Alonso fight so cleanly last night - because they clearly respect each other and trust one another to do the right thing - I'd like to see how they work together in the same team. Even if it means I suffer from repeated palm-related trauma to the face from the commentators.

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 09 Jul 2012, 07:09

Captain Hammer wrote:I've decided that I'd like to see Webber at Ferrari next year. Watching him and Alonso fight so cleanly last night - because they clearly respect each other and trust one another to do the right thing - I'd like to see how they work together in the same team.

And at Spa, was it last year? Id like Webber to go to Ferrari too as WDC if poss. What a way to end an F1 career.

Post by **mario** » 09 Jul 2012, 08:26

CoopsII wrote:
Captain Hammer wrote:I've decided that I'd like to see Webber at Ferrari next year. Watching him and Alonso fight so cleanly last night - because they clearly respect each other and trust one another to do the right thing - I'd like to see how they work together in the same team.

And at Spa, was it last year? Id like Webber to go to Ferrari too as WDC if poss. What a way to end an F1 career.

The pass into Eau Rouge? That was certainly brave of Webber, and showed good reactions from Alonso given how quickly Webber caught him.

As to relations between Webber and Alonso, they do get on fairly well - as Webber himself says, they may not be extremely close but they do still know each other quite well outside of F1 - but at the same time Webber has added the caveat that there is a marked difference when you are not competing against each other within the same team.

Post by **mario** » 09 Jul 2012, 08:59

fjackdaw wrote:
East Londoner wrote:I'm wondering if the higher nose that McLaren introduced in Spain has affected Button's performances as such, with him being a driver who is affected by set-up more than most, because he dominated Australia, could have won in Malaysia had he not suffered brain fade, would have won in China had the pitcrew not suffered brain fade and was decent enough in Bahrain. Since the higher nose has been used, he was poor in Spain, the less said about Monaco and Canada the better, and was underwhelming today and in Valencia. He just doesn't seem able to really drill the car in it's current spec.

Yeah, you don't suddenly become a bad driver overnight. There's normally a technical reason for a sudden drop off in performance if a driver is normally good. Let's not forget, Jenson was showing Lewis who was boss last year.

Red Bull ran two different specification cars back in China - Vettel ran with the aero package used for most of pre-season testing whilst Webber used the Melbourne specification package - and at this point you have to wonder whether McLaren should consider offering Button the chance to revert to the older nosecone.

The fact that Button has been persistently struggling with front end handling problems ever since that new nosecone came in is cause enough for concern, but the more worrying aspect from McLaren's point of view is that Hamilton is also beginning to struggle with similar handling issues. McLaren were struggling to balance out their car in Silverstone - Hamilton had more front wing that Button this weekend, yet neither driver was entirely happy with the balance of their cars - which is not a good sign, and Button's persistent complaints that he is struggling to maintain consistent front tyre temperatures, leading to persistent understeer, suggests that the aero map of the car may have been shifted rearwards.

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 10 Jul 2012, 09:09

Webber has signed to Red Bull for 2013 thus spoiling things for those hoping for another sort of Aussie Red next season.

Does this suggest Massa has another year at Ferrari?

TomPryce · Post by **TomPryce** » 10 Jul 2012, 09:16

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formul ... ds-newsxml

I know it's the Daily Mail, but I'll take what I can get.

What would this mean? Raikkonen and Grosjean have been excellent this season. If anything, I couldn't think who Hamilton would replace. Grosjean has been the team's main performer, and Raikkonen has the pedigree.

'Twill probably come to nothing, but I'm still fascinated by this development.

the Masked Lapwing · Post by **the Masked Lapwing** » 10 Jul 2012, 09:18

CoopsII wrote:Webber has signed to Red Bull for 2013 thus spoiling things for those hoping for another sort of Aussie Red next season.

Does this suggest Massa has another year at Ferrari?

Dammit. I'd prefer him in a Ferrari - at least they're honest about their driver preferences.

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 10 Jul 2012, 09:23

The Daily Fail :roll:

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 10 Jul 2012, 09:24

the Masked Lapwing wrote:Dammit. I'd prefer him in a Ferrari - at least they're honest about their driver preferences.

Me too. On the surface of it Webber is saying "Ive got more chance of beating Vettel than Alonso" And I think he may be right. :lol:

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 10 Jul 2012, 09:28

The only way this will make any sense is if Raikkonen goes back to his 2008 self and simply decides he can't be bothered giving it 100%. And given I'm under the impression he's happy at Lotus, I don't see that happening. Still, a Hamilton/Raikkonen or a Hamilton/Grosjean lineup will be fascinating to watch.

Ed24 · Post by **Ed24** » 10 Jul 2012, 09:53

Apparently Kimi is very unfit and regularly joins the team for a smoke and a drink, so I'm not sure if his work ethic is 100% (was it ever?), but I can't see him getting replaced. However, if they were to replace him, Hamilton would probably be one of the only drivers with a similar level of following that could replace the level of merchandise and other publicity that Kimi brings.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 10 Jul 2012, 09:53

No.

/endthread

LellaLombardi · Post by **LellaLombardi** » 10 Jul 2012, 11:22

I'm surprised Webber has made that decision. But it does mean that Massa is more likely to keep his seat - he'll need to keep up his Silverstone form though. If he doesn't, then Alguersuari or Kovalainen would be my top choice for a one-year seat.

Schumi is still undecided, but I think if he retires now it will be like 2006 when he was still wanting more. I think he'll do another year.

I suppose Perez will stay put for now until he can get something longer term at the top. Lets hope Sauber can build another good car for next year. I would rather like it if Raikkonen quit again so he could go to Renault (edit -sorry! Lotus) with Grosjean 8-)

That also means Hamilton is almost certainly staying put unless he goes to Mercedes, and things would have to deteriorate very badly at McLaren for that to happen. I'd still love to see him in a Williams though.

Edit again: I've just remembered Kubica. A year back at Ferrari would be ideal for him to find his feet again.

LellaLombardi · Post by **LellaLombardi** » 10 Jul 2012, 11:26

Probably not, but I don't think Kimi is back in F1 for the long haul either.

Faustus · Post by **Faustus** » 10 Jul 2012, 11:35

Lotus can't afford Hamilton.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 10 Jul 2012, 11:39

TomPryce wrote:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-2171063/Lewis-Hamilton-considering-Lotus-McLaren-falter.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

I know it's the Daily Mail, but I'll take what I can get.

What would this mean? Raikkonen and Grosjean have been excellent this season. If anything, I couldn't think who Hamilton would replace. Grosjean has been the team's main performer, and Raikkonen has the pedigree.

'Twill probably come to nothing, but I'm still fascinated by this development.

Look at the timing of this article - it's come out almost as soon as Webber re-signs with Red Bull, which means Hamilton cannot join the team.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 10 Jul 2012, 11:45

LellaLombardi wrote:I'm surprised Webber has made that decision. But it does mean that Massa is more likely to keep his seat - he'll need to keep up his Silverstone form though. If he doesn't, then Alguersuari or Kovalainen would be my top choice for a one-year seat.

Schumi is still undecided, but I think if he retires now it will be like 2006 when he was still wanting more. I think he'll do another year.

I suppose Perez will stay put for now until he can get something longer term at the top. Lets hope Sauber can build another good car for next year. I would rather like it if Raikkonen quit again so he could go to Renault (edit -sorry! Lotus) with Grosjean

That also means Hamilton is almost certainly staying put unless he goes to Mercedes, and things would have to deteriorate very badly at McLaren for that to happen. I'd still love to see him in a Williams though.

Edit again: I've just remembered Kubica. A year back at Ferrari would be ideal for him to find his feet again.

Kova won't leave Caterham unless Ferrari guarantee him a multi-year contract. They may not be fast just now, but at least Caterham are showing they're trying really hard to progress, and are by far the most professional of the three new teams. They are building a team around him and it would take a significant offer for him to be lured away from an organisation he helped build from scratch and is making his own. Most of all, he looks happy, much more positive than his time at McLaren. I'm not sure he'd be as happy with Ferrari on a one year contract as Alonso's number two.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 10 Jul 2012, 11:50

Captain Hammer wrote:
TomPryce wrote:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-2171063/Lewis-Hamilton-considering-Lotus-McLaren-falter.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

I know it's the Daily Mail, but I'll take what I can get.

What would this mean? Raikkonen and Grosjean have been excellent this season. If anything, I couldn't think who Hamilton would replace. Grosjean has been the team's main performer, and Raikkonen has the pedigree.

'Twill probably come to nothing, but I'm still fascinated by this development.

Look at the timing of this article - it's come out almost as soon as Webber re-signs with Red Bull, which means Hamilton cannot join the team.

STOP!

Hammer time. :lol:

*I can't believe it took me almost three years to use this.

Got to agree with that, it's as if the football department wrote it. Football writers have a silly season formula they stick to; "Team A needs a striker, Team B is selling a striker. Do we have any evidence to support any negotiations between them? No? Eh, doesn't matter, run it anyway."

Yannick · Post by **Yannick** » 10 Jul 2012, 12:03

Hamilton probably just wants a raise from McLaren so these rumors are put forth towards the press.

Post by **mario** » 10 Jul 2012, 13:25

Yannick wrote:Hamilton probably just wants a raise from McLaren so these rumors are put forth towards the press.

Either that, or it is a cheap way for the papers to stir up sales - besides, if they name each and every major team as looking to sign Hamilton, eventually they'll get lucky and name the right team.

It is not unheard of for teams to exchange a few words with drivers that are approaching the end of their contracts to keep up to speed with the latest offers being made, especially since a change in driver line up may also see a few sponsors look to move elsewhere. Given that background, Hamilton's management team and Lotus have probably exchanged a few words, but I'd be surprised if it anything more than an informal chat: as one of the higher profile drivers on the grid, Hamilton's decisions will have a noticeable impact on the driver and sponsorship markets.

Now, it is true that Lotus do potentially have a seat available for next year as, IIRC, Grosjean only has a one year contract and would therefore need to negotiate an extension for 2013. Then again, whilst Grosjean got off to a bit of a rough start to this season and is still a little ragged on track, he is maturing and showing promise. On the other side of the garage, Kimi, albeit perhaps not quite showing his ultimate speed, is still performing quite well (he is only 9 points behind Hamilton in the WDC and 17 behind Vettel) and still seems fairly happy with the team - and, as Faustus points out, both of those drivers are probably cheaper than Hamilton (although Hamilton's greater marketability could be used to offset the additional salary costs).

Either way, I would imagine that Lotus are fairly happy with their current driver line up; unless another team is trying to actively poach either Kimi or Grosjean and Lotus need a replacement - which does not appear to be the case - I would have thought that they'd be happy to stay as they are.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 10 Jul 2012, 13:27

The cat's out of the bag. Webber may have signed for Red Bull but he's confirmed he was indeed in talks with Ferrari for next year

Pamphlet · Post by **Pamphlet** » 10 Jul 2012, 14:01

Wizzie wrote:The cat's out of the bag. Webber may have signed for Red Bull but he's confirmed he was indeed in talks with Ferrari for next year

Was there ever any doubt? Rumors were coming in from all over the place, and it had gotten to a point where it was more likely to be true rather than false.

Pamphlet · Post by **Pamphlet** » 10 Jul 2012, 14:13

Raikkonen may not yet be at his strongest, but he's still a very respectable 5th. Grosjean, on the other hand, despite some mistakes, has shown great promise. They also both seem to be happy with the team and vice-versa (especially in Grosjean's case). I can't see Lotus replacing either of them yet.

And as Whitmarsh said, Hamilton knows better than to leave. Not only has he basically grown up with the team, but this is McLaren we're talking about. They may be currently dropping off the side of the map, but there's every chance in the world that they'll return to full power next season, if not in the very next races. It's not like he has many options yet anyway. Maybe from 2014 onwards (Red Bull), but this is too early.

Ferrim · Post by **Ferrim** » 10 Jul 2012, 14:39

Very honest and straightaway from him, although I'm not sure whether Ferrari will be happy about that. On the other hand, Massa must know that something has been going on; his season start was awful so it was to be expected.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 10 Jul 2012, 15:36

Pamphlet wrote:Raikkonen may not yet be at his strongest, but he's still a very respectable 5th. Grosjean, on the other hand, despite some mistakes, has shown great promise. They also both seem to be happy with the team and vice-versa (especially in Grosjean's case). I can't see Lotus replacing either of them yet.

And as Whitmarsh said, Hamilton knows better than to leave. Not only has he basically grown up with the team, but this is McLaren we're talking about. They may be currently dropping off the side of the map, but there's every chance in the world that they'll return to full power next season, if not in the very next races. It's not like he has many options yet anyway. Maybe from 2014 onwards (Red Bull), but this is too early.

I...I...I...don't understand. I don't believe it. It can't be possible.

I agree 100% with something Pamphlet posted. Has hell frozen over today? :shock:

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 10 Jul 2012, 16:05

kostas22 wrote:
Pamphlet wrote:Raikkonen may not yet be at his strongest, but he's still a very respectable 5th. Grosjean, on the other hand, despite some mistakes, has shown great promise. They also both seem to be happy with the team and vice-versa (especially in Grosjean's case). I can't see Lotus replacing either of them yet.

And as Whitmarsh said, Hamilton knows better than to leave. Not only has he basically grown up with the team, but this is McLaren we're talking about. They may be currently dropping off the side of the map, but there's every chance in the world that they'll return to full power next season, if not in the very next races. It's not like he has many options yet anyway. Maybe from 2014 onwards (Red Bull), but this is too early.

I...I...I...don't understand. I don't believe it. It can't be possible.

I agree 100% with something Pamphlet posted. Has hell frozen over today?

Maybe she simply doesnt believe what she posted?

Pamphlet · Post by **Pamphlet** » 10 Jul 2012, 16:20

CoopsII wrote:
kostas22 wrote:I agree 100% with something Pamphlet posted. Has hell frozen over today?

Maybe she simply doesnt believe what she posted?

I don't see any females around here.

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 10 Jul 2012, 17:24

Pamphlet wrote:
CoopsII wrote:
kostas22 wrote:I agree 100% with something Pamphlet posted. Has hell frozen over today?

Maybe she simply doesnt believe what she posted?

I don't see any females around here.

Jut wait until sunshine_baby reads that!

Pamphlet · Post by **Pamphlet** » 10 Jul 2012, 17:27

AdrianSutil wrote:Jut wait until sunshine_baby reads that!

I thought that was Felipe himself.

pasta_maldonado · Post by **pasta_maldonado** » 10 Jul 2012, 17:31

Pamphlet wrote:
AdrianSutil wrote:Jut wait until sunshine_baby reads that!

I thought that was Felipe himself.

no, thats keepcool_felipebaby

Pamphlet · Post by **Pamphlet** » 10 Jul 2012, 17:38

pasta_maldonado wrote:
Pamphlet wrote:
AdrianSutil wrote:Jut wait until sunshine_baby reads that!

I thought that was Felipe himself.

no, thats keepcool_felipebaby

I thought that was just one of his many sockpuppets.

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 10 Jul 2012, 21:07

From the immediate point of view it made sense to stay with Red Bull. They seem to be the strongest team right now, and he's on equal billing with Vettel this year, plus, as has been mentioned, he's right now in the thick of the title chase. And, ultimately, he wouldn't have renewed if he didn't feel confortable within the team. He's come back strongly from the disappointment of last year.

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 10 Jul 2012, 22:11

kostas22 wrote:
Pamphlet wrote:Raikkonen may not yet be at his strongest, but he's still a very respectable 5th. Grosjean, on the other hand, despite some mistakes, has shown great promise. They also both seem to be happy with the team and vice-versa (especially in Grosjean's case). I can't see Lotus replacing either of them yet.

And as Whitmarsh said, Hamilton knows better than to leave. Not only has he basically grown up with the team, but this is McLaren we're talking about. They may be currently dropping off the side of the map, but there's every chance in the world that they'll return to full power next season, if not in the very next races. It's not like he has many options yet anyway. Maybe from 2014 onwards (Red Bull), but this is too early.

I...I...I...don't understand. I don't believe it. It can't be possible.

I agree 100% with something Pamphlet posted. Has hell frozen over today?

Why don't you just take it easy, chicken?

Yes, I'll be using that song quite a lot. Especially with kostas22 lol

And no, Hamilton's not going anywhere. Not for 2013 at least. I'd be quite surprised if he did.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 10 Jul 2012, 22:14

This is absolute rubbish. Lotus? Even if Raikkonen turned to slop there's always Quick Nick.

Please shelve this under the "2013 Silly Season" thread.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 10 Jul 2012, 22:28

Phoenix wrote:Why don't you just take it easy, chicken?

Yes, I'll be using that song quite a lot. Especially with kostas22 lol

What, because I was a GT2 addict in my youth? Otherwise, I don't get it

And tbh this was better anyway.

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 10 Jul 2012, 22:42

kostas22 wrote:What, because I was a GT2 addict in my youth? Otherwise, I don't get it

And tbh this was better anyway.

YES! I played Gran Turismo 2 religiously during my childhood. Glad to know i'm not the only one.

Shizuka · Post by **Shizuka** » 11 Jul 2012, 07:19

redbulljack14 wrote:
kostas22 wrote:What, because I was a GT2 addict in my youth? Otherwise, I don't get it

And tbh this was better anyway.

YES! I played Gran Turismo 2 religiously during my childhood. Glad to know i'm not the only one.

Me too! I literally maxed this game out at least four times. (98.2%... thanks Polyphony!)
However now I'm planning to get into GT4, I have the disc right on my desk, but the PS2 hasn't arrived yet.

Also, Hamilton won't leave McLaren. Seriously I doubt he will EVER leave that team. Would be interesting to see him at Lotus or Williams, but it's highly doubtful that will ever happen.

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 11 Jul 2012, 09:32

Shizuka wrote:
redbulljack14 wrote:
kostas22 wrote:What, because I was a GT2 addict in my youth? Otherwise, I don't get it

And tbh this was better anyway.

YES! I played Gran Turismo 2 religiously during my childhood. Glad to know i'm not the only one.

Me too! I literally maxed this game out at least four times. (98.2%... thanks Polyphony!)
However now I'm planning to get into GT4, I have the disc right on my desk, but the PS2 hasn't arrived yet.

Also, Hamilton won't leave McLaren. Seriously I doubt he will EVER leave that team. Would be interesting to see him at Lotus or Williams, but it's highly doubtful that will ever happen.

I agree with you regarding Hamilton and McLaren.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 11 Jul 2012, 10:08

kostas22 wrote:Got to agree with that, it's as if the football department wrote it. Football writers have a silly season formula they stick to; "Team A needs a striker, Team B is selling a striker. Do we have any evidence to support any negotiations between them? No? Eh, doesn't matter, run it anyway."

Exactly. This is just the Fail thinking that Hamilton will leave McLaren, and can have his pick of drive. Since the Red Bull is no longer available, they've concocted a pack of lies about Hamilton going to the next-best alternative, Lotus.

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 11 Jul 2012, 10:10

Maybe Hamilton should consider becoming an Olympian.