DanielPT wrote:jackanderton wrote:Who is overrating Sutil? No-one's tipping him as a future world champion- he's linked with obvious seats like Merc and Renault as a step up to his good performances for Force India. No-one's gone remotely over the top about him. When he isn't glassing people in the face I have to mention him just so he gets talked about.
Linked maybe, but a serious contender? I don't know about that. For the Merc seat both Di Resta and Hülkenberg are ahead of him. Specially after Di Resta matching his pace. Renault has Heidfeld, Petrov and Kubica. And then they have Senna and Grosjean waiting in the wings. And Renault usually gives the second seat to one of their test drivers. Eventually if Kubica doesn't come back he could be seriously considered.
Other seats are difficult too. Red Bull has its own line of drivers. They have Buemi, Alguersuari and Ricciardo in line and more in lower formulas. All three mentioned are probably capable of matching Sutil. Ferrari may have a seat in 2013 (Massa has been confirmed for 2012). They would be looking for someone fast but unable to match Alonso. In here, Sutil name can be involved specially since Kubica, who was rumoured to take the job, go injured. If he comes back strongly though, it's probably game over. Nevertheless other names can enter the mix. Guys like Glock, Kovalainen or Kobayashi. Then you have Sauber, which are betting in newcomers and Toro Rosso, which is about the same, choosing between Red Bull backed drivers. Williams might have the need to use an experienced driver if Barrichello eventually retires but right now they far from being a better seat. Lotus aren't better either and are probably only viewed as a F1 career saving move. HRT and Virgin will look into pay drivers with a lot of cash.
I love the use of the word "if", implying Barrichello may never retire. I think you may be right though.
For the vacant Ferrari seat, what about Mansell? He hasn't officially retired has he?