I know Alonso has backing from Santander, but I can't find anything that says that Massa has a sponsor or who it is...

 

Anyone with the "best" car will win the series, period. What is remarkable is that Webber can't win with supposedly the same car. Sort of like at Ferrari when they were dominant and Shummi was kicking butt all the time. E Jordan, Rubens, Massa...

Hated that also
Hated Earnhart winning all the time
Hate J Johnson winning all the time - 5 Championships running.
Hate Muscle Milk car winning all the time although the P1 class is severely small...

NASCAR more a product of a stupid points system which doesn't reward winning enough vs stroking along and consistent runs.

 

On driving skills only, is Massa or the Hulk the better Lotus candidate? I haven't formed an opinion yet (not that it matters to Lotus or anyone else).

 

Think they need a seasoned driver in there pronto, so MASSA looks like a better fit. But Hulk is good and given a more competitive car he may just be the ticket.

 

Massa has definitely been around awhile. It's tough playing second seat to Alonso. Hulkenberg is a young up and coming driver; I never understood why Williams dropped him 2-3 years ago.

 

Massa may be experienced, but he's also not very consistent. When he's on song, he's almost as good as anybody on the grid. But this year has been just like last year and the previous years - a few outstanding races but a lot more disappointments. That's why Ferrari is letting him go.

Hulkenburg has driven well this year compared to the car he was handed. I think Hulkenburg's points this year are in spite of this year's Sauber and not because of this year's Sauber.

As much as I would love to see Massa stay in F1, if he wasn't good enough for a #2 seat at Ferrari anymore I'm sure any team that would want him is actually worth his time...

 

Grosjean hasn't exactly set the world on fire for Lotus IMO. And didn't I hear that Lotus has $$$$ problems besides finding a replacement for Raikkonen?

 

True but Grojean's manager is Lotus Team Principal Eric Boullier. Given that Romain is no longer playing bumper cars and does have a podium and Boullier is his manager - I doubt he's going anywhere...

 

I think hulk is the better candidate here since they will be looking for someone on the cheap likely (not that massa would cost a fortune). On the other hand since Ferrari and Lotus seem to be trading technical people every week, maybe it makes sense. I wouldn't be surprised to see Massa ending up at a Sauber or Force India since it looks like Hulkenberg is definitely wanting to leave and Force India may be looking for a more established driver.

 

They have had money problems. They allegedly brought in a new partner to help with sponsorship money, but Raikkonen was still owed back pay and hasn't been paid on time for two years straight now.

 

So what about Lotus becoming Renault (read that somewhere) and Alonso going back to them...if there is friction between Alonso and Ferrari as has been insinuated through the rumor mill he (and more importantly they) could be looking for an out. It would not be the first time that Ferrari paid a driver to leave.

I think it will really depends on how Nando and Kimi get on with the new car and who does better. I think Alonso has more talent and more importantly more drive, but I like Kimi better.

I think the top teams will be the top teams, it does not matter what rules change. Fact of the matter is they have the best designers and engineers more resources better drivers for development and more money.

Also...IMHO NJ will never happen.

 

Hadn't heard the rumor about Renault... I'd be shocked if it was true, but if it was that would probably be the best thing for the team. Better for them to have a manufacturer bankrolling them as opposed to a venture capital firm...

If Fernando keeps publicly airing how upset he is this year, Ferrari might send him off. But I suspect Ferrari is still willing to give him a lot of leeway - possibly more than most drivers. I'm not sure why since he hasn't won a Championship with them...

As for next year's rules - for the most part you're probably right, we'll see the same teams near the top and the same at the bottom... But I think the chances for Red Bull to get knocked off their throne is higher next year. The rule changes won't mean we'll see a Marussia or Caterham on a podium, but it could lead to Williams or Force Indian getting a step here and there...

 

Kimi says he's leaving because he's not getting paid...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/24159684

 

I saw that too...will be interesting to see what the future holds for Lotus.

 

Well friends silly season is well under way and rumors abound!

Two things caught my eye namely the ongoing rift between Kimi and Lotus, and McLaren seemingly hesitant to sign Perez up for 2014.

Kimi, as is rumored, is upset about not getting paid by Lotus and the latest hub-bub (according to Mika Salo) is that at the USGP he will be sitting not in a Lotus but a Sauber! How's that for hi-jinks?

Check out the story and see what you think...


Raikkonen to Sauber for Austin - Salo

Nov.7 (GMM) The big question ahead of next weekend's US grand prix in Austin is the whereabouts of Kimi Raikkonen.

That is the claim of former F1 driver turned pundit Mika Salo.

Lotus claimed after Abu Dhabi that its pay dispute with Finn Raikkonen is now over, and that he will contentedly drive the black and gold car in Texas and Brazil before switching to Ferrari for 2014.

Fellow Finn Salo is not so sure.

"Let's see if Kimi is in Austin," he told the broadcaster MTV3, "and in what car.

"It's probably the most anticipated thing about the whole American grand prix weekend. There have been rumours Kimi will drive a Sauber instead of a Lotus," said Salo.

The Raikkonen-to-Sauber rumour is new, but it would seem to tie in with reports Nico Hulkenberg, the Swiss team's current driver, is Lotus' preferred option to replace Raikkonen in 2014.

Sauber, meanwhile, is powered by engines supplied by Raikkonen's new employer, Ferrari.

"For now it's just a rumour," Salo admitted.

"Kimi loves to drive, but the atmosphere at Lotus is no longer good for him. Sauber is also short of money and has not paid for Nico Hulkenberg," he added.


Then there's the situation at McLaren where poor ole Sergio Perez seems to be sitting on a bubble as far as retaining his seat with the team. IMO he has driven well and shined on several occasions and dropping him (in addition to his personal sponsorship money) seems unlikely, yet a new challenger for the second seat has come on the scene in the form of Kevin Magnussen (son of ALMS Corvette factory driver Jan Magnussen).



McLaren yet to decide between Perez & Magnussen

Nov.7 (GMM) In light of conflicting reports about its 2014 driver lineup, McLaren insists it is yet to decide who Jenson Button's teammate will be.

A week ago, in Abu Dhabi, it appeared the British team would imminently confirm what it had described as the most likely outcome -- keeping Mexican Sergio Perez on board for a second season.

Sporting director Sam Michael had said Perez is "driving well" in the second half of this season", while Button said the 23-year-old "deserves" to stay put for 2014.

But, early this week, a conflicting report in the Telegraph suggested the Woking based team could in fact oust Perez and replace him with the McLaren-backed youngster - and new Formula Renault 3.5 champion - Kevin Magnussen.

A McLaren spokesman told us late on Wednesday: "We'll make the announcement as and when we're ready to do so, but we haven't yet made our selection."



So dear friends, what do you all think?

Will Kimi appear driving behind the wheel of a Sauber at Austin?

Will young Magnussen replace Perez at McLaren?

For answers to these and other questions, stay tuned to this channel!

 

Kimi driving the last two races at Sauber? WHY? It would make better sense for Kimi to sit out. The Sauber isn't designed around him, I doubt that Sauber is willing to fit a seat for Kimi for two races... I think Mr Salo is living in a dream world...

As for Perez, he needs to keep driving like he did in Abu Dhabi if he's going to have a chance a holding on to his seat. He needs to score points and beat Jenson, even it doesn't do both (or either) in the final two races he's going to be out of a job...

Will Massa get Madonado's seat at Williams? Is the Lotus funding deal actually done?

 

Kimi is definitely not driving for Sauber for the last two races... He's out completely for back surgery....

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111218

 

It is confirmed that Felipe is Williams bound, taking over Maldonado's seat...

Felipe Massa to Partner Bottas at Williams for 2014

Williams have announced that Felipe Massa will drive for the team alongside Valtteri Bottas in 2014. Massa, who lost his Ferrari seat to Kimi Raikkonen for next season, will replace Pastor Maldonado.

“Williams is one of the most successful and important teams of all time in Formula One,” said Massa. “When I was a kid, I always dreamed about racing for Williams, Ferrari or McLaren and I’m glad to be signing with another icon of the sport following my time at Ferrari.

“With such a major change of regulations in 2014, I hope my experience will be useful in helping the team in its effort to move on from a difficult period,” added Massa of Williams, who have scored just one point this season.

“Since my early days in motor racing, I don’t remember seeing so many new rules in a single season and I’m fully prepared to work with everyone at Grove to make sure we find the right direction. I’m highly motivated to start working hard from the very beginning in what is an exciting new challenge in my career.”

Williams founder and team principal, Sir Frank Williams, commented: “We are delighted to be able to confirm our 2014 driver line-up and welcome Felipe into the Williams family. He is an exceptional talent and a real fighter on the race track; he also brings a wealth of experience as we begin a new chapter in our story.”


This comes as a surprise!

I did not expect to see the Kimster driving a Sauber, as this was nothing more than fodder for the rumor mill stirred up by an over the top Mika Salo, but his back issue is a different story.

Kimi's PR folks never made mention of his having back issues. Hope that his surgery turns out well. He will be missed for the remainder of the 2013 season as he is always an entertaining driver and a tough competitor... always a podium threat!

 

Yup, Felipe's taking Pastor's seat - and here's hoping that Pastor is gone for good... Sadly I think if the Lotus financing deal isn't worked out soon - Pastor's headed there...

Looks like Perez is out at McLaren, BBC has been reporting the last few days that McLaren is replacing him with Kevin Magnussen... Perez confirmed within the last two hours via Twitter that he won't be driving for McLaren next year.

Kimi's back issue isn't really new... It's a long standing injury that was aggravated in Singapore - he almost missed the race due to it. Given the drama over the last few weeks between Kimi & Lotus I think the injury was just a convenient way for him to move along, and a medical issue means that there's no risk of a breach of contract for anybody involved...

Other in play folks that it will be interesting to see where they land-
Rob Smedly - rumor is he could be headed to Williams in a technical director role...

Ross Brawn - I've heard two rumors here -

1. Honda wants him involved with their 2015 development efforts
2. He's headed to McLaren - This is the one I've heard a lot - but I don't think it's too credible... Brawn's leaving Mercedes because he feels his role has been diminished, I can't see him accepting a role a McLaren where he wouldn't be in charge, and there hasn't been any talk that Alan Whitmarsh is getting ready to leave.

 

I'd love to see Williams move up with Felipe Massa on board. Too much F1 history involving Williams to see the team anchored near the bottom.

 

I agree. If there was one team that I really want to see scrapping it out at the top of the pack it's Williams.

 

FWIW, I heard that Nico Hülkenberg will finish out the season with Sauber, but is a candidate for Kimi's seat at Lotus along with Pastor Maldanado.

 

He will and he is... However Nico getting the seat is 100% contingent with Lotus closing the financing deal with Infinity Racing. When it closes Infinity will have a 35% stake in the team. The owner of Infinity Racing has made it clear that he wants Hulkenburg - however if the deal doesn't happen Pastor is getting the seat. Eric Boulier has already said that contracts are prepared for both Hulkenburg & Maldonado, who gets the offer depends on what happens with the Infinity Racing Deal.

If the Infinity deal closes (it's been pending since July) then Lotus can afford to sign Hulkenburg who doesn't bring much, if any funding with him. However if the Infinity deal falls through then Lotus needs the $20 to $30 million that Pastor brings with him from PDVSA... In the lead up to Abu Dhabi the head of Infinity said the deal was done and was just waiting for Lotus to sign it... He also said that he wants Hulkenburg and not Maldonado.

Honestly I think if Lotus is so desperate that they end up signing Maldonado then their development is going to suffer drastically and the team will be running towards the bottom of the mid-pack teams next year...

Since we're now 2 weeks since the head of Infinity Racing said the deal was done and just waiting on Lotus to sign it - I'm thinking that the deal is actually in trouble...

 

Well guys, I have to say that I sincerely hope Nico Hulkenberg gets the Lotus ride. IMO he easily outshines Maldonado and can deliver a win given a competitive chassis.

If Lotus has any aspirations of winning in 2014 they should sign Hulkenberg and forego Maldonado. It is a shame that so often we see driver's chosen not for their ability but for the $$$$ they bring in sponsorship to a team.

It still amazes me that a talent such as Hulkenberg has been passed over in favor of lesser talented drivers that can only bring finances (not wins) to the table.

Here's hoping that Hulkenberg gets the Lotus drive as it is a move that will help solidify the team as a championship contender.

 

Not again!!!!!!!!!!!!! Uugh...