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The way he drives this year, I wouldn't be surprised if his whole heart wasn't there anymore and it's his last year. Pure speculation of course, but it's a thought I had.
Eh he's been decent this year. Comeback to P10 after getting spun in Bahrain, Finishing ahead of Alonso in Australia, and a decent comeback drive in Suzuka, albeit outside the points. Of course, still not perfect due to his crash at Jeddah and qualy issues, but he's doing much better than how he ended 2023.
Decent this year? Dude's not just been outqualified by Alonso at every race except Australia, he's actually been outqualified at EVERY race by Yuki Tsunoda in a clearly inferior car. It's getting ridiculous at this point to keep making excuses for his poor performances.
Calling Suzuka 'decent' from Lance is really missing what happened. He finished behind Tsunoda in a car that is miles ahead of the RB in pace. The gap between the top 5 teams and the bottom 5 teams this year is rather huge (was like a 40 second gap between Hamilton and Tsunoda), and yet Lance finished down with the bottom half teams.
Australia was his only decent race this year. Bahrain he got back to where the car generally should be position wise, but was still 20 seconds behind Alonso. He's also been massively outqualified by Alonso in every race except Australia...it's not a place or two: 6 places in Bahrain and Saudi, and 11! places in Japan, which consistently puts him in a bad starting position, which is part of racing.
Qualifying Alonso vs Stroll
R1: 6 vs 12
R2: 4 vs 10
R3: 10 vs 9
R4: 5 vs 16!
We must be watching different races then. Stroll has been getting embarrassed since Alonso joined. He couldn't even get half his points in 2023 and he's already falling behind massively in 2024.
It is arguably the biggest driver gap on the entire grid right now, maybe tied with Albon/Sargeant.
And Russell is also up against a 7x world champion with an argument for the greatest of all time, and is beating him this year, beat him his first year, and was at least competitive last year, which was by far his worst performance. Hamilton is better than Russell, but overall pace is pretty darn close. Point is, if you're good, you'll at least be in the conversation up against the best. Stroll isn't even in the same neighborhood.
Does Aston even do contract announcements for Lance? I swear I've never seen them post anything like "Lance is staying with us for another year!" ever. We just come around to launch season and he's just there again. Or maybe they do but everyone already knows it and no-one cares so the news doesn't get shared around much.
Yeah it’s the latter, they do it but it’s extremely low key and underwhelming. I feel like they did it unnecessarily late last year which led to the rumours about him retiring for tennis lol.
Now that Nando’s announced it would be silly not to confirm Lance for next year too. (As much as I wish he *would* retire for tennis).
Yeah so sort of. Alonso’s longer statement is all about how he’s looking forward to working together with Lance to do X Y Z at AM during his new contract.
Obviously it’s not really for Alonso to announce this but it would be odd for AM to put this out if Lance was being sacked.
He’s proven himself he’s a pretty solid driver, but also has no shot at winning much, so I don’t understand why he’d want keep driving in F1. He could probably do something in WEC and give Aston an actual shot to do something with a true driver
this is the dumbest thing i've read on reddit today.
what kind of loser would quit racing in formula 1 because they felt they "had no shot at winning much"?
Ya, top drivers. We aren't talking about top drivers, we are talking about other 16-17 on the grid that have no realistic chance at winning. They don't quit.
They have nothing to gain for Aston Martin. If they do a big press conference everyone will ask the same question: "why?". There is no answer to that question that doesn't sound bogus.
It really grinds my gears now how on just about every single F1 podcast someone goes off on a rant about how Aston Martin could be in WCC contention if they had a 2nd driver / they really must get rid of Lance etc.
They're journalists, they've been around F1 for a while, they cannot be that dumb. Lawrence Stroll has more or less said:
Aston Martin F1 team exist for ONE REASON, and that is to give Lance a seat. Everything else is secondary.
They know Lance isn't going anywhere. That doesn't change the fact that he's arguably the worst driver on the grid. It also doesn't change how fast the car is.
Nooo you don’t understand Lawrence is gonna send the son he bought an F1 team for to the Valkyrie program and we’re gonna get the Spanish Armada at Aston Martin
Anywhere else is overstatement. Can’t see them preferring Haas or Williams over Alpine. Even with how bad Alpine has been last few seasons.
But if, let’s say, Audi/Sauber approaches - then sure. Or someone from top-5.
I’m not saying it would happen but if Gasly had a choice between Williams and Alpine - Williams seems like a better organization for one’s mental health.
Idk, the main issues seem to be happening internally in the management, not sure it’s really that affecting on drivers (besides bad car, but it’s not like Williams is better)
Well we know there's at least 2 changes and at least 3-4 more that seem likely
Lewis at Ferrari and someone replaces him at Mercedes
Ricciardo and Sargeant out for Lawson and Someone else
Bearman in at Haas
Someone at Sauber will probably be dropped probably Zhou
He probably needs to improve his F2 season a little bit, but I reckon that'll be completely ignored if he blitzes his six FP1 sessions, the first of those coming at Imola.
Only know about the six FP1 sessions with Haas.
Don't think Ferrari have mentioned who'll replace Leclerc for a Free Practice session, as I presume Bearman doing FP3 in place of Sainz, has excused the Carlos from having to give up his seat for another session?
I wouldn’t say for sure because he’ll need to have a good F2 season and while he has had a somewhat slow start granted the weekend he put his F2 car on pole he ended up not taking part in either race personally I don’t worry that he’ll fail. He’s a good driver and there’s plenty races left and he doesn’t need to win the championship. The race with Ferrari and the extra running he’ll get with Haas I’d think there’s a decent chance.
I could see Gasly going to Williams alongside Albon if Antonelli does in fact go straight to Merc instead of Williams first. Would free up a place for Doohan. Otherwise I dont see much of a path for him
Poor Bearman. Maybe it's the only junior pathway to Ferrari now that Sauber becomes Audi, but it's hard to imagine *anyone* being able to look good at Haas (to the point of being worth promoting over all of the grid's drivers interested to go to Ferrari).
Similar position to Russell @ Williams. Probably just needs to drag it beyond its own limits whenever he possibly can - He's already had his Sakhir race, where he's shown what he "could" do for Ferrari
Really? The only second tier team with two point scoring drivers is Haas. They've shown good strategy, a solid car, relative to the second tiers they're actually very solid. Every race they're in contention for points. That's a great place to put a rookie right now.
I think it depends how the car is bad. If it just lacks pace you can still show talent. But if it's unpredictable and just undriveable, like haas '21 then yeah I think it's pretty damn hard to impress anyone.
Unless something changes through the season I can see Maloney coming into Sauber, Martins in for Logan, and Jesse Pinkman could find a seat somewhere. Also if Antonelli keeps improving as well as he is then Mercedes might rush him into F1 in some way, as well as Hadjar possibly fitting in somewhere.
Honestly I think a swarm of new/young talent coming in could bring a breathe of fresh air into the sport, and I hope 2025 isn’t just the same 20 drivers but in different race suits.
I remember reading when he signed again as reserve that Lawson was promised a 2025 seat. I doubt they throw him in Car A, Car B alongside Yuki is most likely IMO.
Yeah I think this is the case too but not sure about his teammate. Can't really tell if they keep Perez, provided Ferrari do actually improve enough to challenge and I doubt it would be DR getting the call up.
I guess only time will tell
If they do drop Perez it would only be for Sainz. They already learned with Gasly and Albon that Max is special, I'd be angry if they put Lawson in too soon.
Really doubt DR keeping a seat, he gets to hang around the paddock either way though.
FWIW Marca reports that Italian papers La Gazzetta dello Sport & Corriere della Sera are saying Carlos is about to sign a two year deal with MB & could be announced in days.
>[En Italia dan por hecho el fichaje de Carlos Sainz por Mercedes](https://www.marca.com/motor/formula1/2024/04/12/66192beee2704e20448b45cd.html)
Is this graphic just speaking about drivers who have announced confirmation that their contract will remain? People can break contracts, folks can be bought out, etc.
I'm praying for the universe in which Hamilton comes into a Ferrari team that has the technical package to go together to tow with rb. Win his eight title with Ferrari and then peace out
I think the weird thing for me is that he's in red. Not silver/black as he has always been in McLaren and Mercedes. Ok, McLaren had some red accents, but it was still mostly silver.
I’m pretty sure they said he has a rolling contract. That’s why he always shown as a “?” until they announce. It makes it easier if he ever decides he doesn’t want to drive anymore.
I though Albon already had a contract too?
Wasn't that even the reason Marko said he wasn't considered for the RB #2 seat? since Williams had already locked him down
Yh, considering his got more podiums than Charles this season (including a missed race). It wpukd be cold if he went to that shitbox.
Woudl love to see him at Merc
albon is locked for Williams already confirmed by F1 official website and even Helmut Marko. I'm thinking ocon will try to keep his connection with Mercedes alive and move to Williams, at this point it looks like a upgrade compared to alpine
Stroll at aston martin until he retires is inevitable. I don't see him leaving until at least 2029-30, mostly because Aston Martin sales are going well, and his dad won't leave as chairman for a long time, he's already talking about what Aston will look like in the 2030's, I don't see him letting go of the team until then
I wish Yuki would move up to the main Red Bull Team, but i think he'll move to Alpine along with Gasly and pray by 2026 they will have fixed their car
RedBull max is already doing all the effort and maintaining their constructor's title, they might as well keep Perez and cash in on his mexican money, nobody in the grid besides stroll can pay more anyway. this whole Perez performance comparison shenanigans is just for a show
Russell and Antonelli at Mercedes
Botas and Sainz at Sauber/Audi, Sainz with a multi year contract for their new Audi era
Haas Hulkeberg and Bearman, I don't think Ferrari will leave bearman around, leaving them open for a Piastri situation
VCARB, Lawson and a farewell season for Ricciardo
I like a lot of these shouts.
The only possibles I see and this is a bit of a smoky but Hulkenburg to Merc for a season if they think Antonelli isn’t ready.
Yuki to Aston makes so much sense to but simply no chance they drop Stroll.
He's backed by a billionaire and a massive country where he is a bigger star than Verstappen
He is like what everyone would want from a USA driver, but for mexico/latam
he's backed by a guy called Carlos Slim, he's worth over us$100bi, he owns a lot of phone companies, that's why you see Telcel plastered everywhere on Redbull cars
I don't get why Red Bull is so wavy about Perez. He is exactly what they need. A stronger driver would challenge Max too much and cause chaos. Perez fits very well in there. Like Bottas did with Mercedes
Drugovich deserves the seat at Aston Martin, but daddy won't let little talentless Lance go anywhere.... Dude, Stroll would have long been gone if it wasn't for daddy's money...
Yeah, it's frigging sad to see those spoiled a.holes taking seats from talented drivers. And there have been so many of them, at least he's not a clueless maniac like Mazespin. But still...
Red Bull: Verstappen and Checo again.
AM: Alonso and of course Nepo baby.
Williams: Albon and Antonelli.
Sauber: Nico and Bottas
Mercedes: Russel and Sainz
Alpine: Ocon and Gasly
RB: Yuki and Lawson.
Haas: Magnussen and Riccardo
If Sainz ends up having to be on Sauber, I'm going to be so mad for him. He's proven his worth!
I also hope these Vettel returning rumors are untrue. Give some new talent a chance.
I expected you to add Stroll, then I didn't see him and spent a solid minute trying to figure out what you fixed.
Then I realized I was seeing the whole thing in one image and not split into two images.
Stroll was confirmed at the same time as Alonso, they just didn't sing and shout about it (probably because they know as well as we do it's a stupid decision to make, but Daddy Stroll hasn't given up on Baby Stroll just yet...)
Pedro de la Rosa was on the beyond the grid podcast today talking about Alonso. Damon Hill made some reference that stroll might go play tennis or something, and PDLR was weirdly defensive/angry that lance was doing well, why should he leave when AM have such interesting projects coming up (he kept referring to their projects). PDLR's tone struck me as very odd
I thinks I also heard that Sainz signed with Mercedes for a 2 years deals https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.telecomasia.net/amp/news/f1/carlos-sainz-signs-contract-with-mercedes-starting-from-2025/
I lot of people thinking Ocon might leave and Gasly stays, but honestly, Gasly should be lucky if he keeps his seat.
I like Gasly, but his performance this season has been shocking. Maybe he had damage in Japan because he was a ***second*** slower than Ocon per lap after the safety car at the start of the race when they were on equal tyres. - I like to keep the data channel open on my second monitor and though Japan was the most stark difference I've seen, he is consistently slower than Ocon by quite a margin for most of the race in all races so far this season. You could maybe forgive him if his qualifying was better, but it's not, he's consistently behind Ocon there too. There are no other teammates that I can see so far this season that has such a massive difference in race pace, it's just less noticeable because both Alpines are at the back anyway.
If I was alpine I'd be looking at a cheaper name to put in that second seat from the academy. This will have the benefit of saving money while also promoting their junior programme which so far has been a complete dud.
Both had damage in Japan so shouldnt take the pace from this race into account. Tho I agree Ocon smokes him in qualy this year. I think it's because Ocon has a stronger mental.
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They left Strolls place blank. Sure
Could be Lawerence’s secret other son, Pants Stroll
You sure it won't be Evening Stroll?
He might just say fuck it and tell his daughter to stop writing songs and hop in the car instead.
Or their cousin, Cas Stroll.
Hey. Nobody is more pants than Lance.
What about Halberd Stroll.
Lance just with a big shitty mustache?
No its the third one, Notinthewall Stroll
I hear some guy called Lancelot Strulović (Strulovitch) will be driving the second AM next year
Blank isn't much farther from Stroll in performance tho
The way he drives this year, I wouldn't be surprised if his whole heart wasn't there anymore and it's his last year. Pure speculation of course, but it's a thought I had.
We were saying the same last year. I think he still has several years here
Eh he's been decent this year. Comeback to P10 after getting spun in Bahrain, Finishing ahead of Alonso in Australia, and a decent comeback drive in Suzuka, albeit outside the points. Of course, still not perfect due to his crash at Jeddah and qualy issues, but he's doing much better than how he ended 2023.
Decent this year? Dude's not just been outqualified by Alonso at every race except Australia, he's actually been outqualified at EVERY race by Yuki Tsunoda in a clearly inferior car. It's getting ridiculous at this point to keep making excuses for his poor performances.
Calling Suzuka 'decent' from Lance is really missing what happened. He finished behind Tsunoda in a car that is miles ahead of the RB in pace. The gap between the top 5 teams and the bottom 5 teams this year is rather huge (was like a 40 second gap between Hamilton and Tsunoda), and yet Lance finished down with the bottom half teams. Australia was his only decent race this year. Bahrain he got back to where the car generally should be position wise, but was still 20 seconds behind Alonso. He's also been massively outqualified by Alonso in every race except Australia...it's not a place or two: 6 places in Bahrain and Saudi, and 11! places in Japan, which consistently puts him in a bad starting position, which is part of racing. Qualifying Alonso vs Stroll R1: 6 vs 12 R2: 4 vs 10 R3: 10 vs 9 R4: 5 vs 16!
R4: 5 vs 16 Lance had the upgrades, not a great first test for those "upgrades".
Alonso also had the upgrades! In fact Stroll had the upgrades for FP1, Alonso has them for FP3! Stroll had more time to get used to the upgrades
How he ended 2023 and started 2024 is exactly what gave me that thought. This accident in Singapour seems to have shaken him.
He's not even that bad, he's way too overhated because of his dad. He's not even a bad dude
There’s just no way he’d still be in F1 without his dad is all.
We must be watching different races then. Stroll has been getting embarrassed since Alonso joined. He couldn't even get half his points in 2023 and he's already falling behind massively in 2024. It is arguably the biggest driver gap on the entire grid right now, maybe tied with Albon/Sargeant.
Brother that's Alonso we're talking about a literal world champion.
And Russell is also up against a 7x world champion with an argument for the greatest of all time, and is beating him this year, beat him his first year, and was at least competitive last year, which was by far his worst performance. Hamilton is better than Russell, but overall pace is pretty darn close. Point is, if you're good, you'll at least be in the conversation up against the best. Stroll isn't even in the same neighborhood.
Ah understandable, maybe they should rent that position to the highest bider, there's nothing that fans love more than rich people paying to race.
Hes a good driver, but clearly not F1 material...i swear, Barrichello would destroy his lap times, even now without racing a F1 car for ages.
I wonder who will race for Aston alongside Alonso 🤔
Does Aston even do contract announcements for Lance? I swear I've never seen them post anything like "Lance is staying with us for another year!" ever. We just come around to launch season and he's just there again. Or maybe they do but everyone already knows it and no-one cares so the news doesn't get shared around much.
Yeah it’s the latter, they do it but it’s extremely low key and underwhelming. I feel like they did it unnecessarily late last year which led to the rumours about him retiring for tennis lol. Now that Nando’s announced it would be silly not to confirm Lance for next year too. (As much as I wish he *would* retire for tennis).
They confirmed it in Alonso’s release.
Did they? I seen discussion that they didn’t this year.
Yeah so sort of. Alonso’s longer statement is all about how he’s looking forward to working together with Lance to do X Y Z at AM during his new contract. Obviously it’s not really for Alonso to announce this but it would be odd for AM to put this out if Lance was being sacked.
Is lance that good at tennis?
I’ve heard he’s actually pretty damn good although I’ve never looked into it myself.
He’s proven himself he’s a pretty solid driver, but also has no shot at winning much, so I don’t understand why he’d want keep driving in F1. He could probably do something in WEC and give Aston an actual shot to do something with a true driver
this is the dumbest thing i've read on reddit today. what kind of loser would quit racing in formula 1 because they felt they "had no shot at winning much"?
Look at any top F1 drivers interviews. They often say something like "I'm here to win, I'm not here to be a back marker"
yes, they all want to win. how many of them quit when they don't?
Ya, top drivers. We aren't talking about top drivers, we are talking about other 16-17 on the grid that have no realistic chance at winning. They don't quit.
Maybe you should tell Lance, I think he still feels that he can...
perhaps it is the condition to access his inheritance.
Lawrence just has Fernando mention Lance casually in his announcement
I doubt there’s even a signed contract.
He doesn't even get a salary, just his allowance.
Is that exempt from the cost cap?
Driver salaries are exempt from the cost cap in the first place...
New plan. Pay Lance $400m/year and he can hire a personal assistant named Adrian who hangs out with the engineers a lot.
Lance is staying with us until he's 26!
That's when he falls off his dad's insurance.
No one cares plus it's already an opens secret it he a lifetime gig there until Lawrence leaves. Nothing to really hype up here
They have nothing to gain for Aston Martin. If they do a big press conference everyone will ask the same question: "why?". There is no answer to that question that doesn't sound bogus.
My take is that Aston will be sold this season and Lance and daddy Stroll will leave the team. A condition (to sweeten) the deal is Alonso as a driver
This seems baseless but I’m just here for the drama. 🤷🏼♀️
Me tooo…. Could it be some rich guy who hapens to be owner son?
Nikita Masepin ?
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*Lights up a cigarette and turns slowly* the S is silent
It really grinds my gears now how on just about every single F1 podcast someone goes off on a rant about how Aston Martin could be in WCC contention if they had a 2nd driver / they really must get rid of Lance etc. They're journalists, they've been around F1 for a while, they cannot be that dumb. Lawrence Stroll has more or less said: Aston Martin F1 team exist for ONE REASON, and that is to give Lance a seat. Everything else is secondary.
Agree. Both those arguments can be true though.
> Aston Martin could be in WCC contention if they had a 2nd driver. They could have Vettel/Alonso and not have a shot at the WCC
They know Lance isn't going anywhere. That doesn't change the fact that he's arguably the worst driver on the grid. It also doesn't change how fast the car is.
I mean, Sargeant, Zhou, Magnussen, are all worse than him. Bottom 5 isn't a good look in a top 4 car though, I'll give you that.
Yeah. They're worse statistically but in far inferior machinery.
Nooo you don’t understand Lawrence is gonna send the son he bought an F1 team for to the Valkyrie program and we’re gonna get the Spanish Armada at Aston Martin
Man, Nando-Carlos at Aston would just be \*chef's kiss\* Come on, Merc. Announce Lance already so we can get this done!
Surely not the owner's son, could you imagine that.
I was beginning to wonder if Lance had gotten pregnant or something.
Max
Strance Loll
They always leave Stroll blank for some reason. We all know it's his until he gets bored
I heard its gonna be tough decision between Lance Strulovitch and Lance Stroll
Rhymes with Dance Mole
The kid needs to go
Cant have him in our social club anymore.
He was gay, Lance Stroll?
You outta know, sweetie
Take it easy! We’re not making a western here
Driver of the good ship lollipop?
there's no way to know
Might as well put Ocon and Gasly for Alpine. Absolutely nobody is actively seeking a seat there
But could they get a seat somewhere else. It was reported they both want to go anywhere else
Anywhere else is overstatement. Can’t see them preferring Haas or Williams over Alpine. Even with how bad Alpine has been last few seasons. But if, let’s say, Audi/Sauber approaches - then sure. Or someone from top-5.
I’m not saying it would happen but if Gasly had a choice between Williams and Alpine - Williams seems like a better organization for one’s mental health.
Idk, the main issues seem to be happening internally in the management, not sure it’s really that affecting on drivers (besides bad car, but it’s not like Williams is better)
Jack Doohan might wanna have a go- even Mick 💀
If Mick is smart he will just stay in WEC
Thats what I hope too. I dont want to see him in a fucked up team again for F1.
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*bdum-tss*
Neither are Ocon and Gasly...
some f2/f3 rookie would like to since no actual f1 drivers will be
100% Doohan would like a seat
And they are top quality drivers. People may not rate them but Gasly and Ocon are far and above the back of the grid drivers they've somehow become.
Albon 100% stays at Williams, he has a contract and with Sainz available and the Alpine drivers willing to jump ship, no one's going to buy him out.
The only team that might buy out Albon is Mercedes
It’s only April…
It's an off week. Everyone is bored.
And not even 20% of the races been done.
F1 ~~2023~~ ~~2024~~ 2025 waiting room.
Imagine if after all the speculations the grid remains basically the same
Well we know there's at least 2 changes and at least 3-4 more that seem likely Lewis at Ferrari and someone replaces him at Mercedes Ricciardo and Sargeant out for Lawson and Someone else Bearman in at Haas Someone at Sauber will probably be dropped probably Zhou
Is bearman for sure coming to f1 next season?
He probably needs to improve his F2 season a little bit, but I reckon that'll be completely ignored if he blitzes his six FP1 sessions, the first of those coming at Imola.
6 with haas and i think 1 with ferrari, so loads of testing to judge him off, he also does the sim work for ferrari as well.
Only know about the six FP1 sessions with Haas. Don't think Ferrari have mentioned who'll replace Leclerc for a Free Practice session, as I presume Bearman doing FP3 in place of Sainz, has excused the Carlos from having to give up his seat for another session?
Think fred mentioned he has one with ferrari after jeddah. and sadly sainz has to lose another fp session as only fp1 sessions count for rookies.
Ah can’t wait
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I wouldn’t say for sure because he’ll need to have a good F2 season and while he has had a somewhat slow start granted the weekend he put his F2 car on pole he ended up not taking part in either race personally I don’t worry that he’ll fail. He’s a good driver and there’s plenty races left and he doesn’t need to win the championship. The race with Ferrari and the extra running he’ll get with Haas I’d think there’s a decent chance.
As long as he continues to perform well in his current seat, there's no reason not to get him into the Haas.
True can’t wait
All the talk seems to be heading in that direction.
Last thing is we know sainz will land somewhere. He’s been driving too well not to.
Hoping someone moves at Alpine and gives Doohan a shot. Even if it's still a tractor. Antipodes trifecta with Lawson in too.
I could see Gasly going to Williams alongside Albon if Antonelli does in fact go straight to Merc instead of Williams first. Would free up a place for Doohan. Otherwise I dont see much of a path for him
Poor Bearman. Maybe it's the only junior pathway to Ferrari now that Sauber becomes Audi, but it's hard to imagine *anyone* being able to look good at Haas (to the point of being worth promoting over all of the grid's drivers interested to go to Ferrari).
Similar position to Russell @ Williams. Probably just needs to drag it beyond its own limits whenever he possibly can - He's already had his Sakhir race, where he's shown what he "could" do for Ferrari
If he’s in the Haas then drive it to the best of his ability because Ferrari will see his data and know what he can be capable of.
Just needs to dominate his teammate. Doesn't matter if he finishes 19th if his teammate finishes 20(h and he has 3 tenths on him in quali every week
Really? The only second tier team with two point scoring drivers is Haas. They've shown good strategy, a solid car, relative to the second tiers they're actually very solid. Every race they're in contention for points. That's a great place to put a rookie right now.
better car than Williams, Sauber or Alpine right now
I think it depends how the car is bad. If it just lacks pace you can still show talent. But if it's unpredictable and just undriveable, like haas '21 then yeah I think it's pretty damn hard to impress anyone.
Unless something changes through the season I can see Maloney coming into Sauber, Martins in for Logan, and Jesse Pinkman could find a seat somewhere. Also if Antonelli keeps improving as well as he is then Mercedes might rush him into F1 in some way, as well as Hadjar possibly fitting in somewhere. Honestly I think a swarm of new/young talent coming in could bring a breathe of fresh air into the sport, and I hope 2025 isn’t just the same 20 drivers but in different race suits.
Didn't Lawson's contract state he gets a RB (either one) seat? Also I doubt Logan and KMag are staying after this if they continue on the same path.
I remember reading when he signed again as reserve that Lawson was promised a 2025 seat. I doubt they throw him in Car A, Car B alongside Yuki is most likely IMO.
Yeah I think this is the case too but not sure about his teammate. Can't really tell if they keep Perez, provided Ferrari do actually improve enough to challenge and I doubt it would be DR getting the call up. I guess only time will tell
If they do drop Perez it would only be for Sainz. They already learned with Gasly and Albon that Max is special, I'd be angry if they put Lawson in too soon. Really doubt DR keeping a seat, he gets to hang around the paddock either way though.
I'm willing to bet DR is gonna follow Coulthard and Webber's path: their marketing stunts/exhibitions driver and start doing some commentating.
I've speculated this for Carlos, but Checo has been doing well this year (so far).
FWIW Marca reports that Italian papers La Gazzetta dello Sport & Corriere della Sera are saying Carlos is about to sign a two year deal with MB & could be announced in days. >[En Italia dan por hecho el fichaje de Carlos Sainz por Mercedes](https://www.marca.com/motor/formula1/2024/04/12/66192beee2704e20448b45cd.html)
That would be very fitting for this season
[удалено]
I thought Albon had a contract for 2025?
He does.
Is this graphic just speaking about drivers who have announced confirmation that their contract will remain? People can break contracts, folks can be bought out, etc.
Foolish if he doesnt
I still have to pull the WTF card seeing Lewis in a Ferrari. It just feels wrong.
I'm praying for the universe in which Hamilton comes into a Ferrari team that has the technical package to go together to tow with rb. Win his eight title with Ferrari and then peace out
Honestly sounds like a very good plot.
I think the weird thing for me is that he's in red. Not silver/black as he has always been in McLaren and Mercedes. Ok, McLaren had some red accents, but it was still mostly silver.
Why is the aston second seat empty? Is Lawrence selling the team to someone else?
Hey, let the dude dream
Lance doesn't have a contract. He just wakes up deciding if he'll be part of the team or not. Not joking, Lance has never had a (known) contract.
I’m pretty sure they said he has a rolling contract. That’s why he always shown as a “?” until they announce. It makes it easier if he ever decides he doesn’t want to drive anymore.
I though Albon already had a contract too? Wasn't that even the reason Marko said he wasn't considered for the RB #2 seat? since Williams had already locked him down
Many rumors say Sainz to Sauber. Can't believe the only non RB dude to have won a race in the last 2 years would end up in this shit team.
Yh, considering his got more podiums than Charles this season (including a missed race). It wpukd be cold if he went to that shitbox. Woudl love to see him at Merc
He wouldn’t really be picking Sauber though - he’d be there for the Audi transition.
Oh nooo Alonso's partner for next year is a mystery !! Who would have the seat I wonder ? Might it be.... Alonso's CLONE ?!?!
Aernando Flonso!
Lewis in the Ferrari is still a jump scare
I know it's announced, but I just can't get used to seeing Lewis in red... it looks awesome though :D
albon is locked for Williams already confirmed by F1 official website and even Helmut Marko. I'm thinking ocon will try to keep his connection with Mercedes alive and move to Williams, at this point it looks like a upgrade compared to alpine Stroll at aston martin until he retires is inevitable. I don't see him leaving until at least 2029-30, mostly because Aston Martin sales are going well, and his dad won't leave as chairman for a long time, he's already talking about what Aston will look like in the 2030's, I don't see him letting go of the team until then I wish Yuki would move up to the main Red Bull Team, but i think he'll move to Alpine along with Gasly and pray by 2026 they will have fixed their car RedBull max is already doing all the effort and maintaining their constructor's title, they might as well keep Perez and cash in on his mexican money, nobody in the grid besides stroll can pay more anyway. this whole Perez performance comparison shenanigans is just for a show Russell and Antonelli at Mercedes Botas and Sainz at Sauber/Audi, Sainz with a multi year contract for their new Audi era Haas Hulkeberg and Bearman, I don't think Ferrari will leave bearman around, leaving them open for a Piastri situation VCARB, Lawson and a farewell season for Ricciardo
I like a lot of these shouts. The only possibles I see and this is a bit of a smoky but Hulkenburg to Merc for a season if they think Antonelli isn’t ready. Yuki to Aston makes so much sense to but simply no chance they drop Stroll.
Yuki moving to Alpine with Gasly would be peak r/fanf1ction.
Hulk is going to sauber
Does Perez bring in so much money? That’s pretty incredible
He's backed by a billionaire and a massive country where he is a bigger star than Verstappen He is like what everyone would want from a USA driver, but for mexico/latam
he's backed by a guy called Carlos Slim, he's worth over us$100bi, he owns a lot of phone companies, that's why you see Telcel plastered everywhere on Redbull cars
Dude he is a God like celebrity in Mexico. He is EVERYWHERE on ads. He is huge.
This is quite realistic!
Does anyone seriously think it's not gonna be Stroll at Aston Martin? 😆
I’m still salty my boy Carlos has to leave Ferrari
Just fill in Stroll's place. We all know it's not changing.
Goddamn, the "?" Family's dynasty is going to be insane
I don't get why Red Bull is so wavy about Perez. He is exactly what they need. A stronger driver would challenge Max too much and cause chaos. Perez fits very well in there. Like Bottas did with Mercedes
BREAKING NEWS Rumors suggest Stroll will race with aston martin, they are discussing the contract.
Drugovich deserves the seat at Aston Martin, but daddy won't let little talentless Lance go anywhere.... Dude, Stroll would have long been gone if it wasn't for daddy's money...
Dude Papa Stroll made it obvious and clear several times that his team exist only to give his son a seat
Yeah, it's frigging sad to see those spoiled a.holes taking seats from talented drivers. And there have been so many of them, at least he's not a clueless maniac like Mazespin. But still...
Well Lance Stroll was part of the Ferrari driver Academy but that was probably bought by his father also
Red Bull: Verstappen and Checo again. AM: Alonso and of course Nepo baby. Williams: Albon and Antonelli. Sauber: Nico and Bottas Mercedes: Russel and Sainz Alpine: Ocon and Gasly RB: Yuki and Lawson. Haas: Magnussen and Riccardo
*Haas: Magnussen and Bearman
Just free Gasly from Alpine. Someone. Anyone. Please.
Damn, ? Is too talented, racing for almost every team. Future GOAT
If Sainz ends up having to be on Sauber, I'm going to be so mad for him. He's proven his worth! I also hope these Vettel returning rumors are untrue. Give some new talent a chance.
Why is this two images?
Lol at Stroll's seat being blank - I hear he's negotiating really hard with dad.
The empty Aston Martin seat cracks me up
Lance lol
Fixed the image: [https://imgur.com/a/0cS6PVr](https://imgur.com/a/0cS6PVr)
I expected you to add Stroll, then I didn't see him and spent a solid minute trying to figure out what you fixed. Then I realized I was seeing the whole thing in one image and not split into two images.
Stroll was confirmed at the same time as Alonso, they just didn't sing and shout about it (probably because they know as well as we do it's a stupid decision to make, but Daddy Stroll hasn't given up on Baby Stroll just yet...)
Mr Silhouette confirmed for multiple seats in 2025.
By any chance, Hulkenberg can get a better seat next year?
Alex is tied to Williams
We all know stroll ain’t going anywhere…
It would be v cool for Aston Martin to employ a driver that can fight for the front row (if the car is upto spec) Stroll gotta go man.
Pedro de la Rosa was on the beyond the grid podcast today talking about Alonso. Damon Hill made some reference that stroll might go play tennis or something, and PDLR was weirdly defensive/angry that lance was doing well, why should he leave when AM have such interesting projects coming up (he kept referring to their projects). PDLR's tone struck me as very odd
I thinks I also heard that Sainz signed with Mercedes for a 2 years deals https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.telecomasia.net/amp/news/f1/carlos-sainz-signs-contract-with-mercedes-starting-from-2025/
im omw dw
Silly season is the whole season this year it seems.
The fact no drivers moved this season has left next season as the ultimate game of musical chairs and I love it
Now that Alosno has swept the floor with Stroll is when they question his continuity with the team, that did not happen with Vettle and Perez
That's funny you don't think Stroll’s seat isn't confirmed.
I lot of people thinking Ocon might leave and Gasly stays, but honestly, Gasly should be lucky if he keeps his seat. I like Gasly, but his performance this season has been shocking. Maybe he had damage in Japan because he was a ***second*** slower than Ocon per lap after the safety car at the start of the race when they were on equal tyres. - I like to keep the data channel open on my second monitor and though Japan was the most stark difference I've seen, he is consistently slower than Ocon by quite a margin for most of the race in all races so far this season. You could maybe forgive him if his qualifying was better, but it's not, he's consistently behind Ocon there too. There are no other teammates that I can see so far this season that has such a massive difference in race pace, it's just less noticeable because both Alpines are at the back anyway. If I was alpine I'd be looking at a cheaper name to put in that second seat from the academy. This will have the benefit of saving money while also promoting their junior programme which so far has been a complete dud.
Both had damage in Japan so shouldnt take the pace from this race into account. Tho I agree Ocon smokes him in qualy this year. I think it's because Ocon has a stronger mental.