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F1 News & Discussions => F1 Drivers => Topic started by: Robem64 on August 17, 2018, 06:21:10 AM

Title: Drives for 2019?
Post by: Robem64 on August 17, 2018, 06:21:10 AM

Am I reading this right in terms of driver slots for next year?

So the only confirmed drives for next year (at time of writing) are:-

Mercedes - HAM & BOT
Ferrari - VET
Red Bull - VER
McLaren - SAI
Renault - RIC & HUL

All other slots are up for grabs?

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: Calman on August 17, 2018, 06:37:49 AM

Pretty much Rob!

This is the story so far, but as you know, in true F1 fashion, the rumours will change faster than a Sumo Wrestler's "attire" after a consuming an authentic Vindaloo before a "main event" bout.

http://www.f1i.com/news/314024-current-status-2019-drivers.html

Best Regards,
Cal :)

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: Robem64 on August 17, 2018, 06:52:03 AM

Thanks Cal...i'm not going mad then.

I look forward to watching how it all shakes down for next season. Given I've already booked up for the Melbourne opener next year, it could make for an interesting first grid to keep up with.

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: John S on August 17, 2018, 02:33:38 PM

I guess we know that Gasly, Leclerc, & Stroll are guaranteed seats on the grid but at which team is still not settled officially.

Also Magnusson if not contracted is a definite at Haas, and Sirotkin will probably still be at Williams so long as his backers can bring the cash again - I mean who else (with a super licence or enough points for one) will stump up $15/20m for a seat in the last place team..... ah wait a minute that'd be Perez if there's no other seat available.  :D


Other than that we haven't seen such an open situation in the driver market for years. This has all backed up because of the Ricciardo & Alonso hesitations, now they're sorted more dominoes will fall into place.     

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: Calman on August 17, 2018, 06:39:49 PM

Quote from: John S on August 17, 2018, 02:33:38 PM

Other than that we haven't seen such an open situation in the driver market for years. This has all backed up because of the Ricciardo & Alonso hesitations, now they're sorted more dominoes will fall into place.   

You stole my thoughts!!!!  .. I was going to say pretty much the same thing.  After recent years, the driver market has been stagnant, with all the "good seats" taken and nothing more to talk about, other than who is changing seats at the back of the grid.   Clearly, the Sainz situation, Danny Ric moving to Renault and Fernando hanging up his boots (for now???) ... has spiced things up for the "bums on seats" season which is now upon us F1 fans.

As mentioned, I think the main focus is on that 2nd McLaren seat and should Ferrari stick with Kim AGAIN!!! ... all eyes will be on drivers like Ocon, Perez, Gasly and Leclerc!!! (and potential newcomers to the madhouse).

Best Regards,
Cal :)

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: Scott on August 17, 2018, 07:35:08 PM

Aside from the fact that according to ageism Kimi shouldn’t be performing as well as he is, he deserves the seat next year more than anyone I can think of.  The guy just keeps performing as long as the car or the crew don’t let him down.

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: John S on August 17, 2018, 07:44:17 PM

Quote from: Scott on August 17, 2018, 07:35:08 PM

Aside from the fact that according to ageism Kimi shouldn’t be performing as well as he is, he deserves the seat next year more than anyone I can think of.  The guy just keeps performing as long as the car or the crew don’t let him down.

I'd prefer a bit of a shake up and Perez given a shot at the Ferrari seat, Kimi can get a nice retirement package from Stroll's dad helping put the FIF1 team further up the grid next year.  ;)  :D

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: cosworth151 on August 18, 2018, 03:31:04 PM

I agree that K-Mag has a lock on this seat at Haas if he wants it. I hope that Kimi stays at Ferrari.

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: cosworth151 on August 22, 2018, 09:30:31 PM

Now it looks like Lando Norris will replace Stoffel Vandoorne at McLaren, maybe very soon.

https://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/battle-shaping-between-stoffel-vandoorne-lando-norris-mclaren-f1-seat

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: Calman on August 22, 2018, 11:57:56 PM

I think anyone new to F1 can clearly see that if you had to gamble which drivers were at risk of not being on the grid in 2019, Brendon Hartley and Stoffel Vandoorne's names would float to the top of the list!!

Best Regards,
Cal :)

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: John S on August 23, 2018, 10:53:15 AM

The list should include Ocon, if Perez claim to have a lock on the Force India seat is right.
Anyone recall Pascal another Merc sponsored driver who ran out of road when the team he was with changed it's financial package suddenly. 

Title: Re: Drives for 2019?
Post by: Robem64 on August 31, 2018, 07:22:57 AM

One less option for Vandoorne by the looks

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138352/sauber-vandoorne-not-a-contender-for-2019-seat (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138352/sauber-vandoorne-not-a-contender-for-2019-seat)