2025 > 2026 Driver Market SILLY SEASON

[Aty]

Bottom post of the previous page:

If a car can do a laptime of X and one driver can do it and the other can't, it is the driver.

The car may be a pig to drive, but it's not like the Honda in MotoGP which we could all see had huge issues. The red bull is quick, it's just horrible.

I don't agree with Max

Also, everybody praising Yuki in the above posts have had a reality check now that the flag has dropped and the bullshit stopped.

well said, that car is difficult to drive but it's not slow, and in the first couple of races we had plenty of proof that this was the case. Red Bull's problem is that have designed a very extreme car based on the input from a driver with an unique driving style (and, let's be honest, a huge amount of talent) and other drivers struggle to keep up with him. I am sure that there are some things that Max would want different but I'm also sure that such a complex car needs time to fine tune all the details, and as Max said in some interview this is not something that they can work out in the simulator, so I wouldn't be surprised if Max will have fewer issues as the season progress

The car has very narrow operating window, said Marko. That optimized performance slot, controlled by a suitable setup, varies from track to track, sometimes from one day to another in one weekend, and apparently if they find it, such tricky setup works only for Max, leaving Yuki hanging dry. Topology of the track may or may not put them on the back foot and they are not able to do anything about it. Under those conditions I am hesitant to be excessively optimistic how the future looks like for the champ this year. Race in Italy will see RB21 with new upgrades. It those fail, Max can kiss WDC 2025 good bye.

[Aty]

When will be Sainz called back into his old seat? Hamilton admitted that he doesn't know how long it will take him to tame his Ferrari. I am not sure if Fred is happy to hear good news of that kind. I see LH being photographed with actors, and Apple CEO, but I also think there is the other thing which should not be on back burner, like winning races in a red car.

I am convinced that Fred is not that happy at all. He was not the one, who wanted to swap Sainz for Hamilton.

Interesting. I was under impression it was NY. The other day Fred said, when time is right, door for Carlos return the Ferrari is open. From German media I gather (I hope I am not wrong) that Hamilton flew to NY and negotiate his deal. Fred was put later in the front of done thing. It wasn't that interesting for me, so I just have done merely cursory reading on that subject.

[MonteCristo]

If a car can do a laptime of X and one driver can do it and the other can't, it is the driver.

The car may be a pig to drive, but it's not like the Honda in MotoGP which we could all see had huge issues. The red bull is quick, it's just horrible.

I don't agree with Max

Also, everybody praising Yuki in the above posts have had a reality check now that the flag has dropped and the bullshit stopped.

It does look like he's closer to Max than Lawson was, to be fair to him.

Too soon to ultimately judge him. But not a great session when it mattered.

And after a few races the RBR qualifying gaps are...

Max was 0.931sec faster than Lawson.
Max is 0.757sec faster than Tsunoda.

Yes, and improvement, but blimey. Not good either.

Meanwhile, Hadjar was faster than both of them so far by about 0.2sec!

[Aty]

I am reposting this, but Helmut was open to the truth of the matter, when on mike with Austrian media. He said, paraphrasing, car is bad, and doesn't suits neither of drivers. Ambient track conditions and track topology plays a role when occassional ultra extreme setup suits Max only. Yuki is not comfy with the same setup. This is explanation why one day RB21 is "fast", and next day it's a dead horse. Based on track temperatures drivers feel changes how car behaves from qualifications to the race. RB is placing a lot of faith on new updates scheduled for next race.

I am not optimistic about the rest of season. RB is trying to fix that car third or fourth year. There is no magic wand. For Max to win WDC, he needs rivals to engage in infighting and defeat themselves. I just wish the English drivers stop the neverending blaming of others. Hamilton is threatening Ferrari and Leclerc, Norris is whining that Max can do whatever he wants, and so on. It is becoming rather tiring.

[Aty]

The American team (courtesy AMuS)

The team bosses Graeme Lowdon and Marc Hynes are already probing the driver market. Although you are not in a hurry, you would like to identify one of the two drivers relatively early in order to involve him in the project from the beginning. Talks have already been held with all suspects. The following names are traded: Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou, Felipe Drugovich, Patricio O'Ward.

[Everso Biggyballies]

I'll put my guess out there now..... Perez and Zhou.
Sergio has a very good development record and also renowned and respected set up skills. They need someone with his experience.... (Sergio has close to 300 GPs behind him in his near 15 year F1 tenure. He also has a huge following in North America, not to mentions very close association with Carlos Slim . Sergio Perez aside from his driving attributes would generate a huge domestic fanbase that Cadillac and indeed GM in general would enjoy. .

Of course he comes with many % millions in sponsorship, something that Cadillac might find attractive in the current US economic state.

Zhou I name, not just because of his profile and nationwide following in China...... not even because of his US$30million sponsorship..... or his families major influence in the local (Chinese) Automotive business (at a time when Cadillac are heavily expanding their Chinese presence... and indeed have just very recently launched their electric cars at the GuangZhou Motor Show.)

Cadillac has been focusing closely on the Chinese market with the launch of new electric models like the Optiq and Lyriq, as well as plans for a new entry-level crossover (GT4) and a new-generation flagship sedan (CT6). The brand is also expanding its dealer network in China, aiming to increase its presence in lower-tier cities. GM is also producing the Cadillac Lyriq-V in China, with plans to produce more EV models like the Vistiq and Escalade IQ in the country.

Those are all fairly solid commercial reasons to pick Zhou. However the main reason I am pushing his boat as a favourite is that he is currently the Ferrari test and reserve driver.... with a secondary role responsible for simulator and car development roles. He knows the Ferrari powertrain and technical strengths and weaknesses better than most. He would surely be involved in simulator work on next years Ferrari powertrain, the very unit Cadillac will be using..

All invaluable talents and assets which Cadillac would need and benefit greatly from having in their armoury, given their position as an inexperienced Ferrari Customer team going forward. Most of the customer teams of any engine manufacturer use not only the entire powertrain and transmission, but at least the rear suspension and other peripherals as allowed in the regs. (Haas cars composition is, aside from the Dallara monocoque and safety cell, primarily Ferrari sourced.) I am sure Cadillac will similarly incorporate Ferrari peripheral

Oh and lets not forget. that the Cadillac TP, Graeme Lowdon, has been and still is Zhou's personal manager and mentor

So thats why I pick Sergio and Zhou to be my favourites for the start of the Cadillac F1 journey.

[Michael Ferner]

Uh-oh! A Chinese driver in a US car, that won't please Mr Bessent...

[Everso Biggyballies]

Uh-oh! A Chinese driver in a US car, that won't please Mr Bessent...

And a Mexican!

"Tear down this Wall...."

[MonteCristo]

So Colapinto is in for at least five races.

https://racer.com/2025/05/07/colapinto- ... ive-races/

Nothing like no job security to get the most out of someone.

[Aty]

Now when Briatore is holding a gavel, it is not totally off the wall speculation, that Alonso, a friend, might return to Alpine.

[Everso Biggyballies]

Now when Briatore is holding a gavel, it is not totally off the wall speculation, that Alonso, a friend, might return to Alpine.

I think the only reason Alonso is hanging around is to see what wonders Newey might come up with, as also with Honda on the power unit front, in next years car. I have read the Alonso to Alpine rumours, and also obviously am aware of the longstanding association of Alonso and Flav, but Alpine are hardly holding any aces up their sleeve to tempt an old man who by his own admission is craving retirement or at least a quieter life.

Fernando is contracted to Aston until end 2026 by which time he will have a full picture of whether Aston Newey and Honda have produced a winner. Alpine we know wont turn up with a championship contender next year. Aston just might if Newey and Honda get all their stars aligned.

[Aty]

Now when Briatore is holding a gavel, it is not totally off the wall speculation, that Alonso, a friend, might return to Alpine.

I think the only reason Alonso is hanging around is to see what wonders Newey might come up with, as also with Honda on the power unit front, in next years car. I have read the Alonso to Alpine rumours, and also obviously am aware of the longstanding association of Alonso and Flav, but Alpine are hardly holding any aces up their sleeve to tempt an old man who by his own admission is craving retirement or at least a quieter life.

Fernando is contracted to Aston until end 2026 by which time he will have a full picture of whether Aston Newey and Honda have produced a winner. Alpine we know wont turn up with a championship contender next year. Aston just might if Newey and Honda get all their stars aligned.

Strol Sr. was quoted as being surprised (displeased) to find out that Newey is working on 2026 only, and nothing (AM confirmed) on the current racer. Based on observations how things are after introduction of new specs, I think Alonso would have to wait probably until 2028 before dust will settle and he can judge where the car is. I am not sure that's what he will do. He has experienced various health issues already (from the distance, almost certainly age related). Flafi however can bring a stone to tears, so who knows what he will promise his favorite person (Alfonso).

[MonteCristo]

So Colapinto is in for at least five races.

https://racer.com/2025/05/07/colapinto- ... ive-races/

Nothing like no job security to get the most out of someone.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/concernin ... -f1-pundit

Apparently he had a shunt in testing.

So he's continuing the form he had in the second half of his stint last year.

Oh how hilarious it'll be if he's slow and crashy.

[Everso Biggyballies]

So Colapinto is in for at least five races.

https://racer.com/2025/05/07/colapinto- ... ive-races/

Nothing like no job security to get the most out of someone.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/concernin ... -f1-pundit

Apparently he had a shunt in testing.

So he's continuing the form he had in the second half of his stint last year.

Oh how hilarious it'll be if he's slow and crashy.

It seems Alpine already have a plan C. And he is Mexican and recently unemployed! Answers to the name Sergio.
He has already had talks with Alpine apparently.
https://racingnews365.com/sergio-perez- ... eam-report

Colapinto tries to blow his backing in repairs before he gets to race
TP sudden resignation amongst controversy and mystery.. (Not to mention Flav is my Father claims. )

"Me and Oli [Oakes] have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together,"
"Flavio has been like a father to me", said Oakes, "nothing but supportive since I took the role, as well as giving me the opportunity."

What next in the House of Enstone?


Orders extra popcorn, puts slippers on, switches phone off and settles into the favourite recliner.
Who needs DTS when you have Alpine's Antics!

[MonteCristo]

So Colapinto is in for at least five races.

https://racer.com/2025/05/07/colapinto- ... ive-races/

Nothing like no job security to get the most out of someone.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/concernin ... -f1-pundit

Apparently he had a shunt in testing.

So he's continuing the form he had in the second half of his stint last year.

Oh how hilarious it'll be if he's slow and crashy.

Colopinto might have the slow part down already, together with the crashing.

Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested Franco Colapinto was out-paced by Paul Aron during a recent F1 test for Alpine, sparking new doubts over the team’s driver choices.

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1070137/1 ... 5-f1-plans

Which would be pretty hilarious.

[Everso Biggyballies]

Colapinto's saving grace is the size of his (benefactors) wallet(s)

I see that Colapinto is already featuring in Renault 60 second TV Commercials in his local area. It seems he has quite a large Argie fan base. Theme We have the Fever....

Edit: Actually also seen they have a 30 second version of the ad, I believe being used in Europe.