F1 Fanatic

I don’t think Ferrari initialy went out of their way to undermine Raikkonen especially not in 07 under Todt and Brawn, but in 08 management changed. The new set up wasn’t able to take advantage of Raikkonens dispassionate approach so went with the guy they knew and loved. The 09 cars just wasn’t to his liking in the way it suited Massa, yet Raikkonen stayed with him.

The BGP01 was designed by Honda for Button following their stated aim of getting him a world title, when Brawn developed it further it’s specially one driver honed characterisitics fell out the window and suddenly Barrichello could match him in the car. I don’t think Massa could match Kimi in machinery not specifically tailored to his needs.

EDIT: In response to sw6569 post below, I don’t think Button/the mp4 25 has been as tire friendly as Alonso and the F10 this year. I’ve sort of come round to the idea that Alonso’s probably King at the moment, I reckon Hamilton can match him though.

We need to wait until next year to properly judge Massa’s form. He has a history of overcoming his weaknesses and, prior to his accident at least, was very strong in the head.
I think Felipe will look back on this season and realise that it went wrong because he either wasn’t fast enough or was trying too hard. He was allowed every chance early in the season to fight with Alonso but he couldn’t quite manage it. Only at Turkey and Spa has he really shown his team mate the way, and both times I think it was more down to Alonso being a bit off rather than Felipe dominating him.

Next season they’ll have new tyres, bringing new challenges and a new opportunity for Felipe to re-establish a balance in the team. History shows he has the head to do that, but sadly compared to Alonso I don’t think he has the talent.

I think if Kubica does go to Ferrari he has to somehow do it sooner rather than later before Fernando really establishes himself as the darling of Ferrari. Even for the really top level drivers it’s hard to walk into someone elses domain and take over. Alonso himself found that when he was at McLaren.

As for Fernando’s driving style, I thought it was understeer as well. I remember his Renaults used to understeer massively, but whether that was Alonso making it work for him or his preferred style I don’t know.

Back on-topic and Mikhail Aleshin reckons he can become Russia’s second Formula 1 driver in 2011 after he clinched the WSR title with Carlin – but I think it’s more likely he’ll be a part of Carlin’s starting line-up in GP2.

Ictyes, I would have agree’d with you half way through the season, an even as recently as Monza, but since it came out that the reason Button says he struggled in McLaren in Singapore was he needed more rear end grip, I’ve started to think his development needs are detrimental to the speed of Hamilton. Though more rear end grip would no doubt help Hamilton as well. I’m probably on the wrong track but he wasn’t the best second driver this weekend.

If he’d let Hamilton by he could have pushed Alonso and the Redbulls in the first stint and preassurised the whole race. Poor Hamiltons gearbox obviously ment it wouldn’t actually have mattered but there we go.

Ummm… according to that link, Maldonado has signed to Williams. Don’t see it being a fact, given that the source is from Venezuela, but adds to the speculation… http://www.liderendeportes.com/Noticias/MasDeportes/Maldonado-esta-en-la-F1.aspx

Translated text:

CARACAS .- Although officially there is nothing, it is almost a fact that Venezuela has the second driver in Formula 1. In the afternoon yesterday, we learned that Pastor Maldonado Maracay midfielder signed a contract with Williams to be a substitute for Nico Hulkenberg.

Unofficial sources confirmed that Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) approved Maldonado dollars to be initialed with the English for a year and depending on their performance could get a second year, provisions similar to those that Renault offered the Russian Vitaly Petrov .

“I have information that he passed Maldonado dollars and that his trip to Europe to finish the contract terms specify that in principle would be for one year depending on the performance and extend it to two. However, they can not confirm anything until it is the team that does, “said an unofficial source.

Andrés Argullós, ESPN reporter said on Twitter, that Maldonado had signed and that the official announcement will be made between two or three weeks.

“Nothing”
The steering wheel, 25, went off to Europe last night and his departure raised more suspicions. However, the environment said he traveled to meet with your team in GP2.

“Pastor is going ahead because the mitting with Rapax. At this time it is common to all these rumors, look what happened with Sauber. There are talks but nothing concrete, “said Arturo Mora, head of press tricolor.

I’m putting my faith in Wolf to sort Williams’ finanical side. If they accept a pay driver with little promise who will have to start from scratch then they really are one of ‘those’ teams now for me. If they keep Hulk for his promise then that shows am long term plan and them still having hope and fighting on. Hulkenberg and Rubens could build them up again.

that’s dissapointing… I think Hulkenberg more than deserves another season at Williams… It’s something only Williams benefits from, with a rookie on his 2nd season, rather than starting all over again with Pastor.

If Williams need the money, they’re not going to have much choice. It’s the same deal with Renault – sure, it’s nice to have two top-flight drivers, but two top-flight drivers aren’t going to be much use if you don’t have enough money to stay afloat.

I thought it was time to give this thread a bump now that the season’s over. It’s about time we start hearing something concrete from Williams, Renault, and Force India… and the other teams as well.