F1 2010 Drivers Thread

[Arizona]

So many rumours, so few confirmed signings. Lets have a gossip. Confirmed drivers in red.

McLaren
1. Jenson Button
2. Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes
3. Michael Schumacher
4. Nico Rosberg

Red Bull
5. Sebastian Vettel
6. Mark Webber

Ferrari
7. Felipe Massa
8. Fernando Alonso

Williams
9. Rubens Barrichello
10. Nicolas Hulkenburg

Renault
11. Robert Kubica
12. Vitaliy Petrov

Force India
14. Adrian Sutil
15. Vitantonio Liuzzi

Torro Rosso
16. Sebastian Buemi
17. Jaime Alguersuari

Lotus
18. Jarno Trulli
19. Heikki Kovalainen

Hispania Racing
20. Karun Chandhok
21. Bruno Senna

Virgin Racing
22. Timo Glock
23. Lucas Di Grassi

Sauber
24. Pedro De La Rosa
25. Kamui Kobayashi

Stefan GP
Might be there. Might not. Apparently have Nakajima lined up. And Villeneurve. Maybe...

[Ponty]

The grid looks a bit empty there. Also, I appear to have lost an employer. That's a worry.

[Arizona]

It's a work in progress. If I could spend 15 mins doing the whole ferkin thing, then lose the lot due to a 'network error'.

[Ponty]

Ah right...

Well we've got Alonso and Massa confirmed at Ferrari, Barrichello and Hulkenburg confirmed at Willies, Kubica confirmed at Renault with Glock a strong rumour, Toro Rosso unchanged and Force India rumoured to stay the same too, if that helps.

[Ponty]

Then Senna supposed to be at Campos with Piquet rumoured too. Trulli rumoured at Lotus with Sato also rumoured there... Now I'm losing count... Kobayashi most likely at Toyota... Ermmmm

[Arizona]

I've heard most of them. Not Sato though, I'll add that one.

[Ponty]

You seem to have ignored the fact that Toro Rosso confirmed an unchanged line-up for 2010.

[Ponty]

Also, and I'm guilty of this too, you've forgotten USF1, mate.

[Arizona]

Ah. Who could foget...

[Arizona]

Mercedes don't seem all that keen on Button and he now looks like a shoe in for the other McLaren seat. Shame. I'd have liked to have seen him at Mercedes with Kimi in the Macca.

[Scummer]

Mercedes don't seem all that keen on Button and he now looks like a shoe in for the other McLaren seat. Shame. I'd have liked to have seen him at Mercedes with Kimi in the Macca.

Merc want an all German team, and as a result we'll get an all English team at McLaren. With the two Brazilians at Campos, is F1 turning into that A1 GP competition?

[Saint in Paradise]

Timo Glock to Manor then

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8363770.stm

[Ponty]

Kimi taking a year out, apparently....

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80187

[Scummer]

Button has signed for McLaren, will be formally announced this afternoon:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8363892.stm

[Scummer]

Kimi taking a year out, apparently....

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80187

According to the BBC, he's being paid €20m not to drive for Ferrari this year. Nice work if you can get it.

[Ponty]

Button has signed for McLaren, will be formally announced this afternoon:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8363892.stm

Now confirmed. It's going to be amazing watching the Jenson fans of 2006 who became Lewis fans in 07/08, and went back to being die-hard Jenson fans in 2009, decide where their loyalties will lie at the start of 2010.

You know who you are....

[Hatch]

Who gets number 1 car, is it the team or the driver?

[Ponty]

Button gets #1, Lewis #2, Mercedes GP will be #3 and #4.

[Arizona]

Disappointed really. Would have liked the two Brits in different cars for a bit of variety. Liked the Brawn team, but can't see myself liking Mercedes. They're shaping up to be just a bit too German. Hate to see Kimi not on the grid next year too. :(

As long as McLaren or Red Bull beat the Ferraris I'll be okay.

[Arizona]

Here's some hard core rumourage for your:

Vettel to Mercedes in '11, Kimi to Red Bull. As an RBR fan I would love it. :D

[Ponty]

Rumours are starting to raise their head that Kimi has signed for Mercedes this evening. I can't substantiate that, it's just on the grapevine.

[Arizona]

That doesn't add up.

Mercedes can't match Button's wage demands do he goes to McLaren, who couldn't match Kimi's wage demands...

I think he's lost his passion for the sport TBH and will go do some rallying.

[gaz]

Button leaving MercRawn wasn't totally down to Button being too rich, I think Merc want their own guys in there (Rosberg and Heidfeld).

Kimi stands to earn more money in 2010 by not being in F1. IIRC, he gets one paydeal from Ferrari for the last year of his contract if he doesn't find F1 employment, and a substantially smaller deal if hes driving with another F1 team.

[Son of Bob]

I'm looking forward to seeing Button and Hamilton together in the same car (not literally). I've always loved watching Button drive as he's so smooth and precise but I also love the some-what 'balls out' approach of Lewis too. Will be great to see who comes out top in their personal battle with 2 relatively conflicting driving styles. I wouldn't be surprised to see the top 4 places in the Drivers Championship shared by McLaren and Ferrari in 2010.

[Pancake]

I'm looking forward to seeing Button and Hamilton together in the same car (not literally). I've always loved watching Button drive as he's so smooth and precise but I also love the some-what 'balls out' approach of Lewis too. Will be great to see who comes out top in their personal battle with 2 relatively conflicting driving styles. I wouldn't be surprised to see the top 4 places in the Drivers Championship shared by McLaren and Ferrari in 2011.

Completely agree SoB, really looking forward to reports back from pre-season testing to see how Macca have come on and to see how Button will settle in the new car.

Although I dont agree that the top 4 will be Macca and Ferrari as I still think RBR will be up there with Vettel (or at least I hope)

[Son of Bob]

Now confirmed. It's going to be amazing watching the Jenson fans of 2006 who became Lewis fans in 07/08, and went back to being die-hard Jenson fans in 2009, decide where their loyalties will lie at the start of 2010.

You know who you are....

I don't think anyone neccessarily swapped allegiances. I think it's just a case that British people like to see British winners. When it was painfully obvious Lewis couldn't win the WDC then they got behind Jenson, who obviously could win it.

I personally like them both and if it came down to the last lap, of the last race for the 2010 WDC I'd be stuck! I think Button might just scrape it for me though.

[Son of Bob]

Completely agree SoB, really looking forward to reports back from pre-season testing to see how Macca have come on and to see how Button will settle in the new car.

Although I dont agree that the top 4 will be Macca and Ferrari as I still think RBR will be up there with Vettel (or at least I hope)

I'm not sure the likes of RBR and Brawn/Mercedes will be top 2 material next season. I think this year was a bit of a one off and I expect to see them slip to 3 and 4. I don't think the gap will be as big as it has been between the top and the midfield though which can only be a good thing.

Saying that I'm really looking forward to seeing how Alonso copes with the Ferrari. It would appear to be match made in heaven but by all accounts it is very much a Marmite car to drive. (Cue possible season long sulks and an unprecidented 2nd return to Renault!)

[TopGun]

If all the current F1 drivers had exactly the same cars who would you rank as the top 5 drivers?

My subjective list is:

1. Vettel
2. Alonso
3. Raikonen
4. Hamilton
5. Massa

I find it quite tricky as I am at a loss to know how drivers like Kubica might perform if they had had a better car.

[Pancake]

I find it quite tricky as I am at a loss to know how drivers like Kubica might perform if they had had a better car.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_f1_season#Drivers

HTH.

[Son of Bob]

If all the current F1 drivers had exactly the same cars who would you rank as the top 5 drivers?

My subjective list is:

1. Vettel
2. Alonso
3. Raikonen
4. Hamilton
5. Massa

I find it quite tricky as I am at a loss to know how drivers like Kubica might perform if they had had a better car.

I think this is a virtually impossible question to answer. There are a number of quality drivers and trying to put them in order in a top 5 is uber-difficult. For the record though, I think the best 3 drivers out there at the moment are Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel though that's in no particular order.

[Arizona]

I'm not so sure about it going back to Mc vs F next season. I don't think Mercedes will be race winners straight away, but I think Red Bull will be there or there abouts. They won the last three races of the Championship, have a sound budget and have Newey, Vettel and Webber (who is underrated IMO). Plus Ferrari have an absolute dog of a car and never really fixed it this season. It would suggest to me that they haven't entirely got their head around the new regulations, although they will no doubt be stronger next season.

[Pancake]

Plus Ferrari have an absolute dog of a car and never really fixed it this season. It would suggest to me that they haven't entirely got their head around the new regulations, although they will no doubt be stronger next season.

But didnt Ferrari stop development on the '09 car half way through the season sue to them being rubbish and push ahead with the '10 car development?

[Arizona]

As for the best drivers... really impossible to say, but if you were to compare drivers points from last season to their team mates...

Rosberg (34.5) infinity times Nakajima (0)
Alonso (26) infinity times Piquet and Grosjean (0)
Sutil (5) infinity times Liuzi (0)
Buemi (6) 3 times Bourdais (2) and Alguersuari (0)
Hamilton (49) 2.23 times Kovalainen (22)
Raikkonen (48 ) 2.18 times Massa (22) Badoer (0) and Fisichella (0)
Fisichella (8 ) 1.6 times Sutil (5)
Button (95) 1.23 times Barrichello (77)
Vettel (84) 1.21 times Webber (69.5)
Trulli (32.5) 1.21 times Glock (24) and Kobayashi (3)
Heidfeld (19) 1.18 times Kubica (17)

[Ponty]

But didnt Ferrari stop development on the '09 car half way through the season sue to them being rubbish and push ahead with the '10 car development?
That means nothing though, mate. BMW did that last year and produced a bit of a dog and we shouldn't even talk about the 2008 Honda which began development week 1 2007.

[Um Bongo]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/brawngp/6607169/Michael-Schumacher-in-line-for-sensational-Formula-One-return-at-Mercedes.html

Hmm. I though Schumacher had a neck injury which would prevent him from driving in F1 again.

[Pancake]

Sutil and Liuzzi will be confirmed for Force India today.

[Arizona]

Peter Sauber buys out BMW's share in the team. They will have to downsize and job losses are involved. Not sure who will do they engines yet.

Virgin look set to buy out Manor. Let's hope they change the name.

[bungle]

As for the best drivers... really impossible to say, but if you were to compare drivers points from last season to their team mates...

Rosberg (34.5) infinity times Nakajima (0)
Alonso (26) infinity times Piquet and Grosjean (0)
Sutil (5) infinity times Liuzi (0)
Buemi (6) 3 times Bourdais (2) and Alguersuari (0)
Hamilton (49) 2.23 times Kovalainen (22)
Raikkonen (48 ) 2.18 times Massa (22) Badoer (0) and Fisichella (0)
Fisichella (8 ) 1.6 times Sutil (5)
Button (95) 1.23 times Barrichello (77)
Vettel (84) 1.21 times Webber (69.5)
Trulli (32.5) 1.21 times Glock (24) and Kobayashi (3)
Heidfeld (19) 1.18 times Kubica (17)

Bit odd that you count all the appearances except Fisichella in a Force India.

[Arizona]

As for the best drivers... really impossible to say, but if you were to compare drivers points from last season to their team mates...

Rosberg (34.5) infinity times Nakajima (0)
Alonso (26) infinity times Piquet and Grosjean (0)
Sutil (5) infinity times Liuzi (0)
Buemi (6) 3 times Bourdais (2) and Alguersuari (0)
Hamilton (49) 2.23 times Kovalainen (22)
Raikkonen (48 ) 2.18 times Massa (22) Badoer (0) and Fisichella (0)
Fisichella (8 ) 1.6 times Sutil (5)
Button (95) 1.23 times Barrichello (77)
Vettel (84) 1.21 times Webber (69.5)
Trulli (32.5) 1.21 times Glock (24) and Kobayashi (3)
Heidfeld (19) 1.18 times Kubica (17)


Bit odd that you count all the appearances except Fisichella in a Force India.

http://blogs.nitobi.com/alexei/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/shipment_of_fail.jpg

[smithy]

Now confirmed. It's going to be amazing watching the Jenson fans of 2006 who became Lewis fans in 07/08, and went back to being die-hard Jenson fans in 2009, decide where their loyalties will lie at the start of 2010.

You know who you are....

Always been Button, Hamilton is a great driver but I don't really like him as a bloke.

[Arizona]

I supported DC since 1997. Boy do I know how to back the wrong horse...

I like Button more than Hamilton, but I still support them both representing the UK.

[JackFrost]

Now confirmed. It's going to be amazing watching the Jenson fans of 2006 who became Lewis fans in 07/08, and went back to being die-hard Jenson fans in 2009, decide where their loyalties will lie at the start of 2010.

You know who you are....

Quite,

Personally I can only see the Button-Hamilton partnership lasting about as long as the Alonso-Hamilton partnership

[Arizona]

I'd be more concerned about the Alonso - Massa partnership ending in tears TBH.

[Arizona]

Raikkonen joins the Citroen World Rally Team.

[JackFrost]

Wasn't Kobayashi linked with the Renault team recently?

I really hope he gets a drive

[Arizona]

Di Grassi signs for Virgin.

[Arizona]

Trulli and Heikki join Lotus.

[Ponty]

Trulli and Heikki join Lotus.

I didn't think they were announcing until tomorrow. Trulli was a shoe-in but Heikki's a bit from left field. Have you seen this officially?

[Arizona]

Was announced in the Malaysian press and they are about 8 hours ahead of us. Can't find the link now, but it's now in Reuters.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKSGE5BD05P20091214

[Ponty]

Yep, official now. Good, strong line up for a new team. Fair play to them.

[Arizona]

Heikki is no world beater, but he is a decent enough driver for a team like Lotus. I imagine the experience him and Jarno bring to the side could prove invaluable.

USF1 on the other hand... Nothing but a bunch of far fetched, 6 month old rumours about Villeneurve, Patrick and Montoya.

[Ponty]

What about Renault? I guess it depends on the outcome of this buyout, as there are press rumours of a drive for Ho Pin Tung if the expected new owners are indeed the new owners. There are also a couple of "quotes" around the 'net suggesting we've narrowed it down to Heidfeld and Kobayashi but I don't know if any of those names are truly linked at all. Everything seems to be in limbo.

[Arizona]

I'd heard the kk rumour, not nh though. Tbh I think Nick will end up at Sauber or merc. Just based on a hunch and history though. Hope KK gets a drive. Ponty F1 or Sauber would be great. Imagine he would bring some kind of sponsorship if Panasonic are looking for a new team.

Btw, if NH and Schumi get onto the grid that's 7 German drivers.

[Arizona]

Kobayashi has apparently signed for Sauber, according to Finnish press.

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5774953,00.html

Edit: Now been made official!

[Arizona]

Schumacher now confirmed at Merc. Could be interesting.

[JackFrost]

Pedro de la Rosa confirmed for Sauber

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8467514.stm

[O_RLY]

De La Rosa at Sauber.

[Arizona]

Underwhelmed, he is carp. Fisi was surely the better option.

[Ponty]

Where does that leave Heidfeld then?

Campos, USF1 or Renault... He might have to drop his salary expectations somewhat, to avoid a season as a 3rd driver or worse...

[Arizona]

Where does that leave Heidfeld then?

Campos, USF1 or Renault... He might have to drop his salary expectations somewhat, to avoid a season as a 3rd driver or worse...

I'd expect him to end up at Renault, but I wont lose all that much sleep if he isn't on the grid next season. Not as good as Kubica IMO.

[Ponty]

Not as good as Kubica IMO.
But arguably better than 9 or 10 who have got seats for next year...

[Arizona]

But arguably better than 9 or 10 who have got seats for next year...

So was Kimi. I guess it's about what these guys are willing to take in terms of wages and a competitive car. I struggle to believe NH hasn't had offers, it appears he has just done a Kimi and put himself above the market.

Putting them in order just because I'm bored:

Hamilton
Alonso
Button
Vettel
Massa
Schumi (right now, not back in the day)
Kubica
Barrichello
Rosberg
Webber
Trulli
Glock
Kovalainen
Fisichella
Sutil
Kobayashi
Liuzzi
Buemi
Hulkenberg
Senna
Di Grassi
Alger.. Algua... Algae... The other Torro Rosso guy
De La Rosa.

I put the last two behind the rookies because they are definitely crap, whereas any of the new guys could be pretty good. Kimi would have been between Vettel and Massa, Heidfeld between Trulli and Glock.

[O_RLY]

So was Kimi. I guess it's about what these guys are willing to take in terms of wages and a competitive car. I struggle to believe NH hasn't had offers, it appears he has just done a Kimi and put himself above the market.

Putting them in order just because I'm bored:

Hamilton
Alonso
Button
Vettel
Massa
Schumi (right now, not back in the day)
Kubica
Barrichello
Rosberg
Webber
Trulli
Glock
Kovalainen
Fisichella
Sutil
Kobayashi
Liuzzi
Buemi
Hulkenberg
Senna
Di Grassi
Alger.. Algua... Algae... The other Torro Rosso guy
De La Rosa.

I put the last two behind the rookies because they are definitely crap, whereas any of the new guys could be pretty good. Kimi would have been between Vettel and Massa, Heidfeld between Trulli and Glock.

I'd make a few changes:


Hamilton / Alonso
Schumi (right now, not back in the day)
Massa
Vettel
Button
Webber
Kobayashi
Kubica
Barrichello
Rosberg
Trulli
Glock
Kovalainen
Fisichella
Sutil
Liuzzi
Buemi
Hulkenberg
Senna
Di Grassi
Alger.. Algua... Algae... The other Torro Rosso guy
De La Rosa.

[Arizona]

Jose Maria Lopez signs for USF1 according to wiki.

[Ponty]

Jose Maria Lopez signs for USF1 according to wiki.

I think they announced that last Friday. Keep up, Ari'.

[JackFrost]

Vitaly Petrov signs for Renault

first Russian driver ever in F1.

didn't see that coming

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8490213.stm

[Arizona]

Good luck to him, can't be much worse than Grosjean.

[BadgerBadger]

Anyone else fed up with hearing about Schumacher already - I am and I bet Rosberg is

[Pancake]

Possible switch from US to Campos for Lopez?

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81667

[Ponty]

Out of the frying pan?

[JackFrost]

Jordan reckons Stefan GP will replace US F1.

He was right about Schumacher making a comeback. .

[Arizona]

Have you seen Stefan GP's driver line up? Apparently they've got Kamakazi Nakajima and are chasing Villeneurve. :-|