Not a big F1 fan, but this is big news....

[Puros Y Vino]

 

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/68163799

 

[Cigar Surgeon]

[BrightonCorgi]

That is big news, but not unexpected.  Mercedes has languished two seasons in row.  He's always wanted to drive for the Scuderia.

The real big news in F1 is denying Andretti - GM from entering F1.  It is one of the lowest points of Formula 1's recent history. FOM and a few teams lame excuses are really because they're scared the yanks will start winning and US fans will have a new team to root for.

[Cigar Surgeon]

I'm assuming LeClerc stays and then Sainz goes ... somewhere.  Not sure where Sainz is going to land.

[BrightonCorgi]

2 hours ago, Cigar Surgeon said:

I'm assuming LeClerc stays and then Sainz goes ... somewhere.  Not sure where Sainz is going to land.

Yes, that is the plan. Not sure where Sainz goes either. I could see him replacing Stroll if the AM24 is a winning car and Stroll hasn't scored a podium or win.

At this point maybe he'll stay with Ferrari in their LeMans prototype series? They're a lot more serious about it in the last few years. 

[Edicion]

He's already the GOAT in my opinion. Cap it off by joining Ferrari is the pinnacle, if he wins they'll sanctify him

[ha_banos]

I was musing elsewhere that this is like Rossi jumping onto a Ducati. Didn't go well! 

[BrightonCorgi]

5 hours ago, ha_banos said:

I was musing elsewhere that this is like Rossi jumping onto a Ducati. Didn't go well! 

I associate him with Yamaha first. Is Ducati really the MotoGP darling like Ferrari to F1? I'd think Honda works team is the pinnacle.

[ha_banos]

4 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

I associate him with Yamaha first. Is Ducati really the MotoGP darling like Ferrari to F1? I'd think Honda works team is the pinnacle.

There's always a bit of emotion and romance from those Italians 🤌🏼

That v4. And they doing alright now!

[Corylax18]

On 2/1/2024 at 11:07 AM, Cigar Surgeon said:

Haha. It's the only way to explain the timing of the announcement. The other 10 teams just don't want to share their profits with a team that could really be competitive. 

On 2/1/2024 at 11:24 AM, Cigar Surgeon said:

I'm assuming LeClerc stays and then Sainz goes ... somewhere.  Not sure where Sainz is going to land.

LeClerc just signed a new contract with a big pay bump a few days ago, so Sainz is definitely out. Mercedes will have an open seat, I don't know how Lance Stroll has hung on as long as he has, even with his dad owning most of the team. It would be awesome to Sainz and Alonso teamed up. I wouldn't be surprised to see Haas replace either of their drives, but, absent a huge pay check, I don't know why Sainz would go there. If Logan Sargeant has another year like last year, I'd be surprised if he still had a seat.