Are some F1 drivers in risk to not all races of this season???

[Mekola]

Jos Verstappen said recently:

'I'll continue to focus my efforts on F1,' he pledged. 'It won't surprise me if some seats become available at some point during the season. They all know I'm on the bench with some nice sponsors. I want the world of F1 to know that I haven't said goodbye.'

Is he right? Are some chances of avaliable seats during this F1 season? If they are, what drivers are in risk to lose -or get out for some races- their F1 seats this season and why? The discussion is open.

[steve_r]

Any particular reason for listing the above drivers? I can understand listing the rookies/rent-drivers, but find it strange that DC and Heidfeld are there.

[BootsOntheSide]

Baumgartner's funding doesn't appear particularly secure, and Jaguar are renowned for a lack of stability and patience with rookies, so I suppose those two are at the biggest risk. Can't see Jos replacing either of them though.

[Knowlesy]

Zsolt Baumgartner seems particularly insecure at Minardi, although I think there has been some progress with his funds today.....

Why's Coulthard on that list? And Nick Heidfeld?!?

[Redlake27]

I'd add Schuey to that list....

If the Ferrari/Bridgestone is uncompetitive he could walk away....(after scoring one brilliant wet win mid season, then handing his seat to Fisi!)

[f1manoz]

Zsolt could find himself on the outer even before the season starts if you believe all the reports running around stating that his sponsors haven't put up the cash yet.

[Jordi]

I think Klien's in the hot seat right now, given the recent history of sacked people at Jaguar. Wilson, Pizzonia, de la Rosa, Irvine, Burti, Herbert... not to mention Rahal and Lauda!

[Snrub]

I agree that Klein is at the greatest risk. It's funny, you'd think teams would learn that simply smacking a driver over the head doesn't make him fast. I guess if Williams hasn't learned it yet, what chance does Jaguar have?

[DriverT]

Originally posted by Redlake27
I'd add Schuey to that list....

If the Ferrari/Bridgestone is uncompetitive he could walk away....(after scoring one brilliant wet win mid season, then handing his seat to Fisi!)

You must be joking

[cos]

Originally posted by Mekola
Is he right? Are some chances of avaliable seats during this F1 season? If they are, what drivers are in risk to lose -or get out for some races- their F1 seats this season and why? The discussion is open.

The new "3 strikes and you're out" rule might mean that some seats become available, albeit temporarily.

[Skam85]

Add Massa and Sato to that list. 02 was a failry mediocre year for both of them and a repeat wont be tolerated, i assure you

[paulzinho]

I think Jaguars revolving door policy will make Klien feel a bit insecure, adding a bit of pressure to him to perform.

[hamsmith]

Why's Coulthard on that list? And Nick Heidfeld?!? [/B][/QUOTE]

sounds reasonable to me. You do not know how things are going to go at williams yet. any more temper tantrums and they might let montoya go early.

[GP Racer]

[i] [/B]

sounds reasonable to me. You do not know how things are going to go at williams yet. any more temper tantrums and they might let montoya go early. [/B][/QUOTE]

They should have let Montoya go already, for showing such blatant disloyalty to Williams, but thats for another thread, I guess.

I'm with all of the guys who said Klein is at risk, because Jaguar has shown so little patience with their rookies. Klein will have to start the season with a bang, or the clock will start ticking on him.

[Armco Bender]

DC won't go anywhere,after all he's the WDC elect for 2004...

Stepping Down,means to go of your own free will or choice,I think most drivers that are ejected from their seat its a case of Don't come in on Monday,heres your final pay.

[deeks6]

In a word - Klien
He'll be yet another Webber victim.

[Mr V]

mmm, if any of the above mentioned drivers do get dropped i don't think that Verstappen will take their place....

Klien, won't get dropped unless Jag want to lose Red Bulls money.

Wurz would stand in if DC got dropped.

After slagging off the Minardi team last year, i can't see Paul Stoddart putting in Verstappen if either of their drivers is dropped.

Unless Verstappen sacks his management, i can't see Jordan hiring Jos if the team drop either of their drivers.

Bye bye Jos.

[hamsmith]

Originally posted by Mr V
mmm, if any of the above mentioned drivers do get dropped i don't think that Verstappen will take their place....

Klien, won't get dropped unless Jag want to lose Red Bulls money.

Wurz would stand in if DC got dropped.

After slagging off the Minardi team last year, i can't see Paul Stoddart putting in Verstappen if either of their drivers is dropped.

Unless Verstappen sacks his management, i can't see Jordan hiring Jos if the team drop either of their drivers.

Bye bye Jos.

Have you seen the minardi. the only sticker on their car is bridgstone. even european has gone off the rear wing. if jos has got the readys then i think Stoddie mihjt just find a car.

[Raglanparade]

if Klien is at the back of the grid and Webber near the front as usual, then he will meet the same fate as wilson, and jungle boy. Klien needs to get points in his first 4 races to keep his seat for the season, or else the pressure is on.
I am of the beleif that IF ms is uncompetitive, he might call it a day at Monza, in front of the tifosi. That would be if he had no mathematical chance of winning the WDC.
Then fisichella would drive for Ferrari, and Sauber would need a driver, but i doubt they would hire Jos, they are one of the only f1 teams smart enough not to hire him.
I reckon if Fisi went to Ferrari mid-season you could see a certain JV in a sauber seat but that all depends on which race of the season schumi calls it a day.

-jason

[Smokey 6 litre]

i doubt Minardi will change their line up, unless a drivers fails to pay up or is offered a better drive. Jordan is a possibility of change and someone such as Firman could come in with extra chash from B+H.