Senna/Bottas?

[Hawkwood]

Just read a piece here:
http://motorsport.nextgen-auto.com/B...tas,41877.html
It says Senna isn't looking good for 2013 at Williams, with Bottas likely to replace him.
From the way it's explained it seems perfectly plausible, maybe Senna was just a year stopgap while Bottas matures a little more.
What does anyone else think?
Is the website decent, or are they rubbish?
We certainly know that Sir Frank loves the young Finn, could he have his mind made up already?

[Marbot]

If Maldonado proves to be the 'real deal' and Senna doesn't, then who knows what might happen. Senna's abilities will stand or fall on their own merit, regardless of the surname he has.

[p-matt]

I would have thought a Bottas to replace Senna story would have been very obvious, even at the start of the year.

As much as Bruno is a genuinely great guy, I just don't think he has it in him to do what Pastor did on Sunday. I think Bottas absolutely could given the car. Maybe he'll get a chance to later this year.

[mountainstar]

I think this is Senna's big chance and if he doesn't get it this time, that will be it.

Personally I'm not into all this name recognition or nepotism, either they can cut it on their own or they can't. And he really has not shown the signs of being a great. No doubt he can drive an F1, but beyond that, not so sure.

He's a guy that without his family money and connections, plus the name, we would have never heard of him.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by Ostrogothicus

Just read a piece here:
http://motorsport.nextgen-auto.com/B...tas,41877.html
It says Senna isn't looking good for 2013 at Williams, with Bottas likely to replace him.
From the way it's explained it seems perfectly plausible, maybe Senna was just a year stopgap while Bottas matures a little more.
What does anyone else think?
Is the website decent, or are they rubbish?
We certainly know that Sir Frank loves the young Finn, could he have his mind made up already?

Mika Salo started all this rumour. He said that Senna isn't F1 material and Bottas should replace him. He said that he spoke with Sir FW about it. It's all fine, just one big problem:money from sponsors.

Now,

really ??????????

[ECW Dan Selby]

To me, it depends on whether Maldonado can prove he isn't just a one hit wonder.

If, IF, Maldonado goes on to score another victory (or two), there's no reason why Williams couldn't net a few handy sponsors who would like to appear on a race-winning car.

IF this does happen, there's a much better chance of seeing someone like Bottas fill in the 2nd seat.

Selby

[TWRv12]

Wonder what the performance triggers are in Senna's contract?

[steve_r]

I read that rumour. I would prefer to get a little bit more of the season under our belt before we wright off anyone (apart from Massa!).

[Bononi]

It's a good rumour, as good as any other !

[ECW Dan Selby]

I suppose it is.

What I find strange is that Senna hasn't had an awful season, has he?

Selby

[Bononi]

That's Mika Salo playing his part on the rumour to favour his country mates.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by ECW Dan Selby

To me, it depends on whether Maldonado can prove he isn't just a one hit wonder.

If, IF, Maldonado goes on to score another victory (or two), there's no reason why Williams couldn't net a few handy sponsors who would like to appear on a race-winning car.

IF this does happen, there's a much better chance of seeing someone like Bottas fill in the 2nd seat.

Selby

One hit wonder ? If Maldonado goes on to score another victory or two this season, he'll be so red hot that Williams will have little chance of keeping him ! He'll be a prime candidate for Ferrari, Mercedes or Red Bull... maybe even McLaren !

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by davyboy

One hit wonder ? If Maldonado goes on to score another victory or two this season, he'll be so red hot that Williams will have little chance of keeping him ! He'll be a prime candidate for Ferrari, Mercedes or Red Bull... maybe even McLaren !

Wow ! From where are you taking this enthusiasm ? I mean, no doubt it was a flawless performance, but this season is different in many ways, so I can't see just one guy dominating from now on.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Bononi

Wow ! From where are you taking this enthusiasm ? I mean, no doubt it was a flawless performance, but this season is different in many ways, so I can't see just one guy dominating from now on.

I agree. I was responding to the point if he won more GPs this year. In other words, in a year when most are finding the challenge of F1 more difficult than ever to master, a three time GP winner so early in his career would certainly be something special... don't you think ?

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by davyboy

I agree. I was responding to the point if he won more GPs this year. In other words, in a year when most are finding the challenge of F1 more difficult than ever to master, a three time GP winner so early in his career would certainly be something special... don't you think ?

Absolutely.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by Marbot

If Maldonado proves to be the 'real deal' and Senna doesn't, then who knows what might happen. Senna's abilities will stand or fall on their own merit, regardless of the surname he has.

To be fair to Senna, up until sunday he was leading Maldonado 14 points to 4 and had it not been for Michael, maybe he would have got a point or too?

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by Mr V

To be fair to Senna, up until sunday he was leading Maldonado 14 points to 4 and had it not been for Michael, maybe he would have got a point or too?

Exactly.

[OZ_HCR32]

True about the points. But still the big picture is Pastor has had the edge it seems. I know "If" doesnt put points on the board, but last lap argument with barrier in Aus. Engine retirement in Malaysia. In Bahrian had a gearbox penalty. So has had his own share of bad luck, some of it his own doing.

Will be interesting to watch through the year but I tend to think momentum has Pastor well ahead of Senna to date. Kind of to be expected given Senna is new to the team

[W.A Trichlorostyrene]

Monaco will be interresting, as it's a track on which both Pastor and Bruno have been successful in the past.

[Greem]

It's also one on which Pastor has a... chequered history, if you'll excuse the pun. Us marshals have a long collective memory.

[Mr V]

Just out of interest does Senna bring anything to the team financially? The general thought is that Maldonado is a "pay driver" through his sponsership and that Senna is an "employed/paid" driver.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by Mr V

Just out of interest does Senna bring anything to the team financially? The general thought is that Maldonado is a "pay driver" through his sponsership and that Senna is an "employed/paid" driver.

AFAIK Senna brings 4 sponsorships to Williams.

They are :

Embratel

Gillette

MRV Engenharia

OGX

[nobster]

Senna will have his share of the glory at Williams this year but he has to step up his qualifying permormance to have a good chance at it.

[W.A Trichlorostyrene]

Originally Posted by Greem

It's also one on which Pastor has a... chequered history, if you'll excuse the pun. Us marshals have a long collective memory.

This is right

Hoping that this poor marshall has fully recovered since then.

[Icebaby]

Give Senna the full year before judging him, there is talent there although Spain was an unfortunate blip in what has been a good season so far.
Regardless of the performances Williams may find themselves at the end of 2012 bringing more sponsers to the team thanks to track results. This may allow them to chase a star name which would replace Senna or Maldonado.