Hamilton tests positive for Covid-19

[Born Racer]

Originally Posted by Anyopenroad

I'm willing to bet a small amount of money that whoever comes in finishes ahead of Bottas


(Edit: I'm not sure that emoji means quite what I intended...)

It was used a lot during the Max Mosely regime, but now it can just mean they will "whip Bottas's arse".

[AnnoyedMoose]

Originally Posted by Born Racer

Hulkenberg arguably demonstrated at Silverstone that you don't need too much preparation to basically be mildly competitive if you're a talented F1 driver who has fairly recent experience - I imagine it takes a while to be fully up-to-speed on all the controls on the steering wheel, but it is arguably a better move than taking on a familiar reserve driver who just isn't as quick ultimately.

And that's why Mercedes should either go for Hulkenberg for instance, or, given that both titles are decided, use the opportunity to weigh up Russell.

The complexities of the systems on the cars is why they need to go with someone who has actually driven the car even if it's only in simulator format. Hulk had driven for RP recently so it was all familiar, highly unlikely that the Mercedes wheel and procedures are the same.

[VIVA GT]

I'm another one who would like to see Russell in the car. He does seem to be extremely well thought of but apart from his qualifying performances against his not so highly thought of team mate, there's not really been a anything to show this this year. My main worry about him replacing Lewis is that the unique nature of the circuit this coming weekend may not be a level enough playing field to judge his ability if he did race the Mercedes.

[Knowlesy]

Originally Posted by gert

One difference is that he was at Berlin doing Formula E at that time (for Mercedes)

I'm not into that kind of things.
I would have said the same if the reserve driver was De Vries or still Pascal Wehrlein.

I am just pulling your leg.

I would be more than happy to see Vandoorne in the seat.

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Yeah, Bottas will be under the most pressure. But he should easily have any teammate covered.

He'll be the focus of the team all weekend without having to worry about all that free practice form he regularly throws away in qualifying.

[gert]

According to sporza (Belgian sports website) Vandoorne says he will find out tomorrow if he will get the drive or not.
Since he was always scheduled to go to Bahrain nothing really changes and he will be preparing his journey to Bahrain like every other GP he has attended (as reserve driver): ready to go if asked.

He will know tomorrow, maybe we will as well?

[Richard C]

Originally Posted by Born Racer

And that's why Mercedes should either go for Hulkenberg for instance, or, given that both titles are decided, use the opportunity to weigh up Russell.

yes, given both titles are done, why not Russell?

Originally Posted by VIVA GT

My main worry about him replacing Lewis is that the unique nature of the circuit this coming weekend may not be a level enough playing field to judge his ability if he did race the Mercedes.

Good point.

Put Russell in the Mercedes and Hulkenberg in the Williams. Both will be a measure of Russell and may not hurt Williams potential to gain a point. Lets see what Hulkenberg can do in the Williams and how does Russell measures up against Bottas. Even if the circuit is not particularly difficult something can be learned.

Richard

[Knowlesy]

Seems to be edging towards Russell.

[S griffin]

Last I checked it seemed Vandoorne was the preferable choice. All will be revealed tomorrow hopefully. Would be nice to see Stoffel back in F1 and in a competitive car this time. Mind you it would also be good to see what Russell could do in that Merc. And I would really love to see Hulkenberg get another run, finally rewarded for all he’s done in F1

Btw no chance of Guiterrez taking the seat despite being in Merc’s books, as he has no current superlicence

[GTRMagic]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Seems to be edging towards Russell.

Will it be for both races... more than likely...

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by GTRMagic

Will it be for both races... more than likely...

If that’s the case and Hamilton is unable to sort out a new contract, we might have just seen his last race in F1. Although that is unlikely I thought

[Aysedasi]

Erm yes, just slightly unlikely.......

[Tourer]

I've lost track of how long the F1 quarantine / isolation period runs - LH was confirmed on Monday so does that mean that he'll actually have to miss 2 races?

If (& I emphasise IF) that is the case, there's an opportunity for a replacement driver to get their head around the car & team this weekend, then really show what they can do the following weekend against LH's regular performance as a benchmark.

Would be cool to see GR get a go but as others have said, the contractual discussions would be substantial.

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

Erm yes, just slightly unlikely.......

Never discount the unexpected!

[bathurst77]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Evil laughter

yes but wont he and Keke play pick a hand and draw straws to see who gets the keys?

[Moneyseeker]

George gets the drive..

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/15...-for-sakhir-gp

Jack Aitkin in at Williams.

[john ruston]

Good decision!

[Peter Mallett]

Wow, makes perfect sense and gives us all something to look forward to now the championships are sealed. Good luck to both drivers.

[GTRMagic]

Booo... no Webber to Tyrrell-Renault

Be interesting if the form Mr Russell showed in previous testing of the big Benz continues into this weekend...

[billy bleach]

Got to be Russel. He knows the team , tyres etc. Presumably they have a seat for him - not a 10 minute job to make - stick Hulkenberg in the Williams maybe get some points.

[Greem]

Excellent news about Russell. Also excellent news for Aitken.

Good decisions all round there, I feel.

[Knowlesy]

A 2022 job interview.

[Moneyseeker]

Originally Posted by billy bleach

Got to be Russel. He knows the team , tyres etc. Presumably they have a seat for him - not a 10 minute job to make - stick Hulkenberg in the Williams maybe get some points.

Yep, both he and Soffel have a seat made already.

[Knowlesy]

So what constitutes a good weekend for Russell?

I am thinking a solid third is the target. He ideally needs to be beating the second Red Bull imo.

In his favour, it's a new track for everyone and should suit the Merc. He knows the team well. He should have a handle on the basic character of the car, if not its full potential. He is an outstanding qualifier as we know.

He just needs to avoid the silly errors and I think third place is there for the taking, even if someone like Perez makes it a fight. But maybe he can aim for more unrealistic targets?

Then Red Bull swoop in with a contract and destroy his career next season.

[S griffin]

So Russell it is. Really excited to see how he gets on, this is a big opportunity for him. Hopefully it won't take long to get to know the car and he can show his stuff. Mind you, he'll probably be satisfied if he can get that first points finish!