2024 Season - News and Rumours

[Mike Harte]

The BBC are reporting that both Hamilton and Russel have just signed 2 year extensions to their contracts with Mercedes meaning that they are to remain with the team until the end of the 2025 season.

[chunterer]

Confirmed until the end of '25.

This gives both drivers and the team plenty of time to assess their respective positions should the car not take them back to the front more regularly next season!

[S griffin]

Well they've signed contracts, but we've seen in the past they don't necessarily guarantee anything. However I am sure Merc will be back fighting for wins sooner rather than later

[E.B]

Originally Posted by S griffin

I am sure Merc will be back fighting for wins sooner rather than later

Merc have had their turn..... I would much prefer to see McLaren, Williams, Aston or anyone other than Red Bull or Merc having a spell at the top.

[S griffin]

Why shouldn’t Merc be allowed to fight for wins? They’ve done a better job over time than the others. It’s not about having turns

[E.B]

Originally Posted by S griffin

Why shouldn’t Merc be allowed to fight for wins? They’ve done a better job over time than the others. It’s not about having turns

Im not saying Merc shouldnt be allowed to fight for wins, I would just rather see another team win.

Just my opinion. Im not expecting (or caring whether) others share that opinion or not.

[bathurst77]

I think this years silly season will be mainly about who will drive the second red bull and if and where Danny R will appear in 2024 (those two question may or may not be linked)
yes Checo officially has the seat today and Christian backs him, but Helmut is less locked in.

Meanwhile the are mutters in the locker room about what colour car the number 4 will appear on next year (probably no more than mischievous speculation)

and Mr Lawsons unexpected efforts have proven that kiwis can fly!

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by bathurst77

I think this years silly season will be mainly about who will drive the second red bull and if and where Danny R will appear in 2024 (those two question may or may not be linked)
yes Checo officially has the seat today and Christian backs him, but Helmut is less locked in.

I don't see any change there. Danny Ric hasn't proved anything yet on his 'comeback' and he's not been helped by his Zandvoort injury. Why would RBR change the current situation - easy 1-2 with a number 2 who will pretty much do what he's told - for a driver who's future potential is now largely unknown?

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by peebee2

The story bubbling around is whether Norris wants out of McLaren. I thought it was far-fetched but the story doesn’t seem to want to go away.

as in he will be looking to exit Mclaren early or that he is already looking at options post his current contract expiring in 2025?

the latter seems normal as he is no doubt already in the window to start thinking about what is next and probably by mid 2024 he will have an idea of where Mclaren could be for 2025 and/or his confidence level in where they will be for the new rule set in 2026.

[peebee2]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

as in he will be looking to exit Mclaren early or that he is already looking at options post his current contract expiring in 2025?

the latter seems normal as he is no doubt already in the window to start thinking about what is next and probably by mid 2024 he will have an idea of where Mclaren could be for 2025 and/or his confidence level in where they will be for the new rule set in 2026.

More maybe possibly leaving early.

Massive money was spent on a lot of testing before he entered F1, part of the reason he's so closely enmeshed there, but perhaps we can still see him looking for a better drive while he is reasonably well-rated. If Piastri beat him next year, it might be terminal bad news for him. I know who manages him on a day-to-day basis, but I seem to recall that Zak owns a share of him, although that might be incorrect.

[peebee2]

The story bubbling around is whether Norris wants out of McLaren. I thought it was far-fetched but the story doesn’t seem to want to go away.

Then there’s Sargent and whether the US financial gamble with him is paying off, and thus whether to persevere with him.

Also if he left Alfa, where would Zhou and budget end up.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by peebee2

The story bubbling around is whether Norris wants out of McLaren.

Bubbling around where?

[Born Racer]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Bubbling around where?

The paddock, I would guess.

I don't see much to the Vettel thing. I think it was just an interview after driving the Red Bull at the Nurburgring in which he was pressed on whether he would ever come back and it was a 'never say never' sort of answer. Enough to fuel a hundred speculative articles on clickbait websites, though.

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by Born Racer

The paddock, I would guess.

I don't see much to the Vettel thing. I think it was just an interview after driving the Red Bull at the Nurburgring in which he was pressed on whether he would ever come back and it was a 'never say never' sort of answer. Enough to fuel a hundred speculative articles on clickbait websites, though.

Yes that's the trouble nowadays. The 2 second concentration span brigade jump all over any headline borm out of a soundbite.

If Stroll decides he is as serious about his team winning, he would sign an up coming hot shot who can be the future, not another veteran.

On the other hand, if it has really only been a thing just to advance Lance's chances, now that it is crystal clear he ain't ever goimg to win a race, let alone a title, he might as well just sell it!

[steve_r]

McLaren seem to be generally moving their way towards the front of the grid.

Red Bull are of course head and shoulders the best team. But the 2nd seat there is a tough gig alongside their undisputed #1 driver, whom the team will back.

I would not trust Horner or Marko, personally.

Norris' stock is high, and quite rightly so. But Piastri is beginning to get the hang of this F1 thing, and when he does maybe that will take the shine of Norris sky high reputation.

Stick or twist? It's a dilemma.

[BertMk2]

Alfa Romeo confirm Bottas and Zhou for 2024. Pouchaire remains as the reserve driver.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/66808764

[Formulahistory]

boring decision.

[broadrun96]

Originally Posted by Formulahistory

boring decision.

As opposed to adding who??

[chillibowl]

i like it. for sure the smart move to maintain continuity during their transition. on a personal note, i find both drivers to have very fun and open personalities so glad they are returning.

[Sandgroper]

and what of the noise surrounding a SEB come back?

Likely or Unlikely

And if so seats are becoming limited.

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by Sandgroper

and what of the noise surrounding a SEB come back?

Likely or Unlikely

And if so seats are becoming limited.

It's highly unlikely imo.

[S griffin]

I can only see him coming back with Aston. It’s possible, but depends on a few things

[Sandgroper]

Originally Posted by S griffin

I can only see him coming back with Aston. It’s possible, but depends on a few things

After that Quali session. Hello Seb !

[bathurst77]

Originally Posted by Sandgroper

After that Quali session. Hello Seb !

Why? Alonso is on a high, and daddy owns the other seat

[Sandgroper]

Originally Posted by bathurst77

Why? Alonso is on a high, and daddy owns the other seat

Yeah I know, Daddy owns the team but surely !