[WEC] The 2023 and beyond DRIVER ANNOUNCEMENTS MEGA THREAD

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Clearly McLaren are a lot higher on Ryo than some people on this forum haha!

https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formu...eserve-driver/

According to this no impact on his WEC programme.

Any implications for a McLaren Hypercar program? They would be more likely to go LMDh than LMH, but would Toyota want an active driver embedded with a competitor?

[tomcug]

Originally Posted by Simmi

One thing the WEC is a little short on if we're being honest is that cut-through "star power" to go along with all these amazing manufacturers

Problem is that getting an average driver with a good last name (like Schumacher junior) is good for PR but not so good for results. You guys might disagree but I don't rate Mick's driving skills high. He might have looked good having Mazepin in the second car but that doesn't make him a good driver.

[veeten]

And so, as I had said a while back, that Mick should follow in the footsteps of his father and do a WEC drive. It would keep him busy and sharpen his skills. And since it has Toto Wolff's blessing, has no knock-on effect to Mercedes' future plans.

[Coach Ep]

Agreed, Schumacher would be a great PR addition to the series. How far upfront Mick would be racing, is secondary.

Surely, Maranello still has his number stored in their systems?

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by tomcug

Problem is that getting an average driver with a good last name (like Schumacher junior) is good for PR but not so good for results. You guys might disagree but I don't rate Mick's driving skills high. He might have looked good having Mazepin in the second car but that doesn't make him a good driver.

How did you rate Buemi's skills after a couple of years in F1. Or Kobayashi?

Not criticising at all - just using recent examples which show that outings in a F1 backmarker team are hardly an indicator of all-round talent.

[Matador]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Clearly McLaren are a lot higher on Ryo than some people on this forum haha!

https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formu...eserve-driver/

According to this no impact on his WEC programme.

Toyota Power Units for McLaren F1 in 2026?

Originally Posted by Simmi

Alpine looking at Mick Schumacher for next year - https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...rive/10523472/

One thing the WEC is a little short on if we're being honest is that cut-through "star power" to go along with all these amazing manufacturers.

That could all change in a hurry next year, especially if Rossi joins the grid.

This. As great as these guys are, not so many household names on the grid.


Speaking of, whereabouts is Bruno Senna?

[veeten]

Well, according to an article on autosport.com, Kaz Nakajima has stated that the deal for Ryo's services has nothing to do with Toyota rejoining F1, in any capacity.
Can't post the article due to "paywall issues", sorry.

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by Matador

Speaking of, whereabouts is Bruno Senna?

He works for Airspeeder.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airspeeder_(racing_series)

[tomcug]

Originally Posted by Simmi

How did you rate Buemi's skills after a couple of years in F1. Or Kobayashi?

I don't think Kobayashi is a good example, he certainly didn't do bad in F1 Buemi is a better one and maybe Mick will be able to follow in his footsteps and also be a very good sportscar driver. My concerns about Mick's abilities are just my concerns that I believe I'm free to share with you If he proves me wrong, good for him.

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Alpine looking at Mick Schumacher for next year - https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...rive/10523472/

One thing the WEC is a little short on if we're being honest is that cut-through "star power" to go along with all these amazing manufacturers.

He seemed like a great team player while in F1. If he gets the chance then hopefully that translates.

[veeten]

Looks like the only thing that could put a spanner in the works is the present situation with Williams, as in "no time for Sargeant". Mick might be in the car by the next couple of races.

[tomcug]

Williams seems to be more interested in Drugovich but who knows, maybe Mick gets his second chance in F1. But if that's to happen, I'd rather expect Audi to be interested in his services when they join.

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by tomcug

My concerns about Mick's abilities are just my concerns that I believe I'm free to share with you If he proves me wrong, good for him.

Absolutely mate

[Matador]

Originally Posted by veeten

Well, according to an article on autosport.com, Kaz Nakajima has stated that the deal for Ryo's services has nothing to do with Toyota rejoining F1, in any capacity.
Can't post the article due to "paywall issues", sorry.

I think the "For now" part in the statement is actually quite telling


https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/n...turn/10524087/

[claude2cv]

https://www.autosport.com/wec/news/vettel-in-talks-with-jota-porsche-team-about-2024-wec-drive/10525612/

Sean

[Mike E]

Sounds a bit speculative but that would certainly add some star power

[Simmi]

Yeah it would be surprising to see Seb make the move across without being part of a full manufacturer set-up. Heavy test programme etc.

[veeten]

Well, with all the teams coming in for next season its no surprise...

I did say this awhile back, about Vettel getting antsy in his "retirement" and needing a new challenge. This just might be the thing...

[Matador]

Originally Posted by claude2cv

https://www.autosport.com/wec/news/vettel-in-talks-with-jota-porsche-team-about-2024-wec-drive/10525612/

Sean

Vettel and Schumacher to WEC? Yes please!!

[J Jay]

Not sure how this chimes with Vettel's post-retirement commitment to environmental measures (is he still championing this?) but there are few names who are somewhat feasible and would be a bigger draw.

A seat at a privateer team is a good way to side-step any issues with factory drivers and works teams; Porsche aren't wanting for 963 drivers at the moment...

[TF110]

Im speaking for myself but I hope he doesn't bring all that 'noise' about the environment with him. We already have some controversy with the tire warmer bans on those grounds. I think enjoying the racing without the huge spotlight of f1 should be a good change for him

[veeten]

But, then again, much has changed in the sport. The integration of hybrid systems with electric motors for 4 wheel drive or assisted 2 wheel drive. The use of fuels that are engineered without the primary use of oil or natural gas bases. These are not only part of what is present in vehicles we see on the road today, but are the mainstay for many racing series around the world. And no racing series exemplifies the laboratory of automotive engineering more than endurance racing.

[Aysedasi]

Updated driver classifications.....

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/...risations.html

[broadrun96]

Some of those make me wonder

Kyffin is just entering Indycar and didn't set the world alit anywhere, is he Gold?
Kay van Berlo is in GTD but not exactly tearing up the field, ok was great in Carrera Cup but again is that enough for Gold?

Nice to see Indy gets some love for a double champ being Platinum, Palou, O'Ward and Scotty Mac moved up

Josh Pierson could end up in a pinch with his promotion out of LMP2s, hope his Indy dreams help but he missed 5 of 14 rounds and wasn't dominant.

[J Jay]

Pierson will be fine; I think United plan to hold onto him long-term (or as long as they can), the same way they retained Philip Hanson after he was upgraded to gold. More concerning for United is Marino Sato being moved as well; he was almost certainly going to be their silver mainstay next season.