[Official] Russian Grand Prix 2016: Grand Prix Weekend Thread

[wnut]

Originally Posted by Paradise City

I don't think the swap would've happened if Verstappen wasn't a special talent. It'll be fascinating to see how both drivers fare but Kyvat's confidence cannot but take a whacking.

If Kvyat does not beat Sainz it will be more than his confidence that will take a whacking I fear.

Are they moving Max up to see what Ricciardo is worth?
If Ricciardo falls short and Kvyat loses to Sainz, next years RBR drivers will be Verstappen and Sainz with two new drivers in at STR. ??

[gert]

Originally Posted by wnut

Are they moving Max up to see what Ricciardo is worth?

I think they are moving up Max to see what Max is worth. I'm certain they have a fairly good idea about Ricciardo, after he was paired with Vettel.

Originally Posted by wnut

If Kvyat does not beat Sainz it will be more than his confidence that will take a whacking I fear.
Are they moving Max up to see what Ricciardo is worth?
If Ricciardo falls short and Kvyat loses to Sainz, next years RBR drivers will be Verstappen and Sainz with two new drivers in at STR. ??

There are lots of other scenario's.

Just to name one: if Verstappen can not beat or be close enough to Ricciardo, then either Ricciardo is very very good and/or Verstappen not as special as thought.
If one of Sainz/Kvyat comprehensively loses out to the other one, then that guy has a real problem.

The way I see it, is that at the end of the season every single one of the 4 drivers can be the big winner (even Kvyat), or the big loser, just depending on their own performance against their new teammate and the relative performances of the other pairing.

[FAS33]

Max Verstappen hasn't seen nor driven with a team mate like Riccardo before. He won't beat my driver. But good luck to him.

[S griffin]

I see this more not so much a demoting of Kyvat as a promotion for Max, in other words give Kyvat a second chance in STR, while keeping other teams from poaching Verstappen

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by FAS33

Max Verstappen hasn't seen nor driven with a team mate like Riccardo before. He won't beat my driver. But good luck to him.

But if he can stay close he will do a good job. For next season he's better prepared because has almost a full season experience AND gets involved in developing the 2017 car.