2014 Formula 1 Thread

[pHILSANITY07]

Time to change the subject in my opinion.

I dont know how much stock to put into this story but I read a rumor off bleacher report that had a source within McLaren that Lewis Hamilton visited the shop via helicopter and had a meeting for around 2 hours. Rumor is that he might've signed a new deal with McLaren for next year. The report also says that Hamilton didn't do a seat fitting.

[bird_dog0347]

I read that as well, but the source is kinda known to be suspect at best from what I can tell. If it's true though, that would mean Alonso to Merc... or Seb to Merc?

[pHILSANITY07]

I think Vettel is going to Ferrari, if Horner says it then I think thats likely.

[bird_dog0347]

Yeah, but he's also German and Merc is big on Rossberg due to nationality, so 2+2 might equal 4... or then again it might not. It's all just speculation till it's official. Maybe Hamilton was just there to order a new P1, I know I'd leave there with a big ass smile on my face too if I just did that.

http://www.planetf1.com/driver/18227/9508926/McLaren-rubbish-Hamilton-rumour

McLaren have quickly put the boot in a report that Lewis Hamilton has signed a contract to return next season.

The Woking squad are yet to confirm their driver line-up for the 2015 season with Group CEO Ron Dennis revealing they are in no rush to make an announcement.

Dennis, though, has previously admitted they are trying to lure a "big name" to McLaren with Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel linked. Vettel's move to Ferrari is all but confirmed after he announced he is leaving Red Bull at the end of this season and many believe that will pave the way for Alonso to return to Woking.

However, things got interesting on Wednesday morning with F1Today.net reporting that Hamilton had already signed a contract.

"Lewis was in the Woking factory three weeks ago," they quoted a source as saying. "He arrived by helicopter, had a conversation about two hours with the management and then left with a big smile on his face. He signed here, I can assure you. A seat fitting has not happened yet, but that will take place in the foreseeable future."

McLaren, though, have rejected the claims, with a spokesperson telling Pitpass.com: "This report is utterly without foundation, which is hardly surprising given the ultra-unreliable website on which it has appeared [F1Today.net]. As Ron Dennis said in Suzuka, McLaren has finalised no contracts with any drivers for 2015."

[pHILSANITY07]

Maybe. Hamilton is signed for next year and both sides are working on a new deal for after 2015. If I had to put money it would be Alonso going to McLaren and Vettel going to Ferrari.

[momo]

i dont think ham is going back to mclaren yet.

[pHILSANITY07]

i dont think ham is going back to mclaren yet.

Unless if they were going to do a 3 car team. I do wonder if both him and Rosberg get into a heated battle at the end of the year and tempers flare if he would leave.

[Ruffdaddy]

Rossi is entered in the race...I really hope he drives, but will understand if they only run 1 car

[momo]

IMO they should absolutely run both cars. give rossi P1-3, maybe throw will stephens in max's car for P1 and then make a decision for quali and the race.

they will most likely need a driver for the rest of the year and this will let them know if they can use rossi for that or if they will need to go go fetch a nick heidfeld, heikki k, .. mark webber (jk) kinda person to fill that role.

[pHILSANITY07]

I think mark is still racing Porsche so that's a no. Hey maybe mark goes to mclaren and becomes teammates with fernando. One could wish and hope right?

[Bputacoma]

Rossi will race if his check clears. Lol

[Ruffdaddy]

Dammit no rossi...and red Bull is dragging serious ass. Maybe an even better choice for vettel

[Bputacoma]

Yup.this is the second time Rossi got screwed. He needs a country to sponsor him at this point.

[momo]

word is marussia is running rossi at COTA.

they made this decision to at sochi to honor/show solidarity with jules.

IMO, sure it's honorable but not smart. if the opportunity presents to sneak into the points but max's car is out... that's a missed opportunity.

here's hoping for rossi to debut a full race weekend at COTA.

[momo]

i have to say, other than the pit entrance, the sochi facility looks pretty damn good. i didnt think race was going to pan out at the beginning of the year.

P2 times are tight. after HAM in 1st, 2-7 are covered in 0.3s