Nico Rosberg retires

[Shug]

I do wonder though if Merc will continue the domination with the rules changes next year. Not a massive shuffle, so probably not the same situation as when we flipped to hybrids and Red Bull were caught on the hop with Renault. Plus, Merc haven't needed to stretch themselves overly this year, so probably have had a chance to do solid work on the new car.

Typical though - as other teams were making headway into Merc, change the rules again so someone can pull out a technical lead. Utter mess of a formula.

[Dominic]

I do wonder though if Merc will continue the domination with the rules changes next year. Not a massive shuffle, so probably not the same situation as when we flipped to hybrids and Red Bull were caught on the hop with Renault. Plus, Merc haven't needed to stretch themselves overly this year, so probably have had a chance to do solid work on the new car.

Typical though - as other teams were making headway into Merc, change the rules again so someone can pull out a technical lead. Utter mess of a formula.

Agree. From what I gather, next year, aero will play a big factor, so Red Bull having Mr Newey could make things interesting. Engine wise, RB have been slowly gaining on merc, so with a potential aero advantage, could make things interesting. Here's hoping anyway. I am a Hamilton fan, but would love to see some good battles between him and the RB boys.

[jason]

Typical though - as other teams were making headway into Merc, change the rules again so someone can pull out a technical lead. Utter mess of a formula.

Concur - 3 years is an absurdly short time to allow a new formula to mature for teams to merge performance. And the racing most likely will be worse.: more aero, higher corner speeds, shorter braking distances... and despite lapping faster, the cars will likely look less spectacular on TV too.

[campbell]

Revving up a little now...

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38335169

[douglasgdmw]

Clare Williams has all the card so it is no wonder that she accepted the first offer that was put on the table, would show great naivety in the "piranha club" if she did.

Wonder who will take his seat at Williams, I read on the BBC that Martini would prefer a driver over 25:
There is also a complication with Williams' sponsors, among them the drinks giant Martini, for which having two drivers under 25 does not sit well in promotional terms.

I would prefer that Massa did not jump back to William, however it could be a good opportunity for Paul Di Resta to get back into F1 as it would give them some stability to the team.

George

[campbell]

Interesting angle. Paul is essentially a Merc guy isn't he. Might work well.

[Scuffers]

Free engines for Williams then....

[jason]

Massa has agreed with Williams to un-retire should they agree a deal for Bottas joining Mercedes.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.ph ... ms-in-2017

....Pat Symonds leaving Williams fuels the very strong rumours Paddy Lowe is joining them.

[campbell]

Yup knew about Paddy. The Massa thing is interesting. Makes sense. For now.

[Mr Momo]

Ferrari ramping up the pressure on Vettel....

[campbell]

https://joesaward.wordpress.com/2017/01 ... ound-up-3/

[C7Steve]

Bottas is Lewis Hamiltons 'team-mate' next season.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38489054


Steve.

[ScottJ-PS]

1 year contract for Bottas. So end of season he gets binned and replaced by Vettel or Alonso .

[SAJ]

1 year contract for Bottas. So end of season he gets binned and replaced by Vettel or Alonso .

Unless he out performs Lewis, but I'm doubting that. He didn't exactly annihilate Massa.

[BigD]

1 year contract for Bottas. So end of season he gets binned and replaced by Vettel or Alonso .

Unless he out performs Lewis, but I'm doubting that. He didn't exactly annihilate Massa.

Agree, slightly disappointed in bottas' performance against Massa last year, was hoping for more of a young kimi or mika. Also Massa shouldn't have been brought back, should've taken a risk on young blood.