2024 F1 General Discussion Thread

Nobody saw Red Bull troubling Mercedes-Benz in 2021 because the new regulations got delayed by a year, yet they actually did. Who's to say it won't happen again this or next year

I agree. I’ve big respect for Hamilton but have never really warmed to his personality and built a natural dislike to the constant, sometimes unchallenged dominance.

I never wanted him to overtake Schumacher and get the 8th world title, but I’d find it acceptable if he somehow was to bring one to Ferrari!

Interesting day of news. So what reg changes do we have this year that might allow a team jump another. I know general concept is the same but has anything else tightened?

Perhaps not. Remember they announced that they were moving to McLaren? Well we've had the livery reveal and Monster isn't there. Something must have fell through.

I'd actually forgotten about Mclaren, could be a case of adding it in before the season starts? I could be wrong but I don't remember any sponsor on the Merc cars. Reports stay Monster is worth 60 billion which would be a massive loss for Mclaren if it did fall through

Reuters have following list of replacements

The following looks at the possible options for Mercedes and the questions raised.

CARLOS SAINZ, 29

The Spaniard whose place has been taken by Hamilton would be a straight swap. He has, however, been considered a top target for Audi, who are taking over Sauber and entering as a works team in 2026. He would be the likely number one there, and Audi have strong connections with his father who won last month's Dakar Rally with them. Would either he or Mercedes want to do a deal for one year or would he be open to a longer one?

ALEX ALBON, 27

The ex-Red Bull driver has been a big hit with Mercedes-powered Williams, scoring all but one of their points last season and hauling them up to seventh overall. Williams are run by James Vowles, who was previously a close confidant of Mercedes principal Toto Wolff as that team's head of motorsport strategy. A deal for Albon, an old friend and rival of George Russell who also graduated from Williams, would surely be straightforward.

ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI, 17

The 17-year-old Italian is yet to debut in Formula Two but considered a big talent for the future and already under contract to Mercedes. If not ready for the former champions, he might be offered to Williams to get experience.

MICK SCHUMACHER, 24

Michael Schumacher's son is the official reserve. His seasons with Haas were difficult and he is now on the roster of endurance drivers with Renault-owned Alpine. Michael raced for the team, his place taken by Hamilton in 2013, but Mick looks a long shot compared to other options.

ESTEBAN OCON, 27

A Mercedes-backed junior driver and reserve and preparing for his eighth season in F1 and fifth with Renault/Alpine. The team rated him very highly but he may have slipped down the list of options by now.

VALTTERI BOTTAS, 34

Hamilton's team mate before Russell replaced the Finn, who will be out of contract at Sauber at the end of the year and whose place could go to Sainz. He knows all the people at Mercedes but a return would surely be unlikely.

FERNANDO ALONSO, 42

The evergreen double world champion is out of contract at Aston Martin at the end of the year but showing no sign of wanting to stop and still looking highly competitive.

SEBASTIAN VETTEL, 36

Could Germany's four-times world champion be persuaded to come out of retirement and make a comeback, just as Schumacher did in 2010? Vettel, at 36, is younger than Hamilton. He didn't entirely rule out a return when he left Aston Martin in 2022.

If Antonelli dominates F2 might be the logical choice. Russell has the experience what rules out Bottas, Alonso. Vettel might be a surprise pick. Ocon as a race winner. Mercedes has a year to choose, so don't expect an announcement anytime soon. Sainz is Audibound. Mick never convinced in F2 or at Haas. Albon outside runner to park Antonelli there.

For anyone interested in the details of the 2014 rule change and order shift, this video is really fantastic. In a nutshell, with RB being a Renault customer, it was doomed compared to works teams.

Its pretty much why they have RBPT set up.

"just can’t see Alonso going there, AM will have Honda for 2026, so if he stays that is effectively a works team, same as RB with RBPT/Ford, Ferrari and Merc and Alpine"

I could. I think Alonso at Mercedes woukd not be is worst decision and even if the car was crap I could still see Alonso getting a few wins in it. One thing is for sure it will be not as bad as it was with the size 0 sidepods.

As for Aston Martin and Honda there is no guarantee that it will work out and be a good car. It could be Honda Mclaren all over again except with Aston now.

I also think once Red Bull start using there new Ford RBPT that till will be on the back foot for a while and not out front then it will either be Mclaren or Ferrari or Mercedes or even Alpine if they get there **** together. One thing is for sure there are interesting times ahead in F1.

Silverstone is gonna be like Monza 2.0 with a sea of red.

Already seen it referred to as the Tea-fosi!

Meh...