chazzguitar

Agreed. Not sure how much room for success there is at Sauber these days though -- if they hadn't scored points in the last race of the season (iirc -- one of the last few, certainly) they would have finished behind Manor in the constructors' championship.

Mocky

Maybe MB is providing some cash to Sauber to continue Pascal's development. Regardless of motor, can't replace seat time.

chazzguitar

Certainly could be, and you're absolutely right. I think Sauber gets current year motors from Ferrari too (as opposed to Toro Rosso who gets last year's motor), so if they make big steps over the winter they certainly could be more competitive.

JHo

I believe Sauber was using the 2015 engine during the 2016 season. They had ZERO money to do anything but show up. It will be interesting now that they have a little cash and 2017 engines. I think Manor is in a world of hurt.

Also Pascal just needs seat time and a little humblness and he'll be fine. Another year and he'll be ready to step up to a better ride.

I'm really shocked nobody has found a way to pry Sainz away from Toro Rosso. That kid needs a top drive.

sam_spider

There was a rumor that someone was possibly buying Manor, was it Brawn? Can't remember now.

Edit: Ron Dennis is the rumor, not sure how accurate it is.

Mocky

He going to sell all his shares of McLaren then? I'd sell it and continue with Merc and then who knows. Maybe they will move up the grid.

chazzguitar

So it's all official now: Bottas to Mercedes, Massa back to Williams (shortest retirement in F1 history), Wehrlin to Sauber. I'd guess LewLew is happy with all that.

sam_spider

I'd guess Lewis isn't all too worried about it. I guess we'll find out soon enough though. I'm hoping this years cars (and races) are far more entertaining.

Mocky

I'm hoping the changes they made to the rules will allow it to be a bit more interesting. Otherwise, we will see more of the same as the last few years. An interesting start, and then the camera footage basically covering places 3 through 10 until the last few laps.

TsukubaCody

^It'll definitely be more of the same in that regard.