2014 Formula One Silly Season Thread
 

As this season is nearing its end and silly season is well at its peak, I figured I would start this thread.

Pastor "Money bags" Maldonado is looking at quitting Williams who are likely to keep Bottas and bring on board Felipe Massa who may bring Brazilian sponsors along with him.

Nico Hulkenberg is a likely shoo-in at Lotus based on this article where Eric Boullier says team investors have told him to sign Hulkenberg
http://www.racer.com/investors-tell-...rticle/319308/
Nico in a front-running car would be fun to watch.

Wonder who Sauber will pick and what Force India will do with its driver line-up, seeing how they are always fashionably late to confirming drivers.

New turbo engines for next year have increased weight because of the larger KERS system they pack. This could penalize heavier drivers like Hulkenberg and Button, who would appear malnourished if they were to stand next to someone portly like me.

It appears the front running teams have all finalized their line-up with the exception of Lotus, but as they say it is never over until the fat lady sings.

Ross Brawn has announced that he will be leaving Mercedes, although Nikki Lauda appears hell-bent on keeping him there. Rumors are that he could:
A) Head to McLaren
B) Head to Honda and run their engine program for 2015 onwards
C) Join the FIA as an official and be in charge of setting the technical regulations governing the sport.

Mexico and New Jersey also appear to be part of the silly season as they prepare to host a race for next year.

Lets start the discussion and keep it going here in this thread until the week prior to the first race in Albert Park next March ;)

Aren't they saying NJ is off again? It changes so often it's hard to follow, anyway I really hope they have the NJ race, I've got a whole group of people ready to go.

Rumor has it a deal between McLaren/Honda and Brawn will be contingent on Brawn being based out of England and not having to travel to Japan very often as he did during his last stint.

Honda is ahead of schedule with their engine development, I wonder if there's a chance McLaren will put one on the track next year?

Agreed with NJ. It keeps changing. A bunch of us from Upstate could also make the trip down from Albany as the Palisades is not too far away.

Thats the first I've heard of Honda being ahead of schedule. Will be an interesting development for sure. Got a link to info??

Not sure of the exact thread, it's on Temple of VTEC, but we've got a company insider who provides bits of information as he learns them.

McLaren considering replacing Perez with Kevin Magnussen for next season

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula-one/24844304

I have mixed feelings about this. Sergio has put in some impressive drives and while still raw could blossom into a solid points finisher given a good car. Both current drivers are not of the caliber of Alonso or Hamilton, but Jenson has experience and his race craft is very good. Whatever they choose to do, I hope it works out well for the team. Part of me wants Checo to keep the drive, if nothing to see what he can achieve in a competitive car. The pressures of working for McLaren are possibly very high as was evident from Heikki Kovalainen's brief spell with them. Hopefully Checo is able to deliver in a competitive car next season if he gets to keep his drive.

I agree, I think he has done enough to keep his drive. He hasn't exactly light the world on fire, but has done as well as can be expected in a dog of a car in a new team against a proven quality driver.

I guess it comes down to McLaren's expectations of him. If they thought Perez would be the next Hamilton, I can understand the disappointment.

Felipe Massa moving to Williams for 2014 in place of Pastor Maldonado

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/24897809

Just when you thought it was all set, silly season kicks up a few notches.

Sergio "Checo" Perez is out at McLaren to be replaced with Kevin Magnussen. I wonder if Checo will be an option for Sauber :ponder:

http://www.racer.com/report-mclaren-...rticle/320458/

Perez may head to Force India per the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/24903504

Perez confirms that he is leaving McLaren at the end of the season. McLaren is yet to officially announce his replacement.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/24927323