I feel sorry for Perez. His 2012 had all the hallmarks of a great number 2 driver who when the car is right can bring home some points for a team. But they've given him a midfield car and told him to go be aggressive which I don't think suits his style.

Unfortunately McLaren need a top driver to replace Hamilton so until one becomes available they may as well play the rookie experiment again.

 

I thought McLaren had signed up Perez for 3 years, and made a big deal out of it too. He's probably going to end up out of a drive if not at McLaren - it's all a bit strange and you have to wonder if there isn't some other reason they're considering dropping him. It's not like Button has scored lots of points in that car either, so it can't just be down to performance.

A bit surprised about Massa. And the rumours are his "back street driver" is also going to Williams, though I imagine he'd be after a more senior role. Also Williams have terminated their Venezuelan oil deal, so I hope that doesn't mean they end up going further backwards due to lack of funds.

The question now is who gets left out? With a load of cash, Maldanado will probably end up at Force India, or maybe Sauber. Di Resta could well be the one left out in the cold.

 

I thought Smedley and Massa were quite good mates.

 

That's always the way Rob comes across, like in 2009 they were asking him about what the team would do and he basically said all that worried him was seeing his mate hurt. In 2010 he sounded genuinely awkward with the team order and radio apology afterwards.

I wish to god Maldonado would end up with no seat but the amount of money he brings, along with having the talent to win a race makes that unlikely.

I think Di Resta is the only likely to wind up in the cold through all this. He's a good driver, very consistent but I've never seen a flash of brilliance from him and I wouldn't want his attitude in a team.

 

The 2013 season has been uninteresting.

The 2014 season, with the 100 litres of fuel and RPM limit, could well be a televisual cure for insomnia.

 

It's been suggested that Smedley will go to Williams since Massa lost the Ferrari seat? Well before Massa was linked with Williams.

 

I've got a horrible feeling he's going to take his PDVSA money to Lotus, who clearly need it. But I'd much rather see Hulkenberg in that seat.

 

Magnusson is definitely replacing Perez for 2014 season

 

According to...

 

Certainly no announcement from McLaren.