harty71 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:58 pm
chrisc90 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:27 pm
harty71 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:16 pm
If Hamilton is as good as many claim he is then Russell is exceptional, he will only be stronger this season and I expect him to be the teams number one by mid-season.
Its the beginning of the end... and we already 2 seasons deep.
It had to happen at some point, props to Hamilton for taking his beating like a man, a true class champion, still, sport evolves, the top younger drivers are on a different level.
It had to come. Same happened for other top drivers who lost their 'mojo' and dropped to the lesser teams.
It will honestly be interesting to see what comes this season when they have had chance to get a grip of the new regulations and rectified, with hope, any errors they made in '22 with the new reg set. There can be no further excuses with this season of car development etc etc.
There was huge hope the Hamilton contract talks would be sorted out over the winter period, but we have yet to hear of any contract extensions. I mean this should be a pretty easy negotiation for Mercedes/Lewis so im shocked its not 'finalised'. Which will mean a few options..... 1. Asking for too much money (which there was rumours about). But I dont think that Lewis is really in a strong position to be demanding more money. 2. Lewis is losing interest in the sport and cant bring himself to signing another year at least for '24. 3. Mercedes have said we dont think you worth £30mil a year (or whatever hes on) and Lewis disagrees with that - hence not signing yet.
I cant really think of any other reason why another year at least wouldnt be a easy option to sign up to.
I cant help but think that Mercedes, as a team, could be best off investing the money into other talent in the grid. But even that questions who could possible step into Lewis' position should he not continue in 2024. Mercedes have already lost their best talent in De Vries to the Red Bull group. So your really left with the F2 drivers who would be taking a MAJOR step up into a top team in F1.
I think losing De Vries was a HUGE kick in the teeth for Mercedes' future drive lineup. Unlikely they will sign Norris - given Red Bull have tried to grab him for a few years now and he hasnt been interested due to his contract at Mclaren.
Mess with the Bull - you get the horns.