Kimi to RBR 2011?

[raymondu999]

What do you all think of the Kimi=RBR rumor for 2011? Kimi-Vettel RBR, anyone?

[Mysticf1]

Pure speculation, RedBull have a good thing going with Webber and Vettel, both good technically and able to push each other without getting nasty. Sure Kimi fits the RedBull image, but does he fit in with the work ethic.

[Pandamasque]

...guess what? We have a multi page thread on that already.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7711

[segedunum]

We've already been through this on another thread, but it's almost certain that it'll happen and it was an obvious connection to make as soon as Raikkonen's race career became backed by Red Bull. Christian Horner said this:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3 ... 61,00.html

So he's basically saying "Yes, Kimi will join in 2011......except he won't". He concedes that it'll probably happen but denies it because he obviously has to with two other driver who haven't even started the season yet. There is no reason whatsoever for him to say the nonsense he says unless there's something there. There's is always a reason why a team boss says something, no matter how non-sensical.

[Giblet]

We've already been through this on another thread, but it's almost certain that it'll happen and it was an obvious connection to make as soon as Raikkonen's race career became backed by Red Bull. Christian Horner said this:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3 ... 61,00.html

So he's basically saying "Yes, Kimi will join in 2011......except he won't". He concedes that it'll probably happen but denies it because he obviously has to with two other driver who haven't even started the season yet. There is no reason whatsoever for him to say the nonsense he says unless there's something there. There's is always a reason why a team boss says something, no matter how non-sensical.

Yes we did, right seg?

Phew, glad we moved on.

I think we agreed to disagree, although heatedly, as there has been nothing concrete, so neither of us can know for sure. But he was sponsored personally by red bull prior years before he even started rallying semi pro.

Kimi doesn't even know it appears, but as he likes to say, "I thing so we will wait and see".

One thing is for sure, Kimi's stock has fallen, and the current big teams don't really seem to want him anymore. RB can kind of be considered a big team now, but without Newey, who might not be around forever, I don't know if they have the depth to contest Ferrari and Mclaren.

[segedunum]

Yes we did, right seg?

Phew, glad we moved on.

One thing is for sure, Kimi's stock has fallen, and the current big teams don't really seem to want him anymore.

I wouldn't say his stock has fallen (lack of quality new young drivers which allows a 41 year old back in, lack of driving experience for new young drivers) but if he were to come back RB is certainly the only place he can go now. He's nailed his colours to the mast, especially with his extra curricular stipulations. Fair play to him though - with the lack of testing he feels that he needs to be driving more regularly.

RB can kind of be considered a big team now, but without Newey, who might not be around forever, I don't know if they have the depth to contest Ferrari and Mclaren.

True. Success all seems to depend on Newey being kept happy until they build up a real engineering base of expertise like McLaren with their Red Bull Technology company. Newey does seem to get bored more easily than other engineers so they'll have to hope that Red Bull's activities in and out of Formula One keep him stimulated. However, without Tombazis at Ferrari I'm not sure what they'd do.

[PlatinumZealot]

That man doesn't deserve to come back! he disrespected the sport! He is a coward!

"He was bored" more like afraid of teaming up with Hamilton! Then look what Button is doing! Taking on the MOUNTAIN! now that is what you call a real driver! Button has real balls (not Ice cubes).

[Giblet]

I just meant that Ferrari could have kept him, and said nothing positive about him after he was replaced by Alonso, who was in no hurry, and would have been totally fine waiting one more year where he was, as he originally planned. Felipe went on to say some negative things about his 'closedoffedness'. Ferrari needs passionate fiery drivers, and have usually employed them. Even Schu can seem a little aloof, but he is pure emotion on every podium he gets.

Mclaren also chose what I consider a far slower Button, but Jenson can talk to media, rarely ever misspeaks, and is a better all around corporate whore.

His stock as a super quick driver has not changed, but as far as a total package, it has.

Hopefully the WRC humbles him a bit, and if does come back, it might be as a more complete driver, and I would love to see him in a Newey car again.

[WhiteBlue]

I guess a lot will depend of Webber's pace vs Vettel's. Red Bull will keep their thumb on Vettel because he is hot property.

If Webber performs I don't see a reason to exchange him for a guy as difficult and expensive as Kimi could be.

If they could get him for the same price as Webber then they might consider him for the image of an extreme and fun loving fast driver. Perhaps a better marketing fit than any other brand in F1.

[Jan_83]

I love rumors. Now then...I'm comming up with my own one.
Here is the newest: Nigel Mansel and Damon Hill will drive for McLaren in 2011. It's the answer to the return of Christian Danner for Mercedes in 2011. Michael Schumacher will stay there as junior driver. Still not more than just a rumor is that Niki Lauda will join Kimi Raikkonen at Red Bull Racing in 2011. Interesting here is that it is not said wether he serves as test driver or as race driver. RBR is suposed to release a press release in the next days, or not.