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#441782
Rosberg has pulled a bit of a fast one winning the championship and then slipping out the back door with the trophy!

It's too bad as I was looking forward to seeing Rosberg with the #1 on his car. But with the new rules that would probably be a short lived thing anyway, best get out while on top.

So what will Merc do now? Who will be their next driver?
#441783
JB out of sabbatical? LH and JB already have a history with not much drama. A year as a glorified test driver to tweak the brand new car with changed regs. And then for 2018 get the driver they really want because he's under contract in 2017?
#441785
That would be interesting, or they could bring in Alonso!

Merc might go for Perez or Sainz who could be available. Or go with a new young up and comer like Wehrlein. Poor Hulk, signing with Renault puts him out of luck.
#441786
WoW!! Did NOT see that one coming! Quite a "shocker" (even if Hamilton says he's not surprised)!

Button? Alonso? nah... Bring on Verstappen! :thumbup:
#441789
Out of courtesy Rosberg told Hamilton days before.

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosbe ... dy-856139/

Then when asked for comment today Hamilton said he wasn't surprised because Nico hadn't won anything for 18 years??!

""I'm probably one of the only people that it was not a surprise to," Hamilton said at the FIA Prize Giving in Vienna.

"But that's because I've known him for a long time.

"This is the first time he's won [in their rivalry since karting] in 18 years, hence why it was not a surprise that he decided to stop."


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.ph ... retirement
#441791
Yeah, I think that you're right. They are both so crass and boorish.

What is even more disgusting about Hamilton's comment is that Rosberg privileged Lewis with advance notice, only Hamilton, Nico's wife and his agent were aware. So Lewis knew in advance for perhaps days and with time to think of what to say and this is the comment he prepares and puts on the record for the world press?? Unbelievable. Stupid. Self-centered. A-s-s.

And why does he wear those fake glasses?

[youtube]/7b2zqhgCGfU?t=9[/youtube]
Last edited by overboost on 03 Dec 16, 23:37, edited 5 times in total.
#441793
Renault says no. They are keeping the Hulk.

https://twitter.com/miezicat1/status/804809598247038976

"Mercedes asked if they can buy Hulk out of his contract. Renault said no.
And apparently Lauda would bet his money on Wehrlein.."


Formula 1: Cancellation for Mercedes - 02.12.2016
Renault does not release Hülkenberg
Exclusive: Mercedes has knocked in the search for a Rosberg succession at Renault to oblige Nico Hülkenberg!


Hulkenberg
Nico for Nico? Hülkenberg had a Mercedes offer
Mercedes left not much time to find a suitable replacement for the just retired world champion Nico Rosberg. ABMS learned: A high Renault team member already received a call (probably from Mercedes Teamchef Toto Wolff) at 1.30 pm today (30 minutes before Rosberg's official resignation statement). Purpose of request: Whether it is possible, Nico Hülkenberg ransom from the Renault contract. The question was of Renault denied immediately. Background: A few weeks ago, Hülkenberg signed a three-year contract with the French factory.

ABMS also continued: Mercedes-F1 boss Niki Lauda, ​​so ABMS was added, would put his money on Pascal if he would put on a Rosberg successor.
#441801
Interesting article from July of this year:

http://www.thisisf1.com/2016/07/11/merc ... or-alonso/

"Alonso could replace Rosberg at Mercedes, says Wolff
Last month Wolff revealed Fernando Alonso could be an option for the team if they are unable to negotiate a new deal with Nico Rosberg.
Rosberg is reportedly out of contract at the end of the 2016 Formula One season after having signed a “multi-year” extension in 2014.
Wolff said it was a “priority” to tie championship-leader Rosberg to a new deal, but admitted they will consider Alonso should the German driver decide to leave.
“Fernando is one of the best drivers in history and I like his character, but our priority now is Nico,” Wolff told El Mundo.
“If [Rosberg] does not want to renew, then we will consider other options, like Fernando.
“[Alonso’s] age is not a problem – his speed and his motivation are still there.”
Wolff also revealed Alonso held talks about joining Mercedes two years ago before the Spaniard signed with McLaren after five years at Ferrari.
“Fernando explored his options and one of them was Mercedes,” he added.
“He spoke to us, but we could not negotiate as we promised Lewis [Hamilton] that while we tried to renew his deal we would not talk with other drivers and we did not.”"


Read more at http://www.thisisf1.com/2016/07/11/merc ... 5Ks6sjH.99
#441802
Rumor has it that Vettel is the other big name on the list, Wolff today has said that it now down to two names. He added that the only two drivers on the grid who have not called are Kvyat and Raikkonen. Kimi is obviously playing hard ball! - "Räikkönen doesn't call for a seat, the seat offers Räikkönen a drive."

If Vettel goes to Merc who will line up with Kimi at Ferrari?

https://www.facebook.com/Formula1/video ... 638895121/

https://twitter.com/miezicat1/status/805054863331704832

"Toto asked which drivers have called him. Zetsche: "Tell who hasn't called!" Toto Wolff: "All drivers apart from Kvyat and Räikkönen.""
#441808
He races very closely with teammates!
#441810
Now Wolff calls off chasing Alonso, Vettel and Bottas, what a curious excuse! Hamilton likely is pushing for a weak teammate :

"Mercedes does not want to "interfere" with Formula 1 rivals Ferrari and McLaren as it looks for a replacement for Nico Rosberg, according to motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

Other than a single seat at Sauber and two at Manor, F1's 2017 grid was settled before newly-crowned champion Rosberg announced his shock retirement on Friday.

Who should replace Rosberg?

When asked about trying to lure the contracted Sebastian Vettel from Ferrari or Fernando Alonso from McLaren, Wolff said that was not high on his agenda.

"It's not my intention to interfere with Ferrari's internal issues," Wolff told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"And I don't even know if Sebastian really has the intention to come to us.

"It's the same thing [with Alonso]: what would Ferrari and McLaren do without Vettel and Alonso in December?

"Or Williams without [Valtteri] Bottas? [That] option is the one I like the least."

However Wolff did concede his phone had been running hot since Friday's news.

"I've been bombarded with phone calls," he said.

"I've been called by 80% of the F1 drivers. Who hasn't done so, [Kimi] Raikkonen and [Daniil] Kvyat, didn't just because they don't have my number!""


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.ph ... -or-alonso
Last edited by overboost on 04 Dec 16, 20:21, edited 2 times in total.
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