The Official F1 2025 silly season *contains speculation*

[Mark-C]

The Hypno-Toad said:

thegreenhell said:

DC said in the C4 race commentary that Carlos was offered a one year only deal with Mercedes but turned it down.

That would suggest to me that Mercedes have already done a deal with someone else for 2026.

Desperately waiting for Max?

[Muzzer79]

thegreenhell said:

DC said in the C4 race commentary that Carlos was offered a one year only deal with Mercedes but turned it down.

Interesting

When you think about it, Mercedes have a history of doing short-term deals with drivers.

Bottas was on one-year only deals for quite a while. Infamously, Hamilton's last deal was a 1+1.....

It suggests indeed that Mercedes have someone else lined up for 2026 but that could only be Verstappen as surely they're not that convinced about Antonelli yet?

Perhaps Verstappen is up for a move but isn't convinced that Mercedes will get it together until the new rules, therefore will only switch from '26 onwards?

[MartG]

Mark-C said:

The Hypno-Toad said:

thegreenhell said:

DC said in the C4 race commentary that Carlos was offered a one year only deal with Mercedes but turned it down.

That would suggest to me that Mercedes have already done a deal with someone else for 2026.

Desperately waiting for Max?

Maybe leaving it open for Hamilton to return if Ferrari have an absolute disaster next year

[skwdenyer]

MartG said:

Mark-C said:

The Hypno-Toad said:

thegreenhell said:

DC said in the C4 race commentary that Carlos was offered a one year only deal with Mercedes but turned it down.

That would suggest to me that Mercedes have already done a deal with someone else for 2026.

Desperately waiting for Max?

Maybe leaving it open for Hamilton to return if Ferrari have an absolute disaster next year

They only offer Lewis a 1+1, which is said to be a part of why he looked elsewhere.

[Leithen]

Andy Cowell replaces Whitmarsh as Aston CEO.

That's interesting.

[Forester1965]

Leithen said:

Andy Cowell replaces Whitmarsh as Aston CEO.

That's interesting.

Not sure I can think of an angle that makes it particularly interesting. Just looks like Whitmarsh turning to his old buddy to replace him.

[Leithen]

Forester1965 said:

Leithen said:

Andy Cowell replaces Whitmarsh as Aston CEO.

That's interesting.

Not sure I can think of an angle that makes it particularly interesting. Just looks like Whitmarsh turning to his old buddy to replace him.

Depends on whether you regard Cowell as more than just an old buddy. I certainly do, especially in the midst of an engine reg change.

[ralphrj]

skwdenyer said:

They only offer Lewis a 1+1, which is said to be a part of why he looked elsewhere.

If you are referring to Lewis's 2024-25 contract with Mercedes then it appears to have been 1+1 with the option being in Lewis's favour (i.e. it was up to him if he wanted to do 2025 or not). Therefore, it doesn't make sense that it would have been something that caused Lewis to look elsewhere.

[Forester1965]

Leithen said:

Depends on whether you regard Cowell as more than just an old buddy. I certainly do, especially in the midst of an engine reg change.

Aston are going to use Honda engines.

Don't see an angle here relating to any engine specialisms.

[Leithen]

Forester1965 said:

Leithen said:

Depends on whether you regard Cowell as more than just an old buddy. I certainly do, especially in the midst of an engine reg change.

Aston are going to use Honda engines.

Don't see an angle here relating to any engine specialisms.

There will be a myriad of integration choices, engine development decisions etc that he will have insight to. His position will be a level above where he was at Mercedes, but having worked with Brawn and others he’s an excellent choice that gives the Aston project more credibility at point when it needs it.

[Supersam83]

Leithen said:

Andy Cowell replaces Whitmarsh as Aston CEO.

That's interesting.

Another reason why Alonso stayed with Aston Martin.

[Still Mulling]

Whitmarsh is/was Aston CEO? I'd missed that; obviously made an impact

[732NM]

Still Mulling said:

Whitmarsh is/was Aston CEO? I'd missed that; obviously made an impact

I didn't miss it, and was not surprised they went downhill. He is probably a very decent bloke, but didn't drive success at McLaren, they slid down the order.

[hondajack85]

Prior to Astons fancy new HQ the last major effort was Mclarens HQ. I though MW was onboard to provide the guidance on a similar project. His job is done now.
Now its time for someone with recent Mercedes experience.
Still not sure why they have struggled to match Mclarens on track success though.
Alonso must feel a bit sad. Would have been better if they progressed more slowly last year to stop
him feeling the big letdown this year.
Personally im waiting for Stroll to hire the boffin that masterminded the Maclaren baby buggies & strollers *

[asfault]

Muzzer79 said:

thegreenhell said:

DC said in the C4 race commentary that Carlos was offered a one year only deal with Mercedes but turned it down.

Interesting

When you think about it, Mercedes have a history of doing short-term deals with drivers.

Bottas was on one-year only deals for quite a while. Infamously, Hamilton's last deal was a 1+1.....

It suggests indeed that Mercedes have someone else lined up for 2026 but that could only be Verstappen as surely they're not that convinced about Antonelli yet?

Perhaps Verstappen is up for a move but isn't convinced that Mercedes will get it together until the new rules, therefore will only switch from '26 onwards?

If thats true thats a big error imo for Sainz.
He might only have a year but if in that year he completely trounces George then he puts himself in a very strong position.

[kambites]

asfault said:

If thats true thats a big error imo for Sainz.
He might only have a year but if in that year he completely trounces George then he puts himself in a very strong position.

Do you really think he would? I think I'd expect Russell to beat Sainz, if not by a huge margin.

[Hustle_]

The first half of Sainz’ career was spent zig zagging between teams and he found it very detrimental. This is probably one of the reasons he won’t be rushing back to Enstone.

[Leithen]

An excellent piece by Mark Hughes about Andy Cowell.

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-extraordina...

I wonder whether his hire might be enough to tip the balance for Newey in Aston's favour?

[DanielSan]

kambites said:

Do you really think he would? I think I'd expect Russell to beat Sainz, if not by a huge margin.

Sainz would be beaten in quali, when it comes to scoring on Sunday I'd be willing to put money in Sainz coming out on top. Very rarely does he cock up on race day, unlike Russell

[scrw.]

Bearman confirmed at Haas for 25 on a multi year deal it seems.