The Official F1 2025 silly season *contains speculation*

[vaud]

Smollet said:

There’s a lot of pressure on the lad. A more gentle approach would garner better rewards imgo

Mercedes have shielded him - no interviews etc and by all accounts he is a strong character.

The fact that Mercedes are mid field and not been champions for a few seasons will take the pressure off a little, he’s not back filling a current WDC.

[vaud]

Hustle_ said:

Can we all unilaterally agree to shorten ‘Andrea Kimi Antonelli’ to something other than ‘Kimi’

AKA for sure.

[vaud]

TheDeuce said:

I like that!

Technically it would be 'Andrea AKA AKA'.

[vaud]

Personally I'd put him in Haas with Bearman. I rate Pourchaire higher than Ocon who seems to be the other candidate.

[vaud]

https://x.com/AlpineF1Team/status/1804043500691878...

BWT Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Flavio Briatore has been appointed by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo as his Executive Advisor for the Formula One Division.


FFS.

[vaud]

Hustle_ said:

The-Race and don’t forget the hyphen’s brutal headline;

BRIATORE RETURN ERODES FINAL BIT OF RENAULT'S F1 CREDIBILITY

I can't stand the man, personally.

If it's to help sell the team and he keeps away from the track then I guess it's ok. The moment he appears in the paddock their credibility is totally shot.

[vaud]

tight fart said:

Carlos confirmed at Williams.

Source? Only there is nothing on Williams web site, twitter, nor on Carlos's, etc?

[vaud]

PhilAsia said:

Two to three tenths over Lewis...? I seriously doubt it, but we will never know I guess.

I think Max, Lando and Charles are all faster than Lewis now over a single lap, I think he has lost a % as we all do as well get older - but he compensates with race craft, better tyre management, etc (like Alonso)

[vaud]

skwdenyer said:

There were rumours a few months ago of Anthony Hamilton putting together some sort of deal; I wonder what happened to that ?

If Anthony Hamilton gets proven to be the orchestrator of a deal of that scale then I send £50 to the Grand Prix Trust.

Seriously, he's not a player in this market.

[vaud]

DanielSan said:

With the insane price of an F1 team now it'd take some serious effort for even Lewis to get that sort of investment into a team and him going into ownership would be as marketable as is possible for a 'new' team.

I suspect Lewis could do it as the lead of a consortium.

[vaud]

Forester1965 said:

vaud said:

I suspect Lewis could do it as the lead of a consortium.

Maybe as a name to help promote it, but on his own he's no history of leading an organisation to success.

That's what I mean, but with his own money as a starter. Not to run it other than as an advisor or brand ambassador.

[vaud]

Forester1965 said:

I bet Sainz will be next signing for them. Reasonable profile to help build the value of the team as they prepare for sale.

Agree

Announce Sainz, then an engine deal with Mercedes (or Honda?) for 2026, then sell...

[vaud]

ThingsBehindTheSun said:

Is there any chance he might get the Williams seat due to Toto?

I get the feeling that Ocon is no longer viewed as a potential star driver...

[vaud]

Williams reopening talks with other drivers...

Is Sainz going to end up without a seat when the music stops?

[vaud]

skwdenyer said:

That said, Vowles does seem to be pushing a rather Jason Bourne “do you commit to this programme?” agenda. Of course he’s hopeful for his Williams programme, but he must also be realistic that drivers will look at the progress so far and be just a touch circumspect.

I see it as "There is an offer on the table that has been there since x date. We are offering a/b/c/d, etc. We need to know by Jun 30 if you are onboard or of we need to assess other options."