Audi has publicly stated that they want experienced drivers when they take over the Sauber organization. I was actually surprised that they signed Hulkenberg. He’s definitely experienced, but he hasn’t had much success in Formula 1. So who else is out there with good experience in Formula 1 that might fill that seat? Sainz is an obvious choice. Bottas would certainly like the seat and he has shown that he can win races in the right machinery. I’ve seen Vettel make comments in interviews that he could be tempted to come back for the right opportunity. Another German driver for a new German team might be that opportunity. Who else do they consider? Perez? Ricciardo? Schumacher?

Silly season is going to be nuts this year.

 

Silly season will be entertaining.

 

Silly season in F1 has expanded to 24/7/365.
And seems especially silly now.

 

I think Hulk is a solid journeyman driver, not much different from a Perez, but he has never been in a good car. I think he has shown a slight amount of Alonso in that he squeezes more out of the car than it deserves. He isn't a Verstappen, Hamilton, Alonso, or anyone like that, but he is a solid driver that could bring stability to a team.

+1

 

The only reason I can think of on why Red Bull would not want to bring Yuki up to the top team is because maybe he’s going to move on with the Honda engine to Aston Martin?

 

It will be an interesting summer. I think Perez needs to string together several podiums in a row to keep his RB seat.

 

Even though Yuki has been driving great, I don’t see him working at RB. He seems like he would easily become “unhinged” under pressure. He seems too high strung from his radio messages.

Perez better get back to the way he was earlier in the season or he’s done. What happened to him?

 

Remember that Yuki learned English from the mechanics in the garage, so his base of English was what and how mechanics in the garage would talk. He's been taking lessons to clean up his vocab.

 

I think he's calmed down quite a bit from last year, it's showing in his results too. He's shaming Danny who at this rate might not have a ride next year IMVeryHO.

Perez is a shot fighter. This happened last year too.

 

Maybe it’s easier to talk about who won’t have a seat next season (or at least who shouldn’t have one). Here are my thoughts, in no particular order:

1. Ocon. I’ve always thought that Ocon was a clown, and he continues to prove it. He’s the new Grosjean. He doesn’t deserve a seat.
2. Zhou. I think Zhou is in trouble. I know that F1 likes having a Chinese driver on the grid and he hasn’t had a good chance to prove his skills in a good car, but he may not have a seat next year.
3. Seargant. Logan Seargant is toast. We all want to see an American driver on the grid. Unfortunately, Seargant doesn’t seem to be the guy. He can’t keep up with Albon in a car that’s becoming a solid midfield competitor.
4. Magnusson. I like K Mag. I really do. But he has had a difficult season (again) and I don’t see Haas resigning him. He can do well for a lap or two, but he struggles in races.
5. Bottas. I think he’ll likely find a seat somewhere because he’s an experienced, proven race winner. That said, it won’t surprise me if he doesn’t. Maybe he goes to Haas or Williams?
6. Gasly. I like Gasly and he’s a race winner. I know that the Alpine cars haven’t been good, but he hasn’t been good either. Not sure we’ll see him on the grid next season.
7. Stroll. I think Lance Stroll would already be gone if Papa Stroll wasn’t in the picture. I expect him to be around for a few more years, but I don’t think he should be.
8. Perez. I think Checo is in danger of losing his seat at Red Bull. I expect that he would likely land at another team, but it may not happen. Audi? Mercedes? Williams?
9. Ricciardo. I’d love to see Danny Ric compete again in a competitive car, but I don’t see him landing in one next season, especially in the Red Bull car. He may find himself without a seat.

What am I missing?

 

I don't think Gasly belongs on that list. He had only 1/2 a season in the Red Bull going up against Max when he was demoted to Alpha Tauri. Whilst at Alpha Tauri, he punched above his weight by not only getting a race win at Monza, but 3 podiums and beating every teammate he had.

He then went to Alpine and in his first year beat Ocon on points and scored a podium at Zanfoort. This year, the car has been horrible, but managed to score a point in Monaco. To me, Pierre is an underrated driver.

 

I agree and I’ve always liked Gasly, but it’s a brutal sport and I could see a scenario where he loses his seat. I also thought Red Bull acted prematurely when they demoted him and called up Albon.

 

After the shenanigans from Ocon on last year's Drive to Survive and what he did at Monaco, I think he's not a team player and needs to be boucned. I'd keep Gasly. Love Bottas. He seems like a good dude. I can see him being a fan favorite if he came to IndyCar and I bet he would be good. I could see him at Haas. Then Michael Andretti and Cadillac buy Haas. Andretti has a lot of toys in his toy box that could be a lure to someone who would like to run Daytona and the Indy 500. Love Danhy Ric, but I think his time has passed in F1. Another guy who the fans would love in IndyCar.

I agree with Dennis on K Mag, and Stroll that it's time for them to move on. Maybe Mr. Stroll could buy an IndyCar team and let Lance race there. Lance obviously has skills because he can drive an F1 car. He could probably win in an IndyCar like Marcus Ericsson who was a back marker in F1, who has his face on the Borg Warner Trophy and almost had two. Zhou is safe because he's probably bringing a boatload of fans from China to F1 and that means cash. And probably a pretty good sized check for his seat.

 

I'm pretty sure Ricardo said Indy was too scary for him....
Bottas in Indy makes a lot of sense.

Speaking of Indycars, the 500 was much more entertaining than Monaco on Sunday!

 

Agree, The 500 was pretty awesome race.

BTW, lost in all this is the fact that McLaren had a 2nd & 4th at Monaco and later in the day had the lead on the last lap of the 500 but had to setting for a 2nd and 4th. Not a bad weekend for Zak Brown's team.