As who’ll pick up the few remaining seats?
The Formula 1 summer break feels like such a
long time ago. When the annual Silly Season “officially” kicked off, albeit not
knowing what goes on behind the scenes, Err closed doors…
Are we really surprised that Circus Maximus
decided to stay put at Redl Bull? The Dutchman having signed a contract
extension that runs until the 2030 F1 season.
Although naturally, you’d have to Assume that
Verstappen’s contract extension is loaded with its typical performance-based
escape clauses. While I don’t understand why there’s any speculation over His
Wingman Isac Hadjar retaining His seat next year.
Hadjar’s done a great job in the second Red
Bull despite allegedly breaking a bone in His wrist when boxing during
training. As it seemed odd to Mwah to elevate Racing Bulls Liam Lawson as His
replacement at Zandvoort. Ironically where the Kiwi’ substituted for DannyRic’
(Daniel Riccardo) who’d broken His wrist at the same circuit…
Was this some sort of tryout for Lawson? Whilst
Red bull reserve driver Yuki Tsnoda, who’s name was making waves in IndyCar
just days earlier deputized for Lawson at the ‘lil bulls.
Williams, which forever will be Team Willy’ to
me saw both drivers ultimately sign contract extensions. Alex Albon jumping
first, and then Carlos Sainz Jr. apparently? Reluctantly re-signed with the
Grove squad, albeit rumours of performance-based escape clauses were also
mentioned for the Spaniard.
Speaking of Spain, the biggest “fish”, Err seat
apparently left on the market as of Zandvoort was Frederico Suave’s cockpit at
Aston Martin. With the 45-year-old Alonso rumoured with a return to Alpine
making little sense to Mwah. Arse-sumedly Fernando would be punting out once
touted Franco Colapinto – whom I’m pretty sure is still on loan from Williams…
If Alonso did leave, who replaces Him at the steadily
improving Aston Martin, now with a brand-new Honda power unit in its backside.
Perhaps a straight swap with Colapinto? Or could Checo’, nee Sergio Perez
return to His former F1 team?
And speaking of Cadillac, team CEO Dan Towriss
says both drivers, most notably Checo’ aren’t going anywhere next year, which
seems to make Colton Herta’s pursuit of a FIA Super Licence somewhat moot, ci?
The main two seats that reportedly are in play
are at Haas and Racing Bulls.
Scuttlebutt suggests that Esteban Ocon will not
return to Haas next year, reportedly three drivers in the frame. McLaren F1
reserve driver, and reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli is
reportedly in pole position. And I’ve heard McLaren IndyCar team principal Tony
Kanaan say Formula 1’s the Italian’s focus and He’s free to sign with any other
team.
Former Alpine F1 driver Jack Doohan reportedly
has a TPC (Testing of Previous Car) outing with Haas after Madrid’s inaugural
grand Prix. And think also Ferrari Academy and current Formula 2 driver Rafael
Canara’s name was mentioned.
Although I’d already forgotten that Doohan is
Haas’s reserve driver this year, so probably His TPC drive is related to that,
instead of Ocon’s seat?
Prior to this year’s summer break, Formula 2
points leader Nikola Tsolov was being mentioned as Lawson’s replacement at
Racing Bulls next year, and I have to Arse-sume Tsolov is still on the Faenza
squad’s radar…
Oh, regarding Cadillac and getting a Yank’ on the F1 grid. I’ve got no idea how much further forwards Herta would need to finish during a second F2 campaign; guessing ideally in the top three?
As I accidently ran into the name of Ugo Ugochukwu back at the end of July. As the 19-year-old Yank is currently making waves in the Formula 3 championship. So, might He make a better choice than Herta?
