OCTOBER 8, 2017 No Toro Rosso seat for Wehrlein says Marko Dr Helmut Marko has denied rumours Pascal Wehrlein could be in the running to race for Toro Rosso in 2018. On Sunday, both teams confirmed that Jolyon Palmer has been axed by Renault and will be replaced by Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz from Austin later this month. To fill Sainz's place, axed Daniil Kvyat will return, but whether the Russian will race full-time alongside Pierre Gasly next year is not yet clear. That's because German Wehrlein, the Mercedes-backed Sauber driver, has been linked with a seat at the junior Red Bull team. But Red Bull's Marko told Auto Motor und Sport: "Wehrlein is not on our list." Asked who is on the list, the Austrian answered: "Perhaps there will be a surprise." Another rumour is that the McLaren junior Lando Norris is in the running, perhaps as part of the deal that sees Honda power also heading to Toro Rosso in 2018. But McLaren boss Eric Boullier said: "It is one year too early for Lando to come to formula one."
Maybe not, but he is surely a good replacement for Paddy Lowes. Another talented engineer who escaped from Ferrari ...
OCTOBER 8, 2017 Professional Williams team would keep me says Massa Felipe Massa seems unhappy with the Williams team. Earlier at Suzuka, team official Paddy Lowe said that while the Brazilian veteran is still in the running for 2018, Robert Kubica and Paul di Resta will be tested "in the next few weeks". Another rumour is that Pascal Wehrlein could get Massa's seat, perhaps as part of a discount on Williams' expensive Mercedes engine bill. Massa said in Japan: "I'm concerned that the team could choose a path that could bring difficulties for the team. "I think Lance (Stroll) has made a lot of progress through the year so perhaps Williams should keep the current lineup," he added. So when asked about Lowe's admission that plenty of candidates are under consideration for the seat alongside Stroll next year, Massa said: "Paddy knows what's best for the team. "Unfortunately, this is just formula one. I think if Williams acts professionally, they will leave everything as it is." Massa, 36, actually retired at the end of last year, and only returned to Williams when Valtteri Bottas headed to Mercedes at the last moment. Asked why he is now so keen to stay in F1 for another year, Massa explained: "In the past three years the cars did not suit my driving style. "There was not much grip, the tyres did not work in a good way -- it was not fun and I could not compensate with my style. "Now, when I can feel that I can push to the maximum, the motivation increases. I still believe I can give a lot to the team," he added.
Agree. Williams needs at least one experienced driver to help develop the car and it seems there is no one available at the moment.
I strugle to understand Williams, but again, they were always a bit strange in their drivers choice...if Robert is indeed ok, it's a no brainer.
Daniel Ricciardo: Ferrari frustrated as Red Bull confirm F1 contract plans http://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/864323/Daniel-Ricciardo-f1-news-Ferrari-Red-Bull-contract
OCTOBER 10, 2017 Massa should retire says Marko Dr Helmut Marko thinks Felipe Massa should retire. The rebuke comes after the lapped Fernando Alonso and Massa, the Brazilian F1 veteran, held up Max Verstappen in the closing stages of the Dutchman's pursuit of Suzuka winner Lewis Hamilton. "Max had the pace to attack Hamilton," Marko, the Red Bull official, told ORF broadcaster. "It cannot be that when the leaders approach you only move over after so many corners. Without the episode we would have had an exciting end. "It would be better if Massa retires," the Austrian added.
He is out to lunch. Max had a blister and was never going to pass LH. So says Horner. Ridiculous. If anyone is old and needs to retire the Dr could just as easily.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-austin-super-formula-finale-964670/ Who to replace him? Buemi? Palmer?
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/132366/hartley-favourite-for-toro-rosso-us-gp-drive Brendon Hartley is the leading contender to drive for the Toro Rosso Formula 1 team in the United States Grand Prix, with Sebastien Buemi the back-up option, Autosport has learned. Toro Rosso needs to fill the seat alongside Daniil Kvyat at Austin after it was agreed Pierre Gasly would return to Super Formula to contest the title in the series finale on the same weekend. It is understood Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost wants to use Austin as an opportunity to evaluate a new driver as he weighs up his 2018 driver line-up.
OMG! Wouldn't it be awesome if Buemi gets a ride in Friday FP1? I'd see him again in a F1. Whoa! All the more reason to travel to Austin.
Proof that RB junior program has run out of steam. Unfortunate since they have probably added more to F1 than anyone else in the past decade.
Kid was'nt bad...did some awesome times but don't know if he was on a fuel tank, set-up etc. I think he should be in the Mclaren reserve role. McLaren considering Norris for reserve F1 driver role https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-considering-norris-for-reserve-driver-role-964783/ … via @motorsport
