planetf1.com

Impossible. He won't have a Super License.

He will - if, and only if, he wins the F3 title this year. His super license points should then total 40:

2018: 30 from winning European F3
2017: Nothing
2016: 12 points from winning F4 (possibly 24, since he won two F4 titles)

If he has 24 points from winning two F4 titles in 2016, he actually doesn't need to win the F3 title this year. Otherwise, he does. But if he does, he will qualify for a super license in 2019.

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PF1 PICK 10 COMPETITION (4 wins, 14 podiums): 2017: 19th| 2016: 3rd| 2015: 4th
PF1 TOP THREE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (No Limit Excedrin Racing): 2017: 2nd| 2015: 1st
AUTOSPORT GP PREDICTOR: 2017 United States Champion! (world #2)

Interesting. I think it's too soon for him personally. I think he could use a year or two in F2. Jumping from F3 to F1 isn't easy and Mick isn't exactly a quick study. it was really his second year in F3 where he came good (same as in F4).

Agree with you there. Same for Norris, albeit to a lesser extent: I think the teams are pushing young drivers through the grinder too fast into F1. If you're eighteen (18!) you have plenty of time left. We don't all need to be Max Verstappen.

And frankly, I think Verstappen was pushed in too early as well. His speed is not in doubt, but more time racing close and hopefully ironing out the kinks in his racecraft would have done him good.

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PF1 PICK 10 COMPETITION (4 wins, 14 podiums): 2017: 19th| 2016: 3rd| 2015: 4th
PF1 TOP THREE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (No Limit Excedrin Racing): 2017: 2nd| 2015: 1st
AUTOSPORT GP PREDICTOR: 2017 United States Champion! (world #2)

If it’s good for the show and a team wants him, special provisions can be made to grant him a Super License. Given Verstappen was allowed to enter the sport just as he was turning 17, I don’t see why Mick wouldn’t be given special dispensation to do so as well. Though quick, even after several seasons Verstappen isn’t a polished and refined driver just yet the way Vettel and Hamilton were from the moment they arrived. And I’d say his youth has reared its head at times but that’s not fair to other guys his age and younger and his biggest issues have more to do with a privileged and overcatered arrogance than age.

His latest incident with Bottas and the way he handled the deserved penalty issued afterwards is a shining example of that. Pretty sure Mick won’t ever comport himself in such a manor and I say bring him in.

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HAMILTON :: ALONSO :: VETTEL :: RAIKKONEN :: RICCIARDO :: VERSTAPPEN
BOTTAS :: MAGNUSSEN :: OCON :: SAINZ :: PEREZ :: VANDOORNE :: HULKENBERG
GROSJEAN :: GASLY :: ERICSON :: LECLERC :: STROLL :: SEROTKIN :: HARTLEY

The super license points and minimum age rules were introduced because Verstappen entered so young. No dispensation was given to him.

If he wins F3 it's a moot point, he'll have the required points. But I think he'd be wise to go into F2 first regardless.

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Top Three Team Champions 2017 (With Jezza13)
Group Pick 'Em 2016 Champion

I've only seen him confirmed for 2019, though that doesn't mean he hasn't got a 1+1 contract.

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Pick 10 | 1st x2, 2nd x3, 3rd x7
2018: 11th | 2017: 6th | 2016: 8th | 2015: 2nd | 2014: 15th | 2013: 17th | 2012: 11th

Mick is currently on 20 Super License points as he finished 2nd in two different F4 series in 2016. He needs a top-three finish in this year's F3 series to reach the magical 40 Super License points.

I've said he could end up at Toro Rosso but even if he does, they won't have done a deal just yet. He's had a nice little run of form in F3 lately, and he's built up a little gap back to Vips in fourth (43 points). However, there are still six races to run, so a potential 150 points still available. Theoretically he could still fall back to fourth and therefore miss out on the Super License, making Red Bull look rather silly in the process.

_________________
Pick 10 | 1st x2, 2nd x3, 3rd x7
2018: 11th | 2017: 6th | 2016: 8th | 2015: 2nd | 2014: 15th | 2013: 17th | 2012: 11th

I forgot he didn't win those F4 championships! One of those cases where I probably should have checked the Wiki first.

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PF1 PICK 10 COMPETITION (4 wins, 14 podiums): 2017: 19th| 2016: 3rd| 2015: 4th
PF1 TOP THREE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (No Limit Excedrin Racing): 2017: 2nd| 2015: 1st
AUTOSPORT GP PREDICTOR: 2017 United States Champion! (world #2)

Interesting discussion but a link to confirm would be good. Especially as it means he is jumping ahead of some good you drivers like Ocon for example.
Makes Kimi's position at Sauber, whether financial or political look a little daft.

Read on a banned website Raikkonen will also become the global brand ambassador for Alfa Romeo. Also Fredric Vassuer supposedly has weightage when it comes to driver selection & is willing to drop Ericsson if Alfa Romeo plan to invest more in Sauber. Giovinazzi is the one poised to take Ericsson's place. Marchionne had also wanted this.

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Feel The Fourth

That just makes no sense to me, if they believe in him then you don't just give him a 1 year contract.

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

Given his form though he looks more likely to actually win the series than drop down to 4th place.

I think the Schumacher's realise F1 would be too soon for Mick and are looking to do F2 next season, conversely there is a risk in that because if he finishes below the top 6 then he loses his F1 super license but then again I guess the view would be if he can't finish in the top 5/6 then he's not ready for F1 anyway.

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

I read elsewhere that Ericsson's place is safe, I hope it's wrong.

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

I don't see it mattering a great deal either way. Either he does a good enough job to stay at Ferrari for 2020, which they would be in position to ensure happens regardless of whether it's 1+1 or 2, or he doesn't do a good enough job and they probably demote him back to Sauber. And while I hate to speculate about clauses, I would've thought that his contract would include one that allows them to demote him back to Sauber if they feel his performances aren't good enough.

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Pick 10 | 1st x2, 2nd x3, 3rd x7
2018: 11th | 2017: 6th | 2016: 8th | 2015: 2nd | 2014: 15th | 2013: 17th | 2012: 11th

Yeah I guess which kind of ties in with Kimi going to Sauber on a 2 year deal, he could be seen as back up?

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

Speculation here:

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/2577/report-mick-schumacher-a-target-for-toro-rosso/

That's my thinking as well. If it doesn't work out with Charles they can easily switch them back, knowing not only that Kimi will still be 'race fit', but that they don't have to ask Sauber to drop one of their drivers to make space for Charles.

Of course, it could also be as simple as they've decided to drop him for Leclerc but Kimi wasn't willing to hang up his helmet just yet, so struck his own deal with Sauber completely independent of Ferrari. Which would then mean that Giovinazzi would still be in position to replace Marcus Ericsson as Kimi wouldn't have been placed at Sauber at Ferrari's request (something that would surely be an ideal situation for Ferrari as it would allow them to indirectly compare Giovinazzi to Leclerc, based on how Kimi compared to Vettel).

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Pick 10 | 1st x2, 2nd x3, 3rd x7
2018: 11th | 2017: 6th | 2016: 8th | 2015: 2nd | 2014: 15th | 2013: 17th | 2012: 11th

I'm pretty sure it was us that started this speculation

We should start a PF1 young driver management team

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Pick 10 | 1st x2, 2nd x3, 3rd x7
2018: 11th | 2017: 6th | 2016: 8th | 2015: 2nd | 2014: 15th | 2013: 17th | 2012: 11th

Or it is the one and only golden chance given his mixed record in F4 and F3. He may end up not performing well enough in F2 ....

Couldn't agree more. Kids are being pushed through the ranks very quickly nowadays and veteran drivers are also being pushed out prematurely (with the exception of Raikkonen). I think both Button and Alonso left with plenty of gas still in the tank. I also think that we have a pile up of youngsters who want a seat and not enough seats to meet demand.

I don't think Lando should be coming into F1 in 2019. For me, he would benefit a lot more from another year in F2 where there is some pressure on him to deliver the title. I also agree about Verstappen. The sense of entitlement that his early entry into F1 created is still evident today. He sees himself as the chosen one and he has a very logical reason to, considering the fact that he secured the drive at 17; having never even won a feeder series championship. They rush these kids through the ranks and then half of them find themselves out of a drive before their 25th birthday.

I know its a bit sad quoting yourself but Marko has denied interest in Mick Schumacher

https://www.planetf1.com/news/marko-mick-schumacher-not-a-toro-rosso-target/

Yeah I saw that as well but enter Buemi.

https://twitter.com/wbuxtonofficial/sta ... 89345?s=21

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HAMILTON :: ALONSO :: VETTEL :: RAIKKONEN :: RICCIARDO :: VERSTAPPEN
BOTTAS :: MAGNUSSEN :: OCON :: SAINZ :: PEREZ :: VANDOORNE :: HULKENBERG
GROSJEAN :: GASLY :: ERICSON :: LECLERC :: STROLL :: SEROTKIN :: HARTLEY

Buemi would be a good shout as he probably wasn't fully appreciated at Toro Rosso last time round but OTOH wasn't Alonso faster than him in the WEC Toyota ?

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Kimi: "Come on, get the McLaren out of the way!”

It's up to Ferrari as they can place Giovinazzi there if they want by October 15th, they are guaranteed one driver slot and Kimi wasn't it.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/saub ... e/3176127/

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Kimi: "Come on, get the McLaren out of the way!”

It amuses me that people are paid to offer these 'insights' when I was able to offer very similar speculation, based purely on common sense earlier, in this thread.

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Pick 10 | 1st x2, 2nd x3, 3rd x7
2018: 11th | 2017: 6th | 2016: 8th | 2015: 2nd | 2014: 15th | 2013: 17th | 2012: 11th

Yeah, Alonso was faster than him. If Toro Rosso isn't going to hire any driver Alonso is faster than, I have a feeling that car is going to stay empty for a while!

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PF1 PICK 10 COMPETITION (4 wins, 14 podiums): 2017: 19th| 2016: 3rd| 2015: 4th
PF1 TOP THREE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (No Limit Excedrin Racing): 2017: 2nd| 2015: 1st
AUTOSPORT GP PREDICTOR: 2017 United States Champion! (world #2)

Yeah I've mooted that as well.

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

I would like to see Buemi back in F1.

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

Faster at Le Mans?

Alonso was having problems with tyre wear and that's why he did mostly the night stints were the lower grip suited his driving on the tyres.

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

If they don't put Giovinazzi in the Sauber then that could put paid to his F1 career, interesting that Vandoorne is in the mix for Sauber, maybe he could even end up as a Ferrari sim driver?

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

Both Spa and Le Mans on avg yeah.

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"Clark came through at the end of the first lap so far ahead that we in the pits were convinced that the rest of the field must have been wiped out in an accident."
-Eddie Dennis, describing the dominance of Jim Clark in the Lotus 49 at Spa 1967

Fair enough, still how many drivers would be able to match Alonso, there can only be so many elites.

I wonder if F1 should go down the route of you have 2 years to prove you are elite, if not you are out like what happened to Vandoorne, it would quickly solve the young driver problem?

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

I think that was Exediron's point,yeah.

Might hurt the slow burners like Button though and I think only Mercedes have a real young driver problem and that's because they haven't promoted anyone unlike everyone else.

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"Clark came through at the end of the first lap so far ahead that we in the pits were convinced that the rest of the field must have been wiped out in an accident."
-Eddie Dennis, describing the dominance of Jim Clark in the Lotus 49 at Spa 1967

They were more seats available back then so not quite the same situation for Button, Button had very little experience when he entered F1, just 2 seasons of car racing so the slow burning aspect would be a bit understandable.

Maybe it would be more of a situation were a driver wins at the highest junior level and then gets 2 seasons to prove himself and if he doesn't look elite that might be it for him like I say Vandoorne, obviously a very good driver but future world champion I don't see it.

In respect to Buemi himself I guess he also got his chance but then again he looks better then perhaps some of the other options that STR have?

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

Listening to Toto today it looks like Ocon is out for next season. It also seems like he has a great chance of a Merc drive in 2020. Bottas is under huge pressure going into next season.

He's been unlucky this season, he should have more points from the first third of the season, this and the fact that Hamilton has been stronger in the second third of the season has put him in this position of having to help Hamilton.

_________________
PF1 Pick 10 Competition

2013: 5th Place
2014: Champion
2015: 3rd Place
2016: 4th Place
2017: 9th Place
2018: Currently 3rd

Wins: Canada 2018, Abu Dhabi 2017
Podiums: (6)

Don't think Bottas's reputation with be tarnished at all here!. If he still produces and get Mercedes and Hamilton to the titles, his job has been done. Maybe next year?. But I doubt it!. Bottas has been a reliable factor for Mercedes so far. Thumbs up!!! :thumb:

Ocon will have to wait, I'm afraid.

I think unless Bottas puts in an awesome first half of next season he's out.