It’s around this time each year that F1’s ‘silly season’ really starts to gather pace, and this year we could be set for some intriguing driver changes at both ends of the grid.
Here’s a roundup of some of the major rumours circulating the F1 paddock right now.
KIMI RAIKKONEN
After a disappointing 2014, there was renewed optimism that this could be Raikkonen’s year, however the Finn has once again been outpaced by his teammate, and has come under pressure from the team to up his game.
A second place in Bahrain represents Raikkonen’s best result so far this year, but after a number of uncharacteristic mistakes this season, he currently trails teammate Sebastian Vettel by fifty-nine points.
Raikkonen has said recently that he wants to stay with the Scuderia for next season, but there are reports coming from Italian media this morning suggesting that this will indeed be Raikkonen’s final season.
VALTTERI BOTTAS
There has been heavy speculation in recent weeks that Williams driver Valtteri Bottas will take Raikkonen’s seat at Ferrari next year.
When asked about the rumours by Sky at the recent British Grand Prix, Bottas replied “I think the first time I was linked to Ferrari was last year so now it’s back”.
“At some point we will know what will happen, but it’s not yet,” Bottas added.
Despite Bottas’s comments, Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport seem confident that the deal is already done.
The young Finnish driver has many admirers in the pit lane, and further enhanced his reputation with a string of impressive podium finishes last season.
Bottas scored another podium in Canada this year and leads fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen in the drivers championship by a single point.
DANIEL RICCIARDO
Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo has also been linked with Ferrari in recent weeks, and with Italian heritage the Australian would be a popular choice with the Tifosi.
With the events of last season fresh in his mind, Sebastian Vettel may have a different opinion and is unlikely to want to partner Ricciardo again anytime soon.
After an impressive 2014 that included three race wins, Ricciardo has struggled to reach the same heights this season, and the Australian will be keen for the team to resolve their issues quickly so that his career does not stall.
Speaking to the official Formula One website, Ricciardo seemed to dismiss the rumours linking him with Ferrari “It’s a bit of a laugh. You know what, it’s fun – we talk about these things now, so it creates some variety in our conversations!”.
A move to Ferrari remains a possibility, but Ricciardo’s contract is said to be water-tight, and with the Bottas rumours gathering pace, Red Bull will be confident of keeping their man this time round.
NICO HULKENBERG
The phrase ‘Always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ could certainly be used to describe Nico Hulkenberg’s career in Formula One to date, but there is no doubting his obvious talent.
Hulkenberg has been heavily linked with a number of front-running teams in the past, but despite an attention-grabbing debut win at Le Mans last month, the appears likely to miss out a dream move to Ferrari for a second time.
If the Bottas to Ferrari rumours are true, then Hulkenberg’s management team will switch their attention to the vacant seat at Williams next year.
Respected F1 Journalist Will Buxton this morning tweeted “In Silverstone I asked Claire Williams if Hulkenberg was an option if Bottas went to Ferrari. She said of course he was, but one of many”.
In a following tweet, he added “She continued by saying it was actually just lovely that the phone had started ringing again, with drivers wanting to race for Williams”.
FELIPE NASR
Almost as soon as the rumours of Valtteri Bottas’s impending moving to Ferrari appeared this morning, Sauber’s Brazilian rookie Felipe Nasr was being mentioned as his potential replacement.
Nasr has acquitted himself well during his first season in the sport, scoring points on his debut and more often than not outpacing teammate Marcus Ericsson.
Whilst many will put Hulkenberg ahead of Nasr on outright pace, it is worth remembering that Nasr brings significant sponsorship from Brazil, and this will certainly play a part in any negotiations he may be having for a drive next year.
If Williams do end up signing Hulkenberg for next season, it is possible that Nasr could end up at Force India as the German driver’s replacement. A strong second half to the season will do his chances no harm at all.
JENSON BUTTON
It really does feel like history repeating itself, doesn’t it?
Twelve months ago the first rumours began to circulate that Button was to lose his drive, and the British public were left waiting several months before McLaren confirmed that Button would stay for 2015.
This time Button may not get a second reprieve, and the 2009 World Champion could be seeking alternative employment at the end of the year.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, team principal Eric Boullier was quoted as saying “… it (the lack of success) is going to hurt us in terms of revenue and we will have to find a way to cover this”.
Without a title sponsor the past two years, Mclaren’s prize money could fall by as much as $50m if they fail to improve on their current 9th place in the constructors championship
Jenson Button’s salary is reputed to be around £12m per year, and Boullier’s recent comments could indicate that McLaren are considering a cheaper alternative to partner Fernando Alonso next season.
McLaren’s pool of young driver talent is impressive, and with current GP2 leader Stoffel Vandoorne and young Dane Kevin Magnussen amongst their ranks, they won’t be short of options.
As always, we’d like to hear thoughts on these or any other driver change you think we could see for next season.
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Image Courtesy of Scuderia Ferrari
