Lewis Hamilton finally confirmed who he’ll be racing for in 2013, and whilst it didn’t take many by surprise thanks to Eddie Jordan’s prediction, or rather calculated leak, it’s certainly an unexpected outcome.
If you hadn’t heard (where have you been?) then Hamilton has agreed to join Mercedes for 2013. This single move has kicked off a domino effect of changes which could very well change the grid quite dramatically next year.
Firstly, let us take a look at who’s been confirmed where. Red Bull will retain both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Fernando Alonso will stay at Ferrari and Jenson Button at McLaren alongside the newly confirmed Sergio Perez. That puts Hamilton at Mercedes next to Nico Rosberg. Lotus haven’t confirmed either driver yet, but it’s expected both Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean will stay put.
The second Ferrari seat looks almost certain to go to Felipe Massa now. The Brazilian isn’t doing a great job when compared to Alonso. He is however doing enough thanks to his recent results which have gradually begun to improve. One more season at Ferrari is comfortable for Massa as the Scuderia get ready for the arrival of either Mark Webber or Sebastian Vettel in 2014.
Things start to get a little more mysterious as you move further down the grid.
Sauber have lost Perez and could very well drop Kamui Kobayashi who hasn’t been able to keep up with his Mexican partner who has almost double his points tally. That could potentially open up two seats.
Jaime Alguersuari, Michael Schumacher, Esteban Gutierrez and Charles Pic are all potential drivers who could quite easily slot into a seat at the Swiss outfit.
My prediction: Kamui Kobayashi will stay put, whilst Jaime Alguersuari will replace Perez.
Force India haven’t yet confirmed either driver. Paul di Resta currently sits ahead of Nico Hulkenberg in the standings thanks to a great race in Singapore where he finished fourth. However, they’ve been pretty balanced so far this year.
Mr prediction: A few drivers could potentially take up a seat at Force India should Nico or Paul leave. I can’t see that being the case despite links between Ferrari and the German. The status quo will remain the same next season at the Silverstone based outfit.
Williams will be keen to hold onto Pastor Maldonado next year. The Venezuelan has shown brilliant flashes of speed. His win in Spain and his qualifying in Singapore have been truly brilliant. He’s also shown signs of complete madness – these are however rookie errors in part and will gradually fade as he gains further experience.
Bruno Senna on the otherhand hasn’t impressed. It’s only a matter of time until the Brazilian is dumped following his less than expected results this year.
My prediction: Maldonado will stay, whilst Valtterri Bottas will replace Senna who will be without a seat.
Toro Rosso are an odd outfit. Their sole purpose is to promote fresh young talent and, if they don’t impress, it’s goodbye without even a second thought. However, most drivers get two season to prove themselves, therefore it’s likely Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will continue.
My prediction: No change.
The newer teams have somewhat been a rookie roundabout paired with a stable and experienced team-mate. Marussia look likely to retain Timo Glock who’s already contracted next year. Charles Pic could likely lose his seat despite keeping Glock honest.
My prediction: Glock will stay, but Pic will be ousted for the newly promoted reserve driver Max Chilton.
Caterham are currently in talks with Heikki Kovalainen to retain his services, but it’s understood Ferrari have also approached the Finn. Nonetheless, as previously mentioned, Felipe Massa looks almost certain to stay at the Italian team for one more season. The second seat is somewhat more difficult to predict. Vitaly Petrov has done ok, but he hasn’t the funds for 2013 according to his manager.
My prediction: Kovalainen will partner Charles Pic.
HRT have had nine different drivers since they joined the sport just three seasons ago. Pedro de la Rosa has a contract for next year, but that doesn’t mean much it would seem. Who knows who will partner Pedro?
My prediction: De la Rosa will remain for his experience in developing a car, thanks to all those years at McLaren. In regards to the second seat, your guess is as good as mine.
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