[Gordo Sixtytwo]

Have you guys seen Mark Hughes article in Motorsport Magazine dated April 20?
He reports that Danny R is rumoured to have signed a lock out option with Ferrari. Both sides have an exclusive period to negotiate. They have until June 30 to agree terms according to the paddock rumour.

[forzaferrari]

For anyone who hasnt read the article Gordo Sixtytwo is referring to:

The Shanghai Formula 1 paddock was buzzing with the rumour that Daniel Ricciardo had signed an option to join Ferrari from next season onwards. Given that Sebastian Vettel is in just the first of a three-year deal there and Kimi Räikkönen’s contract runs only until the end of this season, if the option were taken up it would re-unite the 2014 Red Bull Vettel-Ricciardo line-up. There are several intriguing questions arising from this, but there was a certain irony that as this rumour began to swirl around, Ricciardo should take a brilliant victory in a race that had looked Ferrari’s for the taking after Vettel and Räikkönen had sewn up the front row by a comfortable margin.

There are many different types of contractual options, but this one is said to be on both sides up to a defined date (believed to be June 30). Up until that time, neither party can officially negotiate with another. Because the driver is effectively locking himself out of the market for that time, discussions for his post-2018 services are contractually ‘owned’ by the team (in this case Ferrari). As such, he will be paid a fee. Between now and then he and Ferrari can negotiate about a future contract. This is all conventional F1 practice.

Those privy to such matters at Red Bull are adamant that he has definitely signed something, somewhere but it’s not with them and it’s not with Mercedes. Logically, therefore, it must be Ferrari. The question becomes, does he follow up with a full Ferrari deal - or in the event he cannot agree terms with Ferrari, just keep the fee and subsequently extend with Red Bull (or switch to Mercedes)? Red Bull is said to be pushing for an answer by the end of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend (i.e. before the June 30 Ferrari option deadline). He cannot do any deal with Red Bull before that deadline, regardless of how much they may want him to.

[Monster Hesh]

Well that rumor has a lot of body to it, cannot be just a rumor.

[forzaferrari]

Well that rumor has a lot of body to it, cannot be just a rumor.

As you say Hesh, quite a bit of detail, not just the "oh he has signed something" which was doing the rounds, hope it is true, would love to see Ric getting under the skin of Seb

[Gordo Sixtytwo]

If Ferrari get Ricciardo then they will have a very formidable line up. Ricciardo and Vettel will be a huge points scoring line up in 2019. The question that comes immediately to mind is what do Mercedes do with their number 2 seat? Do they sign Bottas? Is Hamilton and Bottas strong enough to combat Ricciardo and Vettel? I’m guessing no. Mercedes have to go more aggressive. But do they have the balls and stomach to risk upsetting Hamilton? There is only one guy who is strong enough to pair up with Hamilton to battle Ricciardo and Vettel. That guy is Alonso. Will Mercedes risk it? If they don’t they may lose both titles in 2019. Will Lewis face his nemesis? Will he face his Darth Vader? Will Lewis vanquish the critics who claim he won all those races only because of Mercedes superiority and inferior teammates? Is he secure enough in his own self belief? I’m guessing no to all those questions. If I am correct then Mercedes have already lost the WCC in 2019. Maybe also the 2019 WDC title too. Checkmate Ferrari.
Anyone have another opinion on what Mercedes can or will do?

[PapaofGags]

Ok my mouths watering, Sebastian/Daniel v Lewis/Fernando........ bring it on! BOOM

[forzaferrari]

Ok my mouths watering, Sebastian/Daniel v Lewis/Fernando........  bring it on! BOOM

Sounds great doesnt it.....hard racing on track and handbags off it lol

[morini]

Ok my mouths watering, Sebastian/Daniel v Lewis/Fernando........  bring it on! BOOM

Sounds great doesnt it.....hard racing on track and handbags off it lol

Depends on how much is reliable info and how much is normal "media hype" bullshit. Personally I'd much prefer to see DR paired with Lewis as Dan has exposed Vettel already (he's been there, done that). Put Alonso in the Ferrari against Vettel, they can then decide who's best of the also rans. Let LH & DR as the two best racers "race it out".

[forzaferrari]

Depends on how much is reliable info and how much is normal "media hype" bullshit. Personally I'd much prefer to see DR paired with Lewis as Dan has exposed Vettel already (he's been there, done that). Put Alonso in the Ferrari against Vettel, they can then decide who's best of the also rans. Let LH & DR as the two best racers "race it out".

ooooooooohhhhh.....harsh

[Monster Hesh]

There are a few reports coming in, that it is Alonso's last year at McLaren, BBC gossip linked to a Spanish report, also the Express has run an article.

Unfortunately, if true, probably last year in the sport. As much as the sport probably needs the crazy mix up we've dreamt up above, it really wont happen. However, here's hoping against probability!