4
Mark Webber believes that this year's title fight will be between four drivers only, spread across three teams. This time next week we will know who the winner of the first Grand Prix is, and how teams will be shaping up for the rest of the season.
While many are hoping for a six way battle between the drivers of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, Webber only sees it happening between four: Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.
Mercedes enter the season as favourites, equipped with one new driver in the form of Valtteri Bottas who makes the move from Williams after a four-year stint at the Grove based team.
Webber is sorry to see no world champion on the grid next season as Nico Rosberg announced his shock retirement after winning his maiden world championship in Abu Dhabi last season. Despite Bottas stepping into a car that has championship-winning potential, Webber does not think he has what it takes.
"First of all, I am sorry that the reigning world champion is not with us. Nico Rosberg has chosen to enjoy his family, friends and all the fun in life that Formula1 can't offer. I myself now lead such a life and it's fine. The title fight will go in 2017 between Hamilton, Vettel. Ricciardo and Verstappen. Bottas I'm not completely sure is ready for the title."
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
724,256 comments on Red Bull Racing
966 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Max Verstappen
601,300 comments on Mercedes 56 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Mercedes
Replies (4)
Login to replymclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
And there you have it. Mark Weber too jumps into the predictor class. Shame, he has lost his marbles.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Kimi probably doesnt anymore, he is a bit inconsistent, but I definitely think Bottas has what it takes.
dr002
Posts: 141
Mate! I don't know what the basis of that statement is!
In 2016, both Kimi and Bottas had 2 DNF's to their respective teammate's 3, and both Kimi and Botta finished ahead of their teammate 9 times to 7.
In respect of a comparison between teammates, surely you'd have to say that Vettel would be a tougher teammate to beat than Massa! Hence, if you are to question whether Kimi still has what it takes, surely you'd have to question whether Bottas does. Certainly in terms of consistency, you'd have to say that in 2016 Kimi was superior to Bottas.
dr002
Posts: 141
My apologies, I copied over my initial count....... you are right, Kimi was less consistent, he and Vettel both had 4 DNF's, and Vettel beat him 10 times to 3..... Bottas had 2 DNF's tp Massa 3 and finished ahead of Massa 9 times to 7.
I still question whether Bottas has what it takes based upon 2016 results and Massa's rather average form throughout the year.