Something unusual happened this week; somebody said something interesting and nothing much else was said.

Claire Williams said that this season was probably going to be interesting if nothing else because most drivers’ contracts were up for renewal in one shape or other this year.  I tried to do the research on this and amazingly the Internet was not great at delivering a collated set of data on this.  My last blog stated that we would be focusing on this aspect more this year so thank you Claire for the timely reminder.  If nothing else the fact that Nico Rosberg is up for review this year is an interest in itself!

Anyway I found some data which maybe a start so I will capture it here for reference as the season progresses.  The intruige will follow the season as we know until Spa/Monza when teams seems to go firm.  Well, except Wiliams of late, they seem to,have tied their plans down early and who can blame them on their budget!

So as far as Internet research goes the situation seems to be as follows:

Drivers Who Are In Final Year of Contract:

Raikonen

Rosberg

Button

Massa

Ricciardo

Bottas

Drivers Who Are Secure Beyond This Year:

Vettel – in year 2 of 3

Alonso – in year 2 of 3

Hamilton – in year 1 of 3

Hulkenburg- in year 1 of 2

This years main task is to predict who will fill the upcoming slot at:

• Ferrari
• Mercedes
• McLaren
• Red Bull
• Williams (2 Slots)

and will Verstappen get an offer he can’t refuse?

So blind without data analysis or models of historic decision making I think the following will happen.  We will adjust it as the season and calculations are completed:

• Button will retire (sadly)
• Verstappen will be made an offer he cannot refuse by Ferrari
• Raikonen will retire
• Ricciardo to Mercedes
• Bottas and Mass remain at Williams
• Rosberg to Red Bull