If Saint George is in the 44, Crofty will be screaming the entire race. I'm pretty sure he cried real tears when Russel hit the wall under safety car. Their UK bias is understandable but does get a little tiresome.

Agreed, but I also happen to believe Russell is special and I'd love to see him beat Bottas his first time out in the Merc. One can hope ! Out with the old guard...

So the internet theory is 'put anyone in the Merc and they will win'...

I'm guessing that theory will be proven if the replacement driver wins or even gets on podium.

On the conspiracy side, will Bottas' bad luck continue or will the replacement driver have some problems that never manifest in that car when LH is driving?

I am so far from that level of driving, like most mortals, that all I can do is repeat what I have heard many times before. The cars are so specific to a driver's tastes that every driver pair has different setups for their car. For a driver that has never raced a single F1 race to jump into the car and drive at Hamilton's level is a really big ask.

Maybe if they put Alonzo or Kimi in there they might have a chance. He will likely beat the two red cars.

HOLY COW! I just got an email from Toto. He wants me to replace LH!!! SmileWavy;)

I gotta find my helmet....

Better get to forging a super-license.

What place will the replacement have to finish in to prove that Hamilton is supremely talented?

I know a guy that is an expert in EVERYTHING and he can help me with that. ;)

No just mine ;-) He's a Mercedes driver, he's driven it before, knows the controls, and is a special talent. I think we would finish top3 and I'm "hoping" he'd beat Bottas for giggles ;-) He was as good or better than Leclerc/Sainz/Norris/Albons and as much as I like those guys, I want to see what he can do in a non-crap car. Even Latifi was pretty good, the williams is just sad.

Put Scott Dixon in it, that might draw some interest.

I'd love to see Rossi in it. That guy worked miracles at the back of the grid and got no respect for it.

No one really thinks Hamilton is NOT very talented. He has had clearly one of THE fastest car on track but he squeezes every bit out of it. He could have been twice as talented and still stuck in the back of the grid with few points had he stayed at McLaren.

Yeah well don't have him design your racing suit or it'll have a dragon on the ass.

Yes Please!

Oh no, I wasn't referring to anyone on PP. On F1's social media accounts that is one of the more common themes. Along with LH's luck and bent towards being slightly on the arrogant side.

barbie is free and well rested

[webbers nickname for nico when they were team mates ]

Russell for me, would be a great 'try before you buy' opportunity for Mercedes

Think he's one of the new quick 'young' guys so would be great to see what he's capable of

[QUOTE=nota;11124869]barbie is free and well rested

[webbers nickname for nico when they were team mates ][/QUO

Webers nickname for Nico was "Britney" I think.

I think after the last race of 2019, during the subsequent half-week of testing at Abu Dhabi, Russell got into one of the Mercs and immediately put in a very competitive time. Something like a time that would have placed him 3rd on the grid for the previous weekend's race.

George George GEORGE!!!

I would like to see Hulkenburg but also Russell. Either choice will prove entertaining and Bottas has to deliver or he’s mentally finished IMHO.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1. Russel to Merc

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/55156088
Schumacher tonHaas

The US is a society of different backgrounds and ethnicity and the Haas F1 team reflects that : US owned with an Italian team manager with now a German and Russian driver 😁 . While I don't expect miracles next year what I hope to see is consistent finishes with both cars .

Running two rookies is a gamble and Steiner will earn his keep to make both drivers see the bigger team picture . I am looking forward to see what they can do .

George is in for Ham !

OK, who gets the seat the George Russel normally occupies?

Jack Aitken, Williams reserve driver (currently 14th in F2 standings).

So what does everyone think Russell has to finish to impress the bosses ? A top 5 ? Win the race ? Finish better than either RB driver ? There will be a ton of pressure on Russell to perform , likewise a ton of pressure on Bottas to perform better than Russell . It is quite possible the MB chassis setup isn't to Russell's liking , if that is the case they have to make a LOT of adjustments in a short period of time to get it to his liking . I wish him well and hope he can wring the neck of that MB to the best of his ability . Should be interesting to watch . If Bottas falls flat that will be a crushing blow to his race mentality and possibly his future in the sport .

Prediction time:

Bottas will take the pole. Russell will qualy in the top 10.

Bottas will win. Russell will finish in top 7.

Bottas finished 3rd in his first race in a Mercedes, I think Russell needs to at least do that behind Bottas and Verstappen. I predict Russell wins the race since he'll be able to relax a little and not worry about crashing in every turn.

Check out this video of Karun Chandhok driving last year's Mercedes for a take on how good it is:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9jd0EDzTCXI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Let's hope that the pressure does not get to RUS. Big shoes to fill in what is the fastest car. Guess it might prove if its HAM or the car

Is there any doubt the Mercedes is not the best car on the grid?

I hope Russell can relax and thrive, he seems like a good kid.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/schumacher-jnr-super-proud-formula-111647398.html

Reuters Videos
Schumacher Jnr 'super proud' to make it to Formula One with Haas
Wed, December 2, 2020, 6:16 AM EST
MICK SCHUMACHER SAYING: "Hey guys, so yes, super proud to be able to officially announce that I'll be racing for Haas F1 team next year in 2021. Obviously, I just really want to say thank you to everybody involved - Scuderia Ferrari, FDA (Ferrari Driver Academy) Gene (Haas) and Guenther (Steiner), thank you for taking me on board.

Today in Bahrain

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1607011703.jpg

I have to guess that is Romain Grosjean. ^^^

Yep, I accidentally cut off the heading. He walks into the circuit and Haas garage. Bit of a limp but considering the massive shunt he endured I'd have to say its a miracle he can walk at all.

MAG to IMSA

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a34860139/f1s-kevin-magnussen-coming-to-america-with-cadillac-dpi-vr/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_rdt&utm_medium=email&date =120320&utm_campaign=nl22149083&utm_term=AAA%20--%20High%20Minus%20Dormant%20and%2090%20Day%20Non%2 0Openers

How great to see Grosjean in the paddock already.

Kudos to him!

Agreed, good to see Romain up and walking. After a 50G crash where he was engulfed in flames for at least 30 seconds, that he is here at all is amazing. Now he should take a pause and raise a glass to those that were not given the same opportunity but their losses have lead to this.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1607018915.jpg

Totally agree with Gary.

Here are two great films that in part chronicle the tragedies

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1607019937.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1607019959.jpg