Hulk, Checo, Raikkonen, Gio and the Red Bull stable are the viable candidates not locked down right? I expect Alfa or Haas will bring Mick Schumacher up and RB will probably bring up Tsunoda making two proven drivers available.

Checo+Raikkonen+Haas?
Hulk+Mick+Alfa?

Kvyat as backup choice in case Kimi wants out, but it looks like he's having fun still.

Reading lots of Speculation…

The Drivers I most often see as HAAS candidates:

Perez and Hulkenberg if Haas wants a more experienced driver in its car with a bit more Sponsor money from Perez.
Russian billionaire Dimitry Mazepin and his money is keen to get his son, Nikita a drive.
Mick Schumacher
Callum Ilott
Robert Schwartzman

Just read a french site f1i.auto-moto.com where they say Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin will be confirmed in the next few days…

This is more fun than getting the latest Picture of the new 86/BRZ…

I think Perez and Ilott at Hass. Schumacher to Alfa.

It's not likely going to be Hulk, Ilott, Raikkonen, or Shwartzman to Haas because they don't bring enough money. Mazepin as long as he qualifies for a superlicense almost a certainty, Perez also a possibility. I'd be kind of surprised of Schumacher goes to Haas instead of Alfa, although that's the most recent rumor...

Really curious to see what RBR will do. Tsunoda to AT? Albon out??

That was my thought too. I don't see FDA putting him in the B- team. Traditionally Alfa makes more sense and it is not like one is drastically better then the other equipment wise.

I think RBR is going to be more patient with Albon then they were with Gasly. And by that I mean if he is not performing by summer break next year he will be out.

I bet Albon stays and Kvyat gets the boot for Tsunoda. I forgot that as a Thai driver the image is good for Red Bull at home with Albon, plus he earned that seat given his performance last year and the public affection from Horner and Helmut, he's not going anywhere. RB hasn't hired a driver with F1 experience outside their stable since Webber, picking up Checo or Hulk would significantly reduce the attractiveness of their young driver program, that ain't happening.

If Haas can't score Mazepin (follow the money is probably right as above) Kvyat still has Russian oil backing iirc.

Cars look absolutely on edge around Portimao. The Merc's running mediums in Q3 was strange but it worked :iono:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFZpWwDBdFM

I am anticipating lots of cars sliding into each other.

In other news:
Vitaly Petrov stepping down as Steward for the race.
Dad was allegedly assassinated. (Shot by sniper)

Great start, beautiful hilly track.

Sainz did good job in sneaking into first place early, too bad that did not last.

Kimi’s charge 10 position in the opening laps is classic. Too bad he could not stay in the points. I want what he had for breakfast! And good fight with Sainz later.:bow:

I think Max does not like pink, Lance on Saturday & Checo today…

Hurry up and pick up Checo whoever you are…:confused0068:

Albon: pack your bags …

The demolition derby I expected at the start never materialized..

To the Merc crew, You failed if you were trying to lap everybody else…

A certain Mr. Hamilton now holds the record for most wins in F1. He has my begrudging respect.

Gasly kept his seat at AT for another year :thumbsup:

Smart move, should probably cozy up to Renault to replace Ocon after next year.

Completely agree :cheers: I'd like to see him move away from RB. I don't think the way RB operates works for him.