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2013 Formula One F1 Driver Line-up, Rumor Round-up & 2014 Silly Season Rumors - March 9th
By Mike Sulka
The 2013 Formula One F1 season engines went quiet this week as teams prepared for the 2013 season opener, the Australian Grand Prix on the streets of Melbourne, Australia.
There are just five days ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
And the grid is full, with drivers named.
And, just like that, rumors began connecting the dots for the 2014 silly season. The current thought is that Nico Hulkenberg is being "parked" at Sauber in anticipation of a move to Ferrari - presumably into the seat presently held by Felipe Massa. While the scenario certainly made sense early last year, Massa showed a better racing form in the second half.
So would Hulkenberg necessarily be an improvement for Ferrari ?
On the 2014 schedule front, there was lots of talk. For 2013, Bernie Ecclestone failed to deliver a 20-race schedule, but claims now that Russia is a lock for 2014, and 22 races can't be far behind. Rumors have trips to Mexico and Thailand in the mix. As for Bernie, he's nostalgic for a return to South Africa - a country which hasn't hosted a Grand Prix in nearly 20 years. New Jersey also remains in the running, but rumored to have some troubles with the financial backing.
Remember when the FIA was one of the most hated, outspoken, head-line grabbing organizations in racing ? Four years after Jean Todt has taken the helm, he's talking about running for another four year term. And we agree, he's done a fine job in reforming this once controversial organization into what one should expect from a governing body - peaceful and quiet guidance.
Honda seems to be heading back to Formula One F1, though not as a full works team, but as an engine supplier to McLaren. And no one has been quick to deny it.
So there it is, another week of off-track talk from around the world of Formula One. Next week, the racing begins in earnest!
We can't wait!
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| 2013 Formula One F1 Driver Line-up & 2014 Silly Season |
| Team |
Driver |
Contract End Date |
2014 Rumors |
| Red Bull |
Sebastian Vettel |
2014 |
- |
| Red Bull |
Mark Webber |
2013 |
Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso |
| Ferrari |
Fernando Alonso |
2016 |
- |
| Ferrari |
Felipe Massa |
2013 |
Nico Hulkenberg |
| McLaren |
Jenson Button |
2013? |
- |
| McLaren |
Sergio Perez |
2013 |
- |
| Lotus |
Kimi Raikkonen |
2013 |
- |
| Lotus |
Romain Grosjean |
2013 |
- |
| Mercedes |
Nico Rosberg |
2013? |
- |
| Mercedes |
Lewis Hamilton |
2015 |
- |
| Sauber |
Nico Hulkenberg |
2013 |
- |
| Sauber |
Esteban Gutierrez |
2013 |
- |
| Force India |
Paul Di Resta |
TBC |
- |
| Force India |
Adrian Sutil |
2013 |
2014 - Jules Bianchi |
| Williams |
Pastor Maldonado |
2013 |
- |
| Williams |
Valtteri Bottas |
2013 |
- |
| Toro Rosso |
Daniel Ricciardo |
2013 |
- |
| Toro Rosso |
Jean-Eric Vergne |
2013 |
- |
| Caterham |
Charles Pic |
2014? |
- |
| Caterham |
Giedo van der Garde |
2013 ? |
- |
| Marussia |
Jules Bianchi |
2013 ? |
- |
| Marussia |
Max Chilton |
2013 |
- |
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PaddockTalk Perspective
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