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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
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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.