Will next year be Heidfeld's last year in F1 if McLaren or Toyota don't sign him?

Yoong Montoya · 25 Jul 2002, 22:23 (Ref:342891)

Think about it. He has an option for one more year at Sauber and if neither McLaren nor Toyota sign him, he will need to take up the Sauber option.

But what happens after that?

Will he be forced out of F1 altogether?

or is there hope on the horizon? I don't want Heidfeld to end up as another Fisichella or Warwick.

McLaren look set to announce next year's line up at Hockenheim, so you never know.

Kretzman JB fan · 27 Jul 2002, 02:29 (Ref:343791)

I hope not Heidfeld is an exceptional talent. I believe that if you put him in a McLaren, Williams, or Ferrari he would win a lot races. Heidfeld scored more points last year than the drivers that drove for Sauber in 99 and 2000.

I hope hes not forced out, but the sad truth is that he might. The only place that he has to go is down. Hopefully someone will offer him a good ride and he can quiet the critics

Jukebox · 27 Jul 2002, 02:36 (Ref:343795)

Heidfeld is a sought after driver by most of the midfield teams. If he has no where to go, i'm very sure Peter Sauber would sign him for another year or so.

f1manoz · 27 Jul 2002, 03:18 (Ref:343804)

I have faith that he will be picked up by a top team at the end of next year. But if it doesn't happen, he'll find somewhere to plant him bum. He's seen as a talent of the present and future, and letting him leave would be a complete waste.

freud · 27 Jul 2002, 03:27 (Ref:343807)

See the market for 2004 depends solely on the two Schus i.e.

-what if Michael Schu decides to retire after beating Fangio's record.
-& Ralf Schu is dropped by Williams after his contract ends at end of 2003.

I have read a statement of Frank Williams in which he heaped praise on Heidfeld. I wouldnt be surprised to see Heidfeld with Williams in 2004.

Jukebox · 27 Jul 2002, 03:39 (Ref:343810)

freud....let's not forget Ferrari. The deal with the Macs ends next year. Who knows there might be a reason for Heidfeld to stay on with Sauber....remember Rainonnen last year Ferrari asks him to stay on for another year?

Deep in my heart i beleive he'll get a Ferrari seat in 2005 as Heidfeld always say he's still young and if keeps on pushing he'll end up in one of the top teams one day.

Fingers crossed

freud · 27 Jul 2002, 03:45 (Ref:343812)

Juke, I dont agree with you here. Its difficult if not impossible for Heidfeld to get a Ferrari seat as I see others who would get that seat before him...

Giancarlo Fisichella
Jarno Trulli
Ralf Schumacher (if Williams drops him at end of 2003)
Jacques Villeneuve (Ferrari will prefer him if TGF retires)
Juan Pablo Montoya is also in the picture if TGF retires

Heidfeld's connections are more with Mercedez and BMW wouldnt mind him as replacement of Ralf.

Jukebox · 27 Jul 2002, 03:57 (Ref:343815)

I have my reasons why i believe that Heidfeld would get a Ferrari seat when there's one available. Who knows when and if Michael retires he'll use his influence like MIka did with Kimi.

Fisichella, Trulli and Villeneuve will end their career in the midfields. Montoya on the other hand is a possiblity cause i believe he'll at least win one WDC in the future.

freud · 27 Jul 2002, 04:02 (Ref:343818)

Quote:

Originally posted by Jukebox
Who knows when and if Michael retires he'll use his influence like MIka did with Kimi.

TGF will use his influence to get Ralf in, not Heidfeld

f1manoz · 27 Jul 2002, 05:07 (Ref:343822)

Being backed by Mercedes for so long, Heidfeld could very well end up at Williams if BMW use their influence to poach him. Williams are less than happy with Ralf at the moment, while Heidfeld is a man who is always being watched, but unfortunately the politics have kept him out of a top seat for now.

Seeing DC is off contract at the end of next year, he'll either be at McLaren in 2004, or there is a slight chance that he could end up at Williams.

Valve Bounce · 27 Jul 2002, 05:48 (Ref:343825)

To the question asked : NO
But keep thos questions coming - you may get a YES sooner or later.

Valve [img]http://www.**************************/smilies/bouncy.gif[/img]

DNQ · 27 Jul 2002, 05:50 (Ref:343827)

No. It will not be Heidfelds last year if he doesn't get a top line drive. Panis, Fisichella, Trulli and Frentzen are a few examples of drivers with obvious talent whom haven't found a top line drive, but have kept in an around F1 motor racing.

Valve Bounce · 27 Jul 2002, 06:09 (Ref:343828)

Perhaps the author of this thread is expecting the chop

for Heidfeld!! , Just like how Marie Antoinette got it.

Valve [img]http://www.**************************/smilies/bouncy.gif[/img]

Mr V · 27 Jul 2002, 09:50 (Ref:343883)

Next year won't be Nicks last year if he doesn't get snapped up, he's too good for that, however, i do fear that he might end up as the next Fisi, i.e.. someone whoo should have been given a better chance, but for whatever reason, hasn't!

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