Jeff
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It makes sense for the name grab.

Let’s not forget Ralf is only 34 years old. Also let’s not foget that Ralf can race just fine. He kept pretty darn close to Mantoya at competitive BMW-Williams. Toyota spoiled him with those fat crazy contracts and crappy cars. Pretty easy to get Schumacher name and Mercedes together this way. After all, it’s not like the Senna name that will be on the grid is the Senna we think about. Same with Ralf – you have the “brand”

Obviously where there is a will, there is a way for Michael to come back with Mercedes. He is loyal to Ferrari, but more loyal to Brawn – who’s behind all his success. But does anyone honestly believe that he would do a deal with Mercedes only? It would have to be a 2 year deal, and it would be a fat contract with Mercedes, AND another fat contract with Bernie on the side – as we all know the ratings would go through the roof. Weber and Michael would be silly not to ask for a chunk of that. Their case was made when Michael announced that he will come back – didn’t the whole world go crazy? Didn’t Valencia ticket sales go in no time? Those type of deals – ones with Bernie, take time.

Michael comeback for $10-20M is just not happening. It will take $100M/year minimum to get the man to give up time with family. If this happens it will not only make headlines for the comeback, but the numbers involved. It would take that much for me if I was in his shoes. He just doesn’t need the money or the championships. He can afford to look after what’s really important – his private life, his kids, his wife.

P.S. Mercedes better be ready to commit to a championship car or huge monetary payout to Michael if the car is not in the top two constructor positions. I’d ask for that too if I was Michael. Wouldn’t you?

RALF Schumacher!

He’s got ties with Mercedes in DTM…

Or would that be too shocking? haha.

He’s a racing driver. He’s passionate about racing. He clearly has nothing to prove, as evidenced by racing a kart in Las Vegas. However, he knows he’s still fast, and he probably wants to try his hand at the new era of cars with slicks… and I bet the fire is still burning in his belly.

As for potential drivers other than Michael, I could see Heikki signing on. He’s already got a relationship with Mercedes, and he’s proven himself to be a quick driver.

Out of all the drivers, if I was Ross Brawn, I would be seriously looking at Heidfeld. He’s proven his worth against Kubica, he’s got a lot of fighting spirit, and he’d be a great benchmark against Rosberg (who I don’t expect to do particularly well). He fits in with their tight budget. He’s got a lot of pros, and few cons. Why else would BMW have held on to him for so long if he wasn’t a strong driver?

Button had long been regarded as a potential champion before the two stinker years by Honda. He had pretty much always been in the “If only he had the car” category.

Of the potential Merc pair, I think Heidfeld has proven what he can do against some of the most talented drivers in F1. He should be expected to shine in a top car, at least in my view.

Rosberg, on the other hand? The jury is still very much out. I don’t think he got the best out of the Williams this year on the balance, although he had some very good performances.