The unofficial ‘silly season’ has officially hit F1, as talk of a move to Mercedes for world champion Sebastian Vettel buzzes the paddock.<\/p>\n
The rumour went full circle in the space of a couple of days, with Mercedes’ Niki Lauda trying his best on Friday to bring it to a swift halt.<\/p>\n
But Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko suggested to Sport Bild that he doesn’t necessarily believe Lauda did not make a move for the German driver.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, Niki has three opinions: one in the morning, one at noon and one in the evening,” he said.<\/p>\n
Silly season is, however, not limited to the front of the grid, even though Force India’s Vijay Mallya said he wants to keep Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez.<\/p>\n
“We have options on both,” the Indian said on Friday.\u00a0 “I’m very happy with both of them and I see no reason why we should be looking at any change.”<\/p>\n
There is also movement right at the back of the grid, although Briton Max Chilton expects to keep his well-funded seat at Marussia.<\/p>\n
“I’m confident I’ll be here next year,” he said.<\/p>\n
But his teammate Jules Bianchi is in a slightly different situation, as he is backed by the might of Ferrari and looking to finally make a step up the grid for 2015.<\/p>\n
“I can stay at Marussia,” the Frenchman told RMC Sport, “but there could also be other good opportunities.<\/p>\n
“The goal for me is to fight more regularly for points,” said Bianchi.\u00a0 “I’m just trying to do a good job on the track.<\/p>\n
“(Manager) Nicolas (Todt) is working on it, Ferrari as well, and I trust them.”<\/p>\n
One of the keys to the midfield silly-season could be Romain Grosjean, who may join partners Renault and Total in leaving Lotus should the Enstone team switch to Mercedes power.<\/p>\n
The new engine deal has not yet been announced, but Frenchman Grosjean told reporters his future is not necessarily tied to the eventual outcome.<\/p>\n
“I am 98, 99 per cent sure that next season Lotus will be better than it is now, and I’m not just talking about the power unit,” he said.<\/p>\n
Grosjean grinned throughout as reporters reeled off the names of potential 2015 employers.<\/p>\n
What about Formula E?\u00a0 “Not an option!” he exclaimed.\u00a0 “Sorry, but I need gasoline!”<\/p>\n
Most likely, perhaps, is a move to McLaren, now run by his former manager Eric Boullier.<\/p>\n
Asked what their relationship is like today, Grosjean explained: “Friendship.\u00a0 We not only see each other in the paddock, but sometimes we spend time together.<\/p>\n
“But this doesn’t mean that I am one step closer to McLaren.\u00a0 Friendship is one thing, business is quite another.”<\/p>\n
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