[morini]

I think we'll see Ocon or Ricciardo in the Mercedes next season. The only way Bottas retains his Mercedes drive is if Hamilton retires / moves to Ferrari, or if he starts the season on absolute fire.

I suppose if the rumours of the Mercedes PU hitting and exceeding 1000bhp are true then Mercedes are probably going to be able to drive off into the distance. Then will they want a number 2 driver to make things easy in their garage... or a challenger to Hamilton so there at least is a challenge of sorts.

Are these merc power rumours substantiated in any way? Genuine question. Or is it just the usual off season shit stirring?

On the Merc second seat, everyone knows I like VB (I really rate DR very highly too) and I want him to prove the doubters wrong this year. I think he's as fast as anyone on his day, but he was exposed last season and needs to up his race day game to be regularly swimming with the sharks. I do concede this season will be his last chance though, with the amount of talent out there to pick from.