Right, Massa is out.

http://instagram.com/p/eFyM4QHLf1/#

Ohh, we do love The Silly Season™ don't we?

McLaren target Fernando Alonso for next season:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula-one/24171278

I know. Stranger things have happened, though it does seem very unlikely considering how their partnership ended last time - still, Ron's not there now, so who knows! If it's true, it's a shame if Perez is pushed out - he's seemed the better out of the two current drivers this year. Much as I like Button, on average he's been out-qualified and out-raced this year, despite the McLaren being a complete donkey of a car. That could see Perez back at Sauber, possibly? Or maybe a straight swap, with Perez as Kimi's wing man?

I don't agree. The car is a dog and he's still scoring regular points - more than 2.5 times what Perez has amassed.

It is a relief to note that JB has finally stopped whining about having a crap car, though. That was really starting to grate.

As to the silly season - Alonso has apparently tweeted that he is committed to Ferrari, but I bet he's keeping options open for 2015, when McLaren switch to Honda. Especially if there is any truth to the talk about the 2014 Ferrari engine not delivering enough power - he must be getting tired of starting a season with one hand tied behind his back.

Well, it's all happening at the moment - Massa & Smedley to Williams, Perez to be replaced by Magnussen at McLaren and Kimi electing to have back surgery instead of attending the last two races of the season (which will help Ferrari fend off Lotus in the WCC). Maldonado will be looking to buy his next ride, as will Perez.

According to Joe Saward, Hulkenberg hasn't been paid by Sauber and Lotus have yet to confirm that their reserve driver will run the last two races of the season. Could the Hulk walk away from Sauber early and help out Lotus? Much will depend on Quantum actually turning up with some cash. Hulkenberg only has talent, not a sugar daddy with deep pockets - so he might yet end up back at Force India, as Eddie Jordan predicted, or even stay put at Sauber.