So what drivers are currently being talked
(or shouted about) the most in the silly season paddock?
Nico HulkenbergCurrently starring in a midfield Sauber, he now seems to the key to the remaining activity in the driver market. "Lotus" want him and that would probably be the most attractive proposition for him as well just so long as they can afford him over a funded driver. Sauber would probably want to retain him but again that's probably more dependent on their Russian investors handing over enough cas to keep the budget healthy ostwise some Mexican dollars may well hand the maturing Gutiereze a second season. Eddie Jordan insists that the Hulk is definitely returning to Force India, and there is little doubt that they'd welcome back with open arms although even they might have to stoop to a driver with a fatter wallet instead.
Jenson ButtonSupposedly has a McLaren contracted all done and dusted for 2014 and noises continue to be made suggesting that he'll receive another long term deal to take them through the transitional phase from Mercedes to Honda power. It certainly seems most likely that Button will remain part of the McLaren furniture for the foreseeable future but he also holds a good reputation throughout the paddock with some idle rumors suggesting that Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes would all be interested in his services in the right circumstances.
Felipe MassaFelipe baby is so desperate to remain in F1
(for a "top" team) that he's even taken to ignoring the "Fernando is faster than you" instructions. His first choice is Lotus since they are likely to build the best car still available for 2014, but their first choice is Hulkenberg given that they get the funding and permission to seal the deal. Bernie Ecclestone is keen for keep at least one Brazilian on the grid next year though and might be whispering in the ears of Brazilian investors to make that so. Massa could at least be on the "maybe list" for the likes of Force India, Sauber and Williams.
Pastor MaldonaldoSupposedly in the midst of a hissy fit and trying to extricate himself from Williams
(all year according to Eddie Jordan). Is tired of having a woefully competitive car and is casting his line for a better one. He has been throwing bis bait
(aka PDVSA) towards Lotus it seems but there are doubts to how likely a proposition that is given that PDVSA seem as tied to Williams as much as they are to Maldonaldo and the instigator of the original sponsorship package his since met his maker. He may be relying on his headline result of last year to prove that he's a driver of wining calibre which he is if the wind blows in his direction but he's also a driver who squanders far too many opportunities.
Kevin MagnusssenOn his way to sealing the Formula Renault 3.5 honours, McLaren are desperate to shoehorn him in a F1 race seat, any F1 race seat
(except a McLaren it seems). He is shortlisted by Marussia who happen to have technical support from McLaren.. so if they can have a Ferrari backed driver
(Bianchi) to sweeten the engine suppliers, why not a McLaren backed driver too? That, or Max Chilton could always go back to daddy for some more pocket money although in fairness he's been far from the "Prince of fail" I expected him to be if a little uninspiring all the same.
The others;Sergio Perez is being kept hanging by McLaren, but he'll probably be retained.
Caterham are procrastinating over whether to promote Hekki Kovalainen back to race driver or not.
Bottas needs another season at Williams but also a drastically better car.
Felix da Costa is supposedy the favourite to be thrown into the Toro Rosso arena.
Rubens Barrichello is fantasying about making a comeback... it's not going to happen.
If Sam Bird takes the GP2 title, he'll need a big helping hand from Mercedes
(cutting a deal with Williams could be an option) to step up to F1. It won't be forthcoming and expect to see him in the DTM instead.
James Calado seems likely to be at least a reserve and Friday driver for Force India, possibly more if either Sutil or di Resta are dropped.
If Felipe Nasr can find some backing he could become Bernie's token Brazilian driver.