Good work, the remaining silly season is beginning to show more of a firm picture as well.
Nico HulkenbergTurned down the chance to sub for Raikkonen and it is rumored that Ferrari settled his salary on behalf of Sauber by way of political pressure to prevent him from accepting the offer. Ferrari don't want to lose out to Lotus in the constructors championship after-all. Furthermore Hulkenberg himself now doubts that the Lotus deal for 2014 is realistic with the continuing doubts about the quantum investment threatening to be Prince Malik and t-minus at Arrows all over again.
His options would now appear two fold, remain at Sauber and hope that their Russian investors hold true... or to inflate Eddie Jordan's already overly big ego by returning to Force India. The latter looks most likely since Hulkenberg seems to be hinting at leaving Sauber.
Pastor MaldonaldoConsidered by most
(including Hulkenberg) to be the favorite to land the Lotus drive assuming that PDVSA
(seemingly confirmed as no longer in the Williams sponsor portfolio) are still in full support of the blue moon winner. And that might not seem quite the full gone conclusion if the political rumblings in Venezuela have anything to do with it. He himself seems confident and insists that not only does he know where he'll be driving in 2014 he also has "options".
Heikki KovalainenNot auditioning for the 2014 Lotus drive, little point to when Maldonaldo's money will do the talking but remains deep in negotiations about a full time return to Caterham.
Sergio PerezSomewhat left hanging by McLaren, is a late starter in posturing for the remains drives. Will Carlos Slim assist him? Who knows? But I would be surprised if he's topping any shortlists and it's doubtful that Telemex would pay as much as PDVSA. He's staring F1 execution in the face, could be forced into sabbatical and may well be better off turning his attentions to Indy.
The rest...Paul di Resta doesn't seem to have many F1 options outside of hoping that if the Hulk returns to Force India then they boot Sutil out again, which might be unlikely since Sutil brings in money. Past that? Return to DTM? Move to endurance racing? A phone call to Chip Ganassi?
Esteban Guitereze, very much dependant on Sauber being forced out of options.
Romain Grosjean, Safe at Lotus as long as Quantum don't bankrupt them...
Max Chilton, supposedly has more pocket money to spend, Marussia most likely customer.
Charles Pic & Geido van der Garde... dependant on Caterham chosing money over Kovalainen.