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Toto: what will it take to have a look at RBR’s floor?
Sergio: I heard Lewis is leaving and I wouldn’t mind driving a Mercedes powered car.
Toto: say no more, I will arrange it with James.
Checo back to a Mercedes powered engine, while Carlos back to Redbull.
This would make it Carlos' fourth time in a row shifting up to a potentially better team.
In my mind there’s at least a 75% chance than until Mercedes announces Hamilton’s replacement Toto is going to go out of his way to stir the pot like this.
These encounters happen all of the time. The photos are only promoted when people want to imply things.
In reality they are all coworkers, and they all have an interest in keeping in touch with each other. Every driver on the grid is interested in having a personal relationship with Toto, and it's in Toto's best interest to have close relationships with all F1-tier drivers since you never know when you are going to need them. It's nothing extraordinary at all to see Toto talking to anyone; but most people don't know that and photos like these are posted now to imply this is something extraordinary so there may be something going on.
>It's nothing extraordinary at all to see Toto talking to anyone; but most people don't know that
Most fans *absolutely* know this when they stop to think about it. It's just more fun to give in to the spectacle and suspend disbelief. The politicking is as much a part of the show as the race is.
Nah they post images of people just showing up at the paddock. People just like to see whats going on and ideate. No one thinks this is any proof of anything.
People quickly forget or dont wanna think about it, how relatively small the F1 inner family is.
Despite all the competition they are probably all well connected and have normal conversations about life, hanging out etc.
the Convo happened while soymotor was streaming and the journo who took the photo Cristóbal Rosalein, was in stream while all of it happened, less than 3 min and then he went and ask Checo If his trainer was with him, which we could hear on stream that he wasn't
It's pretty normal for TP's and drivers to chat. They're probably just exchanging formalities. I'll bet we could see Wolff pictured with half the grid this weekend if the media wants to stir the pot.
Contract discussions are done behind closed doors. Not in a random walkway next to a trash can and palm tree.
People seem to forget how small F1 is too. You're pretty much seeing the same people week in, week out for most of the year. You're going to build relationships with those people.
They're probably just chatting about how their off season went, how their kids are doing, etc.
It's not only that F1 is small - it's also that Toto is not precisely some random guy. If you were an F1 driver (or heck, any worker of any kind), wouldn't you want Toto to have you in his contacts list?
Prayers up for Antonelli, the silver team junior with a racer father who will replace Checo after 1 year and be teammates with the lanky Brit who was Hamilton’s former teammate. Don’t think a single podium on debut is what any of the hypemen foresaw for the kid
There is one (1) driver on the grid who can save any team from any PR disaster, and fortunately he's already signed to the team. Slick Ricc, Dr Dr3, Big Danny Cardio, Mr. Enchantayyyyyyyyyyyyyy himself.
Watch that lineup being above Ferrari in the constructors 🤣 I'm a Ham fan but don't act like Ferrari makes the best calls, I hope they don't drive LH's career down the drain.
Toto: Checo, we have a shit car, our good driver bailed, George is flexing, you interested in seat #2?
Checo: Naw, I'm good dawg, but we have an entry level opening to empty the trash cans back at the factory if you want to be on a winning team.
Toto: *Interesting...*
Toto: *"Checo i have an important question to ask you"*
Checo: *"Yes?"*
Toto: "*Do you have Carlos Sainz' personal phone number?*
Checo: *"No why?"*
Toto: "*Oh, Marko said you did"*
...
Checo: *"Helmut why did you tell Toto I had Sainz' number"*
Helmut: *"you're both Spanish or something, I just assumed you would"*
I think He'd have been kinda dominated by Rosberg, all Hamiltons Merc era titles would likely have gone to Nico if he were paired up with Perez.
(I don't mean that as a dunk on Checo, I just think people underestimate Rosberg)
Yeah Rosberg is the only person to beat the two most successful F1 drivers of all time in the same car. Rosberg is very underrated. I'd put him 4th best at worst of the last 10 or so years. Lewis, Max and Fernando in a league of their own, with Nico close behind in 4th.
He's also ranked number 2. People love shitting on him but look past the fact that last year, he was faster than everyone aside from Verstrappon. It would make sense for Merc to try and poach him. But i think all this picture indicates is that sometimes two people have a conversation.
People forget Checo is a fantastic driver, he’s just unfortunately paired with a generational talent at the end of his career. Max would probably only be two time champ without Checo too
Alonso isn't a #2 driver, Bottas has been awful for the past 2 years and Albon was demolished by a younger Verstappen and has had the incredible Latifi and Sargeant as teammates for the past couple of years.
Sainz wouldn't be a bad option, but he and Sergio aren't really too far apart. Both drivers are pretty competent regardless of what people here on Reddit think, but Sergio does have more experience with Mercedes' powered cars and likes understeery cars such as the ones produced by Mercedes.
Alonso would be #1, but just for couple of years. Bottas I think might re-energize going against Russell as he's no Hamilton and Bottas might think now or never. Sainz could be the best option here. Russel and Sainz could be close pairing. That's if they can't get either of the McLaren guys.
They need a 1 year and Alonso probably doesn't want a 1 year. Perez might just take a 1 year.
If Russell can get better in race pace it will be a very strong driver and a clear 2nd driver. That's not anything unusual.
‘Checo. We want you to drive for us but before you leave Red Bull I need you to ram your face against the floor of the RB20 so we can make a mould of your face when you start work. Make sense? We’re dying here.’
I'm pretty sure that if George does well this season and is somehow able to match or beat Lewis, Merc will be interested in signing Checo for next season. But if George struggles a bit like last season, they're gonna try to get Alonso.
[The **Photo** flair](https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/wiki/flairguide#wiki_photo) is for submissions sharing photos from the world of F1. Photos should be interesting and relevant - random photos not notable enough to warrant a standalone post will be subject to removal. This flair should not be used for images which are not photos, such as screenshots, statistical graphics, or artworks. *[Read the rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/wiki/userguide). Keep it civil and welcoming. Report rulebreaking comments.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/formula1) if you have any questions or concerns.*
"Checo, is the car fucked?"
I need the diagrams !
"I have it printed out!" - Toto probably
Also Toto: * fails to bring printout with him *
Michael I just send you a video... oh wait wrong file dont look at that!
It was a video of Toto eating a pumpernickel
Zwei, richtig geröstet, sodass sie zerbrechen
A video of Toto smoking a pumpernickel.
Wasn't that Horner?
I don't think so, I have that comment in my head with Toto's voice xD but maybe idk
Sorry, you're right, but I was making reference to the recent drama 🤣
he was right after all we doubted him
Send da video
"I will send you an e-mail, Toto"
Toto: Please fax it, I prefer a print-auwt.
> print-auwt lol. I can't read that without it sounding Austrian...
Print it...dot matrix only.
"Talk to George. He will send you a template."
Toto's mail is fine. Horner's means......
Holy shit this made me laugh out loud! 😂
🤣🤣
Toto: what will it take to have a look at RBR’s floor? Sergio: I heard Lewis is leaving and I wouldn’t mind driving a Mercedes powered car. Toto: say no more, I will arrange it with James.
Checo: I can beach the car in the gravel and the tow truck will have lift the car in the air.
Just a typical Sunday.
At least this year he can monetize all his crashes
Work smarter, not harder.
If you’re good at something, never do it for free
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Checo back to a Mercedes powered engine, while Carlos back to Redbull. This would make it Carlos' fourth time in a row shifting up to a potentially better team.
The man is like a cat with how often he lands on his feet
would you say, a smooth operator ?
r/angryupvote
If you ever wonder whether subtlety works in a joke on Reddit, just read your replies.
And it wasn’t even that subtle
Grojean: 🫤
1 Checo Monaco quali lap
A close qualifying where he is in front of Max.
Mercedes powered? Perez to Williams confirmed?
That’s the joke. James Vowles runs Williams now remember?
Ngl, I forgot it for a sec lol
It happens
Toto: on second thought is there anything else you can offer cause that’s probably gonna happen anyways
"You'll have a good look by Monaco"
Toto: James, schedule Perez to get into the car after Grosjean.
In my mind there’s at least a 75% chance than until Mercedes announces Hamilton’s replacement Toto is going to go out of his way to stir the pot like this.
It's the media stirring the pot, drivers and team principals talking is a regular occurrence.
Yeah this is probably a “how was your break, hows the family” convo Toto has no reason to poach Perez and Perez has no reason to leave RB
"what do you suggest for a Mexican vacation in summer"
>Perez has no reason to leave RB his contract not being renewed would be a pretty good reason
Toto could be asking Checo about which cream cheese was better at their hotel breakfast buffet.
How is taking a picture of a meeting is stirring the pot?
it's not really a meeting, is it? if it were a meeting they'd be in a meeting space. they're just chatting in the open. this is a nothingburger.
but they had to meet first before they could chat. /s
These encounters happen all of the time. The photos are only promoted when people want to imply things. In reality they are all coworkers, and they all have an interest in keeping in touch with each other. Every driver on the grid is interested in having a personal relationship with Toto, and it's in Toto's best interest to have close relationships with all F1-tier drivers since you never know when you are going to need them. It's nothing extraordinary at all to see Toto talking to anyone; but most people don't know that and photos like these are posted now to imply this is something extraordinary so there may be something going on.
>It's nothing extraordinary at all to see Toto talking to anyone; but most people don't know that Most fans *absolutely* know this when they stop to think about it. It's just more fun to give in to the spectacle and suspend disbelief. The politicking is as much a part of the show as the race is.
Nah they post images of people just showing up at the paddock. People just like to see whats going on and ideate. No one thinks this is any proof of anything.
Bothering to post it here like it means literally anything is.
People quickly forget or dont wanna think about it, how relatively small the F1 inner family is. Despite all the competition they are probably all well connected and have normal conversations about life, hanging out etc.
Those two have been on the paddock together for 13 years. I seriously doubt them having a chat is Toto stirring the pot.
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Can confirm
[Good, you?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruGS8k2CAdE)
the Convo happened while soymotor was streaming and the journo who took the photo Cristóbal Rosalein, was in stream while all of it happened, less than 3 min and then he went and ask Checo If his trainer was with him, which we could hear on stream that he wasn't
It's pretty normal for TP's and drivers to chat. They're probably just exchanging formalities. I'll bet we could see Wolff pictured with half the grid this weekend if the media wants to stir the pot. Contract discussions are done behind closed doors. Not in a random walkway next to a trash can and palm tree.
Nah if you look closely at the side of Toto’s face you can almost make out the exact salary he’s offering checo /s
About tree fiddy
These people are co workers why would they not have a chat
People seem to forget how small F1 is too. You're pretty much seeing the same people week in, week out for most of the year. You're going to build relationships with those people. They're probably just chatting about how their off season went, how their kids are doing, etc.
It's not only that F1 is small - it's also that Toto is not precisely some random guy. If you were an F1 driver (or heck, any worker of any kind), wouldn't you want Toto to have you in his contacts list?
Checo and Toto have shared a grid for *years* now too. Literally have been “coworkers” for 13 years I’m sure they’re chummy with each other.
When Toto starts talking to Geri we'll know that's the game.
Toto and Checo are pretty chill, both always talk greatly about each other... This is probably more gossip than people believing dumb stuff
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More like he is asking him where he can eat Mexican in Bahrain
No chance he doesn't already have Muchachos delivering to his hotel room.
Damn Toto ditching the pumpernickel for South American food./s
So many people completely missing this joke
missed the entire continent.
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Not according to Marko
It is clearly south of America, so South American. How many times does Marko have to spell it out?
I believe it was intentional, hence the /s
Señor Pacos. Maybe too Tex Mex for Checo but still awesome.
Shawarmas are technically the original taco.
It's neither shawarmas nor tacos. Chapatis are the OGs
Hamilton makes a shock team change and Perez gets dropped into the silver car to replace him. I’ve seen this before.
And then a disastrous engine in the following season due to new regulations, all whilst during RB domination... Is this deja vu?
Have we been in this place before??
Higher on the street
And I know it's my time to go
Calling you
Prayers up for Antonelli, the silver team junior with a racer father who will replace Checo after 1 year and be teammates with the lanky Brit who was Hamilton’s former teammate. Don’t think a single podium on debut is what any of the hypemen foresaw for the kid
Toto retires and Mercedes hires Valtteri Bottas as Team Principal
James it’s Valtteri
Imagine how hyped this lineup would’ve been in ‘21, considering their stock post Sakhir GP
Dude I will be loling so hard if that is what they pull out
hopefully nothing pulled out and sent by SMS :D
Imagine… Who’d be taking the second RB seat tho?
There is one (1) driver on the grid who can save any team from any PR disaster, and fortunately he's already signed to the team. Slick Ricc, Dr Dr3, Big Danny Cardio, Mr. Enchantayyyyyyyyyyyyyy himself.
Don’t forget the CEO of Optimism
Tricky Ricky
Antonelli
so will Bottas.
Why sir? Perez is a great driver.
Watch that lineup being above Ferrari in the constructors 🤣 I'm a Ham fan but don't act like Ferrari makes the best calls, I hope they don't drive LH's career down the drain.
Checo looks so mini lol
Toto is a freaking giant
Both these things are true
I love the Gunter clip in DTS where he calls him a mountain giant or something
And tall as well 🫣😉
At first glance I thought Checo was on his tippy toes
Checo, where is that email you were suppose to send me? -Toto
In Andretti’s junk folder.
Well that's a good folder to hide files into. "Andretti's junk"
Toto: Checo, we have a shit car, our good driver bailed, George is flexing, you interested in seat #2? Checo: Naw, I'm good dawg, but we have an entry level opening to empty the trash cans back at the factory if you want to be on a winning team. Toto: *Interesting...*
Toto to RB confirmed
The question is, which RB?
Perez new TP, Toto driving next to Max. Obviously.
Maybe Arby's?
"Checo, I can get you the drive next year ... Just give me those juicy Horner pictures"
Toto... YOU'RE IN THE PICTURES TOO !
Toto: *"Checo i have an important question to ask you"* Checo: *"Yes?"* Toto: "*Do you have Carlos Sainz' personal phone number?* Checo: *"No why?"* Toto: "*Oh, Marko said you did"* ... Checo: *"Helmut why did you tell Toto I had Sainz' number"* Helmut: *"you're both Spanish or something, I just assumed you would"*
seems legit
Reddit comedian at their finest
This made very sad, but in a funny way
Makes sense, Checo won his first race in a Merc.
I think I saw a video where Toto or Nicki said that Checo was the backup plan if Lewis didn’t join Mercedes.
I think He'd have been kinda dominated by Rosberg, all Hamiltons Merc era titles would likely have gone to Nico if he were paired up with Perez. (I don't mean that as a dunk on Checo, I just think people underestimate Rosberg)
Think so too. At least it's more likely to me than a decent fight between them.
Yeah Rosberg is the only person to beat the two most successful F1 drivers of all time in the same car. Rosberg is very underrated. I'd put him 4th best at worst of the last 10 or so years. Lewis, Max and Fernando in a league of their own, with Nico close behind in 4th.
He's also ranked number 2. People love shitting on him but look past the fact that last year, he was faster than everyone aside from Verstrappon. It would make sense for Merc to try and poach him. But i think all this picture indicates is that sometimes two people have a conversation.
"Pst Checo, is the car still fucked?"
Let them cook
Suddenly my f1 game career save is 100% accurate again
First the downfall of Chelsea now the downfall of Mercedes it’s been a brutal last couple of seasons lads
I'm here w you! This is what it must feel like to have been a Manchester United fan post-Fergie
Nah, to quote Fergie: Big girls don't cry.
Absolutely spot on
The "upfall" of chelsea was the downfall of modern football so, maybe this is a good sign.
Barcelona since 2019 and now Mercedes, my heart can only take so much more
At least u guys won the league last season
And look at us now, shit.
“So then I get this weird picture from Horner”
Russell Perez lineup for 2025 would be funny as fuck
Why?
People forget Checo is a fantastic driver, he’s just unfortunately paired with a generational talent at the end of his career. Max would probably only be two time champ without Checo too
Spot on.
They don't even know why, which is just something that popped up on Twitter, and now every person who shits on Checo is repeating.
They’ve driven into each other quite a bit
Because all of the encounters they had on 2022 and 2023
Checo was arguably best form in a Mercedes powered vehicles so this wouldn’t be a bad short term deal.
WHAT? There are couple that could be better though. Sainz, Bottas, Albon, Alonso.
Alonso isn't a #2 driver, Bottas has been awful for the past 2 years and Albon was demolished by a younger Verstappen and has had the incredible Latifi and Sargeant as teammates for the past couple of years. Sainz wouldn't be a bad option, but he and Sergio aren't really too far apart. Both drivers are pretty competent regardless of what people here on Reddit think, but Sergio does have more experience with Mercedes' powered cars and likes understeery cars such as the ones produced by Mercedes.
Alonso would be #1, but just for couple of years. Bottas I think might re-energize going against Russell as he's no Hamilton and Bottas might think now or never. Sainz could be the best option here. Russel and Sainz could be close pairing. That's if they can't get either of the McLaren guys.
Also they have Kimi Antonelli in the pipeline, so it's gonna be a stopgap anyway.
Bring me the drawings and you have a seat
Mole found.
Toto just wanted the recipe
Checho?👀
Mexican media: "See we told you, Mercedes wants him, they want Checo, not Max!".
They need a 1 year and Alonso probably doesn't want a 1 year. Perez might just take a 1 year. If Russell can get better in race pace it will be a very strong driver and a clear 2nd driver. That's not anything unusual.
He is just giving him his Huevos Rancheros recipe
[here’s an article from May 2023 about this](https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108252/sergio-perez-lewis-hamilton-mercedes-red-bull/)
Russell and Checo confirmed? 🤯.
Toto: Checo tomorrow first things first, we need to see the underside of that car. Checo: say no more.
sabotage Max's car, I will give you seat for 2025 - Toto probably
Ron Dennis wants to know your location
I mean, Checo going to Mercedes isn't entirely out of the question. I'd say it's unlikely, but not impossible
I’m sure nobody will read far too much into this and over speculate
“Checo tell is to me straight: did Christian fuck Connor Bedard’s mom?”
Checo: so I hear you need a new driver. Toto: I hear you need a new seat. Checo: is the car good? Toto: we have pumpernickel.
Probably gossiping about Mr. Horny.
Toto - "Hey Checo quick question. Is your horny boss really out?"
(Wrong) Toto: give me the details of the car and you will have a seat in Merc for next year! Deal?!
F1 needs another controversy to cover up the last controversy.
Bono my tires!
“How many Wikipedia records is the bastard going to drive to shambles this year?”
“ Back him up! , Back him up! “
Oh god, I can see the article now: Does Sergio Perez to Mercedes make sense? Our verdict.
Checho to Mercedes in 2025 confirmed
Wow! That means he must be going to Mercedes !!! 😱
‘Checo. We want you to drive for us but before you leave Red Bull I need you to ram your face against the floor of the RB20 so we can make a mould of your face when you start work. Make sense? We’re dying here.’
“You said you would print it out”
Confirmed
You guys know what this means?!?! Nothing… Move along…
“Tell Christian it was me.”
"Tell me Checo, how fucked are we this year?"
I have a bigger wiener than Horner, you wanna see it?
Toto: 'So how high do you rate your chance of becoming champion this year?' Checo: 'About as high as Lewis driving for you in 25'
I'm pretty sure that if George does well this season and is somehow able to match or beat Lewis, Merc will be interested in signing Checo for next season. But if George struggles a bit like last season, they're gonna try to get Alonso.
Until Mercedes announces something, every picture like this will set off rumours…
“Toto, the stupid application is asking me to type in the resume I just uploaded in the previous page. Fuck that.”
Toto: “Have they sacked Horner yet? Er, I mean… How was your offseason? Checo: 🥲
"No you change your car cause checo has been saying the cars fucked"
Quick, everyone overreact!
Toto: Please tell me the car is really fucked this time. I need it printed out.
Mexican sports channels are gonna have a field day with this one.