The Cards are on the Table. The Time has come for speculations to start. The Time has come when Driver Lineups are being planned for next season.

Who Stays ? Who Goes ? Who Won't Go ? - Well, it shall be examined right here, right now!

The Situation is fragile at all the top teams barring Mercedes AMG Petronas and McLaren Mercedes.

Mark Webber Leaves F1 :

Mark Webber has decided to call it quits at the end of the 2013 Season. He has decided to retire from the sport altogether and will switch to Porsche in the Le Mans. The Australian has had a rough ride and his deteriorating relationship with team-mate Sebastien Vettel has been one of the causes of his departure. Red Bull are already in the market searching for a worthy replacement. Daniel Ricciardo has been impressive in the Scuderia Toro-Rosso, the Red Bull-B team effectively. Promoting himself ( Ricciardo ) into Webber's seat would be the final step in his endeavour to get to the top. Kimi Raikkonen and maybe Fernando Alonso ( Maybe just a rumour ) are also being considered for the seat. Clarity should come by the end of the Mid-Season break. I see Ricciardo grabbing this seat as he would play the perfect support role to Vettel.

The Situation at Ferrari :

Ferrari has suffered a big slump in form. Fernando Alonso seems to be unhappy and has stressed the importance of getting their act together. When asked on his birthday as to what he would want as a gift, Alonso said " Someone Else's Car ". The Presence of his manager in the Red Bull Motorhome in Hungary also sparked rumours of a possible switch at the end of this season. The Speculation has definitely unsettled the top bosses at Ferrari.

On the other hand, the team is running out of patience with Felipe Massa who has been producing mediocre results. The Possibility of seeing two new drivers at Ferrari ( next season ) can't be ruled out.

Raikkonen has been offered the 2014 seat. Nico Hulkenberg and Paul Di Resta are also being shortlisted as replacements. I don't see Alonso leaving but I don't see Massa staying either. Hulkenberg would be a worthy replacement for Massa.

Lotus driver lineup?

Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean are both out of contract at the end of this season. Kimi Raikkonen is hot property for 2014 with Lotus F1, Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari vying for his signature.

I have explored his options in detail in my previous post : http://tech-know-crat.posthaven.com/where-art-thou-goeth-iceman

Romain Grosjean's future hinges on Raikkonen's. Lotus Team Principal "Eric Boullier" has admitted that he wants to hold onto at least one driver for 2014. Grosjean would have to improve his on-track results if he wants to justify his job at Lotus should Kimi stay. Kimi's departure to another team would definitely boost Romain's chances of holding onto his seat.

Hulkenberg, Maldonado and Davide Valsecchi ( Lotus F1's Reserve driver ) have been shortlisted as potential replacements. I would like to see Valsecchi get the seat. He is the current GP2 Champion and his work for the development of this car has been commendable. He deserves a drive in 2014.

Sauber Ferrari have been under great financial duress. Their situation has compelled them to release Hulkenberg from his contract, allowing him to join another team with immediate effect. However the German who hasn't been paid for some months now has decided to stay with the team. His drives now would be more like an audition to switch to another team next season.

Sauber Ferrari have got Russian Sponsors to give them the financial backing that they need. As a compromise, they are going to offer a young but unknown quantity a drive next season; a Russian named Sergey Sirotkin. The 17 year old is currently plying his trade in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series.

Scuderia Toro-Rosso have shortlisted Carlos Sainz, Jr. who has taken part in the Young Driver's Test at Silverstone should any of their current drivers leave for Red Bull.

Mercedes AMG Petronas, McLaren Mercedes would have the same driver lineups.

The Next Couple of Weeks would be crucial. Kimi Raikkonen's decision should get the ball rolling for the rest.

Till then we wait.....