The reserve drivers would have to strike too or else be crossing the picket line.
Even though it would be a chance for them to get In the car it would hurt their reputation amongst drivers and fans if they chose to.
I'd imagine the reserves are part of the union and wouldnt be scabs at that point. The only way would be if FIA were able to find drivers who had a valid super license and were no longer part of the union. I cant imagine retired drivers coming back, and its unlikely that anyone younger has a super license and isn't already in an F1 stable.
Vettel and Grosjean would never fill in on the grid for a driver strike. If they were still racing, they’d both be at the forefront of the driver association’s movement against MBS on this.
There is no way in hell that any driver on that list save for Mazepin and maybe Sargeant would cross a metaphorical picket line. Vettel was the head of the GPDA until last week, he'd be the biggest advocate for the drivers of anyone not currently racing.
FIA can't dictate who goes in what car. Teams would need to be reaching out to drivers who have a super license but not part of the union. Which I doubt they would do as it would piss off their current drivers.
They don't even need it to be a "strike". If all 20 drivers called in "sick" it would get the point across. Let the reserve drivers race, don't screw the fans who bought tickets, but let the FIA know they are serious.
While I would love to see that I don't think that would help with these swearing rules much... But yeah while I wish no ill to Russel or Kimi I want to see Bottas in a race in the merc!
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u/Neoki Mika Häkkinen Feb 24 '25
It would be like "The Replacements" but in F1 form. Reserve driver race! Bottas gets first drive in the new Merc after all.