Lights Out: How many drivers do Mercedes want?

Silly season in Formula 1 isn't supposed to start until after the European leg of the year is coming to an end, but the silliness is ceaseless this year, with so many top-level seats still to be sewn up. It's lights out for Friday morning!

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Mercedes might be making a play to go all German-bobsleigh team and send out three or four teams' worth of drivers if reports are to be believed.

Lewis Hamilton's power to veto a move for former McLaren foe Fernando Alonso might go up in smoke if he cannot win the drivers' title this year.

And Hamilton might have spotted such reports, judging by his performance at a sponsor Q+A.

The champion espoused the talents, mindset and performance of current colleague Valtteri Bottas, while also leaving a delicious dig at Nico Rosberg, and possibly Alonso, at the same time.

What about star free agent Daniel Ricciardo?

He has also been linked to the Silver Arrows, but Toto Wolff says Esteban Ocon is just as likely to get the chance to drive for the champions.

So five drivers then, well it's one way to overthrow Ferrari!

Of course we're contractually obliged at the moment to mention 'the crash' whenever Ricciardo is brought up.

Could Red Bull go full-Kvyat and send Max Verstappen to Toro Rosso?! Surely not, although...

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When #F1 team-mates collide!@Max33Verstappen & @danielricciardo aren't the first and won't be the last...#AzerbaijanGP @MercedesAMGF1 @redbullracing @McLarenF1 pic.twitter.com/tuBDntvNKV — GP Fans Global (@GPFansGlobal) May 3, 2018