Jenson Button's future...?
Discussion
jsf said:
You appear confused. You say they cant attract a big name driver yet at the same time criticise them for looking for a driver other than their big name world champion driver.
You say they cant attract a long term sponsor. Honda Motor Corporation not a big enough name for you? McLaren have had some of the longest sponsor deals in history going back decades, I would suggest Ron's record in this respect is rather impressive.
What would you class as getting their house in order? It looks to me like this multi billion corporation with the most impressive supercar out there, all the lesser models on stream or in development and an F1 team clearly in a rebuilding stage to great things is doing a damn sight better than most ex mechanics who built his own company up from bugger all could do.
Some people on this forum really are clueless.
McLaren can't currently attract a major sponsor, this is not opinion, it's fact.You say they cant attract a long term sponsor. Honda Motor Corporation not a big enough name for you? McLaren have had some of the longest sponsor deals in history going back decades, I would suggest Ron's record in this respect is rather impressive.
What would you class as getting their house in order? It looks to me like this multi billion corporation with the most impressive supercar out there, all the lesser models on stream or in development and an F1 team clearly in a rebuilding stage to great things is doing a damn sight better than most ex mechanics who built his own company up from bugger all could do.
Some people on this forum really are clueless.
Ron came out and said it himself.
Honda are NOT a sponsor, but a partner.
It's also a matter of record that Ron took an ailing McLaren in major disarray into the powerhouse it became when he took over with the help of Marlborough money. At the end of 93 McLaren became the winning-est (hate that term) F1 team in history, beating Ferrari by one win in dramatically fewer years in the formula.
Things have not been going well though, and their current slump must be giving even Honda pause.
I am in awe of what he has managed to do in a few short years with McLaren Automotive, but to be honest the writing was already on the wall with the game changing F1 (road car).
You would be unwise to write of either Ron, or Jensen, both are men with talent.
Regarding your comment regarding "ex mechanics who built his own company up from bugger all"
This is somewhat wide of the mark (as I'm sure you know) as McLaren had been in existence for 18 years and won two WDC when they merged (taken over by) Project Four Racing (Ron). This notwithstanding, it was Ron who was responsible for the success of Project Four up to that point.
This is when the cars were first tagged MP4 meaning MLaren Project 4
Well aware of the history of McLaren, considering I work with pre Ron Dennis McLarens every day.
McLaren being a pre Ron Dennis name doesn't alter what Ron has achieved pre and post his Project four merger with McLaren, so to talk so disparagingly about Ron as the previous poster did is rather off the mark.
I suspect you will see a very well funded and supported McLaren Honda team next year, so long as Honda do a good job they should be back up the front, if not next year the year after.
McLaren being a pre Ron Dennis name doesn't alter what Ron has achieved pre and post his Project four merger with McLaren, so to talk so disparagingly about Ron as the previous poster did is rather off the mark.
I suspect you will see a very well funded and supported McLaren Honda team next year, so long as Honda do a good job they should be back up the front, if not next year the year after.
Daz68 said:
Great news and up yours Ron and Eric. Get your own house in order before spouting you have a shyte driver who isn't capable. Time to realise you own a team that can't attract a big name driver or a long term sponser. The driver you think is crap and want rid is more than a match than most of the grid and is also a great ambassador for you team. Shame it wasn't something else they poured over your head Ron instead of ice...
What makes you so sure that this will happen? Yes, on balance it may make sense, but it's not because JB is the favoured choice , it's because he's the best option right now. The team has never said he is 'Shyte' either, but he isn't the future of McLaren, no matter how much you wish to fervently believe it.Edited by Daz68 on Saturday 6th September 19:49
Fact is Button IS a BIG name driver. Fact is McLaren are not so BIG F1 team now based on recent performances.
Fact is and was mentioned during BBC's coverage today, BIG name drivers will find it hard to demand and expect silly money for any future team moves they consider with so many excellent up and coming newcomers available at a fraction of the old money. So expect most to stay put or take a BIG cut in pay.
The cars are far easier to drive now and that partly explains why so many talented youngsters lacking much in car race experience do so well straight out of the box.
Love to see either Vettel or Alonso, ideally both, at McLaren to give a reality check.
Never come to pass for reasons given above and in previous posts.
Fact is and was mentioned during BBC's coverage today, BIG name drivers will find it hard to demand and expect silly money for any future team moves they consider with so many excellent up and coming newcomers available at a fraction of the old money. So expect most to stay put or take a BIG cut in pay.
The cars are far easier to drive now and that partly explains why so many talented youngsters lacking much in car race experience do so well straight out of the box.
Love to see either Vettel or Alonso, ideally both, at McLaren to give a reality check.
Never come to pass for reasons given above and in previous posts.
Emeye said:
During quali I'm sure Brundle said McLaren had a new sponsor but didn't say who. I rewound it as I thought I was hearing things. Any idea who?
Segafredo Zanetti. So the coffee at the McLaren motorhome is going to be good.Teppic said:
Segafredo Zanetti. So the coffee at the McLaren motorhome is going to be good.
It always perplexed me when I was learning Italian that the slang translation of 'Segafredo' is approximately 'cold w
k'. Nice coffee though.Teppic said:
Segafredo Zanetti. So the coffee at the McLaren motorhome is going to be good.
Cheer I googled "sponsor" not partner. I guess this isn't a big deal then?
I doubt there will be any change of lineup next year.
McLaren aren't in a position to field a competitive car, and the only three drivers who seem to fit their required spec are Alonso/Hamilton/Vettel. (although you could argue that Ricky is currently a better peddler than Vettel).
I really can't see any of them becoming available. 2016, if Honda turns out to be the Engine to have, then they can take their pick, and for a lot less money.
I remember Boulier saying "having an Alonso in an car that isn't winning is expensive and causes problems".
I suspect much of Ron's leaking that he is in talks is down to negotiating Jenson's pay check down a bit, trying to unsettle the other teams, and most importantly he's trying to stay in the game with the big teams - he really doesn't want to start being considered a mid-field team.
McLaren aren't in a position to field a competitive car, and the only three drivers who seem to fit their required spec are Alonso/Hamilton/Vettel. (although you could argue that Ricky is currently a better peddler than Vettel).
I really can't see any of them becoming available. 2016, if Honda turns out to be the Engine to have, then they can take their pick, and for a lot less money.
I remember Boulier saying "having an Alonso in an car that isn't winning is expensive and causes problems".
I suspect much of Ron's leaking that he is in talks is down to negotiating Jenson's pay check down a bit, trying to unsettle the other teams, and most importantly he's trying to stay in the game with the big teams - he really doesn't want to start being considered a mid-field team.
Teppic said:
Segafredo Zanetti. So the coffee at the McLaren motorhome is going to be good.
They sponsored Williams back when Senna was driving for them I think so a welcome returnhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/33645248
If Ferrari get Bottas, Williams could aim to get Button, which would bring things full circle.
If Ferrari get Bottas, Williams could aim to get Button, which would bring things full circle.
DanielSan said:
I hope Button goes to Williams if he does decide to stay in F1. McLaren have given him half a good car at best since he joined. At least at Williams he'd be in something like a car worth his time and effort.
In his first three years he won 8 GPs, was runner up to the title in 2011 and out scored his highly rated teammate so I'd say they gave him a very good car early on. It's only since 2013 they've gone off the boil. Edited by Smollet on Sunday 26th July 09:01
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