Vettel to replace Alonso at Ferrari

[JonRB]

toppstuff said:

Don't know the chap though. He's probably a splendid fellow so I am not making some ad hominem. He does come across that way, though.

Now, now. This is the internet. We can't have people being eminently sensible and reasonable like this. Go away and have a long look at yourself, chap.

[Crafty_]

Saward's "an evening with Joe" appears to cause some amusement among other journos so I think he's quite widely perceived as a bit smug.

A mate at work keeps enthusing about his GP+ reports, I've read bits here and there and don't think they were much different to anything you'd read in Autosport - not worth paying a premium for. He seems to pride himself on having them out within hours of the race finish.

[NRS]

RenOHH said:

suffolk009 said:

Nice balanced piece from Joe Saward. In summary he suggests that the issue is who will own McLaren in six weeks time. Ron is apparently trying to raise money to gain a controlling share, if he does then it will be his decision, if he doesn't get control then it will not be his decision.

JB and KM are after all employees of McLaren, they have contracts and those contracts are up for renewal.

I wouldn't call it balanced. Using his position and contacts to have a pop at fans who don't know any better. Bit of a stty article to be honest.

Yes, but they don't have to know anything. It's like any other business. If you have a contract you can choose to get a job elsewhere if you want to for when it finishes. If a company doesn't want you/ wants to renew your contract they only have to give notice within the terms of your agreement (and any laws that may be applicable). Why is it any different just because it's Button? I don't remember this moaning about any previous appointments or delays for drivers. Not to mention the media keep twisting things - like the December 1st date when it was "after" and so on.

In reference to the people complaining and comparing it to stringing a girl along - if it was your business would you try and get the best deal (driver combination) for it?

[Vaud]

Crafty_ said:

A mate at work keeps enthusing about his GP+ reports, I've read bits here and there and don't think they were much different to anything you'd read in Autosport - not worth paying a premium for. He seems to pride himself on having them out within hours of the race finish.

At £30 for a year that is way cheaper than buying 20 Autosports.

Try the last one for free - he made it available:

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/a-freebi...

[DanielSan]

Vaud said:

At £30 for a year that is way cheaper than buying 20 Autosports.

Try the last one for free - he made it available:

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/a-freebi...

But 20 Autosports do have a lot more content than just an F1 write up.

[Vaud]

DanielSan said:

But 20 Autosports do have a lot more content than just an F1 write up.

True, but I find the current Autosport a shadow of it's former self.

[MissChief]

Vaud said:

DanielSan said:

But 20 Autosports do have a lot more content than just an F1 write up.

True, but I find the current Autosport a shadow of it's former self.

It's been a good long while since I've actually bought a copy but a lot of it is down to the writers. The good ones have gone freelance or simply left for other publications.

[rubystone]

MissChief said:

It's been a good long while since I've actually bought a copy but a lot of it is down to the writers. The good ones have gone freelance or simply left for other publications.

Sadly I have to agree with you on Autosport.

But Saward is a smart guy. And not at all smug in person. He's on the money around McLaren...I think it's more likely RD was in Scandinavia looking for investment in the team...where does mot life? RD and Ojjeh fell out over RD's separation from Lisa and Ron is running out of time to buy Mansour out. He's not the sort of guy to be answerable to anyone, although the rumour is that he did approach Honda to invest in the team, but they declined politely. I think they have learnt that lesson!

[anonymous-user]

McLaren will be announcing the driver lineup tomorrow morning http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/30417196

[Likes Fast Cars]

garyhun said:

McLaren will be announcing the driver lineup tomorrow morning http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/30417196

We won't hold our collective breaths waiting.

[anonymous-user]

Likes Fast Cars said:

We won't hold our collective breaths waiting.

[Agent Orange]

garyhun said:

McLaren will be announcing the driver lineup tomorrow morning http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/30417196

We don't know that.

Could just be the announcement of a major sponsor.

[JonRB]

To slightly paraphrase Blackadder:

"Well, forgive me if a don't do a cartwheel of joy, but your Company's recent history in the department of driver announcements is about as impressive as Stumpy O'Leg McNolegs' personal best in the Market Harborough marathon"

[toppstuff]

garyhun said:

McLaren will be announcing the driver lineup tomorrow morning http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/30417196

Mclaren PR is so utterly nuked, I don't think I really care anymore.

Mclaren is meant to stand for precision and meticulous planning and engineering. We have witnessed none of these qualities here - instead we have been witnessing a blithering, blundering, ridiculous demonstration of hamfisted management that portrays Mclaren as a business with weak management and no clear sense of direction.

Whoever is in charge must see that this is not their finest hour. No amount of Ronspeak will make up for the damage caused to the brand. Sponsors are watching and none of them will like what they see.

[Likes Fast Cars]

toppstuff said:

Mclaren PR is so utterly nuked, I don't think I really care anymore.

No amount of Ronspeak will make up for the damage caused to the brand. Sponsors are watching and none of them will like what they see.

Wasn't it Ronspeak that caused the problem?

[dr_gn]

toppstuff said:

garyhun said:

McLaren will be announcing the driver lineup tomorrow morning http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/30417196

Mclaren PR is so utterly nuked, I don't think I really care anymore.

Mclaren is meant to stand for precision and meticulous planning and engineering. We have witnessed none of these qualities here - instead we have been witnessing a blithering, blundering, ridiculous demonstration of hamfisted management that portrays Mclaren as a business with weak management and no clear sense of direction.

Whoever is in charge must see that this is not their finest hour. No amount of Ronspeak will make up for the damage caused to the brand. Sponsors are watching and none of them will like what they see.

I doubt you've actually witnessed any of what you wrote, in fact I'd guess you haven't really got a clue about what's really going on at Mclaren, nor what's involved in any presumed negotiations?

Add the fact that McLaren aren't obliged to keep the general public informed of any of their business and contractural discussions, and I think it becomes clear that the 'damage' you think is being inflicted by McLaren on themselves is really more of a forlorn hope on your part than reality.

Once the driver line up is announced, all this crap will soon be forgotten, whoever drives for them.

[Vaud]

The majority of fans don't know or care - they are casual fans. The hardcore are annoyed, but I don't think any current sponsor cares - they are seeing lots of their logo as coverage and a slight air of mystery.

It's not like Ron has been filmed visiting Rolf Harris or strangling kittens. He's trying to make a tough business decision and set a course for the next 5 years.

I don't think it has been done well as an outsider. But I do think the recent events have been overblown in terms of importance and impact.

[Gazzab]

I am an F1 fan and I dont find it annoying or a poor reflection on McLaren or disrespectful to Button / Mags. Its just business. Its mildly interesting but its generally fact free voyeurism etc if Mclaren do well next season then that will be interesting, if they dont it will be less so.
If Button or Mags are dropped then it will be interesting to see the revised line up working with the latest car, working with each other, seeing the team progress etc but if it all fails then I'll still be more interested in whats happening at the front of the field.

[Agent Orange]

dr_gn said:

Once the driver line up is announced, all this crap will soon be forgotten, whoever drives for them.

This is very true. The negative PR to McLaren will be extremely short lived. Especially so once the first race starts.

People have short memories.

[Bonefish Blues]

Gazzab said:

I am an F1 fan and I dont find it annoying or a poor reflection on McLaren or disrespectful to Button / Mags. Its just business. Its mildly interesting but its generally fact free voyeurism etc if Mclaren do well next season then that will be interesting, if they dont it will be less so.
If Button or Mags are dropped then it will be interesting to see the revised line up working with the latest car, working with each other, seeing the team progress etc but if it all fails then I'll still be more interested in whats happening at the front of the field.

Exactly this. It will be interesting to get an insight into the whats and the whys, mind (but I accept we likely never will!)