Why are McLaren so crap?

[ralphrj]

Rich_W said:

Saying that. I'm not sure how it's classified as a stand alone company. All the various arms of McLaren (Racing, Automotive, Applied Tech, Absolute Waste) are stand alone companies to a degree. But all fall under the umbrella of McLaren Group.

It is a standalone company as it has a different ownership structure.

McLaren Racing, McLaren Applied Technologies etc. are all subsidiaries of McLaren Technology Group. McLaren Automotive is owned by a group of investors some of whom also own a share of McLaren Technology Group.

Autosport are today reporting that Ron Dennis will stand down from McLaren Technology Group at the end of this year.

[anonymous-user]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport/mclar...

Ron Dennis now leaving McLaren at the start of 2017 after 36 years.

Sinking ship comes to mind....

[Dakkon]

ELUSIVEJIM said:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport/mclar...

Ron Dennis now leaving McLaren at the start of 2017 after 36 years.

Sinking ship comes to mind....

It's hardly a sinking ship, and he still retains his 25% shares.

[KevinCamaroSS]

Always supposing it actually happens.

[Andy Allenton]

Here's a random thought: if Adrian Newey joined the team, how much faster could they be?
Personally, I feel that nobody can win these days without a genuine Works power unit unless the Works boys break down. So based on that, perhaps Honda was their only option. I still don't understand how Williams, Force India and even Torro Rosso regularly spank McLaren.

[anonymous-user]

Andy Allenton said:

Here's a random thought: if Adrian Newey joined the team, how much faster could they be?
Personally, I feel that nobody can win these days without a genuine Works power unit unless the Works boys break down. So based on that, perhaps Honda was their only option. I still don't understand how Williams, Force India and even Torro Rosso regularly spank McLaren.

It is clear that the McLaren being slow is not just to do with Honda. If that was the fact the car should be amazing at tighter circuits. Don't get me wrong the engine has been poor but there are many other factor which make a F1 car fast.

I do worry about the future of McLaren. If 2017 is not a success things will only get worse.

[VolvoT5]

Just seems like so long ago we had the Hakkinen glory days...... fighting it out against Ferrari and MS.

I feel like McLaren are in terminal decline as others have said 2017 is an important year... a good team with big resources like McHonda really have a great chance to 'get it right' with the new regulations. However my money is still on Red Bull to be the next non-Mercedes team to win a championship.

[Flooble]

VolvoT5 said:

Just seems like so long ago we had the Hakkinen glory days...... fighting it out against Ferrari and MS.

I feel like McLaren are in terminal decline as others have said 2017 is an important year... a good team with big resources like McHonda really have a great chance to 'get it right' with the new regulations. However my money is still on Red Bull to be the next non-Mercedes team to win a championship.

McLaren had another upswing in the first few years with Hamilton - 2007 and 2008. To stick it out as long as they have, with at least three winning periods, is quite good going.

Agree with you about Red Bull. I suspect the next 2-3 years will be Red Bull's, after that who knows.

[hairyben]

Andy Allenton said:

Here's a random thought: if Adrian Newey joined the team, how much faster could they be?
Personally, I feel that nobody can win these days without a genuine Works power unit unless the Works boys break down. So based on that, perhaps Honda was their only option. I still don't understand how Williams, Force India and even Torro Rosso regularly spank McLaren.

Not Adrian Neweys desired working environment. RB gave him what he wanted and reaped the rewards.

As for the factory team/engine thing, its a reasonble point but they worked it death making a lot of bluster when they had much more important problems to address IMO.