Hamilton to Mercedes
Discussion
Mini1275 said:
I just don't see why he would go there. I know McLaren have cost him a lot of points this season and probably the championship lead but it just doesn't seem a logical move.
It just doesn't seem a good move for either side really (Lewis or McLaren).
Maybe he's fed up of the increasing mistakes from McLaren. They've cost him a lot.
He's cost them a lot over the seasons too. Possibly they are fed up with him. Thought I'd mention that for you.It just doesn't seem a good move for either side really (Lewis or McLaren).
Maybe he's fed up of the increasing mistakes from McLaren. They've cost him a lot.
If, and it's a big if, this news item is true, then I welcome it for a number of reasons. Away from the McLaren cocoon that enclosed him from childhood, he will now have to stand alone on his own two feet. It could be the making of Hamilton as an even better overall performer both on and just as importantly, off the track. By the latter, I do not mean additional DNFs of which he has had more than a fair share of 'bad luck' although a good percentage were self-inflicted.
Although no way could I be certain, this news if true explains much about his performance, demeanour and behaviour over the recent weekend. In contrast to how he appeared for most of the first half of the season.
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I think I'll take the article with a massive pinch of salt, to be honest.
After all, it has been written by Andrew (not really sure how I keep my 'Chief F1 writer' job at the BBC) Benson and has 'insider knowledge' from Eddie Jordan.
I'm really not sure what Lewis would gain by moving to Mercedes. I realise that McLaren have made some foolish mistakes that have resulted in Lewis losing numerous points this season (and previous seasons to be fair) but the Mercedes hasn't exactly been the car of the field this season, has it?
I'd like to think that McLaren will still have the quicker package next season - I hope he stays at McLaren and they can work out how to optimise their strategy on race day and cut down on silly mistakes.
I'm a big fan of Lewis and McLaren but I just can't understand why Lewis behaves like he does sometimes. It's almost as if he is deliberately trying to alienate his fans and piss McLaren off - he needs to keep his cool and learn when to keep his mouth shut. IMO.
After all, it has been written by Andrew (not really sure how I keep my 'Chief F1 writer' job at the BBC) Benson and has 'insider knowledge' from Eddie Jordan.
I'm really not sure what Lewis would gain by moving to Mercedes. I realise that McLaren have made some foolish mistakes that have resulted in Lewis losing numerous points this season (and previous seasons to be fair) but the Mercedes hasn't exactly been the car of the field this season, has it?
I'd like to think that McLaren will still have the quicker package next season - I hope he stays at McLaren and they can work out how to optimise their strategy on race day and cut down on silly mistakes.
I'm a big fan of Lewis and McLaren but I just can't understand why Lewis behaves like he does sometimes. It's almost as if he is deliberately trying to alienate his fans and piss McLaren off - he needs to keep his cool and learn when to keep his mouth shut. IMO.
MGJohn said:
He's cost them a lot over the seasons too. Possibly they are fed up with him. Thought I'd mention that for you.
If, and it's a big if, this news item is true, then I welcome it for a number of reasons. Away from the McLaren cocoon that enclosed him from childhood, he will now have to stand alone on his own two feet. It could be the making of Hamilton as an even better overall performer both on and just as importantly, off the track. By the latter, I do not mean additional DNFs of which he has had more than a fair share of 'bad luck' although a good percentage were self-inflicted.
Although no way could I be certain, this news if true explains much about his performance, demeanour and behaviour over the recent weekend. In contrast to how he appeared for most of the first half of the season.
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He's cost them no more than they've cost him. He's also won them their only championship in 12 years. I do agree with you though, he's made some mistakes too (particularly last year).If, and it's a big if, this news item is true, then I welcome it for a number of reasons. Away from the McLaren cocoon that enclosed him from childhood, he will now have to stand alone on his own two feet. It could be the making of Hamilton as an even better overall performer both on and just as importantly, off the track. By the latter, I do not mean additional DNFs of which he has had more than a fair share of 'bad luck' although a good percentage were self-inflicted.
Although no way could I be certain, this news if true explains much about his performance, demeanour and behaviour over the recent weekend. In contrast to how he appeared for most of the first half of the season.
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I don't get your last paragraph though, apart from the data sheet I didn't see or hear him do anything wrong at Spa.
Perhaps, just perhaps, his mood was down to his close family member passing away just as he got to Spa....
The BBC or EJ have absolutely no evidence whatsoever. I'll wait for an official announcement from McLaren, Mercedes or Hamilton.
Mermaid said:
or alongside Vettel.
He is a good friend of Haug and it is my understanding that he gave an undertaking to him that he would not drive for anotther F1 team if he left Mercedes. My money is still on Di Resta to replace Schumacher and the Hamilton contract with McLaren will be signed in the next two weeks.However...this is all assuming that Hamilton hasn't had a major barney with RD yesterday and that Mercedes haven't been very clever with the timing of their approach...this certainly isn't the silliest of stories in 2012.
Even when McLaren have a bad car they can still win races. Other than the "flash in a pan" win in China, Mercedes have been nowhere since entering as a full works team. Since the door at Ferrari and RBR are shut, Hamilton would be mad to leave McLaren if he wants to win more races and championships.
TimmieE said:
Personally I don't see Hamilton staying at McLaren. Mercedes could be a good option for him, as would Ferrari. I can't see any other cars fighting for wins next year. Maybe Lotus, but they will want to keep their current drivers.
How many wins and points have Merc got this season ?
The team are pretty awful at strategy this year and haven't got a grip on the tyres at all.
Mercedes are scaling back their involvement and no doubt their budget. If it continues the way they've been going will they still be around in a couple of years ?
Apart from 2009 the team have never really accomplished much as BAR or Honda.
Meantime McLaren have a pretty solid financial basis and have ever increasing engineering capability learnt through F1, their electronics business and the road car business. Since Hamilton started driving for them they've always been a top team even if they've been found a bit lacking at certain times.
I think he'd be barmy to leave personally.
Crafty_ said:
TimmieE said:
Personally I don't see Hamilton staying at McLaren. Mercedes could be a good option for him, as would Ferrari. I can't see any other cars fighting for wins next year. Maybe Lotus, but they will want to keep their current drivers.
How many wins and points have Merc got this season ?
The team are pretty awful at strategy this year and haven't got a grip on the tyres at all.
Mercedes are scaling back their involvement and no doubt their budget. If it continues the way they've been going will they still be around in a couple of years ?
Apart from 2009 the team have never really accomplished much as BAR or Honda.
Meantime McLaren have a pretty solid financial basis and have ever increasing engineering capability learnt through F1, their electronics business and the road car business. Since Hamilton started driving for them they've always been a top team even if they've been found a bit lacking at certain times.
I think he'd be barmy to leave personally.
Perhaps Merc know Schui is going, and feel that Nico won't cut it, so are offering the "we'll build a team around you package", a la Ferrari (Alonso) and even Red Bull (Vettel) to an extent. Could be Lewis wants to get out of Macca and try something fresh. After Benie's 'Schui-gate' interview, did wonder if maybe some wheels were turning to move Lewis to Merc.
Just a thought, makes a good story, even if it's all wrong....
BBC Radio5LIve are headlining this news every few minutes. Mind you, they also quote both McLaren and Mercedes :~
Hamilton certainly looked like someone with a lot more than usual on his mind when speaking to the cameras over the weekend. Not just the news about a relative, but he seemed preoccupied ...... maybe he's already made up his mind and just a few loose ends to tie. That Twitter mullarkey was well out of line based on his previous form with the media over the years.
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McLaren said:
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Negotiations are ongoing
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Negotiations are ongoing
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Mercedes said:
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No comment
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So, pretty conclusive statements ...... looks like job done ... or not ..No comment
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Hamilton certainly looked like someone with a lot more than usual on his mind when speaking to the cameras over the weekend. Not just the news about a relative, but he seemed preoccupied ...... maybe he's already made up his mind and just a few loose ends to tie. That Twitter mullarkey was well out of line based on his previous form with the media over the years.
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sanf said:
Think back to Schui signing for Ferrari, and then working with Ross Brawn - taking them from no-where to multiple titles.
Perhaps Merc know Schui is going, and feel that Nico won't cut it, so are offering the "we'll build a team around you package", a la Ferrari (Alonso) and even Red Bull (Vettel) to an extent. Could be Lewis wants to get out of Macca and try something fresh. After Benie's 'Schui-gate' interview, did wonder if maybe some wheels were turning to move Lewis to Merc.
Just a thought, makes a good story, even if it's all wrong....
The difference is that at the time F1 wasn't a moving target, with constant regs and tyre changes its a fast moving target nowadays, also Ferrari had a metric bottomload of money to do it with. Perhaps Merc know Schui is going, and feel that Nico won't cut it, so are offering the "we'll build a team around you package", a la Ferrari (Alonso) and even Red Bull (Vettel) to an extent. Could be Lewis wants to get out of Macca and try something fresh. After Benie's 'Schui-gate' interview, did wonder if maybe some wheels were turning to move Lewis to Merc.
Just a thought, makes a good story, even if it's all wrong....
Todays F1 is more complicated and a damm sight more expensive and I don't think Merc are going to have the budget (and maybe expertise) to build a team around anyone.
I agree its an interesting story but it doesn't make any sense to me.. which probably means he'll be announced there soon
Crafty_ said:
How many wins and points have Merc got this season ?
The team are pretty awful at strategy this year and haven't got a grip on the tyres at all.
Mercedes are scaling back their involvement and no doubt their budget. If it continues the way they've been going will they still be around in a couple of years ?
Apart from 2009 the team have never really accomplished much as BAR or Honda.
Meantime McLaren have a pretty solid financial basis and have ever increasing engineering capability learnt through F1, their electronics business and the road car business. Since Hamilton started driving for them they've always been a top team even if they've been found a bit lacking at certain times.
I think he'd be barmy to leave personally.
Mercedes has been average at least as you say but there is no denying the potential. Substantial budget (for now), multiple highly rated tech. dir. etc.
If indeed Mercedes are pulling out, the situation becomes completely different again.
I don't think we can trust EJ's say so on this, lovely man but he's not the most reliable in these situations is he
Remember when Massa was nearly killed by a flying piece of Barrichello's car and EJ proclaimed shortly afterwards live on air that he'd just heard Massa was just a little shook but basically ok or something similar, not the most trustworthy source our EJ
Remember when Massa was nearly killed by a flying piece of Barrichello's car and EJ proclaimed shortly afterwards live on air that he'd just heard Massa was just a little shook but basically ok or something similar, not the most trustworthy source our EJ
Of all the global car manufacturers, Mercedes are second only to VW in terms of financial health. They have the budget which is why this rumour really does have legs. Given the timing of BCE's comments, the issue over that tweet and the stage of the McLaren negotiations, the timing of an approach to Hamilton does seem serendipitous...and bloody clever from Mercedes!
Personally I'd rather see Hamilton retire altogether and Schumi stay on. I still feel Schumi craves a bit more success.
Seriously Merc is not the top team that Hamilton feels he deserves and why would Merc want such an immature character.
Just how would Hamilton have dealt with all of the endless mechanical issues that Schumacher has had this year. The pile of discarded toys would be huge.
As for Eddie Jordan, let's just say I'm enjoying the Sky coverage much more than I thought I ever would.
Seriously Merc is not the top team that Hamilton feels he deserves and why would Merc want such an immature character.
Just how would Hamilton have dealt with all of the endless mechanical issues that Schumacher has had this year. The pile of discarded toys would be huge.
As for Eddie Jordan, let's just say I'm enjoying the Sky coverage much more than I thought I ever would.
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