Discussion
It's got nothing to with Button's ability to lead the team... At Ferrari the decision makers worked at the F1 factory, were part of the team - they had total autonomy.
The problem with Honda is that every decision they have to make has to go through Japan - they don't have enough independence to make the split second decisions you need in F1.
Formula 1 simply doesn't fit in with Japanese corporate culture. That's their problem - and it's the same with Toyota.
If you need proof, ask Alan Henry!
The problem with Honda is that every decision they have to make has to go through Japan - they don't have enough independence to make the split second decisions you need in F1.
Formula 1 simply doesn't fit in with Japanese corporate culture. That's their problem - and it's the same with Toyota.
If you need proof, ask Alan Henry!
belleair302 said:
Ross Brawn has his eyes on McLaren or the Prodrive McLaren team not Honda.
I doubt it - McLaren is a wel-oiled corporate machine and RD wants to retire secure in the knowledge that it continues that way - it doesn't have need of a high profile Tech Director. Prodrive will be a McLaren satellite team - no need for it to employ an expensive resource such as Brawn simply to sit on his pratperch and click the stopwatch - he'll want a challenge and if Ferrari let him go, he may pick up Honda's baton...and don't rule out Toyota...who, it would appear may be looking at replacing Ralf next year with.........wait for it......Nick Heidfeld
RD is now Switzerland based and will be selling out sooner rather than later, as will Mansour Ojjeh. Martin Whitmarsh is unlikely to become a team principle, but Ross Brawn may well be just the man. He won't do Japanese politics and wants to get involved with a great team not a struggling one. My money is on the Prodrive or the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team!
10 Pence Short said:
Don't you think Mercedes would be the principle interested party if RD and MO sell their interest, putting Norbert Haug in the frame for team principle. Let's be honest, the only reason the tubby lad hangs around like nerd at a disco is that one day it might be all his.
Beat me to it. I didn't know RD was in Switzerland now - I thought he had a pile near Woking?
Anyways, Mercedes will buy their stakes when it's time to sell. I can't see Brawn fitting in with the McLaren way, especially when Mercedes take full control.
RD moved to Switzerland when he sold part of his share to the Bahrainanian (spelling) consortium towards the end of last year. He now commutes for a 90 day maximum to Woking. M-B won't buy any more shares...their financial problems are pretty serious with what's going on in the USA. RD and Monsour Ojjeh will at some point sell out, to the highest bidder with agreement to look after Mclaren and its associates offshoots.Who better to run the F1 Team than Ross Brawn??
Once they've got Chrysler off their backs Mercedes won't be too worried about finding the necessary green back to buy out the remainder of Mclaren. I also feel Mercedes would be uncomfortable getting into bed with new shareholders not of their choosing.
I can't see Ross Brawn fitting in with the culture of Mclaren either, and he certainly doesn't need to cash to try. To me the Honda link would be far more up his street, as their position is perhaps a little reminiscent of Ferrari's 11 years ago and the team is there for shaping as he sees fit.
All of this assumes he even wants to do anything other than a Ferrari job, which he's said many times he doesn't.
I can't see Ross Brawn fitting in with the culture of Mclaren either, and he certainly doesn't need to cash to try. To me the Honda link would be far more up his street, as their position is perhaps a little reminiscent of Ferrari's 11 years ago and the team is there for shaping as he sees fit.
All of this assumes he even wants to do anything other than a Ferrari job, which he's said many times he doesn't.
Edited by 10 Pence Short on Thursday 12th April 15:58
MrKipling43 said:
At Ferrari the decision makers worked at the F1 factory, were part of the team - they had total autonomy.
The problem with Honda is that every decision they have to make has to go through Japan - they don't have enough independence to make the split second decisions you need in F1.
Formula 1 simply doesn't fit in with Japanese corporate culture. That's their problem - and it's the same with Toyota.
The problem with Honda is that every decision they have to make has to go through Japan - they don't have enough independence to make the split second decisions you need in F1.
Formula 1 simply doesn't fit in with Japanese corporate culture. That's their problem - and it's the same with Toyota.
Ive been trying to put into words that exactly, succinctly put.
Nail hit firmly on the head.
Its almost cultural.
From what I recall re Schumi, Ferrari had spent too long in the doldrums.
The Agnellis wanted results, and put Luca di M in charge.
Marlboro paid Schumis wages, and Schumi used to bypass Todt and phone Luca direct when Team Schumacher was just forming.
Ross and Rory got added soon after, who wouldn't do that? I mean they gave him the World Championship out of a cocked hat. The Renault was nearly as good as the Williams, but not quite. Ross is a superb physicist, and brought time saving tactics such as quick in lap etc, stuff we take for granted now, but I remember reading how amazed RB was other teams hadn't tightened all that up, hed been an expert with these shortcuts from previous experience
Ayrtons old engineer, Gianni, Gino something, [Rubystone whats that guys name ? ] came next.
The team was built around him, but then FIAT knew he had the balls to pull it off.
IIRC Ross Brawns kids will be grown up, and a return to Blighty might be just up his street.
Fully agree Honda would suit him more than McLaren, and I just cant see Ron giving up just yet, I mean, hes just built a beautiful factory,and his team look just that, a team.
They look gelled don't they ?
Edited by stuttgartmetal on Thursday 12th April 17:36
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