Hakkinen advises Mclaren to keep Kovalainen
Discussion
Former McLaren racer Mika Hakkinen has expressed surprise that the Woking-based team is on the search for a new driver. The Mercedes-powered team, driven by Hakkinen to back to back championships in 1998 and 1999, is openly contemplating a new team-mate for Lewis Hamilton.
But Hakkinen told Germany's Auto Bild that McLaren should retain his countryman Heikki Kovalainen.
"They're looking for a driver? Really? I didn't know," he joked while trackside at the DTM finale in Hockenheim.
While the leading candidate for Kovalainen's seat is another Finn, Kimi Raikkonen, Hakkinen believes Kovalainen's contribution to McLaren is underrated. "It's never one person who makes a big operation fantastically successful, it is teamwork," he insisted.
"If you look at the performances of Lewis and Heikki, you have to look not only at the black and white race results, but also what happens in the background," said Hakkinen.
"Those two do a fantastic job," he added, before adding: "Looking for a new driver? Why should they do that?"
Whilst i agree Lewis and Heikki do make a good team,and i like as a person,but he just is'nt bringing the points home,Lewis is bringing them home himself,a team needs 2 drivers.
But Hakkinen told Germany's Auto Bild that McLaren should retain his countryman Heikki Kovalainen.
"They're looking for a driver? Really? I didn't know," he joked while trackside at the DTM finale in Hockenheim.
While the leading candidate for Kovalainen's seat is another Finn, Kimi Raikkonen, Hakkinen believes Kovalainen's contribution to McLaren is underrated. "It's never one person who makes a big operation fantastically successful, it is teamwork," he insisted.
"If you look at the performances of Lewis and Heikki, you have to look not only at the black and white race results, but also what happens in the background," said Hakkinen.
"Those two do a fantastic job," he added, before adding: "Looking for a new driver? Why should they do that?"
Whilst i agree Lewis and Heikki do make a good team,and i like as a person,but he just is'nt bringing the points home,Lewis is bringing them home himself,a team needs 2 drivers.
Marcia said:
Former McLaren racer Mika Hakkinen has expressed surprise that the Woking-based team is on the search for a new driver. The Mercedes-powered team, driven by Hakkinen to back to back championships in 1998 and 1999, is openly contemplating a new team-mate for Lewis Hamilton.
But Hakkinen told Germany's Auto Bild that McLaren should retain his countryman Heikki Kovalainen.
"They're looking for a driver? Really? I didn't know," he joked while trackside at the DTM finale in Hockenheim.
While the leading candidate for Kovalainen's seat is another Finn, Kimi Raikkonen, Hakkinen believes Kovalainen's contribution to McLaren is underrated. "It's never one person who makes a big operation fantastically successful, it is teamwork," he insisted.
"If you look at the performances of Lewis and Heikki, you have to look not only at the black and white race results, but also what happens in the background," said Hakkinen.
"Those two do a fantastic job," he added, before adding: "Looking for a new driver? Why should they do that?"
Whilst i agree Lewis and Heikki do make a good team,and i like as a person,but he just is'nt bringing the points home,Lewis is bringing them home himself,a team needs 2 drivers.
Is Mika his agent? He cant honestly be defending Heiki's performances, particulary in 2008 when they had one of the two best cars and he was nowhere in the running. Nice guy and might be a good team player but if they want the constructors championship then they need to try someone else.But Hakkinen told Germany's Auto Bild that McLaren should retain his countryman Heikki Kovalainen.
"They're looking for a driver? Really? I didn't know," he joked while trackside at the DTM finale in Hockenheim.
While the leading candidate for Kovalainen's seat is another Finn, Kimi Raikkonen, Hakkinen believes Kovalainen's contribution to McLaren is underrated. "It's never one person who makes a big operation fantastically successful, it is teamwork," he insisted.
"If you look at the performances of Lewis and Heikki, you have to look not only at the black and white race results, but also what happens in the background," said Hakkinen.
"Those two do a fantastic job," he added, before adding: "Looking for a new driver? Why should they do that?"
Whilst i agree Lewis and Heikki do make a good team,and i like as a person,but he just is'nt bringing the points home,Lewis is bringing them home himself,a team needs 2 drivers.
I'm surprised at Mika, the gulf between Lewis and Kov is one of the biggest between two team mates in F1. It's clear he is nowhere near the standard to win a championship or at the moment even play an adequete supporting role. You cannot just ignore the points that much, its a results driven buisiness and come the end of the season points accumulated are all that matters. If Kov stays then he has much improvement to do next season if he ever wants to be a serious contender in F1.
As far as i can remember Mclaren have always had an outstanding driver and a good driver, the times they've had two potential superstars its gone wrong, montoya, alonso. and none of us see what HK does in the background, however i do agree he just isnt bringing the results, but IF they cant get a sensible contract with anyone else keep him for another season with no pressure and see how he gets on.
TheArchitect said:
As far as i can remember Mclaren have always had an outstanding driver and a good driver, the times they've had two potential superstars its gone wrong, montoya, alonso. and none of us see what HK does in the background, however i do agree he just isnt bringing the results, but IF they cant get a sensible contract with anyone else keep him for another season with no pressure and see how he gets on.
I think that is whats going to happen. I dont think there are many better than Heiki that dont already have a contract in place bar Kimi. Are Heidfield or Rosberg any better than Heiki? Do we really know?They need someone who wont upset the applecart and at the same time bring home points,personally i think KR would be a bad choice,he could be just as demanding as FA,and Mclaren could end up losing both titles again.
Heidfeld would be a good choice,as he consistently finshes races,and he's German
Heidfeld would be a good choice,as he consistently finshes races,and he's German
Marcia said:
They need someone who wont upset the applecart and at the same time bring home points,personally i think KR would be a bad choice,he could be just as demanding as FA,and Mclaren could end up losing both titles again.
Heidfeld would be a good choice,as he consistently finshes races,and he's German
Not so sure about Heidfield, is he any better than what Heiki was before he came to Mclaren? Maybe someone that paid attention to Renault can clarify but i remember posters saying how he was going to show Lewis up at Mclaren when he went. Heidfield is consistent but we need more than that...........surely.Heidfeld would be a good choice,as he consistently finshes races,and he's German
Ralf Rockefeller said:
I think I say this on all the threads, but it would be good to see quick Nick in the number two seat.
A one year contract, and then Bruno Senna moved up from Lotus if he is any good.
I agree - Nick is your ideal no 2. Good PR wise, experienced in testing / setup, ultra reliable in the race and steady points provider; rarely first on the scene of an accident. 41 consecutive finishes... what more do you need from a no. 2?A one year contract, and then Bruno Senna moved up from Lotus if he is any good.
Is Hakkinen hinting at a possibility that the major driver imput to the design team that has improved the car dramatically during the season has come from Kovi rather than Lewis.....
Nick H had 2 or was it 3 seasons as Macca test driver 10 years ago, so would slot in comfortably there I would think, and as said is German, if that's a Merc must have factor.
Nick H had 2 or was it 3 seasons as Macca test driver 10 years ago, so would slot in comfortably there I would think, and as said is German, if that's a Merc must have factor.
Marcia said:
They need someone who wont upset the applecart and at the same time bring home points,personally i think KR would be a bad choice,he could be just as demanding as FA,and Mclaren could end up losing both titles again.
Heidfeld would be a good choice,as he consistently finshes races,and he's German
I wouldn't think that Kimi would do that, he doesn't seem to care that much at all really... I'd have thought he'd just turn up and drive, and pick up some good results and wins when the car is good and he doesn't have to pass anyone. I doubt it will bother Kimi that much if Lewis turns out to be a better championship contender. Surely Kimi's biggest problem is he'll be expensive for what he will contribute?Heidfeld would be a good choice,as he consistently finshes races,and he's German
dpbird90 said:
Hmm, just a thought, but if Massa still can't make the start of the 2010 season (hope he can though!) and Ferrari pop Schumacher in his place. Then, could McLaren replace Kovalainen with Hakkinen?
Now that would certainly draw the crowds in.
Hakkinen has said that he isn't interested - plus he is 41, and he's become a driver manager.... Kova's new manager, perhaps?Now that would certainly draw the crowds in.
plg101 said:
dpbird90 said:
Hmm, just a thought, but if Massa still can't make the start of the 2010 season (hope he can though!) and Ferrari pop Schumacher in his place. Then, could McLaren replace Kovalainen with Hakkinen?
Now that would certainly draw the crowds in.
Hakkinen has said that he isn't interested - plus he is 41, and he's become a driver manager.... Kova's new manager, perhaps?Now that would certainly draw the crowds in.
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