Comments on: Mercedes to announce F1 future plans this morning

By: James Allen

James Allen — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:28:10 +0000

No. Not before 2016 at least

By: Tom - Australia

Tom - Australia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:43:36 +0000

Best suggestion ever!

By: guy

guy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:14:24 +0000

That would be priceless. Not exactly Ron Dennis’ stye though methinks.

By: Pat

Pat — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:53:26 +0000

Hmmmmm I wonder if McLaren would have the nuts to paint their car RAF Spitfire colours during pre-season testing ? to start the mind games and psychological war off with a bang

By: Williams4Ever

Williams4Ever — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:39:51 +0000

Mp419B – You have accurately chronicled Mercedes Engine and its lifestory in F1. Do you know what changed after 2006. Cosworth withdrawal from F1 meant lots of Cosworth Engineers were on market. Norbert Haug owes his job to those blokes who joined Mercedes after 2006.

One small piece that you missed was even the McLaren camp was so elated on signing WDC and loads of sponsor in winter after 2005 that they went around 2006 season like bunch of rookies, team not able to prepare car till Qualifiers (Imola), Non engine related gremlins. Not able to come to terms with new qualifying format, Invariably always the McLaren drivers were released in traffic and not able to post decent laps.
In recent years only other display of non professionalism from team that comes to mind is STR and its duo of Tost/Berger and their demands from drivers unproportional to resources they offered.

Even the team that I don’t like that much viz Ferrari, was professional in its dealing with Kimi Raikonnen when it declared Alonso signing, though it stopped car development for 2009, Kimi’s season was not jeopardised by tactical/strategic blunders in recent races. And Kimi’s resume looks nice clean and tidy unlike the way it was looking in 2008 season, when Kimi had lost focus.

By: Pat

Pat — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:30:05 +0000

Pre-empting things a little ahead of any announcements and sticking my head over parapet…..

Button to McLaren – I for one can’t wait !!

As long as the team can give him the car he needs in the “balance” area (slightly understeery which narrower front tyres might help next year ) which is in contrast to Hamilton’s requirements ( a loose rear end ) – not sure if that is intrinsically built-in in the fundamental design of the car or whether set-up changes can give both drivers what they need – I think the regs next year will suit Button down to the ground and he will beat Hamilton

I’ve loved & supported BrawnGP this year mainly due to the Button factor – but I am looking forward to Button & Hamilton collectively whooping Mercedes GP’s butts next year.

The results in the last quarter of this year show to me that Mclaren have clearly caught and overtaken Brawn.

P.S. James if Jenson does go to McLaren what do you think a certain Anthony Hamilton will make of it ? I think it’ll be a bit of a poke in the eye for him

By: Pete

Pete — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:24:37 +0000

I’m not normally a Daily Mail reader, but I like the conclusion at the end of this article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-1228120/How-Jenson-Button-handle-living-Lewis-Hamilton-McLaren.html

“[Button] should act like the true champion he is, sign now and test himself against the best.”

I agree…

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:21:23 +0000

wow you are a true macca fan eh?

By: Mark Jenkins

Mark Jenkins — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:18:06 +0000

Hi James, so what’s your theory as to what will happen to Renault? I’ve heard that there is a possibility that they may offload the engine operation to Red Bull?
http://f1professor.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/red-bull-to-become-an-engine-supplier/

By: William McCone

William McCone — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:13:13 +0000

Come on James! Eagerly awaiting your insight on todays’ developements!!