Will Mercedes be Hamilton's last team or will he possibly even return to McLaren?
#1
Posted 26 November 2012 - 15:58
I hope it wasn't, and I think there's a bigger chance that Lewis returns to Macca than what was e.g. after Kimi left Macca, let alone Alonso's departure. He'll now race three years for Mercedes but even after those years he'll be only 30, he'll have at least five more years in F1. I think he'll go then to the team that gives him the best offer, considering money as well as the car, with Merc as one possibility. And I'm sure McLaren is also one option for him. He didn't leave Macca like Alonso, thinking I'll never come back to this team again. And I think McLaren is Lewis's dream team, what Ferrari is to others, and that's why I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to return to Macca.
So I think he'll race at Mercedes even after this contract if they give him a good contract. But even in that case, I'm quite sure, he'll go to yet another team, I don't think he'll be at Merc for about ten years until his retirement. And I'm sure McLaren is Lewis's preferred option between equally good offers. So, I think he'll race for Macca at some point in the future.
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#2
Posted 26 November 2012 - 16:07
#3
Posted 26 November 2012 - 16:08
#4
Posted 26 November 2012 - 16:16
#5
Posted 26 November 2012 - 16:16
#6
Posted 26 November 2012 - 16:21
#7
Posted 26 November 2012 - 16:55
#8
Posted 26 November 2012 - 16:55
#9
Posted 26 November 2012 - 17:03
#10
Posted 26 November 2012 - 17:06
If they come up with a front running car I could see Lewis staying with them for the rest of his career however if its a dog then I would see him back with McLaren when would depend on how the two McLaren drivers perform next year.
If as I expect they tend to underperform then it may push McLaren to try to buy back the driver they know will always get maximum out of the car, if not it could be a 3 year wait or if both drivers gel and do very well perhaps McLaren will be happy to keep them on.
Too many variables to know right now but I hope to see him back there some day
#11
Posted 26 November 2012 - 17:07
Edited by SR388, 26 November 2012 - 17:08.
#12
Posted 26 November 2012 - 17:14
#13
Posted 26 November 2012 - 17:39
I think he'll last a few years in an uncompetitive car then retire, having lost motivation and preferring to focus on 'being a celebrity'.
I thought Kimi would have given up after a few years to be a full time drunk.
Proved me wrong.
Hamilton's life is about racing. I will be shocked if he cuts and runs after a few bad years at a team.
#14
Posted 26 November 2012 - 18:23
#15
Posted 26 November 2012 - 18:33
#16
Posted 26 November 2012 - 18:56
Then again, I also wouldn't rule out Lewis walking away from the sport. Sorry Hamilton fans, but I have question marks over his mental strength, and I find his choice of management and apparent desire to chase the showbiz lifestyle a bit of a worry.
#17
Posted 26 November 2012 - 18:59
He will go directly to McLaren is missing.
He will go to other team(s) and race again for McLaren at some point includes that option. Unless you meant he'll somehow race for Macca already in Melbourne '13.
#18
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:01
I think Lewis' tenure at Merc will be a disaster. I wouldn't rule out a move to Red Bull in 2015, nor would I rule out a return to McLaren.
Then again, I also wouldn't rule out Lewis walking away from the sport. Sorry Hamilton fans, but I have question marks over his mental strength, and I find his choice of management and apparent desire to chase the showbiz lifestyle a bit of a worry.
An amateur psychologist.
To end his time at McLaren like he did, after a season of disaster completely out of his control, knowing that he should have taken the WDC if only a modicum of luck had gone his way, with smiles and good humour in his interview...
Yeah, fragile.
No one, not even Alonso, has driven with more consistency this season.
Edited by stanga, 26 November 2012 - 19:27.
#19
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:06
If Mercedes remain at the head of the midfield, and McLaren fall away from the sharp end then I can see him relocating to the USA and whooping it up with the good 'ole boys in tin tops.
If either or both Merc and Mac are fully competitive then he'll have the option to remain at Merc or return to Mac and spend a few more years in the sport. It'll be down to his choice in the end who to play for.
Too many variables/unknowables in play to make a prediction.
But my prediction is that Merc will fail, he'll return to Mac on a performance clause at the end of 2014, do two years there and then NASCAR into pensionable age.
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#20
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:15
Another amateur psychologist.
To end his time at McLaren like he did, after a season of disaster completely out of his control, knowing that he should have taken the WDC if only a modicum of luck had gone his way, with smiles and
Yeah, fragile.
No one, not even Alonso has driven with more consistency this season.
Well yes, of course I'm an armchair fan/analyst. Aren't we all on a forum like this? I have seen signs of Hamilton looking fragile at times, I see it in some mistakes he has made on track early in his career, I saw it on track in 2011, I see it in press interviews when things aren't going his way, I saw it this year with how things fell apart with McLaren.
If next years Merc turns out to be another dog and Hamilton struggles and realises he has made a mistake I'm not sure he is the person to suck it up and cope with things. Remember when he was so desperate to prove he was superior to Jenson he tweeted his telemetry? Do I see Alonso doing things like that? Thats why I think he is fragile.
Its just my opinion.
#21
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:17
#22
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:20
'14 may be a different story if Merc builds an above average V6. I've said this since his signing. I also think that is what Hamilton is banking on.
As far as returning to McLaren, well if he wins and has less headache at Merc there's no reason to go anywhere else.
#23
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:26
I cannot see RBR being there for the long haul so in 3 or 4 years he's either back at McLaren or at Ferrari to replace Fernando.
#24
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:34
'13 will be a tough year for both LH and Mercedes.
'14 may be a different story if Merc builds an above average V6. I've said this since his signing. I also think that is what Hamilton is banking on.
I've never understood this line of thinking. Mercedes are already using their own engine, it's not like they're shipping in 2 generation old specced lumps like the customer teams of old. And yet they have sucked, monumentally so. McLaren have been significantly ahead of them for the three years since Merc "entered", and their other customer team, Force India, have given them a run for their money at times this year.
So even if Merc make the best engine on the grid for 2014, the way things stand they'll be one of three teams using it. And at least one of the other two has a proven history of making a better chassis/ all round package. What has Hamilton got to gain from moving from the best Merc powered team, to the worst, because Merc power is not a logical explanation.
His best hope is to look good against Rosberg next year, and hope Perez faulters or Vettel moves to another team. Because unless mercedes manage to pull off a miracle with their too many heads design approach, there's absolteuly nothing to say they'll be any better in 2013, 2014, 2015..
#25
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:39
#26
Posted 26 November 2012 - 19:43
You have your opinions and I have mine.I've never understood this line of thinking. Mercedes are already using their own engine, it's not like they're shipping in 2 generation old specced lumps like the customer teams of old. And yet they have sucked, monumentally so. McLaren have been significantly ahead of them for the three years since Merc "entered", and their other customer team, Force India, have given them a run for their money at times this year.
So even if Merc make the best engine on the grid for 2014, the way things stand they'll be one of three teams using it. And at least one of the other two has a proven history of making a better chassis/ all round package. What has Hamilton got to gain from moving from the best Merc powered team, to the worst, because Merc power is not a logical explanation.
His best hope is to look good against Rosberg next year, and hope Perez faulters or Vettel moves to another team. Because unless mercedes manage to pull off a miracle with their too many heads design approach, there's absolteuly nothing to say they'll be any better in 2013, 2014, 2015..
My money is on a world champion and a world class company that probably know a little bit more about grand prix racing than we do.
#27
Posted 26 November 2012 - 20:12
You have your opinions and I have mine.
My money is on a world champion and a world class company that probably know a little bit more about grand prix racing than we do.
Do tell me what Mercedes knows more than us please.
#28
Posted 26 November 2012 - 20:20
Do tell me what Mercedes knows more than us please.
Details of what the 2013 car will look like. What if anything they have learned from this year. Information from a team of engineers. Wind tunnel research.
There is a lot I assume a F1 TEAM knows, that a dedicated fan does not.
#29
Posted 26 November 2012 - 20:24
No Alonso just kicks down toilet doors when he gets beat by his teammate in qualifyingWell yes, of course I'm an armchair fan/analyst. Aren't we all on a forum like this? I have seen signs of Hamilton looking fragile at times, I see it in some mistakes he has made on track early in his career, I saw it on track in 2011, I see it in press interviews when things aren't going his way, I saw it this year with how things fell apart with McLaren.
If next years Merc turns out to be another dog and Hamilton struggles and realises he has made a mistake I'm not sure he is the person to suck it up and cope with things. Remember when he was so desperate to prove he was superior to Jenson he tweeted his telemetry? Do I see Alonso doing things like that? Thats why I think he is fragile.
Its just my opinion.
#30
Posted 26 November 2012 - 20:28
#31
Posted 26 November 2012 - 20:30
Details of what the 2013 car will look like. What if anything they have learned from this year. Information from a team of engineers. Wind tunnel research.
There is a lot I assume a F1 TEAM knows, that a dedicated fan does not.
Michael already said he has doubts about Mercedes ability to solve their aero woes.
This team hasn't actually proven it can fix existing problems, so how does one expect them to field a competitive car?
"We're still understanding rear tire wear." -Ross Brawn at any time over the course of 6 months.
#32
Posted 26 November 2012 - 20:36
Well didn't Mercedes poach the aero design guy from Lotus?Michael already said he has doubts about Mercedes ability to solve their aero woes.
This team hasn't actually proven it can fix existing problems, so how does one expect them to field a competitive car?
"We're still understanding rear tire wear." -Ross Brawn at any time over the course of 6 months.
#33
Posted 26 November 2012 - 22:11
Well didn't Mercedes poach the aero design guy from Lotus?
That's all this team does...it collects high-priced talent that does nothing.
#34
Posted 26 November 2012 - 22:21
#35
Posted 26 November 2012 - 22:22
I would presume there are performance based getouts in the contract for the first two years with a third being optional?
He could be back at Macca for 2014, especially if Sergio Pérez doesn't really work out.
#36
Posted 26 November 2012 - 23:37
Mercedes have done nothing for the past three years, I don't really see that changing next year, but I guess there's the outside possibility with the reg changes for 2014 that Brawn and co could find another double-decker diffuser type hole, but I think that's a very slim chance.
I would presume there are performance based getouts in the contract for the first two years with a third being optional?
He could be back at Macca for 2014, especially if Sergio Pérez doesn't really work out.
The DDRS was supposed to be the 2012 version of the double diffuser, and look at how well that all turned out.
#37
Posted 26 November 2012 - 23:49
Merc will be like Toyota and eventually pull out of F1 after plundering hundreds of millions of dollars.
Lewis will try to do a Valentino Rossi and go back to McLaren but McLaren may not even have a vacancy. The only way I can see it happening is if Jenson gets rusty and retires or if Perez is a disappointment after two years.
Seeing as Hamilton eats tyres, I don't predict good things for him at Merc.
#38
Posted 27 November 2012 - 00:08
Brawn is awful in his role at Merc. He is nothing like he was at Ferrari when with Byrne and Todt.
Merc will be like Toyota and eventually pull out of F1 after plundering hundreds of millions of dollars.
Lewis will try to do a Valentino Rossi and go back to McLaren but McLaren may not even have a vacancy. The only way I can see it happening is if Jenson gets rusty and retires or if Perez is a disappointment after two years.
Seeing as Hamilton eats tyres, I don't predict good things for him at Merc.
That's because Brawn was MrM's representative to the preferred winner at both Benetton and then Ferrari.
Who is anyone really kidding here? Brawn was MrM's machinist back in the March days. What does this knucklehead really know technically? Nothing. He's in over his head, and probably wishes MrM still was running the FIA.
#39
Posted 27 November 2012 - 00:48
Surely you can't be serious?Do tell me what Mercedes knows more than us please.
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#40
Posted 27 November 2012 - 00:51
That's your opinion.I've never understood this line of thinking. Mercedes are already using their own engine, it's not like they're shipping in 2 generation old specced lumps like the customer teams of old. And yet they have sucked, monumentally so. McLaren have been significantly ahead of them for the three years since Merc "entered", and their other customer team, Force India, have given them a run for their money at times this year.
So even if Merc make the best engine on the grid for 2014, the way things stand they'll be one of three teams using it. And at least one of the other two has a proven history of making a better chassis/ all round package. What has Hamilton got to gain from moving from the best Merc powered team, to the worst, because Merc power is not a logical explanation.
His best hope is to look good against Rosberg next year, and hope Perez faulters or Vettel moves to another team. Because unless mercedes manage to pull off a miracle with their too many heads design approach, there's absolteuly nothing to say they'll be any better in 2013, 2014, 2015..
I'm sticking with mine.
#41
Posted 27 November 2012 - 00:59
Surely you can't be serious?
So do tell me, what has Ross shown as a team principal going back to Honda that would make you think there is any possible turn-around in the future?
He's an incompetent jackass that knows nothing about organizational structure.
#42
Posted 27 November 2012 - 01:21
Do tell me what Mercedes knows more than us please.
I think thats a valid question, and I wonder if the answer is 'not much'.... Its not just a Mercedes problem, the team was rubbish as BAR, largely woeful as Honda, and lucked into a Championship as Brawn, there's a long tradition of huge underperformance compared to budget at Brackley, and a big manufacturer taking over a hopeless team won't improve matters. There's a long tradition of big manufacturers entering Formula 1 as team-owners and being pathetic, and nothing about Mercedes suggests they've learned from other teams mistakes.
Hopefully Lewis will move on quickly from this shambles, having shown he can take charge of his own career, then move back to McLaren, or even Red Bull if Vettel does move to Ferrari in 2014.....
#43
Posted 27 November 2012 - 01:25
#44
Posted 27 November 2012 - 01:28
So do tell me, what has Ross shown as a team principal going back to Honda that would make you think there is any possible turn-around in the future?
He's an incompetent jackass that knows nothing about organizational structure.
Dude, he's been in F1 over 30 years.
Mercedes haven't been grand prix racing since the'50's.It takes time. 2014 is make or break for Ross. And Mercedes.
Organizational structure? Of an F1 team? Ross Brawn would run cicles around 99% of peolpe on these forums.You and me included.I'm not some huge Merc fan but, I do know that things don't happen over night.3 years in F1 is nothing.
Think about this though, if Merc continues to spin it's wheels and fall flat, you can laugh it up.But if they hit on something in'14 with the new regs well........
Edited by InSearchOfThe, 27 November 2012 - 01:29.
#45
Posted 27 November 2012 - 01:31
If Mercedes are uncompetitive throughout 2014, I'd expect Lewis to be looking for a different drive.
#46
Posted 27 November 2012 - 01:34
#47
Posted 27 November 2012 - 02:18
Jaguar/Red Bull.
Teams can turn the corner. And quickly. Put the right pieces in place and anything can happen.
#48
Posted 27 November 2012 - 02:32
You know who was pretty rubbish from 2000-2008?
Jaguar/Red Bull.
Teams can turn the corner. And quickly. Put the right pieces in place and anything can happen.
This is true....... maybe Lewis knows something of Adrian Newey's future plans Thats the only thing that would lure most drivers from a safe seat at McLaren to the Mercedes fiasco. Newey does seem to seek out new challenges.......
#49
Posted 27 November 2012 - 02:46
Dude, he's been in F1 over 30 years.
Mercedes haven't been grand prix racing since the'50's.It takes time. 2014 is make or break for Ross. And Mercedes.
Organizational structure? Of an F1 team? Ross Brawn would run cicles around 99% of peolpe on these forums.You and me included.I'm not some huge Merc fan but, I do know that things don't happen over night.3 years in F1 is nothing.
Think about this though, if Merc continues to spin it's wheels and fall flat, you can laugh it up.But if they hit on something in'14 with the new regs well........
He was a MACHINIST at March.
So what if he has been in F1 for over 30 years? What does that mean?
Ok let me explain this to you...
Honda went all in for 2009 with their car. Then they decided they were pulling out of F1. Ross steps in and buys the team for pennies on the dollar in a management buyout.
They put everything on the double diffuser. It winds up being ruled as legal for 2009. They run the table in the first half of the season...then in the second half they don't look so great when the other teams start bringing updates while BAR/Honda/Brawn bring nothing. Too late though as they win the title. Jenson Button opts not to resign and goes to McLaren. Sort of interesting how he wins a championship, but doesn't want to stay. Cue DrZ and Daimler. They buy the team for over 100 million...which is a bargain since they think they are getting a worldbeating team for a fraction of the cost it would take to do it on there own.
What have we gotten since 2010?
Nothing.
Just vague promises about how the team expects to be challenging by year 3. Year 3 rolls around, and the team hits the lotto in Shanghai, then proceeds to **** the bed for the rest of the season. They can't find a single meaningful update...and do not bring a single update from late May till the end of September. Even with updates the car remains a piece of crap. Ross tells everyone how they are attempting to "understand" things and success is right around the corner. Yet this never happens. Oh, they also bring in a bunch of big names who proceed to do nothing either.
Now we've got people saying, "Oh just wait till 2014."
Are you for real with this?
The Ross said they would be challenging for the title in 2012...all they've got to show for 3 years is a lone race victory when there was a tire lottery.
This team is an absolute con job.
Ross has never done anything as team principal. He has no technical background. He's an idiot.
#50
Posted 27 November 2012 - 04:58