244 replies to this topic

[ARTGP]

They can leave and no one will miss them TBH. Once LH finds a new team the fans and British media will migrate there. 

 

 

Very true. The bulk of the affection that people have for Mercedes is only provided by association to Hamilton. That is literally why he gets paid 40 million a year or whatever crazy number is. The same folk would be doting over Mclaren if Hamilton was still at Mclaren.  So Mercedes isn't that important in the grand scheme. Hamilton's fans all bled Mclaren not too long ago. They'll do it again if Merc leave.

Edited by ARTGP, 13 December 2021 - 22:42.

[jey16]

With Mercedes selling down their stake in the team (they only own 33% now), wouldn’t be surprised if they revert back to an engine supplier in a couple of years. Especially if they are not as dominant under the new regulations 

[Flyhigh]

Not a bad ideia considering they have been the most dominant F1 team ever, not even Ferrari/ Schumacher was close, considering they only had dominant cars in 2001-2004 only. If they want we can call them the goat of teams and just provide Mclaren and others good engines, I am fine with that for a sporting sake, even as a Hamilton fan, lots of seasons have just been mind numbing. 

[SkidmarksLeadToTheCrash]

No.

[MikeTekRacing]

What are peoples thoughts on the possibility of Mercedes now withdrawing from F1 and walking away? Maybe selling up to Ineos.

After yesterday and the way it was handled I am not so sure they will want to be part of such a sport. Do they even need F1 anymore.

They could
They lost what? One wdc the whole hybrid era? The outrage!!!

[mclarensmps]

They can leave and no one will miss them TBH. Once LH finds a new team the fans and British media will migrate there. 

 

The amount of stuff the team and drivers have gotten away with in the turbo-hybrid era is mind-boggling. 

 

The FIA/F1 have bent over backwards for them on multiple occasions and Ferrari/Red Bull have suffered. 

Regarding the bold: That's not true. 

Regarding the italics: Is that Schumacher and Ferrari in your avatar?

[GTA]

Regarding the bold: That's not true. 

Regarding the italics: Is that Schumacher and Ferrari in your avatar?

 

F1 Teams apart from Ferrari do not really have a big fanbase on their own. Fans migrate teams based on the drivers who drive there. 

 

Since Mercedes' return in 2010 they have had 2 of the most popular drivers in the history of F1 driving for them.  The British media have been cheerleading for a German team since 2013. It's not rocket science as to what the reason behind Mercedes' support is. If Lewis retires and George can't pick up the mantle then Merc would be forgotten quite fast. 

 

Yes it is, we haven't won a WDC in 14 and WCC in 13 years mate. 

[Auzz]

Toto now pushing the narrtive we didn't push through with the appeal for the good of the sport, but we've would easily won if we did. Without putting his money where his mouth is, he will milk this for ages. After seeing his behaviour this whole season, for me F1 will be better of without him. 

[cbo]

Why would Mercedes lave? They have clearly embraced the antics of Libertys "Housewives of F1" and become part of the show.

The real problem with F1 is not whether or not Mercedes unfairly lost the WDC, it is the inconsistency of in the handling of a far too complicated set of regulations.

Abu Dhabi was bad, but Jeddah was far worse.

There will be a scrutiny of the rules and their application, which is much needed - and I do not hear any teams complain about that.

If FIA makes 2022 another epic fail in terms of the rules and their enforcement, teams might pull the plug. Or stay because they like the exposure the F1 reality show gives them.

[Chillimeister]

Toto now pushing the narrtive we didn't push through with the appeal for the good of the sport, but we've would easily won if we did. Without putting his money where his mouth is, he will milk this for ages. After seeing his behaviour this whole season, for me F1 will be better of without him. 

 

Toto is full of ***t. There are two good reasons Merc didn't go ahead with their appeal - they most probably got advice to the effect that they wouldn't be able to prove any fraudulent intention by the FIA to influence the result, so without that the only remedy available to the court should they win (not a given) was to annul the result. Which would change nothing in the WDC and only serve to make Merc F1 and by association Mercedes Benz corporation look like bad losers. Secondly, when massive global corporations go to court they usually like to like to be pretty sure things will go in their favour, hence a decision from further up the food chain not to proceed.

[RedKloud]

If Merc sell their shares in the team, what will it be called? Wolff F1?

[alframsey]

Very true. The bulk of the affection that people have for Mercedes is only provided by association to Hamilton. That is literally why he gets paid 40 million a year or whatever crazy number is. The same folk would be doting over Mclaren if Hamilton was still at Mclaren.  So Mercedes isn't that important in the grand scheme. Hamilton's fans all bled Mclaren not too long ago. They'll do it again if Merc leave.

I can honestly say that as a Hamilton I have no care for Merc beyond them being able to provide a competitive car for Lewis, I can't say the same about McLaren though. They are my one and only F1 team and have been since I was 7, even if I primarily follow drivers over teams.

[TheFish]

There’s been rumours of Ineos for a long time, so maybe that.

If they want a full exit, Stroll could buy the engine department and we could have McLaren-Aston Martin in the future.

[alframsey]

I don't see Merc walking away because it wouldn't be a good look in my eyes, to walk the first time you don't win (I know they had a few years pre 2014 but I am meaning in response to losing their drivers title). They will remain until it is have a net negative impact on the brand.

[Neno]

Very true. The bulk of the affection that people have for Mercedes is only provided by association to Hamilton. That is literally why he gets paid 40 million a year or whatever crazy number is. The same folk would be doting over Mclaren if Hamilton was still at Mclaren.  So Mercedes isn't that important in the grand scheme. Hamilton's fans all bled Mclaren not too long ago. They'll do it again if Merc leave.

British media = ESPN

Hamilton = Lebron 

Hamilton fans = Lebron stans (theymigrate like birds when he changes  teams)

Narrative of ESPN - GOAT

Reality -  no really 

[TheFish]

I don't see Merc walking away because it wouldn't be a good look in my eyes, to walk the first time you don't win (I know they had a few years pre 2014 but I am meaning in response to losing their drivers title). They will remain until it is have a net negative impact on the brand.

What about other exits from manufacturers? How did BMW, Toyota, Honda (x7?) exits look to you?

[alframsey]

What about other exits from manufacturers? How did BMW, Toyota, Honda (x7?) exits look to you?

A response to an economic crisis, couple with near enough zero success in the sport. Merc's situation isn't even in the same bracket.

[alframsey]

British media = ESPN

Hamilton = Lebron 

Hamilton fans = Lebron stans (theymigrate like birds when he changes  teams)

Narrative of ESPN - GOAT

Reality -  no really 

I'm not speaking specifically to yourself but I've never understood when people use some who support drivers over teams as if it is some stick to beat them with, I've honestly never understood it. Does it have something to do with seeing them as not 'proper' racing fans and just fans of personalities? 

[TheFish]

A response to an economic crisis, couple with near enough zero success in the sport. Merc's situation isn't even in the same bracket.

How about the current Honda exit?

[alframsey]

How about the current Honda exit?

The current exit is quite strange, initially it seemed a response to COVID and the crisis around that but now I'm not so sure. Maybe just disillusionment with F1? What do you reckon?

[TheFish]

The current exit is quite strange, initially it seemed a response to COVID and the crisis around that but now I'm not so sure. Maybe just disillusionment with F1? What do you reckon?

I think Honda have awful timing. So much money wasted to leave when you’re finally at the top. Manufacturers mostly come and go when it suits, I don’t have strong affinity to any of them. I grew up with Williams, Benetton and Ligier. F1 may have even been better then. I don’t think any have suffered lasting damage for leaving though.

[r4mses]

What about other exits from manufacturers? How did BMW, Toyota, Honda (x7?) exits look to you?

 

That's the difference between Mercedes (and to a certain extend Renault) and the likes of Toyota, BMW and Honda. The former stay even when the times are hard(ish), while the latter quit when the waters get rough (or, in case of Honda, just randomly quit)

[AustinF1]

I don't see Merc walking away because it wouldn't be a good look in my eyes, to walk the first time you don't win (I know they had a few years pre 2014 but I am meaning in response to losing their drivers title). They will remain until it is have a net negative impact on the brand.

Yep. Leaving a racing series - where you've just lost your first championship of 16 possible championships in the last 8 years - would be incredibly foolish imho. It would indeed be a very bad look.

[TheFish]

Yep. Leaving a racing series - where you've just lost your first championship of 16 possible championships in the last 8 years - would be incredibly foolish imho. It would indeed be a very bad look.

Similar to my posts, have any other manufacturer exits been a very bad look? Any that caused lasting damage? I feel like it’s soon forgotten about, but maybe it would be different with Merc.

[r4mses]

Similar to my posts, have any other manufacturer exits been a very bad look? Any that caused lasting damage? I feel like it’s soon forgotten about, but maybe it would be different with Merc.

 

at least among racing fans, the reputation of BMW is terrible by now as they didn't just ALT+F4 Forumla 1. 

[AustinF1]

Similar to my posts, have any other manufacturer exits been a very bad look? Any that caused lasting damage? I feel like it’s soon forgotten about, but maybe it would be different with Merc.

I honestly do not know. Have any ever left F1 under similar circumstances - having dominated for years and then leaving because of their first lost championship of 16?

Edited by AustinF1, 17 December 2021 - 21:48.

[AlexPrime]

As a team, yes, as an engine supplier no. Sooner or later they will attack with McLaren again IMO.

[JeePee]

If they wanna walk after 8 years of winning everything, because of one bad RD call in a hectic situation, then I'll happily show them the door. They won't be missed.

[AustinF1]

If they wanna walk after 8 years of winning everything, because of one bad RD call in a hectic situation, then I'll happily show them the door. They won't be missed.

Sounds like neither the outgoing nor the incoming FIA President would be sympathetic either. I thought Todt's comment was very interesting - about being 70% happy to leave the post, with a big part of that coming from things like Toto & Lewis skipping the Gala.

[Gravelngrass]

What are peoples thoughts on the possibility of Mercedes now withdrawing from F1 and walking away? Maybe selling up to Ineos.

After yesterday and the way it was handled I am not so sure they will want to be part of such a sport. Do they even need F1 anymore.

They are actually thinking about quitting all motorsport and going into content production: movies/theater (specializing in drama, melodrama, soap operas, realities), media, memes, and others. Toto’s video the other day and his outbursts during races were in reality tests and pre-production material. They plan to use Lewis’ connections in Hollywood to give them a headstart and Lewis himself is rumored to be casting for the lead role in the biopic of a very famous circus entertainer whose dream was to become an F1 driver.

[pUs]

They are actually thinking about quitting all motorsport and going into content production: movies/theater (specializing in drama, melodrama, soap operas, realities), media, memes, and others. Toto’s video the other day and his outbursts during races were in reality tests and pre-production material. They plan to use Lewis’ connections in Hollywood to give them a headstart and Lewis himself is rumored to be casting for the lead role in the biopic of a very famous circus entertainer whose dream was to become an F1 driver.

 

On the edge foruming,  the extra tenth of a second this thread needed was found, EXCELLENT                               

[AlexPrime]

Sounds like neither the outgoing nor the incoming FIA President would be sympathetic either. I thought Todt's comment was very interesting - about being 70% happy to leave the post, with a big part of that coming from things like Toto & Lewis skipping the Gala.

Jean killed them, love that.

[Rumblestrip]

Toto now pushing the narrtive we didn't push through with the appeal for the good of the sport, but we've would easily won if we did. Without putting his money where his mouth is, he will milk this for ages. After seeing his behaviour this whole season, for me F1 will be better of without him. 

 

Maybe it's just me and my choice of news outlets, but Mercedes appear to have been very successful since the last race at pushing their side of the story. I've seen very little about Max or RB considering they won the WDC which is a bit confusing.

[AlexPrime]

Maybe it's just me and my choice of news outlets, but Mercedes appear to have been very successful since the last race at pushing their side of the story. I've seen very little about Max or RB considering they won the WDC which is a bit confusing.

My country has been pretty neutral - I think that British media amplifies his voice. RBR maybe are partying and who can blame them 

[Collombin]

Similar to my posts, have any other manufacturer exits been a very bad look? Any that caused lasting damage? I feel like it’s soon forgotten about, but maybe it would be different with Merc.

Enzo's regular threats looked petty at times, but of course he never followed through permanently (so to speak).

[alframsey]

As a team, yes, as an engine supplier no. Sooner or later they will attack with McLaren again IMO.

I would love this

[andrewf1]

Maybe it's just me and my choice of news outlets, but Mercedes appear to have been very successful since the last race at pushing their side of the story. I've seen very little about Max or RB considering they won the WDC which is a bit confusing.

 

They've done the opposite of pushing a side, they've been silent the whole week. Instead, the FIA did all the "work" for them.

It has been exposed by every media that the ending of the race was a farce and a violation of the rules.

Most people who are fans of the sport and have some decency could see right through the BS that happened at the end of the race.

It's really not surprising that the focus isn't on Max so much, given the circumstances in which he won.

[PlayboyRacer]

If they wanna walk after 8 years of winning everything, because of one bad RD call in a hectic situation, then I'll happily show them the door. They won't be missed.

Bad call? Since when is making **** up on the spot classified as a "bad call"? Lol

Call it what it is. Manipulation.

[P123]

Very true. The bulk of the affection that people have for Mercedes is only provided by association to Hamilton. That is literally why he gets paid 40 million a year or whatever crazy number is. The same folk would be doting over Mclaren if Hamilton was still at Mclaren.  So Mercedes isn't that important in the grand scheme. Hamilton's fans all bled Mclaren not too long ago. They'll do it again if Merc leave.

 

You think that is a unique thing with 'Hamilton fans'?  There will always be team fans, but the majority of folks are driver fans.  It really is no different to the stands in Hockenheim being Benetton blue, then Ferrari red when Schumacher did his transfer.  Or Danny Ric fans populating Red Bull, then Renault, then McLaren topics on here.  Strangely enough, you'll find Alonso fans in the Alpine topic.  Team loyalty is fleeting, and generally dependant on fanship of drivers.  Although that said, I'll always have a soft spot for Williams. 

[P123]

Maybe it's just me and my choice of news outlets, but Mercedes appear to have been very successful since the last race at pushing their side of the story. I've seen very little about Max or RB considering they won the WDC which is a bit confusing.

 

There has been lots about Max.

 

That there is controversy is down to the FIA.  And they have been more vocal than Merc have.  Things happened you see, not necessarily done by Mercedes.

[Wolbo]

It has been exposed by every media that the ending of the race was a farce and a violation of the rules.

No it hasn't. Don't confuse the British echo chamber you are in with reality.

[cjm321190]

I was always under the impression that Mercedes were reducing their stake so that when they eventually lose they walk.

Stay as an engine supplier only. They won't quit whilst they are winning.

[LB]

No it hasn't. Don't confuse the British echo chamber you are in with reality.

 

 

aye sure....

ESPN have run with it, so have CNN, ABC, CBC German channels  South African, New Zealand hell my Japanese is a bit limited but there too  etc etc etc....

[HeadFirst]

Mercedes leaving, but still supplying engines? I don't think so. I think when Mercedes go, they will go completely, probably putting the engine program (perhaps the team too) up for sale. So who's got the $$$$ for that kind of purchase? My concern is that if/when they go they take all their toys and a big chunk of F1s prestige with them. One team gone, three teams scrambling for engines, does not sound like a good situation to me. You also have to consider what repercussions there will be, if they were to go to another series .... say Le Mans prototypes. Would Ferrari and Aston Martin follow? Spiteful comments like, "I wouldn't miss them!" are not thinking about the big picture. 

[JeePee]

Maybe it's just me and my choice of news outlets, but Mercedes appear to have been very successful since the last race at pushing their side of the story. I've seen very little about Max or RB considering they won the WDC which is a bit confusing.

I believe our very own Autosport.com has never had a 'Max has become world champion' news message.

 

Lewis and Toto have been very good at spinning narratives this season. Max was even classified as the bad/aggressive guy after Silverstone.