FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[darwin dali]

F1-Live.com

More strains on the McLaren Mercedes relationship
The possible exit from Formula One of Mercedes-Benz is back on the radar, amid the 'lie-gate' McLaren scandal and the collaboration's relatively poor start to the season.

The German broadcaster Sudwestrundfunk reports that, on Wednesday this week, a shareholder's meeting of the Mercedes parent Daimler is scheduled.

The carmaker is currently haemorrhaging a reported $1 billion per month, so drastic cost-saving measures - like capping executives pay - are believed to be on the agenda for the April 8 meeting.

At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Vice President Norbert Haug in Malaysia last weekend said there could be no guarantees about the future of the Stuttgart based marque in F1.

"If you're asking me 'are we here for the next ten years?' then everybody who is honest, and I am honest, cannot give you an answer about how the world, the car industry, the economical surroundings will develop," he is quoted as saying by GP Week.

"I hope it changes.
It's not easy for anybody but I hope it changes."

Haug was also asked about how the 'lie-gate' scandal together with McLaren's lack of competitiveness is complicating the decision.

The latest news on Monday is that the FIA is poised to summon McLaren Mercedes to the World Motor Sport Council to account for its behaviour over 'lie-gate'.

"Victories would be better than having discussions like these," the German admitted. "But we are clearly unhappy with the situation, as it is right now."

[SAS88]

Sure times are tough, but Mercedes should follow Richard Branson's lead. Mercedes pulling out is just cowardly and greedy. Sure they have a commitment to their shareholders, but profit is based on taking risks isn't it? That's the reward of profit.

Perhaps they need to come up with more innovative ways and get their no-good marketing people to do something in F1 to boost sales in the commercial strata. Half the cars are running Mercedes something or the other, surely that should help hype up Mercedes "capabilities".

[f1ea]

I dont see anything alarming with these statements. they are obviously unhappy with their position right now... the world economic climate is not the best.... F1 is going trhough a revolution of some sorts. what Haug is saying is perfectly expectable.

[Jensonb]

I doubt much will come of this, but you have to wonder what McLaren (And Force India I suppose) do if Mercedes do bail. Cosworth?

[Frosty]

I doubt much will come of this, but you have to wonder what McLaren (And Force India I suppose) do if Mercedes do bail. Cosworth?

Screwed would be a better term

[Jensonb]

I doubt much will come of this, but you have to wonder what McLaren (And Force India I suppose) do if Mercedes do bail. Cosworth?

Screwed would be a better term

Possibly. Macca aren't dummies though, I'm sure they'd find a solution. Force India would be the ones in real trouble, 3 engines in as many years - and remember this Merc deal was supposed to be their way forward.

[EwanM]

I doubt much will come of this, but you have to wonder what McLaren (And Force India I suppose) do if Mercedes do bail. Cosworth?

Screwed would be a better term

Possibly. Macca aren't dummies though, I'm sure they'd find a solution. Force India would be the ones in real trouble, 3 engines in as many years - and remember this Merc deal was supposed to be their way forward.

Mercedes won't pull out in the short term.

[Jensonb]

I doubt much will come of this, but you have to wonder what McLaren (And Force India I suppose) do if Mercedes do bail. Cosworth?

Screwed would be a better term

Possibly. Macca aren't dummies though, I'm sure they'd find a solution. Force India would be the ones in real trouble, 3 engines in as many years - and remember this Merc deal was supposed to be their way forward.

Mercedes won't pull out in the short term.

That's my assessment too. It would mean breaking a bunch of contracts, surely? And that would be at least as expensive as staying.

[EwanM]

Indeed, also they'd have to sell their shares in Mclaren for a knock down price. And who would seriously buy them in this climate?

[Jensonb]

Indeed, also they'd have to sell their shares in Mclaren for a knock down price. And who would seriously buy them in this climate?

Anthony Hamilton.

[MAD MAX]

It isn't just Mclaren and Force India it would affect though is it, isn't the BGP001 the current leaders of the championship running with the Mercedes engine as well ?

[7UpJordan]

If Mercedes pull out just because McLaren haven't had a good season that would be the coward's way out. They've had much harder times than this, for instance those first two seasons when McLaren had made crap, ugly cars (one that was too small for Mansell to fit in!!).

2009 is one of the most unique seasons in a long time, and we're only two races in. How do Mercedes not know that McLaren might win every race in 2010 or even a few this year (very unlikely though, Williams have more chance of winning even if McLaren make a good diffuser)? I would give McLaren until at least half-way throught 2010 to make a decision.

[EwanM]

If Mercedes pull out just because McLaren haven't had a good season that would be the coward's way out. They've had much harder times than this, for instance those first two seasons when McLaren had made crap, ugly cars (one that was too small for Mansell to fit in!!).

2009 is one of the most unique seasons in a long time, and we're only two races in. How do Mercedes not know that McLaren might win every race in 2010 or even a few this year (very unlikely though, Williams have more chance of winning even if McLaren make a good diffuser)? I would give McLaren until at least half-way throught 2010 to make a decision.

Besides they are still winning races atm. Just not with Mclaren...

[Jensonb]

It isn't just Mclaren and Force India it would affect though is it, isn't the BGP001 the current leaders of the championship running with the Mercedes engine as well ?

To affect Brawn they would have to pull out mid-season, and that isn't going to happen.

It's my belief Brawn will run the Cossie next year anyway

[Gaz]

worst case ceneario Mclaren loose a powerful shareholder and have to find a new engine supplier next year.

Would be funny if they ended up with a ferrari engine.

Vodafone Mclaren Ferrari

LOL