FORUMula1.com

[f1ea]

So he's retiring for the road sports car side of Mclaren. Hopefully, something that will produce interesting cars...

More troubling than the situation surrounding Mclaren regarding this step down... it more reflects on the current situation of F1 in general. When key figures like this decide to step away (whether you 'like' them or not), it means something is not working right and may well be the first of some step-aways.....

[csrracer]

Do you actually have any proof of this, or are you merely disseminating unfounded rumour and hearsay?

Juliet

It was asserted by the Times that Hamilton Sr pressured Ron out. There is of course no proof of this at this point but the facts are that Ham man and to a lesser extent Ham boy are extremely ambitious and that Ron's move is very odd in terms of its timing, if the official reasons given are to be believed. I agree with what McLaren Fan says because to me, that is the most logical explanation at this stage. When new information comes to light, this may all change of course.

I think the most Logical explanation is that Mercedes is tired of their name being involved with scandals that seem to follow Ron around. I'm sure Mercedes's input into the situation carries more weight than a drivers.The Hamilton's no doubt are not happy with management at Mclaren rite now, and I don't see how anyone could blame them. Lewis was with out a doubt wrong for lying, and stupid for doing it twice, but everyone that's been involved closely with this situation knows that Lewis was being told to lie. ( I know that doesn't make it OK, It was still a very stupid immature thing to do) The big question now seems to be where the lie came from Whitmarsh, Dennis, or Ryan. It wouldn't be illogical to think that maybe it did come from Dennis considering he's making his move out of Mclaren F1 more public now, although it's been going on for awhile. Also if he is not part of the team the WSMC can't call him in for questioning.

[racechick]

Do you actually have any proof of this, or are you merely disseminating unfounded rumour and hearsay?

Juliet

It was asserted by the Times that Hamilton Sr pressured Ron out. There is of course no proof of this at this point but the facts are that Ham man and to a lesser extent Ham boy are extremely ambitious and that Ron's move is very odd in terms of its timing, if the official reasons given are to be believed. I agree with what McLaren Fan says because to me, that is the most logical explanation at this stage. When new information comes to light, this may all change of course.

I think the most Logical explanation is that Mercedes is tired of their name being involved with scandals that seem to follow Ron around. I'm sure Mercedes's input into the situation carries more weight than a drivers.The Hamilton's no doubt are not happy with management at Mclaren rite now, and I don't see how anyone could blame them. Lewis was with out a doubt wrong for lying, and stupid for doing it twice, but everyone that's been involved closely with this situation knows that Lewis was being told to lie. ( I know that doesn't make it OK, It was still a very stupid immature thing to do) The big question now seems to be where the lie came from Whitmarsh, Dennis, or Davies. It wouldn't be illogical to think that maybe it did come from Dennis considering he's making his move out of Mclaren F1 more public now, although it's been going on for awhile. Also if he is not part of the team the WSMC can't call him in for questioning.

Id agree with what you've said there. Someone at the top ,probably one of three people , was at the root of this. Ron was going anyway so maybe its a shrewd move to deflect attention and punishment from McLaren itself. To suggest Anthony or Lewis Hamilton is the cause of the problem is to miss the main point of what has happened. Indeed if that were the case, then that in itself is further evidence of mismanagement.

[bud]

With Martin in the firing line i doubt this move will affect the WMSC decision. I would have preferred Norbert to have taken over as team principal!

[racechick]

With Martin in the firing line i doubt this move will affect the WMSC decision. I would have preferred Norbert to have taken over as team principal!

I think that would have been a good move!

[Denthúl]

With Martin in the firing line i doubt this move will affect the WMSC decision. I would have preferred Norbert to have taken over as team principal!

I think that would be impractical, though, with his responsibilities for other Mercedes teams.

[bud]

With Martin in the firing line i doubt this move will affect the WMSC decision. I would have preferred Norbert to have taken over as team principal!

I think that would be impractical, though, with his responsibilities for other Mercedes teams.

what do you mean impractical? he is apart of the McLaren Mercedes team he is not apart of Force India nor Brawn. they are both customers.

[Denthúl]

With Martin in the firing line i doubt this move will affect the WMSC decision. I would have preferred Norbert to have taken over as team principal!

I think that would be impractical, though, with his responsibilities for other Mercedes teams.

what do you mean impractical? he is apart of the McLaren Mercedes team he is not apart of Force India nor Brawn. they are both customers.

I meant in motorsports in general. He's always on the pit wall at various events, particularly DTM. He doesn't only work in Formula One or with McLaren - he has responsibilities within other motorsports.

[bud]

With Martin in the firing line i doubt this move will affect the WMSC decision. I would have preferred Norbert to have taken over as team principal!

I think that would be impractical, though, with his responsibilities for other Mercedes teams.

what do you mean impractical? he is apart of the McLaren Mercedes team he is not apart of Force India nor Brawn. they are both customers.

I meant in motorsports in general. He's always on the pit wall at various events, particularly DTM. He doesn't only work in Formula One or with McLaren - he has responsibilities within other motorsports.

Yeah ive seen a few DTM races on cable and seen Norb boy there on the wall regardless i thought you meant Brawn and Force India so i apologise, but I dont think it would have a big affect on his other responsibilities with DTM as he is already on the pitwall for McLaren and i would think having him made boss and bringing in a larger Mercedes presence within McLaren would favour the WMSC who i feel are not fans of Ron(which is why he made this announcement today) and Martin.

[Denthúl]

With Martin in the firing line i doubt this move will affect the WMSC decision. I would have preferred Norbert to have taken over as team principal!

I think that would be impractical, though, with his responsibilities for other Mercedes teams.

what do you mean impractical? he is apart of the McLaren Mercedes team he is not apart of Force India nor Brawn. they are both customers.

I meant in motorsports in general. He's always on the pit wall at various events, particularly DTM. He doesn't only work in Formula One or with McLaren - he has responsibilities within other motorsports.

Yeah ive seen a few DTM races on cable and seen Norb boy there on the wall regardless i thought you meant Brawn and Force India so i apologise, but I dont think it would have a big affect on his other responsibilities with DTM as he is already on the pitwall for McLaren and i would think having him made boss and bringing in a larger Mercedes presence within McLaren would favour the WMSC who i feel are not fans of Ron(which is why he made this announcement today) and Martin.

Well, his role is vice president of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport and his main involvements are F1, F3 and DTM. It's a role he might be good at, but then I think that would also bring in the possibility of a greater ownership on Mercedes' part and that could, ultimately, lead to the Mercedes name taking over, possibly as a way of deflecting blows from Max and crew.

Incidentally, Whitmarsh has said that he has already offered the shareholders his resignation and they refused it. Interesting.

[texasmr2]

I mis Ron already.

[irons_4_ever]

the title of this thread is funny he hasnt retired lol

[EwanM]

the title of this thread is funny he hasnt retired lol

Good point.

[headless]

Norb what a funny man.

[texasmr2]

He may have not retired but from everything I have read his direct involvement with the F1 team has been severed.