FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[myownalias]

I voted no. When I created the poll I was anticipating a 2 to 1 split and I'm not surprised. I think the reason to leave is more emotional than rational given the situation, but it's certainly understandable. IMO there is no reason to leave unless a team is capable both from an engineering standpoint and a financial standpoint to put themselves in a situation where they can consistently deliver a winning car.

The only three teams that can currently make that claim are Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull.

Redbull is still a relatively newcomer in that 'big three'. If I were to predict, I'd say Merc would be the next team to join them in that, Ross Brawn is no stupid bloke. He might just find his next MIchael Schumacher in Lewis Hamilton...they could go places alright. Lewis and Nico, headed by Brawn sounds better than Lewis and No Grip, headed by WeAreStillLearning.

I wouldn't mind that, but three years later I don't believe that they've got the development ability of the other teams. Perhaps it's only just a lack of funding as Mercedes doesn't want to go deep pockets with the program? Regardless, I don't think they're fully committed. Hiring a Hamilton though would change things.

I think that Mercedes wont take on Hamilton simply because; I expect Lewis thinks he is worth more than he is; hence Ron Dennis' comments a couple of races back. Any driver is worth what a team is willing to pay him, not the other way around. He will need to take a severe pay cut to move to another team I'd suspect; maybe in 2009 his stock would have been higher but going nearly four years without a title will have dented his value somewhat! And there are a lot of young talented drivers out there who want less cash to drive; Maldonado, Perez and Grosjean for example.

[CookinFlat6]

Marketing and image rights are a big factor here

Cant see Maldonado selling more t-shirts than Lewis at present

[What's Burning?]

I voted no. When I created the poll I was anticipating a 2 to 1 split and I'm not surprised. I think the reason to leave is more emotional than rational given the situation, but it's certainly understandable. IMO there is no reason to leave unless a team is capable both from an engineering standpoint and a financial standpoint to put themselves in a situation where they can consistently deliver a winning car.

The only three teams that can currently make that claim are Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull.

Redbull is still a relatively newcomer in that 'big three'. If I were to predict, I'd say Merc would be the next team to join them in that, Ross Brawn is no stupid bloke. He might just find his next MIchael Schumacher in Lewis Hamilton...they could go places alright. Lewis and Nico, headed by Brawn sounds better than Lewis and No Grip, headed by WeAreStillLearning.

I wouldn't mind that, but three years later I don't believe that they've got the development ability of the other teams. Perhaps it's only just a lack of funding as Mercedes doesn't want to go deep pockets with the program? Regardless, I don't think they're fully committed. Hiring a Hamilton though would change things.

I think that Mercedes wont take on Hamilton simply because; I expect Lewis thinks he is worth more than he is; hence Ron Dennis' comments a couple of races back. Any driver is worth what a team is willing to pay him, not the other way around. He will need to take a severe pay cut to move to another team I'd suspect; maybe in 2009 his stock would have been higher but going nearly four years without a title will have dented his value somewhat! And there are a lot of young talented drivers out there who want less cash to drive; Maldonado, Perez and Grosjean for example.

Going five years without a title didn't do anything to Alonso's value. I guarantee that if Lewis began negotiation with Ferrari, he'd be offered the same if not more than Alonso. I also feel that Lewis is in the position of power in these negotiations, not McLaren.

It all boils down to whether they've got the money or not. If they don't, then the only reason to stay is because of loyalty. I said before that if I was in his shoes I'd ask for a percentage of the corporation as a supplement to the cash they say isn't there. At this point I'm sure McLaren is shaking in their boots at the prospect of losing him and being left with Button as their lead driver. Given Button's performance this year, and McLaren's performance this year, he's the only bright spot the team has.

[vaptin]

I think McLaren choose Button over Kimi due to money, they also had some negations with Button over salary for his current contract didn't they? And settled for allowing Button greater freedom to negotiate sponsorships (or a greater % of the pay or something).

Now Webber is staying at Rebull I think Lewis will stay.

Lotus are too big a risk, they're doing well now, but do they really have the resources to sustain it?

Mercedes haven't really impressed too much either.

I don't think Ferrari will want to risk it, Stefano seems to prefer to keep things safe, not take big risks for goals. Although Luca takes things differently, but I think even he'll be off the opinion Ferrari don't need Lewis with Alonso there.

[myownalias]

Going five years without a title didn't do anything to Alonso's value. I guarantee that if Lewis began negotiation with Ferrari, he'd be offered the same if not more than Alonso. I also feel that Lewis is in the position of power in these negotiations, not McLaren.

That was three years ago that Alonso was signed; it was a different financial climate and it's Ferrari who are generally more willing to splash the cash on drivers.

It all boils down to whether they've got the money or not. If they don't, then the only reason to stay is because of loyalty. I said before that if I was in his shoes I'd ask for a percentage of the corporation as a supplement to the cash they say isn't there. At this point I'm sure McLaren is shaking in their boots at the prospect of losing him and being left with Button as their lead driver. Given Button's performance this year, and McLaren's performance this year, he's the only bright spot the team has.

Who knows what will happen in 2013; the tyres could change slightly which could put the ball back in Jenson's court or maybe McLaren will continue to decline and both driver struggle for points. My point is we cannot predict what next season will hold! I believe teams hold the key to Hamilton's future; with so many fast talented drivers coming through the ranks, Lewis' position is not as strong as it was three years ago. McLaren have expressed an interest in keeping Hamilton but judging by comments from Ron Dennis; it will have to be at the right price. McLaren are not just a race team any more; they have their fingers in many pies, so more money will probably be diverted into those other projects, most prominently their road car division!

[What's Burning?]

That's why I say, me being Lewis... I'd be willing to "slum" it with a few million less in salary for a percentage of McLaren.

[andrew]

He won't leave McLaren - ever.

[geetface9]

Honestly I think if he wants to stay in f1 for several more years, he needs to figure out which team will be able to make the best of the engine changes coming in 2014. Is it mclaren? If so, he should stick out 2013 and hope mclaren have their sh1t together for that huge change in 2014, lest he be stuck in a 'lower' team per se that does not do so well with the change.

[racechick]

Ferrari are the sure fire winner re- the engine rules. they make their own. the manufacturers will clear off if conditions dont suit.Thats why Vettel is flirting with Ferrari.

[CookinFlat6]

Imagine this current McLaren farce coping with the new engine regime in 2014, without the Merc engine and support. Lets hope the guy organising the pit stops now improves before he has to organise a new engine and supplier

[CookinFlat6]

Apparently Lewis is 'keen' to talk to Lotus about a drive. its only the daily Mail so far, so a large pinch of salt required

Lewis at Lotus could attract the backing they need to progress, Lewis in the Lotus would have more points now

[racechick]

They certainly would!! Juicy! Id like to see lewis and Grosjean but I think it'd be Lewis and raikonnen.Contracts and all that. Intresting speculation though. People talk about lewis' cost being exhorbitant, they forget about the marketing gem he is.

[CookinFlat6]

Yes, would be good to see Lewis and RoGro at a resurgent Lotus

Would be good to see Button and Massa at McLaren next year

[Injen]

I voted no. When I created the poll I was anticipating a 2 to 1 split and I'm not surprised. I think the reason to leave is more emotional than rational given the situation, but it's certainly understandable. IMO there is no reason to leave unless a team is capable both from an engineering standpoint and a financial standpoint to put themselves in a situation where they can consistently deliver a winning car.

The only three teams that can currently make that claim are Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull.

Redbull is still a relatively newcomer in that 'big three'. If I were to predict, I'd say Merc would be the next team to join them in that, Ross Brawn is no stupid bloke. He might just find his next MIchael Schumacher in Lewis Hamilton...they could go places alright. Lewis and Nico, headed by Brawn sounds better than Lewis and No Grip, headed by WeAreStillLearning.

I wouldn't mind that, but three years later I don't believe that they've got the development ability of the other teams. Perhaps it's only just a lack of funding as Mercedes doesn't want to go deep pockets with the program? Regardless, I don't think they're fully committed. Hiring a Hamilton though would change things.

I think that Mercedes wont take on Hamilton simply because; I expect Lewis thinks he is worth more than he is; hence Ron Dennis' comments a couple of races back. Any driver is worth what a team is willing to pay him, not the other way around. He will need to take a severe pay cut to move to another team I'd suspect; maybe in 2009 his stock would have been higher but going nearly four years without a title will have dented his value somewhat! And there are a lot of young talented drivers out there who want less cash to drive; Maldonado, Perez and Grosjean for example.

Lol,can't help a little dig can ya "i expect LEWIS thinks he is worth more than he is" really,you have spoken to him then and his manager?

If you really think that Lewis is worth less than he was four years ago then you are more delusional than i thought. You really think teams would look at Maldonado and Perez and even Grosjean before Lewis even if they want less money,god you really make me laugh.Lewis will go to Mercedes or stay at Mclaren but don't think for one moment that Norbert Haug would not jump at the chance to have Lewis in his team and would pay the money.


Micheal IMO will not be at Mercedes next season,it time to throw in the towel and he has helped the team no end but it's time to start winning.

Ill use Norberts words "Lewis is a Mercedes man" make no mistake Ross and Mercedes are very close to building a great car,it just needs fine tuning.

Next years car will be a monster IMO and in Lewis's hands it could possibly be a legend car for Mercedes.

As much as it pains me to say it because i'm a McLaren man,Let no grip button have it,they wont get far with him as their number one driver.

[CookinFlat6]

I can see Michael moving into management like he did at Ferrari, and Merc will be in a position to build around Lewis and try to do what Ferrari did with Michael. With the new engine regs Merc has to be the best seat in the house from 2014

Anyway all this talk about not been able to afford or pay Lewis, he is the ultimate pay driver and I suspect there will be many companies willing to subsidise his pay just like Santander and Alonso

He would be mad to stay, as this McLaren is not the McLaren we supported and is a midfield outfit with midfield aspirations and a mickey mouse TP