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By racechick
#318969
We are assuming the Merc do not walk away like Renault/Toyota/Ford/BMW/Honda between now and then.


I think his management team ared experienced enough to have that covered in the contract.
By vaptin
#318981
Engines aren't that important for performance differential, although 2014 might change that. But Mcercedes have been going nowhere recently despite promises to the contrary previously.
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By racechick
#318983
waiting for a topline driver to focus on for 2014 :twisted:
By vaptin
#318984
waiting for a topline driver to focus on for 2014 :twisted:


But would those in charge of Mercedes as a company be prepared to wait and spend massively on 2014?

I can't see Mercedes being a better option than Mclaren, maybe the salary will be higher.
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By racechick
#318986
waiting for a topline driver to focus on for 2014 :twisted:


But would those in charge of Mercedes as a company be prepared to wait and spend massively on 2014?

I can't see Mercedes being a better option than Mclaren, maybe the salary will be higher.


Well its like lewis said. Whatever he decides its a gamble. But I think Braun and mercedes, with an inhouse engine, might be better able to adapt to new regs than Whimarsh. I think lewis is focused on the best long term option rather than money. Though money is obviously going to factor.
By vaptin
#318987
waiting for a topline driver to focus on for 2014 :twisted:


But would those in charge of Mercedes as a company be prepared to wait and spend massively on 2014?

I can't see Mercedes being a better option than Mclaren, maybe the salary will be higher.


Well its like lewis said. Whatever he decides its a gamble. But I think Braun and mercedes, with an inhouse engine, might be better able to adapt to new regs than Whimarsh. I think lewis is focused on the best long term option rather than money. Though money is obviously going to factor.


Well, I don't really know, about their workings or development plans, maybe if somone winds Lewis up he'll post it on twitter.

It's just in my limited experience Mercedes are probably telling him all sorts of wonderful things to get him to sign, but they may not be a fair representation and I'm not sure Lewis is too hot at dealing with that stuff and his mangment company may have different priorities,
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By racechick
#318989
Didier Cotton is in there to check out the racing options. And if his management team dont secure him a top drive bang goes their opportunity to exploit the marketing avenues.
By What's Burning?
#318991
It's funny that what's being discussed as if absolutes are just suppositions that no one outside a very close inner circle has any clue about. But then again that's the point of a forum. :hehe:
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By cheekybru
#318992
Drivers press conferance "Lewis do you know where youl be driving next year?"
Leiws "No"

:o
By vaptin
#318993
It's funny that what's being discussed as if absolutes are just suppositions that no one outside a very close inner circle has any clue about. But then again that's the point of a forum. :hehe:


Eddie Jordan knows stuff.
By What's Burning?
#318994
It's funny that what's being discussed as if absolutes are just suppositions that no one outside a very close inner circle has any clue about. But then again that's the point of a forum. :hehe:


Eddie Jordan knows stuff.


Yeah but he's been banned and his IP address blocked.
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By racechick
#318995
Drivers press conferance "Lewis do you know where youl be driving next year?"
Leiws "No"

:o


lewis should reply-'keep an eye on my tweets!' :P
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By The Second Coming
#319027
Anyone thinking that Lewis moving to Merc is a disaster is not looking at the near future

Whennew engines are introduced, the best place to be will be at a team with 'works' status

McLaren will be customers of Merc, and not preffered customers either, thy will be just like Force India, now imagine Sam and Martin integrating a new engine with the same efficiency as they brought to bear on pitstops etc
At that rate it will be 2 seasons before they are competitive again

And thats assuming Merc will supply their customers with exactly the same spec engine as they supply their works team. Thats never gonna happen in a month of Sundays. Merc will not be as forthcomming with the help McLaren will need.

Also if they transfer focus and funds to turning Lewis into a champ, firstly Lewis will be paid what he deserves - The most in the paddock, and also like MS at Ferrari, he will have Ross Brawn as well as MS to shape his success

So even if he challenges for a couple of years, once RB starts with a clean slate with the new regs, Lewis' Merc team will be the place to be

And we will see how McLaren get on with Di Resta leading the team


Cookin, the only disaster as I see it is on a personal front. I've been a McLaren fan for years, mostly because of the drivers, all of whom I've been fans—Senna, Mika, Montoya and now Lewis. This time, I go where Lewis goes. 1. I don't see any other driver joining McLaren that would warrant me being overly enthusiastic about them. 2. I've reached my limit this season with the rubbish that the team has done (the pit-stop blunders, qualifying fuel cockups, etc.). If Lewis stays, then I stay to support him.

With that said, the bigger picture is Lewis' need to want a business decision with sport coming second. At this stage of his career, I suspect it is a good decision, especially with comments from Uncle Ron taking a bullish stance on business first. Fair enough. Lewis is a World Champion so if nothing else, he can go after the pay packet, factory team environment and all that comes with it. They have very clever aero developers and as stated earlier, have an advantage of the new factory engines. I suspect, if Mercedes wish to stamp their mark on F1 for the future, they may play hardball with their engine supply, bring in a hard charger like Lewis and increase their aero resources. I think they are taking a very stern view about winning ala Braun GP of a few years ago...but this time, with the Mercedes/AMG brand. This is what Lewis/his management may be exploring.

In the end, if Lewis stays, he has some rationale to support that decision. If he goes to Mercedes/AMG, I wouldn't hold my head in shock and awe. I could envisage a WDC within two years of a move.

I'm just saying...
By CookinFlat6
#319041
Very well said McLarenF1. Lewis is already a WC, it would be smarter to think on the long term, during the rest of his F1 career and beyond when he finishes. Thinking of what he might be doing in 20 30 years time could depend on the branding/big picture decisions he makes now. I doubt he will need to audition for the BBc sofa with the rest of the also rans unlike some others who have proven themselves to be one trick ponies.

Also lets think about Merc for a second, remember these chaps invented the motorcar as we know it today, they have a pedigree that would have slaughtered Ferrari if it hadnt been for that Adolf cove and his ridiculous ideas.

They have the resources and money to dominate like Ferrari did with MS, they have stealthly built up a team of top engineers, aero guys and ofcourse they have Ross Brawn, who has proven he can deliver. Look how much money they invested in the 40 year old MS, they have now found the driver that could see them regain their rightful place at the pinnacle of motor racing

Red Bull have shown us that you can buy F1 success with the right staff, Merc already have the best engines and the best facilities to produce a winner out the box. Some say engines dont matter anymore and its all aero, but an aero work of art aint going nowhere with an engine that breaks and blows up every lap. Which is what McLaren had till they landed the Merc deal

Ron engineered that deal and it was his forceful negotiating that kept Merc onside for so long. I cannot see whitmarsh and his successor Sam having the gumption to gain any kind of advantage over the other 3 or 4 customer teams Merc will be supplying the B spec version of their brand new V6

Lewis, Ross Brawn, MS (mentor) and Nico with Merc engines and Merc money or

Whitmarsh, Sam, JB and a brand new engine that has to be integrated with a manual from manufacturer?

Hmmmn

I am excited about this and hope it happens, i dont care if it takes a year or two, Lewis will still entertain us and win races, and he will prove himself by flogging 'no grip' and Da Rasta in better cars
By vaptin
#319042
Pedigree that far back isn't relevant, the question is how to Merecedes FI operate. Brawn's a great organiser, but he doesn't design the cars.

Although judging from Lewis's press conference it seems a done deal, Whitmarsh recently said Lewis wants to sign for Mclaren, Lewis isn't saying that now.
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