- 09 Oct 14, 12:45#420198
Interesting read, Hammer. It does beg the question: What ever happened to loyalty? Especially to an employee who has contributed so greatly to what is no doubt going to be your, Mercedes, first WCC in this modern era...the very thing your board decided to wing it on with the win or we go home with our marbles mantra. For a team like Mercedes AMG who is always on about the brand, you would think they have a prized World Champion stallion in their stable and publicly they would say something more to the effect that "We want Lewis for the foreseeable future. End of story!" Instead, they put it out there that they are looking at everybody. So with that kind of allegiance (to absolutely no one), they can't then shake their collective heads ruefully when Lewis feels a bit sideways over the whole mess and decides to, in the words of the great Lebron James, take his talents to Woking.
And RC, the one little nugget in that piece that I'm not sure Mercedes truthfully thinks or is willing to understand, Red Bull is spot-on. Alonso is ruthless and despite his incredible talent, comes with baggage...the kind of baggage they, Red Bull, feel isn't worth their bigger picture. In Lewis, Mercedes has a driver, when cornered by his team-mate, will turn, coil and strike back with vengeance. But it stays within the confines of the space between the two drivers. With Alonso, he will without much hesitation, turn on the team, leaving everyone bloodied and gasping for air as he breaks his contract to move on to the next unawares. Lovely chap, our Alonso but when times get a bit dodgy, you would do well to protect your kids and the dog. If Mercedes AMG think they have a marginally untenable situation between Lewis and Nico now, wait until Alonso enters stage right! #ohdearwhathavewedone
Such fun...
I don't think Mercedes can say fairer than that. They want Hamilton but if they can't get him they'll consider Alonso. Quite clever them saying that, it takes away a little of Lewis' bargaining power.
Alonso is the next best available after Lewis, of course they'll consider him. I rate Alonso very highly but I'm not convinced he could he could have done some those 'come back' drivers Hamilton put in this season. And qualifying? It isn't one of Alonso's stand out skills, Rosberg has always been a good qualifier and has given Lewis a run for his money. So he wouldn't have had an easy ride there.
The fun and games would have been a joy to behold.
I think Williams is definitely worth Alonso considering. They may finish third this season, higher than the team Alonso is leaving. Maybe a one year contract with options? And keep an eye on what McHonda do?
Interesting read, Hammer. It does beg the question: What ever happened to loyalty? Especially to an employee who has contributed so greatly to what is no doubt going to be your, Mercedes, first WCC in this modern era...the very thing your board decided to wing it on with the win or we go home with our marbles mantra. For a team like Mercedes AMG who is always on about the brand, you would think they have a prized World Champion stallion in their stable and publicly they would say something more to the effect that "We want Lewis for the foreseeable future. End of story!" Instead, they put it out there that they are looking at everybody. So with that kind of allegiance (to absolutely no one), they can't then shake their collective heads ruefully when Lewis feels a bit sideways over the whole mess and decides to, in the words of the great Lebron James, take his talents to Woking.
And RC, the one little nugget in that piece that I'm not sure Mercedes truthfully thinks or is willing to understand, Red Bull is spot-on. Alonso is ruthless and despite his incredible talent, comes with baggage...the kind of baggage they, Red Bull, feel isn't worth their bigger picture. In Lewis, Mercedes has a driver, when cornered by his team-mate, will turn, coil and strike back with vengeance. But it stays within the confines of the space between the two drivers. With Alonso, he will without much hesitation, turn on the team, leaving everyone bloodied and gasping for air as he breaks his contract to move on to the next unawares. Lovely chap, our Alonso but when times get a bit dodgy, you would do well to protect your kids and the dog. If Mercedes AMG think they have a marginally untenable situation between Lewis and Nico now, wait until Alonso enters stage right! #ohdearwhathavewedone
Such fun...
"You must admit, the guy's a bit special!"
