A dream grid would be Vettel and only his RB car off the grid on a sabbatical.
I am hoping against hope that the 2014 new engine regs mean a different look to the grid next year.
Not gonna happen though, because that's how life works.
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A dream grid would be Vettel and only his RB car off the grid on a sabbatical.
I am hoping against hope that the 2014 new engine regs mean a different look to the grid next year.
Not gonna happen though, because that's how life works.
The 2004 silly season might be pretty disruptive if you trust the rumors floating around the web:
1. Alonso may leave Ferrari after this or next year. He may be in talks with McLaren.
2. McLaren may have obtained the sponsors' permission to lay off Perez. One "insider" says Perez doesn't work well with the rest of the team, although an outsider may also call it throwing Perez under the bus for team's sins.
3. Maldonado and PDVSA may leave Williams after this season. Depending on their financial situation, even Lotus may be interested in hiring Maldonado.
4. Lotus, Force India, McLaren, and Williams may be interested in the services of Hulkenberg
5. McLaren wants Magnussen to be in F1 next year, possibly in Marussia or Force India.
Out of all the rumours I have seen I think Alonso going back to McLaren is the most far fetched at this point. Unless he has made peace with Ron Dennis I can't see this becoming a reality. Personally if I was McLaren, the opportunity to employ someone of Alonso's talent would be hard to pass, but then again his behaviour the first time around is practically unforgivable IMO. I think if he has trouble sharing wins with Kimi next season, then retirement would have to be a serious consideration. Alonso has made regular references to his differences with the McLaren management in recent years and it's not the best course of action for someone looking to maybe return at some point in his career. If it happens, the best of luck to him, but I would be extremely surprised.Quote:
Originally Posted by zako85
I can see McLaren ditching Perez. He's shown to be a feisty driver and at times a good overtaker, but not the quick learning, consistent driver they need during this difficult time.
I think McLaren would jump at the chance and maybe even shift their "letting the drivers race" policy.
From Mclarens point of view
Seb is signed for Red Bull, Kimi is going to Ferrari and Lewis is at Mercedes. These are 3 of the top drivers. If McLaren let Alonso stay at Ferrari or even go else where when they have a chance to sign him, they would kick themselves.
I mean there are 4 real top level champions in F1 at the moment and McLaren could have none of them and all there rivals would be in great shape. Meaning a possible return to the mid 90s kind of situation with no star driver and no decent car.
I agree on paper Alonso is perfect for McLaren as I already said. It's just a strange relationship full of negative history before it's even begun. McLaren either let Alonso come back and they bury the hatchet, or they invest in the next generation and look for the next Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel.Quote:
Originally Posted by steveaki13
3,5 Massa bringing big brazilian money in WilliamsQuote:
Originally Posted by zako85
True, I was just thinking McLaren might be panicking about the state of their line up (Perez never going to be the best and Button past his best and never out and out fast) and despite the history they might be desperate for a top line driver and so take Alonso despite all that has gone before.Quote:
Originally Posted by henners88
McLaren wanting Alonso just shows they were stupid to let him go first time.
How many titles have they lost since by not having a clear Number One?
It looks like Button is there until his pension is due, so that puts Perez at risk.
I always felt that, whilst he had some very good races in 2012, there must have been some reason why Ferrari declined his services, especially when they chose to keep Felipe-Baby.
I also think it was a knee-jerk reaction after Monza that year, knowing that Hamilton was going and desperate to try to show that McLaren were in control of the situation.
To be honest, I'm not sure McLaren have been in charge of a situation since the start of 2007.
too many and the worry for them is that they are falling away from actually being a title contender. So they need a big signing otherwise sponsor, money and the quality of their cars will suffer.
I am not including this season in that as it could be a one off dud. However it could also be the start of a downward spiral. Only time will tell.
Mclaren also have some history of employing the seemingly unemployable.
Mansell, who had been on the receiving end of a few Ron Dennis comments (and was once mocked as a Gorilla by the McLaren team), was employed at the behest of Marlboro.
Prost, despite infuriating Dennis at Monza 89, was practically begged to get in a McLaren in 94, going so far as testing for them.
Which goes to show that, just like any other team with sponsors to appease and major engi ne manufacturers to keep happy, will sign whoever they need to.
Alonso is just the next in a line.