Will McLaren support Lewis now?

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Originally Posted by Koz

Lewis has just become JV!

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Actually, if you would like to make an analogy for a pilot who leaves a strong team for a much weaker one, JV is not a good comparison. JV's last season at Williams, (in 1998?) the Williams car already was not the best of crop, and I think Andy Newey already left them or was leaving. 1997 was the peak of Williams fortunes, and it was going downhill since then up to this day. Renault exited F1 business, and Williams was stuck with previous year's uncompetitive Renault engine. JV moved to Benetton. Benetton was suffering from the same engine problem, but it is fair to say that Benetton was about on the same level with Williams at that point. So moving from Williams to Benetton was more or less a lateral move.

A more relevant analogy would be a comparison with Damon Hill moving from Williams to Arrows after 1996. I think to this day I do not get that move. For Hill, it was the beginning of the end of his career. Williams already signed drivers for 1997, so he had to move. But being a WC that year, he could have gone to a better team, but decided not to.

JV moved to BAR and not to Benetton. Williams forced Hill to leave...

Oh, I see. My mistake. I still view JVs move to BAR (if it was his call) fairly logical as it was probably clear to him that Williams is going down. As for Hill, yes he couldn't stay at Williams, but moving into Arrows was an unusual choice.

But historical analogies aside, Hamilton's move to Mercedes isn't entirely illogical. Perhaps he is tired that year after year McLaren hasn't delivered him a championship winning car and support. Botched pit stops cost him valuable points. Singapore car failure makes his chances to win WDC pretty much a theoretical possibility. He also stands a chance to make more money from this move. This whole drama makes his image more valuable to sponsors.

Jenson will get all new bits first. Lewis gets no information on development and next years car.

Lewis is out in the cold now, the team builds around Jenson.

Well, it is unlikely that they will hinder Lewis, but it is also unlikely that they will make Jenson his second driver until it is mathematically impossible for him to win the championship.

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Originally Posted by zako85

Actually, if you would like to make an analogy for a pilot who leaves a strong team for a much weaker one, JV is not a good comparison. JV's last season at Williams, (in 1998?) the Williams car already was not the best of crop, and I think Andy Newey already left them or was leaving. 1997 was the peak of Williams fortunes, and it was going downhill since then up to this day. Renault exited F1 business, and Williams was stuck with previous year's uncompetitive Renault engine. JV moved to Benetton. Benetton was suffering from the same engine problem, but it is fair to say that Benetton was about on the same level with Williams at that point. So moving from Williams to Benetton was more or less a lateral move.

A more relevant analogy would be a comparison with Damon Hill moving from Williams to Arrows after 1996. I think to this day I do not get that move. For Hill, it was the beginning of the end of his career. Williams already signed drivers for 1997, so he had to move. But being a WC that year, he could have gone to a better team, but decided not to.

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You are confused on both points.

Williams didn't want DH.

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Originally Posted by zako85

Oh, I see. My mistake. I still view JVs move to BAR (if it was his call) fairly logical as it was probably clear to him that Williams is going down. As for Hill, yes he couldn't stay at Williams, but moving into Arrows was an unusual choice.

But historical analogies aside, Hamilton's move to Mercedes isn't entirely illogical. Perhaps he is tired that year after year McLaren hasn't delivered him a championship winning car and support. Botched pit stops cost him valuable points. Singapore car failure makes his chances to win WDC pretty much a theoretical possibility. He also stands a chance to make more money from this move. This whole drama makes his image more valuable to sponsors.

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The reason I made the analogy is because that is exactly what happened.

Tyrrrel/BAR/Honda/Brawn/Merc... It's a wonderful continuation.

How many races have they won since JV joined BAR?
They won a championship because of rule changes - after domination in the first 7 races they got on the podium TWICE. Thats says something is very wrong.
They have won one race since in 3 years.
They are likely to be overtaken by Sauber by the end of the season.
What is the likelihood they will have a winning car next year?

McLaren will certainly be winning races next year. They will be up there every single race.

This move was based on his personal issues and money, not the willingness to win championships or even races.

As for JV, I don't think Williams wanted him anymore either but he moved to Tyrrel FFS! That's like moving from RedBull to HRT! No logic, just $$$.

As they keep the trophies I'm sure they will, besides the best way to win a WCC is to ensure your drivers can win races

The WDC is EVERYTHING both to the driver and just as much to the team. The WCC is a secondary concern.

I have never felt Williams wanted the WDC as much as they wanted the WCC...