Indeed. If max leaves RB for Merc however then that gives us an early indication of the 2026 pecking order perhaps?
Indeed. If max leaves RB for Merc however then that gives us an early indication of the 2026 pecking order perhaps?
I think it would no doubt if he was to leave for Mercedes. But think they also have to show they can' develop a decent car to convince him too.
F1 drivers doesn't really have team loyalty, they will drive for whichever team that can offer them a winning car.Watto wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 02:46I think it would no doubt if he was to leave for Mercedes. But think they also have to show they can' develop a decent car to convince him too.
If Honda never withdrew and did their U turn there is not a change RB would have gone down this path.so no doubt there is some risk involved.
That's a valid point. However, Hamilton also needs to reinvigorate himself and switching teams always gives a boost - even when switching to a worse team drivers know they need to make themselves visible again so they push to the limit in the early period. I think this is a big part of him switching, though Mercedes' ongoing struggles with understanding new floors do not inspire confidence for 2026 chassis.
Honda and Ferrari PU do have slight advantage over Merc under the current regulation.Vanja #66 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 11:07That's a valid point. However, Hamilton also needs to reinvigorate himself and switching teams always gives a boost - even when switching to a worse team drivers know they need to make themselves visible again so they push to the limit in the early period. I think this is a big part of him switching, though Mercedes' ongoing struggles with understanding new floors do not inspire confidence for 2026 chassis.
What we do know is Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes have an advantage over RBPT, Audi and Alpine/Renault with current PUs and this advantage will transfer to 2026 PUs. Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes making a huge design error is practically just as (un)likely as RBPT, Audi and Alpine finding some incredible performance advantage by 2026.
I do not think advantages amongst the current manufacturers except Renault are provable or do tell something.CHT wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 11:55Honda and Ferrari PU do have slight advantage over Merc under the current regulation.Vanja #66 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 11:07That's a valid point. However, Hamilton also needs to reinvigorate himself and switching teams always gives a boost - even when switching to a worse team drivers know they need to make themselves visible again so they push to the limit in the early period. I think this is a big part of him switching, though Mercedes' ongoing struggles with understanding new floors do not inspire confidence for 2026 chassis.
What we do know is Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes have an advantage over RBPT, Audi and Alpine/Renault with current PUs and this advantage will transfer to 2026 PUs. Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes making a huge design error is practically just as (un)likely as RBPT, Audi and Alpine finding some incredible performance advantage by 2026.
And I dont think anyone who have expected that to happen back in 2020 or 2021.
The 2026 engine is something that is completely new to Ferrari, Honda and Merc, so its hard to tell for sure which team will get it right. Personally I will not write off any team at this staage because not too long ago Redbull was winning Championship with Renault engine, while Honda was a disaster with Mclaren
RBPT is mostly made up of engineers who worked on the current Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes powertrains, so they cannot be in the boat as AudiVanja #66 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 11:07
What we do know is Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes have an advantage over RBPT, Audi and Alpine/Renault with current PUs and this advantage will transfer to 2026 PUs. Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes making a huge design error is practically just as (un)likely as RBPT, Audi and Alpine finding some incredible performance advantage by 2026.
But often times it's not about the quality of the individuals but about how well they operate within a group.FW17 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 12:45RBPT is mostly made up of engineers who worked on the current Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes powertrains, so they cannot be in the boat as AudiVanja #66 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 11:07
What we do know is Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes have an advantage over RBPT, Audi and Alpine/Renault with current PUs and this advantage will transfer to 2026 PUs. Honda, Ferrari and Mercedes making a huge design error is practically just as (un)likely as RBPT, Audi and Alpine finding some incredible performance advantage by 2026.
Ferrari and RBPT have everything under one roof and under same leadership. Mercedes on the other hand is split between Brackley and Bricksworth. They are also two different organizations with Daimler having full control of Bricksworth and part control in Brackley, which is owned by 3 different entities.
Well Mercedes overall have had the best engines over the past two decades, so I dont think this division has really been any hindrance. I doubt it's gonna come down to umbrella structures, and moreso specific engineering team talents and resources.Dunlay wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 19:08Ferrari and RBPT have everything under one roof and under same leadership. Mercedes on the other hand is split between Brackley and Bricksworth. They are also two different organizations with Daimler having full control of Bricksworth and part control in Brackley, which is owned by 3 different entities.
That is not an issue. As most team member do not live at the factory, I even heard that many live in Northampton (also RB), the distance for a meeting is always the same. And the major issue is if your engine manufacturer does not even have the same time zone...Dunlay wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 19:08Ferrari and RBPT have everything under one roof and under same leadership. Mercedes on the other hand is split between Brackley and Bricksworth. They are also two different organizations with Daimler having full control of Bricksworth and part control in Brackley, which is owned by 3 different entities.
You infer that Honda and similar suppliers are difficult to get transfers of CAD data because of? And how is that an issue at RBPT currently?basti313 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 22:04That is not an issue. As most team member do not live at the factory, I even heard that many live in Northampton (also RB), the distance for a meeting is always the same. And the major issue is if your engine manufacturer does not even have the same time zone...Dunlay wrote: ↑29 Apr 2024, 19:08Ferrari and RBPT have everything under one roof and under same leadership. Mercedes on the other hand is split between Brackley and Bricksworth. They are also two different organizations with Daimler having full control of Bricksworth and part control in Brackley, which is owned by 3 different entities.
Plus the question is even how you transfer CAD data...I bet this is easy and organized at RB Merc and Fer...while getting data from Honda should be the same fun I have with my suppliers...