AnthonyG wrote:Writinglife wrote:I'd welcome Newey, but I doubt he would go back,
Alonso lost all my respect when he threw his toys out of the pram the last time he was at McLaren, and Vettel lost it slowly over the course of his feud with Webber. I think only Maldonado and Grosjean are the only other two drivers who I don't want gracing the doors of McLaren.
What do you have against Grosjean? Imo he's a brilliant driver and I think he'll fit in perfectly at McLaren.
Grosjean has developed, I agree, but I'm concerned over his start in F1 which was problematic at best and terrifying at worst. I feel he wasn't ready for F1 racing and I worry what would happen if he changed teams and moved away from the support structure that Lotus put in place for him. I certainly have nothing personal against him, and I respect the fact he seems to got past that phase of his career, but as it stands, I would prefer another, more senior and experienced, driver in McLaren as a leader. (Not as a Number 1 driver, but as someone who can provide excellent feedback during testing, and who is skilled, competent and with controlled aggression on the track). As it stands, I think Kevin Magnussen should stay in for next year as he's had a good start to his career, and I'd be happy with Button staying on a year-by-year contract to provide the stability in team for the next season as he could be a good, positive link to Honda coming in. His familiarity with Japan, it's business culture and Honda could be extremely valuable.
If forced to take another current driver, Bottas & Kvyat from the newer generation of drivers, Hamilton if things go completely pear shaped with Mercedes AND Rosberg wins the championship (if Rosberg does it in a deserving manner and not through anything underhanded). I'm tempted by Hulkenberg, but he seems to be very much a mystery. He drives races and you're surprised by his performance at the end, He doesn't set the F1 world alight, but he's solid and scores points. I would select Alonso over Vettel, but it would be Hobson's choice in my opinion. I'd also look at Vergne who seems to score a point or two in most of his races. Looking at past drivers who have F1 experience, I'd give Di Resta another chance on a years contract, and I'd also consider Senna (Bruno obviously, I don't think Ron goes in for black magic)
Out of all that, It's probably clear that I haven't a clue who I'd pick to replace Button if he left, but I hope fervently that Ron Dennis can make a inspired choice and bring McLaren alive again. (and bring a decent paint job on the car)