2018 McLaren F1 Team - Renault

[Ground Effect]

Not a surprised that Whitmarsh is sympathetic to a friend being canned. Sure it's still raw for him.

I'm also not sure what to make of them being unhappy from EB telling them they didn't understand why they were slow. Have they been BS'd for so long in the past that they're expecting it and not honesty?

It is beyond me that Tim Goss was let go and that Matt Morris is still there. Zak Brown is clearly catering to Alonso and Alonso clearly thinks he can just hop skip to another category and get the best ride possible. Not sure what Toyota was given as part of the deal to mooch a 24hr Lemans win but as soon as his embarrassing retirement from Indy 500 last year the tone had changed and his sights were set to denigrate Honda and join Toyota to fulfill his triple crown. Him and Zak probably are trying to bed Chevy now for next year's Indy 500 and I wouldn't be surprised if Alonso suddenly quit WEC now that his short term goal has been achieved. Alonso will probably start to perform better in F1 now that he can focus back on F1 until the next Indy season.

You sound like you're one of the protesting Mclaren staff, so much inside knowledge on who should be sacked and who should be kept. You even have a good idea on Fernando's next move and how his attitude will change. I wonder how people know the exact problems Mclaren have, even at the administrative level.

[Ground Effect]

Yes it was embarrassing for him nonetheless. Did you not see Zak and Alonso's look when Sato won? One does not just go one off to Indy 500 and win it. It takes years for the best in Indy and some haven't still. Alexander Rossi is a standout exception due to risk and circumstance but I'm sure Alonso thought he's better than Rossi and if AR could do it in his first season that he could in a one off race. Rubbish? Please, Toyota did not need Alonso to win the 24hr Lemans! What do you think the opinion of other drivers are when an outsider comes in to steal the show? How many other drivers were shafted when the WEC/Toyota moved a race to accommodate Alonso? And not just the drivers but the staff at McLaren who have to deal with it as well. The amount of pay going to one driver is lopsided and 20million of that could go far in the motivation of staff and hiring of key personnel. I don't think I'm alone in my thinking, just willing to lay it all out there.

BTW, I was no longer a fan the day Alonso said GP2 engine at Suzuka, a race I attended in person. I've been following Formula 1 since 1986 and I have no idols, though the closest would be Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button.

[Ground Effect]

Yes it was embarrassing for him nonetheless. Did you not see Zak and Alonso's look when Sato won? One does not just go one off to Indy 500 and win it. It takes years for the best in Indy and some haven't still. Alexander Rossi is a standout exception due to risk and circumstance but I'm sure Alonso thought he's better than Rossi and if AR could do it in his first season that he could in a one off race. Rubbish? Please, Toyota did not need Alonso to win the 24hr Lemans! What do you think the opinion of other drivers are when an outsider comes in to steal the show? How many other drivers were shafted when the WEC/Toyota moved a race to accommodate Alonso? And not just the drivers but the staff at McLaren who have to deal with it as well. The amount of pay going to one driver is lopsided and 20million of that could go far in the motivation of staff and hiring of key personnel. I don't think I'm alone in my thinking, just willing to lay it all out there.

BTW, I was no longer a fan the day Alonso said GP2 engine at Suzuka, a race I attended in person. I've been following Formula 1 since 1986 and I have no idols, though the closest would be Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button.

First of all, you can't be sure of anything Fernando thinks, unless he comes out and says it, or you read minds now? Secondly, I doubt Toyota are regretting giving him the drive, with all the positive publicity they've gotten, plus the praise Fernando got on his night stint. He obviously proved he didn't just make up the numbers. Toyota are a big company, with a corporate image, and success with Fernando didn't hurt at all. He also brought a lot more awareness and publicity to this year's event, that people would have passed off as a two horse race. So, the winners in all this were the FIA, WEC, the Le Mans organizers, Toyota, Mclaren and Fernando. I doubt any of the above woke up on Monday morning feeling guilty or sorry for themselves.
Finally, a good lesson in life is not to underestimate yourself and what you can achieve, why should Fernando feel he can't win Indy, even at the first attempt?

[GoranF1]

Any updates anaunced for Magny Ricard?

[muramasa]

BTW, I was no longer a fan the day Alonso said GP2 engine at Suzuka, a race I attended in person. I've been following Formula 1 since 1986 and I have no idols, though the closest would be Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button.

At Melbourne 2018 either on Thursday or Wednesday Alonso popped in and walked himself up to where Honda staffs were hanging around to say hi, ask for handshake and say "ganbatte" (japanese phrase of encouragement meaning go for it or do your best etc) to them. (picture taken by and the scene observed by Japanese photographer Atsuta)

Of course as a professional competitor Alonso say something harsh to Honda esp in the heat of racing and that's natural, and at the same time as a professional competitor he must understand the situation/difficulty and while mclaren-honda turned out to be not desirable he must have respect. One may say those drivers are acting in front of media eyes or whatever but at least don't be so quick to judge a person.



http://www.as-web.jp/f1/351573/2

btw I attended 2015 Suzuka too but didnt know about the GP2 stuff for a week or two lol

[Manoah2u]

A better link to the reported staff revolt at McLaren: https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-f ... ervention/

Whitmarsh told the Daily Mail that some time in the past 19 months, the time since Zak Brown was brought in as the new boss, “people at McLaren said they would send me a letter about the situation. I told them not to send it to me, but to Mansour.”

He’s also had his own chat with Ojjeh about McLaren’s troubles.

“I piled in a little bit,” he said. “I love the team and I am desperately sad to see what it has become.

“It needs a big change of approach. There is too much politics between the main figures. I think a number of them have to go. I have explained my view to Mansour and it is for the shareholders to decide what to do.

“The team used to be all about winning in Formula One. Now they are looking at other avenues — going to race in IndyCar and Le Mans, for example. They are great things in themselves, but McLaren going in that direction, rather than making grand prix racing their sole priority, makes me shudder.

“I live locally and I bump into friends who work at McLaren. They are disappointed with what is happening and remonstrate with me.

“Tim Goss’s departure pitched me over the edge. Tim has a fantastic intellect, and is a hard-working, non-political, value-adding member of the team. He was scapegoated. He may not have all the answers, but he would work on a solution from first principles.”

Whitmarsh says he is open to helping McLaren rediscover their lost form, they only have to ask.

“If a delegation showed up at my door, I wouldn’t turn them away,” he added. “They know where I am.”

Not a surprised that Whitmarsh is sympathetic to a friend being canned. Sure it's still raw for him.

I'm also not sure what to make of them being unhappy from EB telling them they didn't understand why they were slow. Have they been BS'd for so long in the past that they're expecting it and not honesty?

I do say that Whitmarsh was a very stable, friendly guy @ Mclaren when he was at the helm there. At the same time, Mclaren went downhill after he was appointed, and though i have no actual intel and do think he's also been painted as a fall guy for Mclaren's disappointing performances, there has been a lot of comment on how he handled things regarding the Vodafone departure and the Mercedes split, all the way to the Honda signing. It was interesting to see Ron Dennis from all people (think about spygate and how that lead to Whitmarsh there) take back the lead. Right untill he fought bitter till the end to still get ditched.

Now don't get me wrong, i have zero tears for Dennis. But Mclaren was embarassing both with Whitmarsh aswell as Dennis recently, so to be very honest, was either of them a problem?
Eric bouillier changed zero too, and i've been vocal about him before, i think he's completely useless and the opposite of what Mclaren needs. Neither do i believe somebody like Briatore would belong at Mclaren though, let's be clear about that too.

Personally, i think Zak is doing pretty well. It's too short to judge him to be honest, and i think it's unfair to start a riot against him for expanding Mclaren into other racing series. Especially since i think that's actually a very good choice of him.

I am sad however still to never gotten to see what Josh Capito might have added.

As for Tim Goss - why the fuzz. He's no saint, he's no holy blessed superman. Who cares, really. He has been there virtually forever and let's also say that Mclaren virtually forever by now is disappointing. Mclaren is doing what they must, change and clean out.

It's a good move to get rid of him, no matter if he did well or not. They need fresh blood, new approach. Atleast they're doing what Williams never did or never will do (to some degree offcourse) or waited far too long with.

Mclaren went nowhere after Newey left. And though i don't think Paddy Lowe is all that fantastic, him leaving Mclaren also had an impact. On Mclaren, that is.

I think everybody except for those at charge @ Woking know fully well the problem; the atmosphere. Blinded by high-tech stuff, it seems like an enviroment that kills creativity, dreams, and ideas and rather focuses on greyness, grey suits, and computerizing.

'Restricting' is perhaps the word i'm looking for.

I personally would say i'd like Zak Brown to stay. Alonso should get a competitive car and that will take some time, so though i'd like him to stay @ Mclaren so they aren't left with nothing, i don't think Mclaren will provide that anytime soon yet. I'd also prefer to see VanDoorne go today, and see Norris get in there. Eric Bouillier needed to go a year ago. I don't get what Whitmarsh is somehow still doing there, please leave aswell as the rioting teammembers. Wipe the slate clean, bring creative fresh blood aboard. Aim for Verstappen in a few years time. Aim for a good deal with Ziggo (orange theme) and keep the orange livery, paired with the blue.

Engine supplier still is a big thing though. For now, Renault must do. I'd prefer to see the likes of BMW pairing, but i don't think that'll happen. Would be fantastic though.

Ask me, and i'd say the best use Mclaren could find is over @ Force India. there's a lot of smart, creative and successfull people over there. With that budget compared to Mclaren's, imagine what they could do with plenty of resources and freedom.

Other option i'd like to see instead of Max would be Sainz btw.

[KingHamilton01]

A better link to the reported staff revolt at McLaren: https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-f ... ervention/

Not a surprised that Whitmarsh is sympathetic to a friend being canned. Sure it's still raw for him.

I'm also not sure what to make of them being unhappy from EB telling them they didn't understand why they were slow. Have they been BS'd for so long in the past that they're expecting it and not honesty?

I do say that Whitmarsh was a very stable, friendly guy @ Mclaren when he was at the helm there. At the same time, Mclaren went downhill after he was appointed, and though i have no actual intel and do think he's also been painted as a fall guy for Mclaren's disappointing performances, there has been a lot of comment on how he handled things regarding the Vodafone departure and the Mercedes split, all the way to the Honda signing. It was interesting to see Ron Dennis from all people (think about spygate and how that lead to Whitmarsh there) take back the lead. Right untill he fought bitter till the end to still get ditched.

Now don't get me wrong, i have zero tears for Dennis. But Mclaren was embarassing both with Whitmarsh aswell as Dennis recently, so to be very honest, was either of them a problem?
Eric bouillier changed zero too, and i've been vocal about him before, i think he's completely useless and the opposite of what Mclaren needs. Neither do i believe somebody like Briatore would belong at Mclaren though, let's be clear about that too.

Personally, i think Zak is doing pretty well. It's too short to judge him to be honest, and i think it's unfair to start a riot against him for expanding Mclaren into other racing series. Especially since i think that's actually a very good choice of him.

I am sad however still to never gotten to see what Josh Capito might have added.

As for Tim Goss - why the fuzz. He's no saint, he's no holy blessed superman. Who cares, really. He has been there virtually forever and let's also say that Mclaren virtually forever by now is disappointing. Mclaren is doing what they must, change and clean out.

It's a good move to get rid of him, no matter if he did well or not. They need fresh blood, new approach. Atleast they're doing what Williams never did or never will do (to some degree offcourse) or waited far too long with.

Mclaren went nowhere after Newey left. And though i don't think Paddy Lowe is all that fantastic, him leaving Mclaren also had an impact. On Mclaren, that is.

I think everybody except for those at charge @ Woking know fully well the problem; the atmosphere. Blinded by high-tech stuff, it seems like an enviroment that kills creativity, dreams, and ideas and rather focuses on greyness, grey suits, and computerizing.

'Restricting' is perhaps the word i'm looking for.

I personally would say i'd like Zak Brown to stay. Alonso should get a competitive car and that will take some time, so though i'd like him to stay @ Mclaren so they aren't left with nothing, i don't think Mclaren will provide that anytime soon yet. I'd also prefer to see VanDoorne go today, and see Norris get in there. Eric Bouillier needed to go a year ago. I don't get what Whitmarsh is somehow still doing there, please leave aswell as the rioting teammembers. Wipe the slate clean, bring creative fresh blood aboard. Aim for Verstappen in a few years time. Aim for a good deal with Ziggo (orange theme) and keep the orange livery, paired with the blue.

Engine supplier still is a big thing though. For now, Renault must do. I'd prefer to see the likes of BMW pairing, but i don't think that'll happen. Would be fantastic though.

Ask me, and i'd say the best use Mclaren could find is over @ Force India. there's a lot of smart, creative and successfull people over there. With that budget compared to Mclaren's, imagine what they could do with plenty of resources and freedom.

Other option i'd like to see instead of Max would be Sainz btw.

Question is would someone at Force India want to join McLaren at the moment??

[RonDennis]

Not a surprised that Whitmarsh is sympathetic to a friend being canned. Sure it's still raw for him.

I'm also not sure what to make of them being unhappy from EB telling them they didn't understand why they were slow. Have they been BS'd for so long in the past that they're expecting it and not honesty?

I do say that Whitmarsh was a very stable, friendly guy @ Mclaren when he was at the helm there. At the same time, Mclaren went downhill after he was appointed, and though i have no actual intel and do think he's also been painted as a fall guy for Mclaren's disappointing performances, there has been a lot of comment on how he handled things regarding the Vodafone departure and the Mercedes split, all the way to the Honda signing. It was interesting to see Ron Dennis from all people (think about spygate and how that lead to Whitmarsh there) take back the lead. Right untill he fought bitter till the end to still get ditched.

Now don't get me wrong, i have zero tears for Dennis. But Mclaren was embarassing both with Whitmarsh aswell as Dennis recently, so to be very honest, was either of them a problem?
Eric bouillier changed zero too, and i've been vocal about him before, i think he's completely useless and the opposite of what Mclaren needs. Neither do i believe somebody like Briatore would belong at Mclaren though, let's be clear about that too.

Personally, i think Zak is doing pretty well. It's too short to judge him to be honest, and i think it's unfair to start a riot against him for expanding Mclaren into other racing series. Especially since i think that's actually a very good choice of him.

I am sad however still to never gotten to see what Josh Capito might have added.

As for Tim Goss - why the fuzz. He's no saint, he's no holy blessed superman. Who cares, really. He has been there virtually forever and let's also say that Mclaren virtually forever by now is disappointing. Mclaren is doing what they must, change and clean out.

It's a good move to get rid of him, no matter if he did well or not. They need fresh blood, new approach. Atleast they're doing what Williams never did or never will do (to some degree offcourse) or waited far too long with.

Mclaren went nowhere after Newey left. And though i don't think Paddy Lowe is all that fantastic, him leaving Mclaren also had an impact. On Mclaren, that is.

I think everybody except for those at charge @ Woking know fully well the problem; the atmosphere. Blinded by high-tech stuff, it seems like an enviroment that kills creativity, dreams, and ideas and rather focuses on greyness, grey suits, and computerizing.

'Restricting' is perhaps the word i'm looking for.

I personally would say i'd like Zak Brown to stay. Alonso should get a competitive car and that will take some time, so though i'd like him to stay @ Mclaren so they aren't left with nothing, i don't think Mclaren will provide that anytime soon yet. I'd also prefer to see VanDoorne go today, and see Norris get in there. Eric Bouillier needed to go a year ago. I don't get what Whitmarsh is somehow still doing there, please leave aswell as the rioting teammembers. Wipe the slate clean, bring creative fresh blood aboard. Aim for Verstappen in a few years time. Aim for a good deal with Ziggo (orange theme) and keep the orange livery, paired with the blue.

Engine supplier still is a big thing though. For now, Renault must do. I'd prefer to see the likes of BMW pairing, but i don't think that'll happen. Would be fantastic though.

Ask me, and i'd say the best use Mclaren could find is over @ Force India. there's a lot of smart, creative and successfull people over there. With that budget compared to Mclaren's, imagine what they could do with plenty of resources and freedom.

Other option i'd like to see instead of Max would be Sainz btw.

Question is would someone at Force India want to join McLaren at the moment??

There isn't a better time to join McLaren.

[diffuser]

Not a surprised that Whitmarsh is sympathetic to a friend being canned. Sure it's still raw for him.

I'm also not sure what to make of them being unhappy from EB telling them they didn't understand why they were slow. Have they been BS'd for so long in the past that they're expecting it and not honesty?

It is beyond me that Tim Goss was let go and that Matt Morris is still there. Zak Brown is clearly catering to Alonso and Alonso clearly thinks he can just hop skip to another category and get the best ride possible. Not sure what Toyota was given as part of the deal to mooch a 24hr Lemans win but as soon as his embarrassing retirement from Indy 500 last year the tone had changed and his sights were set to denigrate Honda and join Toyota to fulfill his triple crown. Him and Zak probably are trying to bed Chevy now for next year's Indy 500 and I wouldn't be surprised if Alonso suddenly quit WEC now that his short term goal has been achieved. Alonso will probably start to perform better in F1 now that he can focus back on F1 until the next Indy season.

What a load of old rubbish. The only embarrassing thing about the Indy venture was Honda's reliability and he's been driving brilliantly for McLaren since he came back so not sure how he can perform any better, he's single-handedly saving McLaren's season and keeping them in the fight for 4th. And now he's deciding who keeps their job or not?

He's a DRIVER. I understand you've had a tough weekend with his Lemans success but at least try to keep your tantrum in the realms of plausible.

Unlike alot of people that think this guy should go and that guy shouldn't go...i don't have a clue how any of us can make that decision from here. All you can really do is hope they're letting the right guy go.

Why wouldn't McLaren rerun Indy with Honda ?

[ispano6]

Personally I saw some concern with the hiring of Jos Capito since he was a VW guy which in my mind automatically connected to Audi possibly getting an intimate look at both McLaren and Honda's technical secrets. Call me a conspiracy theorist but my intuition has served me well so it was something that lingered in my mind.

It's beneficial for Alonso and Vandoorne to keep the peace with Honda in the public eye since they don't want to burn any bridges, and for that reason Zak Brown did leave open the possibility to one day rekindle the partnership but obviously not for the rest of this formula. If not for F1 then possibly Indy. It's also not a guarantee that Andretti will stick with Honda since Chevy now seems to have the advantage on oval speedways.

Back on the team topic, it seems the influx of money into the team makes the higher ups more complacent and that funds aren't appropriately being allocated to where they need to be. This brings into question the 200m euro cash injection from Nidala/Latifi. Zak Brown's promotion to CEO undoubtedly means a pay hike for him afforded by this indisclosable deal that could see the likes of the Stroll family in McLaren's paddock with the Latifi family. What this means I am not certain but Williams doesn't seem to be benefiting at all with Papa Stroll's money.

I'm currently in the neck of the woods of Nidala Ltd here in the Caribbean and I find it ironic that what I presume were partly Ron Dennis ' shares were sold to Papa Latifi(another Canadian)for a 10% stake in the company, presumably with some strings attached. I find it telling that Brown mentions anything about shareholders at all, all while saying he doesn't want a title sponsor but does eventually. Perhaps he just wants the Nidala money. Latifi being French Canadian also fits the bill for the Renault connection. In any case, I'm sure all of us will be watching to see what transpires from this.

[max_speed]

Any updates anaunced for Magny Ricard?

they are sacking Eric boullier. that should bring 3-4 tenth . he is the only bit left not performing since year 2015.

[Cannonballer]

Yes it was embarrassing for him nonetheless. Did you not see Zak and Alonso's look when Sato won? One does not just go one off to Indy 500 and win it. It takes years for the best in Indy and some haven't still. Alexander Rossi is a standout exception due to risk and circumstance but I'm sure Alonso thought he's better than Rossi and if AR could do it in his first season that he could in a one off race. Rubbish? Please, Toyota did not need Alonso to win the 24hr Lemans! What do you think the opinion of other drivers are when an outsider comes in to steal the show? How many other drivers were shafted when the WEC/Toyota moved a race to accommodate Alonso? And not just the drivers but the staff at McLaren who have to deal with it as well. The amount of pay going to one driver is lopsided and 20million of that could go far in the motivation of staff and hiring of key personnel. I don't think I'm alone in my thinking, just willing to lay it all out there.

BTW, I was no longer a fan the day Alonso said GP2 engine at Suzuka, a race I attended in person. I've been following Formula 1 since 1986 and I have no idols, though the closest would be Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button.

It is pretty safe to say that you are the only person to doubt the additional exposure Alonso gets for his team(s) is worth the cost of his salary. It is even safer to say that you are the only person who thinks Alonso did not have a reasonable chance of winning the Indy 500 before the engine blew up. And it is definitely safe to say that you are the only person who takes issue with Alonso thinking that he is a superior driver to Alexander Rossi.

[makecry]

Yes it was embarrassing for him nonetheless. Did you not see Zak and Alonso's look when Sato won? One does not just go one off to Indy 500 and win it. It takes years for the best in Indy and some haven't still. Alexander Rossi is a standout exception due to risk and circumstance but I'm sure Alonso thought he's better than Rossi and if AR could do it in his first season that he could in a one off race. Rubbish? Please, Toyota did not need Alonso to win the 24hr Lemans! What do you think the opinion of other drivers are when an outsider comes in to steal the show? How many other drivers were shafted when the WEC/Toyota moved a race to accommodate Alonso? And not just the drivers but the staff at McLaren who have to deal with it as well. The amount of pay going to one driver is lopsided and 20million of that could go far in the motivation of staff and hiring of key personnel. I don't think I'm alone in my thinking, just willing to lay it all out there.

BTW, I was no longer a fan the day Alonso said GP2 engine at Suzuka, a race I attended in person. I've been following Formula 1 since 1986 and I have no idols, though the closest would be Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button.

It is pretty safe to say that you are the only person to doubt the additional exposure Alonso gets for his team(s) is worth the cost of his salary. It is even safer to say that you are the only person who thinks Alonso did not have a reasonable chance of winning the Indy 500 before the engine blew up. And it is definitely safe to say that you are the only person who takes issue with Alonso thinking that he is a superior driver to Alexander Rossi.

And that is why you don't respond to him . I have learnt one thing about the internet, people bullshit all the farking time. The more you respond or acknowledge them , the more they respond and they usually go away when they realize their bullshit is not being paid attention too.

Best thing to do is ignore.

[M840TR]

Redbull just confirmed Honda switch; such a nightmare for Mclaren. Happened exactly as predicted. They served as a mule.

[RonDennis]

Redbull just confirmed Honda switch; such a nightmare for Mclaren. Happened exactly as predicted. They served as a mule.

Jup, it exactly shows how much trouble they are in.