So, a number of strange decisions that I think are all related in some way or other…
First of all – Button to McLaren. There has been a lot of negativity in the press about this, but the only downside I can see for Jenson is the fact that Lewis Hamilton is bloody fast, and has a certain amount of leverage within the McLaren team. This is due i’m sure to his history with the team, his success, the awe of his talents, and his sickly sweet demeanor when it suits him. That combined with the raw speed and his overall competitive spirit will be a tough nut to crack.
However, you could argue that Jenson is the perfect foil for Lewis. When Hamiton’s gung-ho style leads him to destroy his tyres, throw the car off the track, or use his car’s performance up too quickly (could be a factor in 2010), Jenson will be there, calmly calculating what needs to be done to finish the job. He could be the Prost – Lewis the Senna…just hopefully without the animosity.
I would like to make the point that while I think Lewis will beat Jenson more often than not, I don’t think it will be by as much as many are predicting. I think Jenson is seriously underrated, due to his smooth style in and out of the car, and is way cannier than people give him credit for. People rave about Lewis first year, but Jenson’s was equally impressive, with a lot less testing, and a far inferior car at his disposal (sorry Williams I am still a fan – honest)! I expect it to be more like Hamilton versus Alonso – except that Jenson may not be so freaked out by being beaten, and I doubt he will turn the team against him. That was Alonso’s problem – he just couldn’t get his head straight.
Regardless of which side of the fence you are on, it will be enthralling viewing!
Mercedes.
As far as I’m concerned, Ross Brawn is now the smartest guy who ever walked down a pitlane. And I include Colin Chapman in that. This man has, in order, had a years holiday after turning around the most famous team in racing and having nothing more to prove, got employed by a struggling manufacturer team, take the team from one end of the grid to the other in less than a year without changing many of the staff involved, saved a team and most of its staff from going under, overseen the creation of a last-minute “mongrel” of a car, and ran that car with savvy to win both championships, on a shoestring budget. At the same time, with his team around him, he has managed to sell the team to another manufacturer, for over £100million, making himself and his directors Rich beyond their wildest dreams and at the same time secure his staff’s jobs, sign a title sponsor and hand the team over to said manufacturer with running costs that make it a “no-brainer” for the manufacturer to commit.
I’m surprised he doesn’t wear his pants on the outside of his trousers with a matching cape!
Mercedes are now in control however, and it seems that in true manufacturer style, they are laying waste to all of this hard work.
They have let the reigning World Champion (and the kudos he brings) slip through their fingers, due mainly through their zeal to have a German megastar. I am a confirmed fan of Nico Rosberg, but even I am unsure whether he is truly top drawer material. He is yet to prove himself. They now seem certain to sign Nick Heidfeld, who is an excellent driver. However I fear his best years are behind him. Ross Brawn has made a commitment to manage the new team for a while, but I wonder what he is thinking…
I honestly which the team formally known as TYRRELL (and we shouldn’t forget that) the best – I really do. But I fear for their future. BMW got annoyed with their partner (Williams), bought a team (Sauber), then somehow managed to screw up a good thing and then ultimately leave all concerned much the poorer (Williams are still struggling to get back to the front). I hope Mercedes don’t pull the same trick.
Meanwhile, McLaren have free engines for quite a few years, have their total independence back, and two World Champions on their books. I think they’ve come out a difficult situation amazingly well placed. It’s just a shame that when these things happen, the independent teams always take the hit. They will always survive though, as they have no other option.
Frank Williams will be seeing the McLaren/Mercedes situation unfolding and thinking “Yep, Been There. Being independent isn’t so bad after all”!
