Lewis Hamilton.

[Albion_Dave]

Should be today that Mercedes announce that Lewis Hamilton is to replace Michael Schumacher next season.

 

[Decode]

Unless Mercedes have something great up their sleeve for next year, this is a terrible move for Hamilton. :/ Hope i'm proved wrong.

 

[Albion Robster]

Sergio Perez to replace Hamilton at Mclaren.
Would have liked to see Paul Di Resta get a drive at Mclaren - keeping the British theme to the Team.

 

[strings]

Unless Mercedes have something great up their sleeve for next year, this is a terrible move for Hamilton. :/ Hope i'm proved wrong.

I have heard the argument that it is a brand decision, not a sporting one. Hamilton is managed by the same people that bring you Brand Beckham. Mercedes is a bigger global name than McLaren, it has more global selling potential.

On the flip side, when the engine rules become unfrozen in 2014 (or is it 2015?), the natural order in F1 may well shift - manufacturers that can throw most money at engine design (Ferrari/McLaren) will probably make the biggest gains. Although this isn't always the case (see Toyota and BMW as examples that big money does not always bring big gains). McLaren is a fantastic team at the moment, but they are only a short term bet - after 2015 they will lose their engine supply contract with Mercedes.

I believe the decision lies somewhere between these two extremes - Hamilton may well be making an earning-potential related decision, but there is also a lot of sporting logic to consider.

 

[strings]

Martin Brundle on twitter claiming that Perez has been confirmed at McLaren, also that Mercedes media are telling people to expect news in about an hour.

 

[Hyperion]

Perez? Mmmmmmm, I would of liked to see Di Resta given a chance of a step up next year

 

[Decode]

I don't think you can deny Perez his opportunity, he's been the class young driver this season.

 

[strings]

Now confirmed by McLaren that Perez has signed on a "multi-year" deal.

 

[itszamora]

The big gamble for Hamilton in this is all about 2014 when the engine regs change. You'd expect the works teams such as Ferrari and Mercedes to have an advantage as they will a) get their engines free, and b) be able to design them around their car from the ground up. McLaren have made the best out of the situation they've found themselves in by signing Perez, I think.

 

[Tekkers]

Big gutted actually, shame to break up an all British team. Was hoping this was all a ploy from his management team to get him more cash.

 

[Rugrat]

I have heard the argument that it is a brand decision, not a sporting one. Hamilton is managed by the same people that bring you Brand Beckham. Mercedes is a bigger global name than McLaren, it has more global selling potential.

On the flip side, when the engine rules become unfrozen in 2014 (or is it 2015?), the natural order in F1 may well shift - manufacturers that can throw most money at engine design (Ferrari/McLaren) will probably make the biggest gains. Although this isn't always the case (see Toyota and BMW as examples that big money does not always bring big gains). McLaren is a fantastic team at the moment, but they are only a short term bet - after 2015 they will lose their engine supply contract with Mercedes.

I believe the decision lies somewhere between these two extremes - Hamilton may well be making an earning-potential related decision, but there is also a lot of sporting logic to consider.

Didn't realise the McLaren Mercedes deal was finishing otherwise I would have said that Hamilton was being a total hypocrite in moving to what is no more than a midfield team. In saying that I would be surprised if McLaren didn't have a bloody good replacement lined up, Renault perhaps?

 

[Lethargic]

Gamble for Hamilton but there seems to be a feeling that Martin Whitmarsh can not take McClaren any further and that moving to Mercedes with Ross Brawn has better options. Mercedes supposedly have a completely new car new season which is the dogs bollux (we will see) but its an educated gamble. With reports saying Hamilton has taken a pay cut and reduced sponsorship options it does look like a career motivated move and not money motivated.

 

[Decode]

...With reports saying Hamilton has taken a pay cut and reduced sponsorship options it does look like a career motivated move and not money motivated.

Its the complete opposite, he's getting more money and more sponsorship opportunties. McLaren have big contracts with Vodafone and Santander to name two, McLaren drivers are a huge part of these contracts.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

Sergio Perez to replace Hamilton at Mclaren.
Would have liked to see Paul Di Resta get a drive at Mclaren - keeping the British theme to the Team.

Agree with you Di Resta would have been a great choice. I am glad that Hamilton has gone to Merc to continue his feet stamping tantrums.

 

[Icy Gull]

I'll reserve judgement until I've seen how Hamilton does with Brawn as the boss. I'm quite pleased to see Lewis have a crack with another team though as I can't help feeling that McLaren lost their winner attitude when Ron Dennis stepped down. Crap race tactics and pit crew cock ups have happened far too often in the last couple of seasons. Brawn is the master of tactics but the car is a long way short of the McLaren at the moment.

Interesting move and certainly a big gamble.

 

[rocker959]

Greed !!

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

Ross Brawn has got good pedigree for making champions and so long as the car is decent and their relationship sound, I think he's made a very good move.