Should McLaren dump Mercedes?

[sw4me 0]

Right now, may not be the best time to say the McLaren aerodynamic package is good, but just let's say it's so.

I think McLaren should dump Mercedes for the pathetic underfed engines that they are supplying them. Time was when the Ilmor engines were the envy of the pack but right now looks like even at max rev's they are at least a 100bhp down on the Ferrari's. Even Renault gives them a go on the straights.

Get someone else guys.

[daz 0]

Well I do agree with you that the Mclaren problem at the moment is mostly the Mercedes engine, I don't think that they should be dropped yet. They might be in a bit of a slump at the moment but I think that Mercedes are professional enough to sort out their problems (Besides they don't like getting their noses rubbed in it every second sunday by BMW). I'd guess that this season we'll probably see a few minor improvements made to the engine but they'll probably spend most of their time re-grouping and developing a new engine for the start of next season.

Hypothetically though where would RD get engines if he did decide to dump Mercedes (Not taking into account the fact that Mercedes owns 40% of Mclaren)? Renault, Toyota & Ferrari run there own teams and wouldn't be interested in supplying the "same spec" engines as they run. BMW's stuck with Williams, Cosworth & Honda are unreliable and underpowered... I really don't think RD has any option left but to stick with Mercedes or consider manufacturing his own engine in the future.

[nichosnz 0]

Yes exactly daz spot on, except I wouldn't say BMW's stuck with Williams, the BMW people and the Williams people seem quite happy with each others politics and products.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Ron Dennis certainly has the money to hire excellent engine people and start Mclaren's own engine department. They were able to create the astounding V12 for the MclarenF1 street car...

Then again, he could always talk a new manufacturer into the sport. Volkswagen is not there yet, while there are also many other companies such as Peugeot (doubtful as they are concentrating on WRC), General Motors (Chevrolet, Chrysler, all the American products - dont know if they could get accustomed to the F1 environment), along with the marques from within GM and VW such as Saab, Skoda, or Volvo (havent seen Volvo racing anywhere in a while - could be possible as a business campaign to advertise worldwide). There are so many different possibilities, and the sad truth is we have no idea of what can happen until we hear it in the news or become Ron Dennis.

Then there's always the outlying Rolls-Royce, they are the kings of engines. I mean, they made the engine for the Spitfire combat plane that helped keep the Germans from invading England in WW2, along with several race winning engines. Too bad that they become a part of BMW in 2003 when the marque is transferred over by Volkswagen (or Mercedes, I cant remember).

[Sato 0]

Yeah the aero package looked great in spain see how the wing came of rigt when they wanted it to lol.

sorry i had to say it.

[GaySchumi 0]

The engine for the McLaren F1 was made by BMW  

[eff1 0]

General Motors (Chevrolet, Chrysler, all the American products - dont know if they could get accustomed to the F1 environment),

Well, as Daimler-Chrysler owns about 40 percent of McLaren International, which they acquired in 1999, Ron might find it a bit difficult to extricate himself from his current engine program. Ilmor is certainly having a problem, since the death of Paul Morgan, and it has definitely affected the program, since Mario Ilien can't focus on the technical aspects anymore.

Considering Jaguars' performance this season so far, you could say that Ford is having trouble getting accustomed to the

[nichosnz 0]

Yeah the aero package looked great in spain see how the wing came of rigt when they wanted it to lol.

HaHa HaHaHa

But seriously considering shareholdings and all McLarens best chance is probably to negoicate Mercedes to design a Merc-proper engine rather than relying on the Illmor-Merc.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Well they need to do something quite quickly.

[nichosnz 0]

However I'm confident a quick respone will not be enough to salvage much out of 2002.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

No, and I think 2003 will be another 2001 and then 2004 they will get back on proper speed.

[nichosnz 0]

Is that an absolute what ever happens, or will they have to change engines to acheive that, or will it only be acheived if they use (an improved) Illmor.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

I personally dont think theyll change engines anytime soon, but would like to hope that Ilmor gets better.

[nichosnz 0]

To be honest I don't think they will either, too much to lose, good relationship, etc

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

And the ever so popular 40% shareholder fact.

[nichosnz 0]

Thats propably the strongest reason, realisticly.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Ron Dennis could probably buy the 40% to himself, and then 'sell' it back to Mclaren or then just keep it for himself.

[nichosnz 0]

But would he really want to.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

If necessary, I think yes.

[nichosnz 0]

I don't think it will get that necessary.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

It depends on how much faster Renault, Ferrari, and BMW get.

[nichosnz 0]

Personally I think that the gap would have to be rather huge for Dennis to consider splitting, taking into account all the reasons poeple have stated above, and probably some that havn't been made public.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Mclaren and Mercedes really have fused together into one with Tag Heuer as well. I dont think it will happen for at least a decade, but im just saying why it COULD happen.

[nichosnz 0]

They seen to have fused so very tightly, that I feel that the warning signs of a breakup woud be spotted years in advance maybe even the decade you refered to Jens.

[nichosnz 0]

There are now rumours about McLaren switching to Magneti Marelli, despite their (tight) links with TAG.  Only rumour at this stage but you never know with F1.  But then all the similar tightness issues already raised concerning Merc just come up again.