rodH wrote:
The problem with just “switching to mercedes” is that McLaren probably believes that there is NO way that McLaren will ever get the equal works engine that the factory team gets. I tend to agree, there is no way Merc would allow that, and I am sure there are a lot of games that are played to assure the factory cars get the best spec. That being said, they have to find another route, and this is how Honda enters the equation. As a McLaren and Alonso fan, I am at least glad that they know the fault of the engine and can now work on correcting it and getting it at full power instead of just being cluless about what is wrong (but this is sure is a frustrating situation).
It annoys me how people think that switching to Merc will solve their problems. They were with Mercedes in 2013-14 and were already stuck in the mid-field, scrambling around for the single digit points, on a good day.
The problem isn't solely the engine, its the entire package. They may be able to kid their fans the car is fundamentally good, just underpowered... But the reality is, this phase of poor performance pre-dates Honda, and removing them won't necessarily fix the problem, if anything it'll just bring new ones.
funkymonkey wrote:
2017 is gone. 2018 is gone. And Alonso will mostly (90% sure) be leaving at the end of this season.
There is no way to come back to a respectable position in next 2 years for McLaren.
I know lot of people were quick to criticize me back in 2014 when Alonso announced he is leaving Ferrari to Join McLaren that it is biggest mistake of his life and joining McLaren is even bigger mistake.
I had lost all hopes with McLaren before that.
I dont see their fortunes changing quickly. And by quickly, I mean in next 2 years.
They have a serious problem and it is not just the engine. They need to fire their entire technical team and bring in new people fast. This is incompetent team assembled by 2 out of touch, delusional people even though both are not part of McLaren F1 team anymore. Its still same people.
These are harsh words, I am not a McLaren fan. I am not a Alonso fan, in fact I would like nothing better than to see McLaren getting beaten by my team Ferrari. But not like this. This is just painful to watch and disgrace to McLaren legacy.
Fans deserve better. Alonso deserves better. The Sport deserves better than this disreputable McLaren car.
I'm not even convinced Alonso will see the season out... JB better not have any holidays booked.
You're right, the problem isn't just Honda, its the entire team. They've been stuck in this rut for 5 years now. Time for some major shake ups.