Technically not... no. But neither was Alonso available in '08. It's not something I want but I can see how it could work out.
No answer to that one... or even know if he does want to leave. The theory was based off the possibility that something has happened within the team, which may or may not have happened... and if I knew that then it would answer why he might consider leaving.
Doesn't stop Mercedes to try and buy it out with a trade for Nico included. Take in consideration that your getting a wayne rooney for the price of 8-10 million, be steal of the decade IMO.
How about he realised how much he took out of his tyres to get that pole position and then realised by spanking them so much he was going to be a bit of a sitter for someone who hadn't taken quite so much out of them, i'm sure i remember after qually, the tyres looked like they had a bit too much camber on them. I could be wrong but he did also state that the race is when it counts and not qually, maybe he set that pole lap knowing full well the race would be comprimised because of it. Both Brundle and Coulthard stated the pole position drive was Lewis of old, rear drifting throwing the car around etc.
its no good making excuses for him ernie , the mclaren has very often been a match for red bull as webbers performances have proved , in fact i believe button is second in the WDC , a trully great driver will adapt to any given regulations and for me lewis is falling short on several fronts --
It seems like Hamilton just wants to keep his head down, give minimal press contact and try and let his driving do the talking. Last weekend was a good start with a pole and a second place to Vettel. If he can keep it on the podium till the end of the season then he should get a fair few people off his back, allowing him a slightly smoother start to next year than he'd have if he finished the season with some poor results/crashes.
As a side note it is quite amusing that Hamilton doing very little has got us 5 pages of replies already
Another possible explanation of Hamilton's "problem": http://www.yallaf1.com/2011/10/18/hamilton-split-with-girlfriend-cause-of-mood/
I really hope he hasn't taken up Scientology, that isn't going to help his career as a racing driver one little bit. I think he needs his dad back managing him to sort him out.
I did mention on another thread that I think Lewis's main issue is that his future prospects of winning the WDC will be hindered by having a team mate that is capable of winning races and taking significant points out his campaign, compared with both Alonso and Vettle who will most likely have subbordinate teammates as of 2013. That is not an attack on any driver mentioned, just commom sence and I said before that if either JB or LH won a WDC as teammates then they would be more deserving than a competitor who did not have to compete with his team mate! Given JB's form, his new contract and the courting interest of both Ferrari and Red Bull, I would imaging that Lewis is rethinking his position and status both within the team and sport. He knows like all the other great drivers (past and present) that he needs to build a team around him, soley there to support his tilt on the WDC - like 2008. This is unlikely to happen whilst JB is at the team until the end of 2013/2014 and JB probably has protection clauses against Lewis being a genuine No1. Now, I am a big JB fan but I am aware that Lewis is both faster and the more racey driver of the two and I am sure that both JB and LH are both fully aware of this aswell. I also believe that LH knows he can beat JB in general, but I think he has worked out that apart from Vettle and Alonso he couldn't be up against a tougher team mate and hence probably feels that his future is elsewhere with a full team backing! That really only leaves Merc in 2013 (I dont think a swap deal will happen next year unless he does a Tevez), and I imagine he is probably thinking that he is more likely to score points in that car (with a team mate of his choice) than competeing in a potentially faster Mclaren with a teammate who will fight every corner and have the teams backing. In relation to other problems (i.e Girlfriend & relegion) I would credit him with higher level of decencey than allowing those issues to affect his career and public persona! However, I do think there is some weight to the internal issues at Mclaren. The body language between Button and Lewis appeared very cold after quali and this may fit in line with his concerns on how JB won in Japan and how he has got 3/4 year contract on similar money to himself? As I said previoulsy, maybe all is not as it seems at Mclaren and maybe JB's input into the 2012 Mclaren does not fit with Lewis and his vision about being a modern day great with 3 or 4 titles to his name come 30?
Ok a tyre that will last for at least half the race distance, 3.0 litre V8s or 10s, Basic wing configuration, adjustable by the driver during the race, but no contrived computer controlled exhaust blown devices, manual gearboxes, foot operated clutch, carbon brakes, choice of turbo or uprated KERs systems, that should sort the men from the boys. No traction control.
Smither: Yes there is a problem with the McLaren drivers taking points off each other and thats very fair of McLaren, but not the easiest way to win titles it's true. However the title race is now over, simply because of Reb Bull favoring Vettel over Webber, I do wonder who would be leading the WDC leader board if all teams let their drivers have equal status, as McLaren, I wager the season would not be effectively over at this stage and it would be much more interesting. Also your point about Hamilton moving to Mercedes may not be outside the realms of possibility, the Mercedes is a much better car than has been shown by the current driving pairing, Hamilton would raise the game there by some margin and if he were top dog so to speak we could see the Mercedes fortunes turn around.
Why would he turn around Mercedes's fortune himself? He cannot even work within his own team comfortably...
so much hate for Lewis I think he'd do very well taking some tips from a old pro like Schuey - I'd hope he'd listen at least (but suspect he wouldn't). Maybe the romantic in likes the idea of Lewis leaving Mclaren, I think he'd be a better driver for it in the long run, joining Schuey for a year or two, then lead the team with a no.2 such as.......??
No get me right, it would be a super team!! Hamilton needs to re-think and re-collect himself, dust himself over and get on with it. I would love it if they joined forces. But they have enough bad blood this season anyway. (Monaco-Monza-Canada......Suzuka Quali). Progress starts at home, he needs to get his act together at Mclaren before he bails out. Just found this and I have to show you guys If you haven't seen it before LOL. [video=youtube;uBMPX-i1TnI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=uBMPX-i1TnI[/video]
