Time to replace Hamilton at McLaren?

[SgtBhaji]

No doubt... the tyres don't exactly play to Hamilton's strengths and possibly even contribute to his frustration. But he seemed to handle that side of things in Abu Dhabi...Granted, that could have been very different had he had to chase down Vettel.

If I were a team principle, there would be no chance of me dropping Hamilton at this point. I might be a little concerned but nowhere near showing him the door.

 

[allsaintchris.]

LThis season to me is rather telling about Hamilton's future. He might be less error-prone in future or whatever, but the high deg tyres do not suit him and Pirelli show no indications of going more conservative - which plays into the hands of Vettel, Button and Alonso whilst hurting Hamilton and Webber. Also the fact that Button was the better driver this season means that Button will undoubtedly now have more input into next years car. I'm no expert but Button and Hamilton have completely different driving styles.

As Pirelli are being more conservative so that may be to his benefit in 2012. But, in all honesty it was very rare that his ****ing 'tyre management' ****e was that much of an issue. Many times Button pitted before he did in races.

 

[Aloonatron]

Replace Hamilton because of this season's performance? Poppycock.

Replace Hamilton or Button because the last time that they won a WDC was when they had a clear team No1 and No2 driver? Yes.

I think McLaren will continue to struggle to challenge Red Bull and Ferrari (who I think are looking good for next year, as they never seemed to get the Blown Diffuser thing this year and I would wager were a large factor in it being dropped from next year on) as these teams are working around 1 driver and tailoring their cars to their needs, at the expense of their team-mates.

 

[Masanari]

No doubt... the tyres don't exactly play to Hamilton's strengths and possibly even contribute to his frustration. But he seemed to handle that side of things in Abu Dhabi...Granted, that could have been very different had he had to chase down Vettel.

If I were a team principle, there would be no chance of me dropping Hamilton at this point. I might be a little concerned but nowhere near showing him the door.

It is always much easier for the driver in the lead to manage their tyres though, just look at Vettel all year and even today Webber had no problems with his tyres and could wait and cover people off when all the way through the year he has had problems looking after his tyres.

 

[Forza Bianchi]

As Pirelli are being more conservative so that may be to his benefit in 2012.

They aren't - the current soft tyre will become the medium next year.

But, in all honesty it was very rare that his ****ing 'tyre management' ****e was that much of an issue. Many times Button pitted before he did in races.

He isn't good at managing his tyres. Have you noticed that he sucks in stint 1 of every race? - a lot of that is down to him trashing his tyres in his qualifying lap. It's hurt him at a few races this year- Japan, Malaysia and Turkey immediately come to mind.

 

[allsaintchris.]

They aren't - the current soft tyre will become the medium next year.


He isn't good at managing his tyres. Have you noticed that he sucks in stint 1 of every race? - a lot of that is down to him trashing his tyres in his qualifying lap. It's hurt him at a few races this year- Japan, Malaysia and Turkey immediately come to mind.

His Abu Dhabi victory is also an example that he can do it.

 

[Forza Bianchi]

His Abu Dhabi victory is also an example that he can do it.

Degradation in Abu Dhabi was minimal and it isn't hard to manage the tyres when you're leading the race. Vettel manages his tyres perfectly when he's leading, but the occasional times when he's fighting with other cars, his tyres don't last very long.

 

[SaintsForTheWin]

Brilliant thread. What's it like living with the fairies?

 

[Forza Bianchi]

Brilliant thread. What's it like living with the fairies?

Have you had too much to drink?

 

[SaintsForTheWin]

Have you had too much to drink?

Not at all. I just find it funny how so many people on here have their heads so far up their backsides. Forza seeing as you speak like you are full of wisdom. Are you an F1 driver? Or an ex one? Or do you spend a few Saturdays down the go kart track and think you're amazing? How someone can basically pick to pieces a former world champion like you just have must have a rich racing history running through his veins. I don't mind Sir Jackie Stewart or any ex F1 driver coming up with dreams like this because they have actually raced in F1. I doubt you have. You have made this thread for one reason and that is to WUM.

 

[Forza Bianchi]

Not at all. I just find it funny how so many people on here have their heads so far up their backsides. Forza seeing as you speak like you are full of wisdom. Are you an F1 driver? Or an ex one? Or do you spend a few Saturdays down the go kart track and think you're amazing? How someone can basically pick to pieces a former world champion like you just have must have a rich racing history running through his veins. I don't mind Sir Jackie Stewart or any ex F1 driver coming up with dreams like this because they have actually raced in F1. I doubt you have. You have made this thread for one reason and that is to WUM.

Look, I say it how I see it. I've given my opinion and I've presented my points as clearly as possible. I've seen what Hamilton has had to offer in his career and I think McLaren would be better off replacing him. You may not agree with that but it's just my opinion.

 

[SaintsForTheWin]

Look, I say it how I see it. I've given my opinion and I've presented my points as clearly as possible. I've seen what Hamilton has had to offer in his career and I think McLaren would be better off replacing him. You may not agree with that but it's just my opinion.

It was Hamilton's fault today though. I was listening to his gear changes and he was over revving. He shouldn't be allowed near a manual car let alone an f1 one

 

[Forza Bianchi]

 

[SaintsForTheWin]

Obviously not a fan of sarcasm either.

 

[Forza Bianchi]

just out of curiosity does anyone else believe this to be a WUM thread?

If yes, I'd love to know why.

 

[SgtBhaji]

His Abu Dhabi victory is also an example that he can do it.

Degradation in Abu Dhabi was minimal and it isn't hard to manage the tyres when you're leading the race. Vettel manages his tyres perfectly when he's leading, but the occasional times when he's fighting with other cars, his tyres don't last very long.

I have to say that I don't particularly like this whole tyre management aspect. I know it's the same for all drivers, but racing shouldn't be about having to drive conservatively to maintain rubber in my opinion. It just doesn't sit well with me that aggressive driving and certain styles of setup suffer because of this.

 

[BrightLampShade]

just out of curiosity does anyone else believe this to be a WUM thread?

If yes, I'd love to know why.

No, but as has been shown it's going to cause some strong views.

 

[Forza Bianchi]

No, but as has been shown it's going to cause some strong views.

Because it's about Hamilton?

Is it really a sin to criticise Hamilton?

 

[tribo32]

Are you referring to the recent praise he gave Hamilton? Alonso is the master of mind games - and he was targeting Vettel. No sane driver would ignore the current world champion if they were being serious. Remember when he told the media that Schumacher was the biggest threat for 2011? - just mind games.

are you alonso?
can you realy be sure...
hamilton is a very good driver and he has had a bad season, lots of drivers have had bad seasons and the only reason that you have hope for him leaving is bvecause you know that when he is back on top form he is a threat to your beloved ferrari.

your unbelievable bias reminds me of the idiots on the 606 forum. its ok to be biased to a particular driver or team, but completely disregarding reason for the support of your team is not

 

[BrightLampShade]

Because it's about Hamilton?

Is it really a sin to criticise Hamilton?

He is arguably the biggest name in F1 in this country (where most of the members are from). But I think in this case its simply because most members don't believe one bad season warrants him getting fired.