Well clearly from the reaction of McLaren the picture contained information the team wanted to keep out of view from others, or "secret" if you will!
It was a bit daft, but let's face it... If it was such a golden nugget for the other teams, then none of than managed to use it to any effect... so no harm was done.
Unless Lotus were so intimidated by the info that the only viable plan was to destroy as many McLaren as possible at the start.
Well, I'm not impressed. Publishing telemetry is simply not good form. On the face of it, doing so on what appears nothing more than a whim of personal insecurity Рwithout consulting the rest of the team, who put in so much effort Рwould seem rather disrespectful. In reality, giving away such information is not a big deal in itself, since all it really does is hand out some confirmation of what other teams will already have made guesses at. Nonetheless, it cannot be argued that such actions make things more difficult for one's opponents! It's not unlike an American team game 'time-out', with a player holding a microphone to broadcast what's said. We should also remember that the implications are not wholly confined to one venue. Knowing how a team goes about setting both of their cars at one circuit can help project more accurate guesses for other venues, as well as hinting at underlying design philosophies, which any and all teams will want to guard very carefully. It can also (as in this instance) hint at the internal dynamics of a team's communication, particularly with its drivers and their respective engineers. None of this is very clever. Such behaviour would, at least on the face of it, seem cheap at best; and despite not exactly being "gold dust", there has been an almost unanimous raising of eyebrows! The bottom line is that through an ill-considered act, perhaps made with a somewhat blas̩ (I hesitate to say 'arrogant') immaturity, Lewis Hamilton has damaged the perception of himself*, more than thrown an ace to other players at the table.- - -o0o- - - *It should be obvious that this is not a good idea in F1, regardless of talent.
Not sure if Red Bull or Horner are trying to stir the Hornets nest but; "Car data is very valuable and I am sure every engineer in the pitlane would be having a close look at it. One of our drivers' would not be able to post the image. It would be a breach of confidentiality."
Makes you wonder if Hamilton knows he's not going to be there next year, so thought what the hell. Still a bit silly if that's the case. Re: Cosi's point about it being of use to other teams at future events.... Naah, even McLaren can't predict how their car's going to function in the next race. Up and down like a yoyo that one.
To some extent, it could be seen is part of the job-rôle for any Team Principal to stir the nest, although Horner will be particularly grateful when this function is made so much easier. It should be no surprise that McLaren will want to play it down, whilst their opponents will do their utmost to make the most of it. F1 is politics. Credibility is a big part of the game. One should bear in mind how sponsors may perceive these sorts of things, and that this is another aspect of the job; not just for a Team Principal but also a driver – no matter how much one might prefer otherwise… Put simply: yes, Hornet is try to stir the horner's nest (sic).
Maybe it was all a ploy by McLaren for attention, post useless information up and get people talking about us, then halp them make it a big deal. Boom I've seen through the whole thing sorry Macca Case closed goodbye..........
I have posted my thoughts re: Hamilton's relationship with Mclaren in the Hamilton contract speculation thread, think it's better suited there.
I just don't understand why Hamilton is so special? All time every little controversy or significant action he makes is talked about a lot more than it should of. It was a stupid mistake, he's lost his Auntie days before the GP I believe, Whitmarsh should just sit him down speak to him and let him know that McLaren can't tolerate that. Simple.
I am pretty certain that this is precisely what has already happened. Then again, Whitmarsh generally prefers to take a softly-softly approach, rather than dictating team-law, as happens elsewhere. At present, this may be more relevant than usual because we should not forget: Hamilton has not yet renewed his contract. I believe Whitmarsh would expect him to have realised the gravity of his actions by now. And with a contract up for grabs, it is hard to see how such a lack of foresight strengthens Hamilton's position.
I highly doubt Hamiltons position at McLaren in under threat. McLaren can't get another driver as good as Hamilton as the others at his calibre are taken. His seat with the team doesn't really depend on how goody goody 2 shoes he can be, its firmly his to take if he wants it due to his driving ability.
Totally agree, although the Hamilton contract speculation is nonsense in my opinion he'll sign a contract its just the actual terms(money, car performance assurances and all that). Having said that expect a sizeable pay cut for Lewis as Ron Dennis said after Canada.
I think my words read badly. I did not mean to imply that his contract might not be renewed; but rather, that recent actions have not helped his negotiating position. For instance, it won't help him get more favourable terms and conditions than if he'd not done it!
Here's another question. If McLaren know he's moving, could they have fed him duff info regarding the rear wing intentionally? I doubt they'll want him potentially taking a #1 elsewhere. Not saying they did... wonder if they would though.
Possible, but the teams get paid on constructers points so I would find it very extreme to hinder one of your cars deliberatly.
True... but I could see how it would be Team Button for the rest of the season... very understandingly.
