So 50/50 then. If Mclaren can muster up something special for him then he is better of there. It is more risky joining a whole new team, that has one win to it's name in it's new era.
Not a bad article highlighting the pros and cons; http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2012/09/hamiltons_tough_decision.html
I think a lot of people are trying to reduce the issue to simple terms, either "Mercedes = money, Mclaren = success" or "Whitmarsh likes Button, therefore there is no place for Hamilton". That article does a good job of actually showing the multitude of issues Hamilton has to decide between. And of course, the first comment suggests that Hamilton would be "greedy" going to Mercedes.
I think getting a point this season is no more than he deserves, but he's already 30, and if the chance arose to jump ship, especially to a top end team, he'd have to take it.
I've not actually seen anything to prove that Hamilton would get more money at Mercedes, its just been suggested by people, many people in fact. Sometimes things are assumed to be about money when in fact it could simply be just for the change in scenery itself.
50/50 Now! http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12479/8076768/-Hamilton-edging-closer-to-Mercedes-
I'm amazed that despite all the blubbering from Whitmarsh about how he's certain Hamilton will stay and that it's better for him to stay at McLaren, we're hearing no rebuttal from anyone in Mercedes. In fact we're hearing relatively miniscule comments from Mercedes on this.
My concern for McLaren is this... If they can't afford to pay Hamilton what he's on now, how will they keep hold of top drivers in the future? Doesn't sound too good from their point of view. Then again... they are paying wages for two World Champions... Massive wage bills and nothing to show for it.
I suppose it comes down to whether they are worth it or not? I'm not sayings Lewis isn't worth 10 or 15 million a year, but it is difficult to justify a 30 million salary for the likes of Alonso (and Schuey and Kimi in the past) when teams have been trying to argue that they could run a race team on a 40-50 million budget. For me they should get a retainer of somewhere between 5-10 million a year (for the top drivers) and then get paid on results - Points/Podiums/Wins/WDC/WCC etc.. Hence the best driver in the best car will earn the most money! As good as Lewis is I struggle to see the value in paying him 20+ million a year against Jenson's circs 10 million. Its not about the fact that he is faster or more likely to win a WDC than Jenson it comes down to the law of diminishing returns.
I think Button is on a basic of 10mil with win bonuses on top. So i'm not sure what that could be worth annually or if Hamilton has the same win bonuses. If he's on 15mil right now and they can't match that... they have to know that he'll not be happy with a pay cut.
No I agree, a pay cut is difficult to swallow by anybody! However, a 10 million + win bonuses + a WDC bonus (more likely in a Mclaren than a Merc at present) would surely tally upto 20 million anyway.
A little dig at Mclaren from Alonso! http://www.marca.com/2012/09/12/en/more_sports/1347484613.html Maybe the point he makes is why Lewis is deliberating?
He's a sly one is Alonso, he's quoted to have said "Hamilton is the only one who is capable of winning without having the best car, which is evident as the others only win when they have a good car". Reverse psychology? He's knows Lewis is a threat in a McLaren, not so much in a Mercedes, so sort of saying, go on mate, even in a crap Mercedes you'll still be in with a shot when deep down he knows once Lewis is out of the way at Mercedes he's one less driver to deal with.. Or simply he does rate him and it's genuine praise?
Reverse psychology on Lewis maybe but also maybe a dig at Vettel and Webber? Looks like mind games by Fernando.
Alonso knows what he is saying, and I wouldn't be surprised if he is wanting him out of the way. Alonso's main threats are Vettel (may be too far behind at the moment) and Hamilton. Secondary threat is the Iceman.
I dunno... Hamilton and Alonso seem to have been in a mutual admiration club for a while now... Even before this little story broke.
I'd say those three are an equal threat atm.. Kimi could still be the bigger threat of the 3 over the next few races. It's going to be an interesting close to the season. A last race four-way battle would be marvelous.
