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If a space was created at mclaren
Topic Started: Aug 16 2007, 05:38 PM (520 Views)
dcoulthard19
Chief Engineer
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If the whole Hamilton/Alonso saga carried on to the extent that one of them had to leave it would be extremely interesting to see who would take the spot of the one who had departed. There is no obvious answer to who it would be be.

Firstly I don't think it would be either Massa or Raikkonen.

In Massa's case, he is connected by a cord to Ferrari and Jean Todt will make sure his son doesn't send his client to arch rivals mclaren. For Raikkonen I just can't see him wanting to return, he was desperate to leave and Ron Dennis has banned his drivers now from drinking. Can't see it happening.

Of course anything can happen in F1 but having said that I think it would go to a driver who isn't in the supposed "top 4 drivers of F1"

Top of the candidate list I think would be Heidfeld, he has history with mclaren, almost joined them in 2002 before Raikkonen snatched the driver after hsi debut season with Sauber. This season Nick has shown that he can drive extremely well in a fast car as well as a midfield one, plus work rate and setup knowledge are added bonuses.

I am sure Ron will consider De La Rosa again, not a good idea in my opinion, Pedro doesn't quite have the speed required however despite that I could still see Ron rewarding his committement with a race drive.

Who else?

Webber perhaps, he has fast and perhaps finally deserves a big break in F1, there were talks about Gary Paffett joining mclaren in 2007 but his time came in Hamilton's time, could Paffett get another shot at the seat. However like De La Rosa I doubt he will be fast enough.

I think someone like Button could be good at mclaren, he really deserves a good car after everything he has put up with at Honda put I doubt Ron would touch him

I remember last year Ron saying last year that there were too many drivers in F1 who he thought were average so be interesting to see what he would do if one of drivers left.

Obviously though it is in his best interests to keep Alonso and Hamilton together as nothing will beat that pairing.
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Rob
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Nick most likely, maybe Button.

I would say Massa is a possibility if Ferrari were to get Alonso. I know Massa is connected to Ferrari, but in the end JT's son will be looking to make a good deal for his driver, and Massa wants to win. If the best opportunity is from McLaren, Massa and his manager would take it.
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safc_fan89
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I'd say Heidfeld or Rosberg. Rosberg and Hamilton are friends apparently, so they wouldn't need to worry about the fighting that is going on now <roflmao> They would be best going for someone not set in their ways I think. Button I don't think would ever go to Mclaren, Massa or Raikkonen, no way, and de la Rosa proved last season that he is not good enough. Maybe Paffett? Who knows. If Alonso was to leave, it would make what might have been a dull silly season suddenly very interesting.
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Rams
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I want Heidfeld in there. He was brought up through the McLaren ranks was a bit unfortunate to not take Hakkinen's seat, plus I don't think they'd see the same problems personality wise with him and Hamilton.

I really can't see De La Rosa or Paffett coming in, DLR is useless and they wouldn't want to put Paffett in as a rookie with Hamilton, another inexperianced driver.
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Red Andy
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Not Button. He's contractually committed to Honda for the next few years, which means that he couldn't possibly lea.....okay, maybe Button.

In my opinion the most likely candidate would be Rosberg. He has attracted quite a lot of attention around the paddock, because he is clearly very quick if a little inconsistent. Heidfeld, of course, deserves his chance, but if Ron didn't choose him in 2002, why would he do so now?
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dcoulthard19
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Quote:
 
Not Button. He's contractually committed to Honda for the next few years, which means that he couldn't possibly lea.....okay, maybe Button.

In my opinion the most likely candidate would be Rosberg. He has attracted quite a lot of attention around the paddock, because he is clearly very quick if a little inconsistent. Heidfeld, of course, deserves his chance, but if Ron didn't choose him in 2002, why would he do so now?


Well Hollywood gets quite alot of third sequels these days so who knows, maybe there will be a Buttongate 3, but I agree with you, fairly unlikely.

I like the idea of Rosberg in Mclaren, that would be a very good choice, I think he has the talent and the attitude although my head keeps telling me that he would more likely go to Ferrari but I don't know why <think>
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safc_fan89
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I think now that Kimi has improved, Ferrari have no seats available.
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safc_fan89
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Red Andy,Aug 16 2007
07:40 PM
Not Button. He's contractually committed to Honda for the next few years, which means that he couldn't possibly lea.....okay, maybe Button.

In my opinion the most likely candidate would be Rosberg. He has attracted quite a lot of attention around the paddock, because he is clearly very quick if a little inconsistent. Heidfeld, of course, deserves his chance, but if Ron didn't choose him in 2002, why would he do so now?

The problem with Heidfeld is, as well as what you say, the fact that he appears to lack the 'spark' that top drivers have. But then, perhaps he would be the ideal foil for Hamilton.
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Hobbes
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Rosberg. Let's face it, if Macca offer abig pile of cash, Frank can't afford to turn it down, however reluctant to lose Nico he might be......

As for Button. Never happen.

Reason: Honda have him by the short and curlies.

I remember reading that the whole buttongate nonsense was settled with a big fat payout to Williams. That big payout being settled by..............you guessed it...Honda.

If Jenson wanted out, he would have to payout big to break his contract with honda AND it's believed he would then gain back his Williams debt. Can't see Ron or any other team wanting him THAT much.....
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Rob
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Certainly he would have some performance clause in his contract. Someone mentioned that most drivers do.
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Hobbes
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Rob,Aug 16 2007
10:55 PM
Certainly he would have some performance clause in his contract. Someone mentioned that most drivers do.

But it probably wouldn't eradicate the 'We paid your Williams bill clause' <roflmao>
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RJHSaints
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I think of those mentioned Webber or Rosberg would be the best bets. Both are fairly quick drivers and both would cause minimum fuss within the team.

Heidfeld may also be a good bet, but how ultimately fast he is remains uncertain.

The others mentioned are all either connected by umbilical cord to their current teams, unproven or not quick enough.
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vikki
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Hobbes,Aug 16 2007
10:52 PM
Rosberg.  Let's face it, if Macca offer abig pile of cash, Frank can't afford to turn it down, however reluctant to lose Nico he might be......


offer frank a big pile of cash and he would sell patrick. <LOL>

not that patrick would be much use driving a macca i wouldnt think. <think>

i would go with the consensus of rosberg.

we may be rude about ron for many reasons but he has never gone for the "safe" option in driver lineup. though maybe this year he is regretting that.... :P

dont want to be rude about nick because i admire him in many ways - the lack of bs and the fact he has never given up on his dream.but just lacking the star quality imo....

the prost in which he made his debut was two seconds off the pace. a spyker in todays money. and it qualified 7th for the 2000 monaco gp....

thats the sort of "star" moment that separates the potentially great from the very good imo.sadly for nick the prost in question was driven by an 84 year old called jean alesi. :P
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RJHSaints
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vikki,Aug 16 2007
10:25 PM
dont want to be rude about nick because i admire him in many ways - the lack of bs and the fact he has never given up on his dream.but just lacking the star quality imo....

the prost in which he made his debut was two seconds off the pace. a spyker in todays money. and it qualified 7th for the 2000 monaco gp....

thats the sort of "star" moment that separates the potentially great from the very good imo.sadly for nick the prost in question was driven by an 84 year old called jean alesi. :P

Must have been some performance then! <roflmao>
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NewMrMe
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Heidfeld is the obvious choice in my opinion. The arguement that he seems to lack the spark is true but none of the other realistic possibilities have it either.

I think Rosberg is unlikely as he is under contract to Williams for next season. I think if other teams start sniffing around Nico, Williams might try and start a bidding war in the hope someone will cough up like Honda did with Button. I don't think Ron Dennis will pay stupid money to buy a driver out of a contract. If you look at what McLaren have done in the passed they have lined someone up for when they are available and signed someone just to fill the seat in the meantime.

I would rule out Button for the same reason as Rosberg unless he has a performance get out clause that doesn't mean someone has to stump up the money Honda paid to Williams. Somehow I think this is unlikely, but with some of the stupid things Honda have done you never know.

I think he would take Heidfeld for one season and then look at who is out of contract at the end of 2008 and try and sign them early (ala Montoya and Alonso) for 2009.
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