Hamilton to leave for Mercedes 2013

[beelsebob]

I really think this is getting out of control...

There's only two reasons why Hamilton would be in talks with Merc
1) To try to get McLaren to think there's another option available, and give him a better offer.
2) To get a 1 year deal in the hope of getting an RBR/Ferrari drive the following year.

Why is it out of the realm of possibility that he'd want to forge his own path at a new team long-term? That strategy appears to have paid considerable dividends for a certain seven-time World Champion.

For what it's worth, I don't think there's a chance in hell he ends up at Ferrari or Red Bull as long as those teams still employ Alonso and Vettel, respectively. Those are men who simply do not want that kind of challenge, and they have enough sway within their teams to ensure that it doesn't happen.

Right, but then, there's strong rumors that Ferrari will employ both Alonso and Vettel in 2014, so it's not outside the realms of possibility that there'll be a works team (yes, RBR are the renault works team now) with a good engine and a stunning designer needing a top driver in 2014.

[astracrazy]

Merc also giving him nr 1 status? Will Nico and Keke settle for that? I doubt it big time!

I doubt they would have a leg to stand on to say otherwise. At present, Rosberg hasn't hit anywhere near the potential/expectations once thought upon him (but that's for another topic). If Merc are serious about moving forward and they do sign Lewis, then not making Lewis there no.1 would just hold them back

[Chuckjr]

I'm getting the feeling that the pro Lewis guys are incredibly resistant to his move to Merc from panic that the car will be rubbish and their hero won't have the gear to win, and this is an almost unthinkable scenario, thus, the incredible push back. If you look at this objectively without concern about Hams being in maybe the best car for a year or two, it really is a good move. As just stated, a similar move was made in 1996 when a future 7 time champ moved to a very slow Ferrari and turned that team into multi multi champions and became an eternal legend because of it. Talk about an opportunity for Hammy here!

I don't think anyone believes Merc will continue in their losing path. They will get it turned around and if Lewis is a part of that turn around he would become dam near heroic. HE WILL NEVER HAVE THAT CHANCE AT MACCA. This moment is called a rare opportunity. I don't see why that risk is so feared when he might have the speed--this is the way to emphatically find out just the talent he may have. I for one would actually like to know. A few years (maybe) in sub par equip might be the best thing to break some if his Texas size ego down and allow him to really just drive and keep his mind clear.

[Hangaku]

Right, but then, there's strong rumors that Ferrari will employ both Alonso and Vettel in 2014, so it's not outside the realms of possibility that there'll be a works team (yes, RBR are the renault works team now) with a good engine and a stunning designer needing a top driver in 2014.

I would give my left ventricle, to NOT see Hamilton driving a Red Bull.

[Chuckjr]

Your probably right, and doing it would either prove he really has it or not therefore shutting the door on the issue if he is a complete driver or just another spark that did little else but back his way into a single WDC and quali pretty consistently.

[SeijaKessen]

Don't confuse an unwillingness to bow in the presence of Lord Hamilton with disdain. An objective look at his career quickly yields anomalies that add up to a reasonable assessment when combined with a recognition of his obvious talent.

He started at a top team and was given treatment within the team equal to that given to the two-time defending world champion. That's a platinum spoon, because it just doesn't get any better, and no current driver on the grid can claim such a start. In fact, only a precious few throughout the history of F1 have been given that kind of opportunity.

As much as his talent has easily justified that initial placement, I also think it's robbed him of humility. And how could it not? I too would I think I'm King --- of the World if my first impression of Formula One, "the pinnacle of motorsport," was one that indicated I can beat anyone at any time. My head would swell to the size of Norbert Haug's prodigious belly.

But, humility is what keeps a driver from pushing too hard and putting his car into a wall or into a Massa, because it reminds a driver of his limitations. No man can overcome a deficient car. It's just not possible, and this is a lesson quickly learned by every driver who starts at a Minardi, Marussia, Magoo, or anywhere a picture-perfect weekend results in a brilliant 18th-place finish. Hamilton does not know this yet, and he regularly demonstrates it with adversely aggressive driving and ill-advised Twitter posts.

Luckily for him, I think he can learn what he needs to learn and make all of his dreams come true with a move to Mercedes. If he does it, and does it right, people will have no choice but to give him the same level of respect they give to the drivers who built their success instead of having it delivered from the bill of a kiwi.

This is quite accurate.

Hamilton was spoiled by being gifted a seat on a top team. No great driver was ever gifted a seat the way Hamilton was, and it went to his head.

Two of the greatest talents in F1 history --Jimmy Clark and Ayrton Senna-- were not put into the situation Hamilton was. Clark didn't even take a race victory till 1962, and his first race was halfway through the 1960 season.

[bill shoe]

I want Hamilton to go Merc so F1 will get some change and fresh air. It's dull having the same drivers at the top teams year after year.

[internetf1fan]

I'm getting the feeling that the pro Lewis guys are incredibly resistant to his move to Merc

Erm nope. I am pro Lewis and I am massively in favor of him going to Merc. There are many like me who are fed up with McLaren consistently --- his races up and want him in a different team.

[Steven]

Some posts were moved to the fanboy ying-yang thread, and many more are candidates.

By now, we know what the fans, neutral and anti-fans want for Lewis, so to prevent more drivel, I'll shut this down (for now).

[Vanja #66]

D-Day tomorrow for Lewis, as I read... Or should I post this in Mercedes Team thread?

[Chuckjr]

D-Day tomorrow for Lewis, as I read... Or should I post this in Mercedes Team thread?

Bet he goes to Merc. It makes sense for what he wants that Macca can't/won't provide: original trophys, money, glamour, world stage exposure, factory engine team in 2014, huge marketing potential, etc. There's a reason LH chose an entertainment company to represent him.

[raymondu999]

D-Day tomorrow for Lewis, as I read... Or should I post this in Mercedes Team thread?

No - you should post it in silly season.

[Vanja #66]

Bet he goes to Merc. It makes sense for what he wants that Macca can't/won't provide: original trophys, money, glamour, world stage exposure, factory engine team in 2014, huge marketing potential, etc. There's a reason LH chose an entertainment company to represent him.

Also, the pressure of British fans is now off... I think that might be a very important reason as well...

ray, I was being rhetorical...

[gridwalker]

We may still be waiting 100% official confirmation that Lewis is out (despite the many leaks we have seen today) but ESPN says that McLaren HAVE confirmed that Perez is in ...

http://en.espnf1.com/mclaren/motorsport ... 90120.html

I'm going to love seeing what he can do against Button, but how are Mclaren going to balance the competing sponsorship interests of Vodafone and TelMex???

[Vanja #66]

I read that Vodafone is out, and TelMex is in...