Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team 2013

[Richard]

McLaren are probably also in that category due to their long track record and unchanged engines. That'll come asunder in 2014.

Although if McLaren continue to be the only team putting the Mercedes brand on the top step then Merc will do all they can to keep them there in order to bump Renault and Ferrari down.

Yes, having a works engine supply is a huge advantage to the Mercedes team, but the downside is that it boosts expectation. Failing to capitalise on that advantage is an easy target in criticising their under performance.

[Cocles]

McLaren are probably also in that category due to their long track record and unchanged engines. That'll come asunder in 2014.

Oh, definitely. I was specifically referring to 2014. I'd say the current Mercedes V8 was outright built for the McLaren and the new Mercedes works team ironically had to play catch up (albeit with full support then from Mercedes AMG HPP).

I wonder if McLaren will ditch the silver within their livery come 2014.

[dren]

McLaren are probably also in that category due to their long track record and unchanged engines. That'll come asunder in 2014.

Although if McLaren continue to be the only team putting the Mercedes brand on the top step then Merc will do all they can to keep them there in order to bump Renault and Ferrari down.

Yes, having a works engine supply is a huge advantage to the Mercedes team, but the downside is that it boosts expectation. Failing to capitalise on that advantage is an easy target in criticising their under performance.

There are growing rumors that a Honda will be in the back of the Mclaren next year.

How much is there to gain with engine integration? You get to specify suspension points, mounting points and packaging with the components. I see the packaging as the biggest area to exploit. The intercooler location will be a challenge.

[dren]

Bob Bell is in charge of ensuring that Mercedes harnesses the advantage is has by being a works team. He's in charge of the ace up their sleeve. Engine integration.

Yes. This really shines a light on what we were viewing as a somewhat waste of tallent by putting Bell in that position. This must be why Mercedes is optimistic for 2014.

[bonjon1979]

McLaren are probably also in that category due to their long track record and unchanged engines. That'll come asunder in 2014.

Although if McLaren continue to be the only team putting the Mercedes brand on the top step then Merc will do all they can to keep them there in order to bump Renault and Ferrari down.

Yes, having a works engine supply is a huge advantage to the Mercedes team, but the downside is that it boosts expectation. Failing to capitalise on that advantage is an easy target in criticising their under performance.

There are growing rumors that a Honda will be in the back of the Mclaren next year.

How much is there to gain with engine integration? You get to specify suspension points, mounting points and packaging with the components. I see the packaging as the biggest area to exploit. The intercooler location will be a challenge.

I can't believe Honda will be in f1. There's no news of them developing an engine which would take a couple of years from a standing start

[wunderkind]

No way Honda would be making a comeback into F1 next year.

Firstly, if Honda is coming back, some people on the pitlane would know and would start talking.

Secondly, nothing from the Japanese press and no senior personnel changes in Honda's SuperGT management(SuperGT is the Japan racing series that is best described as a cross between DTM and Le Mans.......maybe GT1, but SuperGT cars have carbon tubs).

Thirdly, ALL Japanese car manufacturers are suffering because of the spat between China and Japan regarding the Diaoyu islands. F1 is a luxury they cannot afford now.

I think the relationship between Mercedes and McLaren is rather fraught at the moment. McLaren will be given the dimensions of the new engine and will just have to grit their teeth and make it work.

[Cocles]

(SuperGT is the Japan racing series that is best described as a cross between DTM and Le Mans.......maybe GT1, but SuperGT cars have carbon tubs).

DTM cars have carbon tubs as well. In fact, as of 2014, DTM and SuperGT will have the exact same regulations and even race against each other at some exhibition races (SuperGT is adopting DTM's regs). Sorry to go OT.

But yeah, Honda has mentioned they're considering returning to F1 eventually, likely as an engine supplier, which is where the McLaren rumors started. However, such a thing would be known about years in advance if the trigger was ever pulled. Designing an F1 engine takes time, even if you're Honda.

[dren]

(SuperGT is the Japan racing series that is best described as a cross between DTM and Le Mans.......maybe GT1, but SuperGT cars have carbon tubs).

DTM cars have carbon tubs as well. In fact, as of 2014, DTM and SuperGT will have the exact same regulations and even race against each other at some exhibition races (SuperGT is adopting DTM's regs). Sorry to go OT.

But yeah, Honda has mentioned they're considering returning to F1 eventually, likely as an engine supplier, which is where the McLaren rumors started. However, such a thing would be known about years in advance if the trigger was ever pulled. Designing an F1 engine takes time, even if you're Honda.

The rumor is that Honda has the engine but is awaiting approval.

[wunderkind]

(SuperGT is the Japan racing series that is best described as a cross between DTM and Le Mans.......maybe GT1, but SuperGT cars have carbon tubs).

DTM cars have carbon tubs as well. In fact, as of 2014, DTM and SuperGT will have the exact same regulations and even race against each other at some exhibition races (SuperGT is adopting DTM's regs). Sorry to go OT.

But yeah, Honda has mentioned they're considering returning to F1 eventually, likely as an engine supplier, which is where the McLaren rumors started. However, such a thing would be known about years in advance if the trigger was ever pulled. Designing an F1 engine takes time, even if you're Honda.

I know DTM have carbon tubs (engineered by HWA).

[FoxHound]

I do recall a Honda engineer quoted as saying they did have a 1.6 V6 turbo knocking about in one of their vast R&D departments. Designed to F1 spec.

[wunderkind]

I do recall a Honda engineer quoted as saying they did have a 1.6 V6 turbo knocking about in one of their vast R&D departments. Designed to F1 spec.

If they didnt have an engine on the dyno by October of last year, they are too late.

[MercedesAMG]

I do recall a Honda engineer quoted as saying they did have a 1.6 V6 turbo knocking about in one of their vast R&D departments. Designed to F1 spec.

If they didnt have an engine on the dyno by October of last year, they are too late.

Or they had to be very good and clever.

[dren]

They've had a single cylinder for quite some time.

So is Aldo going to be in charge of the 14 car as well or is that Willis?

[Morteza]

They've had a single cylinder for quite some time.

So is Aldo going to be in charge of the 14 car as well or is that Willis?

Ross Brawn said that Costa was responsible for 2013 while Willis was working on 2014 project.

[Cocles]

So is Aldo going to be in charge of the 14 car as well or is that Willis?

I don't think it's a matter of, "You get this car, and YOU get that car." Willis and Bell are doing R&D, scouting up ahead and exploring paths, so when it's time for Costa and Elliot to step in they have a foundation of research to stand on. I believe that's what Brawn was explaining when he said that Costa was currently handling the W04 and Willis the W05 (and Bell handling engine integration).

Eventually Costa will move onto the W05 and and Willis will start doing R&D for the W06.