2018 McLaren F1 Team - Renault

[M840TR]

Apparently, they're claiming a 2 year deal. If Mclaren decide to drop Stoffel, it would be great to get Esteban Ocon, I think he's quality, and has more than enough experience to be regarded as a young driver.

Exactly what I was thinking. Two feisty young drivers can fill the gap Alonso's departure will leave.

Would love Sainz and Ocon, failing that Sainz and Norris.

I think Ocon is going to be a very good driver and whilst I like Norris and want to see him in F1, we need the best line up we can get right now, no time for sentimentality.

As an aside, I would imagine that the budget for both of those drivers is going to be significantly lower than this years driver budget, never a bad thing for a cash strapped team.

He was reportedly earning around $25m. This would be a very welcome financial development for the team given that any new hires will probably not even make $1m.

[godlameroso]

I thought the free Kimoa branding on the car and Toyota were covering his salary in part.

[RonDennis]

I thought the free Kimoa branding on the car and Toyota were covering his salary in part.

Yeah, because he first earned 40 million.

[Ground Effect]

I thought the free Kimoa branding on the car and Toyota were covering his salary in part.

Yep, he took a $15M paycut, then branding and Toyota augmenting.

[RonDennis]

https://twitter.com/takiinoue/status/10 ... 4614345728

[McG]

https://twitter.com/takiinoue/status/10 ... 4614345728

Dire attempt at humour.

[diffuser]

Unless Norris is going to be "traded" for Key, I see no reason not to put him in the team and start preparing him for when the car is good again.

Chuck should be over with STR for 2 years. Not in a pressure cooker that is McLaren.

[diffuser]

I hope Mclaren have a competitive car in 2020 so he considers coming back as he said.

I doubt it. If Key joins McLaren end 2019 it's more likely that they will put all the resources in the 2021 car. I'm sure they won't make the same mistake again.

I think he'll join at the end of this year. 2021 is too far to make any predictions yet. If they come good in 2019 they'll surely keep developing for the next season given regulations stay stable which means they might be competitive still. Hopefully they've learned from mistakes.

As much as I Love Alo and will feel sorry to have him go, I'd be VERY surprised that he comes back.

[JohnDelinger]

the pinnacle of motorsport..., the ultimate villain..., thankfully he produced some excitement...

motogp it is

[M840TR]

I doubt it. If Key joins McLaren end 2019 it's more likely that they will put all the resources in the 2021 car. I'm sure they won't make the same mistake again.

I think he'll join at the end of this year. 2021 is too far to make any predictions yet. If they come good in 2019 they'll surely keep developing for the next season given regulations stay stable which means they might be competitive still. Hopefully they've learned from mistakes.

As much as I Love Alo and will feel sorry to have him go, I'd be VERY surprised that he comes back.

One can hope.

[mwillems]

Exactly what I was thinking. Two feisty young drivers can fill the gap Alonso's departure will leave.

Would love Sainz and Ocon, failing that Sainz and Norris.

I think Ocon is going to be a very good driver and whilst I like Norris and want to see him in F1, we need the best line up we can get right now, no time for sentimentality.

As an aside, I would imagine that the budget for both of those drivers is going to be significantly lower than this years driver budget, never a bad thing for a cash strapped team.

He was reportedly earning around $25m. This would be a very welcome financial development for the team given that any new hires will probably not even make $1m.

Could be that way. Personally I think Sainz has done enough to merit a couple of mil. Especially since he might have had reservations about joining a team who have visibly been in turmoil. On the other hand seats are at a premium and they are still McLaren.

But it's splitting hairs, they will be at least 20 mil up after bonuses which would be great. If only Stroll moved now and we took on Ocon.

[M840TR]

Would love Sainz and Ocon, failing that Sainz and Norris.

I think Ocon is going to be a very good driver and whilst I like Norris and want to see him in F1, we need the best line up we can get right now, no time for sentimentality.

As an aside, I would imagine that the budget for both of those drivers is going to be significantly lower than this years driver budget, never a bad thing for a cash strapped team.

He was reportedly earning around $25m. This would be a very welcome financial development for the team given that any new hires will probably not even make $1m.

Could be that way. Personally I think Sainz has done enough to merit a couple of mil. Especially since he might have had reservations about joining a team who have visibly been in turmoil. On the other hand seats are at a premium and they are still McLaren.

But it's splitting hairs, they will be at least 20 mil up after bonuses which would be great. If only Stroll moved now and we took on Ocon.

I rate Sainz highly but he's no Alonso. Which is why he won't get the big bucks just yet. Vandoorne also needs to seriously step up or make way for Ocon.

[Lucky]

https://twitter.com/Motorsport_IT/statu ... 09184?s=19

[BrunoH]

its sad to see the best Driver go at the top of his career.

f1 will not be the same.

its a Shame that a team like Mclaren made such a star leave the sport du to horrific performances...

[M840TR]

https://twitter.com/Motorsport_IT/statu ... 09184?s=19

I don't think they'll put another rookie in the team at this moment.