Team McLaren - can they compete? - Page 55

BSchneiderFan · 16 Aug 2018, 22:17 (Ref:3844114)

Quote:

Originally Posted by peebee2

No top-liner would be that keen although they must have offered Ricciardo Alonso-type money.

Sainz would be cheap if uninspiring and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up #2 once again on speed.

I’d be surprised to see Vandoorne consistently outpace Sainz. The former has looked pretty unconvincing so far this year. It’s only McLaren’s aversion to hiring a rookie that will save his seat, if, indeed, save it it does.

S griffin · 16 Aug 2018, 22:18 (Ref:3844115)

Well McLaren have hired quite a couple of rookies lately. Magnussen, Vandoorne. Don’t be surprised to see them take a chance on Norris

BSchneiderFan · 16 Aug 2018, 22:25 (Ref:3844116)

But Zak Brown has explicitly said they need drivers with a bit of experience to improve and develop the car. Doesn’t sound like they’re paving the way for Lando.

**chunterer** · 17 Aug 2018, 01:31 (Ref:3844126)

Vandoorne deserves to stay.

He's had to endure this tricky period just as much as Alonso has. Alonso seems to think he's pretty good too.

I'm pretty sure that given a bit more free reign and a more reliable car he will 'disprove' all the misplaced knocking I keep reading. Lol.

However these days it's more to do with whether your face fits, not necessarily how good you are.

BSchneiderFan · 17 Aug 2018, 07:37 (Ref:3844167)

I’m not sure it’s displaced knocking. Yes, the car is a dog, which is why you can only really draw meaningful comparisons with Alonso, who has the same kit; yes, Alonso is a multiple world champion and regarded by many (not me) as the best driver on the grid - a tough nut to crack. But Vandoorne has been touted as the next big thing, cutting a swathe through the junior formulae with panache. Yet he has got nowhere near Alonso’s pace or results, and this year has been beaten in qualifying at every race. For me, for a driver bruited as a future world champion, that’s disappointing, and it’s perfectly legitimate that it should call into question his place at McLaren.

S griffin · 17 Aug 2018, 07:43 (Ref:3844171)

Vandoorne was close to Fred in Hungary before his car broke down

F1Guy · 17 Aug 2018, 08:45 (Ref:3844190)

Quote:

Originally Posted by S griffin

Vandoorne was close to Fred in Hungary before his car broke down

Well, Vandoorne came close to not driving that car in Hungary. There were negotiations going on behind the scenes to insert Ocon, or even Sainz into Vandoorne's car for Hungary, and for the rest of the 2018 season. Wolff was the main instigator of the negotiations. All because of the news surrounding Force India possibly closing it's doors. But it didn't materialize because Force India entered into administration, instead of the team being wound up.

**Peter Mallett** · 17 Aug 2018, 09:19 (Ref:3844196)

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1Guy

Well, Vandoorne came close to not driving that car in Hungary. There were negotiations going on behind the scenes to insert Ocon, or even Sainz into Vandoorne's car for Hungary, and for the rest of the 2018 season. Wolff was the main instigator of the negotiations. All because of the news surrounding Force India possibly closing it's doors. But it didn't materialize because Force India entered into administration, instead of the team being wound up.

Hmm, it would be good to see some support to this assertion. Alonso is on record to say that Vandoorne has been as close to him as anyone of his previous team mates and I believe Autosport supported this. So, it wouldn't make sense that Vandoorne is ejected at this time. However by all means prove me wrong with supported stats etc.

BSchneiderFan · 17 Aug 2018, 11:20 (Ref:3844219)

Fact remains that he’s not beating Alonso. Not even occasionally.

**Peter Mallett** · 17 Aug 2018, 11:22 (Ref:3844221)

True. But he's also not as bad as some would suggest.

BSchneiderFan · 17 Aug 2018, 11:55 (Ref:3844227)

Not good enough, given his pre-F1 reputation.

**Peter Mallett** · 17 Aug 2018, 11:59 (Ref:3844228)

As you wish.

BSchneiderFan · 17 Aug 2018, 15:06 (Ref:3844260)

I just think that Vandoorne’s career in the lower formulae suggested he should be doing better than the average job he’s currently doing, which I reckon could be done as well by about half a dozen other young drivers on the grid. It’s not like Häkkinen matching Senna or Hamikton beating Alonso, which would make people sit up and take notice.

S griffin · 17 Aug 2018, 15:12 (Ref:3844261)

I think he’s not helped though by not having a great car to drive. I think he’s done alright all things considered

**Peter Mallett** · 17 Aug 2018, 16:36 (Ref:3844283)

I just think we've moved to the PlayStation era where if you can't compete with more experienced players straight away then you're crap.

And to think so called sensible people on here also follow that principle.

NaBUru38 · 17 Aug 2018, 19:53 (Ref:3844350)

Changing both drivers at the same time is never a good idea. McLaren should keep Vandoorne.

F1Guy · 18 Aug 2018, 02:51 (Ref:3844393)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Hmm, it would be good to see some support to this assertion.

I don't have any Peter. If there was, I would post it (as I always do) when there's something on the net that I am aware of.

But then again, even when I have proof to back up my posts, a moderator will not allow/delete it. Not sure what can and can't be posted. Even when others have posted same/similar links.

**Adam43** · 18 Aug 2018, 07:24 (Ref:3844413)

That’ll be the post you contacted the moderation team to highlight the link might be dodgy as it was sourced from somewhere that might not have permission of the original copyright holder!

It’s good when users report potential copyright infringements to help the volunteer staff. Of course now I full expect you to go off and just report loads of posts, because at the moment you seem to be wanting to cause work and inconvenience for mods of F1 forum. Simple choice. Do you?

BSchneiderFan · 20 Aug 2018, 00:34 (Ref:3844868)

Anyone think Vandoorne will be confirmed at his home event next week? Or will McLaren continue to watch and wait? I suppose making an announcement at Spa, while fitting, would risk being overshadowed by Max’s orange army.

BSchneiderFan · 20 Aug 2018, 18:24 (Ref:3845048)

Autosport is now mentioning Ocon in connection with the second McLaren seat. Interesting.

**bjohnsonsmith** · 20 Aug 2018, 18:39 (Ref:3845051)

According to Autosport, their reserve driver Lando Norris, will make his Formula 1 grand prix weekend debut.

http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/138145

E.B · 20 Aug 2018, 19:28 (Ref:3845064)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

According to Autosport, their reserve driver Lando Norris, will make his Formula 1 grand prix weekend debut.

http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/138145

Thankfully only for FP1 in place of Alonso.... with the possibility of another FP1 run at Monza the following week.

**chunterer** · 20 Aug 2018, 21:23 (Ref:3845084)

Keep knocking Stoffel everyone!!

I'm inclined to think Mclaren maybe giving Norris a run to keep him interested (and perhaps keep STR interested too) because they've told him he won't be in one of the race MP4's next year.

pole2pole · 22 Aug 2018, 15:38 (Ref:3845401)

I think McLaren are giving Norris a run out on friday in order to try and keep him. Lets face it and this hurts me as a McLaren fan to ask this but what can McLaren offer team Norris in a car package?

S griffin · 22 Aug 2018, 16:23 (Ref:3845414)

I think Norris drive will be to evaluate if he is ready or not

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