Welcome back Jenson?
Discussion
As a massive Button fan I really hope this isn't his last season in F1. I still think he has so much to offer and
he will be a big loss to F1. I have everything crossed he can get a contract but its not looking good I fear.
Going to the British Grand Prix and after party just isn't going to be the same if he isn't there.
he will be a big loss to F1. I have everything crossed he can get a contract but its not looking good I fear.
Going to the British Grand Prix and after party just isn't going to be the same if he isn't there.
As an aside to his driving ability....I for one am a Button Fan too....he is very marketable! Whether it is appearing in Santander adverts with Jessica Ennis or in Hugo Boss suits, Shaving adverts...whatever it is he just fits in.
I certainly cant see either Alonso or Magnussen filling those shoes, and given McLarens shaky advertising budget do they really want to cut off their prime income?
Much the same as Beckham was employed as a saleable item rather than his football skills towards the end of his career.
I certainly cant see either Alonso or Magnussen filling those shoes, and given McLarens shaky advertising budget do they really want to cut off their prime income?
Much the same as Beckham was employed as a saleable item rather than his football skills towards the end of his career.
johnfm said:
Hasn't he out scored Magnussen this year so far (72 - 39).
If so, why wouldn't they get rid of KMag?
Would it be difficult for McLaren to sack another young driver after one year?If so, why wouldn't they get rid of KMag?
Jenson has a limited shelf life.
KMag has out qualified Jenson.
It's great to see Jenson fighting at the front but he seems to lack to force of personality to make a real fight of it in the mid-field.
Mr_Thyroid said:
johnfm said:
Hasn't he out scored Magnussen this year so far (72 - 39).
If so, why wouldn't they get rid of KMag?
Would it be difficult for McLaren to sack another young driver after one year?If so, why wouldn't they get rid of KMag?
Jenson has a limited shelf life.
KMag has out qualified Jenson.
It's great to see Jenson fighting at the front but he seems to lack to force of personality to make a real fight of it in the mid-field.
JontyR said:
As an aside to his driving ability....I for one am a Button Fan too....he is very marketable! Whether it is appearing in Santander adverts with Jessica Ennis or in Hugo Boss suits, Shaving adverts...whatever it is he just fits in.
I certainly cant see either Alonso or Magnussen filling those shoes, and given McLarens shaky advertising budget do they really want to cut off their prime income?
Much the same as Beckham was employed as a saleable item rather than his football skills towards the end of his career.
Doesn't Alonso bring Santander money wherever he goes?I certainly cant see either Alonso or Magnussen filling those shoes, and given McLarens shaky advertising budget do they really want to cut off their prime income?
Much the same as Beckham was employed as a saleable item rather than his football skills towards the end of his career.
Is an interesting one as Jenson actually has a strong following in Japan I believe, having driven for BAR and the works Honda team. So I don't think it's about marketing, rather winning. Alonso is arguably a superior driver.
Be interesting if Magnusson gives him a run for his money. Might see the toys thrown out again
johnfm said:
Who cares where KMag qualified. He has scored half the points of JB so far this season.
You could say that about anything:Who cares about scoring points it's winning races that counts.
Who cares about winning races it's championships that count.
Qualifying performances indicate potential.
Big Jenson fan and maybe I'm being blindly optimistic but I still say Alonso and Button and McLaren next year with Magnusson loaned to another lower team with McLaren picking up the bill for his wages and Jenson taking a huge pay cut.
Why?
Because despite his speed Magnusson keeps making mistakes and costing the team dearly on race day. Over a single lap he's good but seems pretty average over race distance and not in the same league as some of the other younger drivers.
Jenson has a great ability to put together and execute the right strategy in order to deliver the best points over a weekend. Magnusson doesn't seem able to look beyond a single lap.
With Alonso driving the car to the maximum of it's abilities and Jenson supporting by picking up the points McLaren Honda would have a good shot at the WCC and possibly the WDC too.
Alonso and Magnusson would seem to offer just a WDC for Alonso because you can't see Magnusson gathering enough points.
That said when asked about this being the last race in Japan JB said it "wouldn't be the last time he'd race in Japan." The pessimist says I'll be following his Iron Man races, which includes Japan...
Why?
Because despite his speed Magnusson keeps making mistakes and costing the team dearly on race day. Over a single lap he's good but seems pretty average over race distance and not in the same league as some of the other younger drivers.
Jenson has a great ability to put together and execute the right strategy in order to deliver the best points over a weekend. Magnusson doesn't seem able to look beyond a single lap.
With Alonso driving the car to the maximum of it's abilities and Jenson supporting by picking up the points McLaren Honda would have a good shot at the WCC and possibly the WDC too.
Alonso and Magnusson would seem to offer just a WDC for Alonso because you can't see Magnusson gathering enough points.
That said when asked about this being the last race in Japan JB said it "wouldn't be the last time he'd race in Japan." The pessimist says I'll be following his Iron Man races, which includes Japan...
Gaz. said:
KMag is a rookie and has basically acted/driven like one.
Hence the dilemma.KMag *might* start improving and equal or beat Jenson's points scoring.
But what is unquestionable and proven is that Jenson will deliver the best points tally to support Alonso.
Do Honda/McLaren want a WDC or do they want a WCC? Alonso/Button will definitely get you points. Alonso/KMag might.
Kev hasn't scored as many points but he's only a rookie and they should keep him on as long as they can see he is improving. They already looked silly sacking Perez after one season, they don't want to look like they've signed the wrong driver again.
Also Kev can stay on for a few years. We don't know how much longer Jenson has left in him.
Don't get me wrong though, seeing the end of Jenson's career is the last thing I want. Love him.
Also Kev can stay on for a few years. We don't know how much longer Jenson has left in him.
Don't get me wrong though, seeing the end of Jenson's career is the last thing I want. Love him.
I am not optimistic about Jenson's future either.
If, as seems very likely, Alonso signs for McLaren, he will demand undisputed number 1 status. In that case, Jenson will either not be offered a contract, or be offered a number 2 deal on a fraction of his current salary. As a World Champion, Jenson may not want to accept seeing out his career as a sort of British Barrichello.
I hope I'm wrong.
If, as seems very likely, Alonso signs for McLaren, he will demand undisputed number 1 status. In that case, Jenson will either not be offered a contract, or be offered a number 2 deal on a fraction of his current salary. As a World Champion, Jenson may not want to accept seeing out his career as a sort of British Barrichello.
I hope I'm wrong.
Mr_Thyroid said:
Qualifying performances indicate potential.
I can't say I agree with this - what potential does it show exactly? That a guy/girl can run super fast over one lap with new tyres and little to no fuel in the car? Unless you have a car, a la Mercedes, that seems to be streets ahead in almost any trim, then cars (and what can be extracted from them) will differ massively depending on how they have been set up. There are no points scored on a Saturday, JB sets his car up to maximise his chance of points on a Sunday, often to the detriment of qualifying performance, yes.
It will be a shame if McLaren dump him now through no fault of his own, as he is a truly excellent driver - some of McLaren's most stunning and/or dominant victories over recent years have been delivered by Mr Button. He finished 2012 on a high and should have carried massive momentum into 2013, but McLaren ballsed up in the design philosophy of the MP4-28 and are still paying for it now, although the MP4-29 is streets ahead.
For me, the best scenario would be to keep Kevin on the payroll but send him elsewhere for a year to learn his trade and improve his race craft, leave the development and set up of the new car and engine combo to the wily not-so-old foxes that are Fernando and Jenson.
Just my tuppence worth.
I think Mclaren thought they would have another year to figure this out.
Alonso getting pushed out was a surprise to all. (btw - I only see Ferrari going backwards in a spiral of internal politics and in fighting. You can't trust the Italians to run a team)
I think it's just as likely for Button to keep his seat as Magnussen but Magnussen brings a huge amount of money (He pays for his seat - not common knowledge but he does) and that will probably tip the balance as you know Alonso is highest paid driver on the grid ($30 million p/a)
Alonso getting pushed out was a surprise to all. (btw - I only see Ferrari going backwards in a spiral of internal politics and in fighting. You can't trust the Italians to run a team)
I think it's just as likely for Button to keep his seat as Magnussen but Magnussen brings a huge amount of money (He pays for his seat - not common knowledge but he does) and that will probably tip the balance as you know Alonso is highest paid driver on the grid ($30 million p/a)
Kevin's potential trajectory is upwards and he has proved he can race , yes he's made a few mistakes but has impressed in and out of the car .......I for one hope he retains his seat at Mclaren.....Perez has certainly got the better of the much hyped Hulkenberg in the second half of the season, another driver Mclaren should probably have retained.....again points tables don't tell the full story.
Mr_Thyroid said:
johnfm said:
Who cares where KMag qualified. He has scored half the points of JB so far this season.
You could say that about anything:Who cares about scoring points it's winning races that counts.
Who cares about winning races it's championships that count.
Qualifying performances indicate potential.
KM has had problems when racing (penalties & what not).
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