Hamilton Has Gone!

[Terbinator]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/19755236

This could be a very big egg on face moment for him if it doesn't go to plan.

[malfunction]

Have to say I'm surprised - I though the whole thing was just a tactic to push his price up at McLaren. Here's hoping Mercedes can put a decent car together this year or next. Seems like a mistake from my PoV but then I thought Button was mad to go to McLaren which has worked out quite nicely for him!

[kalniel]

He's got an eye on 2014, which Mercedes could do well on with their resources and a brain that's good at finding loopholes in new regulations. 2013 could be embarrassing though.

It's bad news for Button - he needs someone to help him find a good setup, and Perez doesn't have much experience.

[Terbinator]

He's got an eye on 2014, which Mercedes could do well on with their resources and a brain that's good at finding loopholes in new regulations. 2013 could be embarrassing though.

It's bad news for Button - he needs someone to help him find a good setup, and Perez doesn't have much experience.

Aren't McLaren the masters of KERS though?

It's like Ronaldo leaving for Real all over again ;_;

[kalniel]

Aren't McLaren the masters of KERS though?

Who do you think McLaren's KERS is supplied by...

[Terbinator]

Who do you think McLaren's KERS is supplied by...?

I was under the pioneered the system used by most teams?

[kalniel]

I was under the pioneered the system used by most teams?

KERS is part of the engine package. Mercedes provide engine + KERS to McLaren.. and that relationship is downgraded in 2014..

A McLaren subsidiary provide the ECU for all the teams, but it's identical for everyone and no advantage for McLaren (who are using Mercedes engines in any case).

[Terbinator]

Safe to say Alonso and Vettel will be looking forward to their head-to-head next year.

[kalniel]

To early to say if either will be in the hunt to be honest - red bull look like they won't suit the mild regulation changes next year, ferrari should be in a better shape if there's underlying pace in the car, but if there's not then it's another big redesign just for a year.

I wonder what's happening with Di Resta? Would have thought he was a good fit for McLaren, so for them to jump to Perez first is a little odd, unless Paul is being lined up to replace Massa perhaps.

[Terbinator]

To early to say if either will be in the hunt to be honest - red bull look like they won't suit the mild regulation changes next year, ferrari should be in a better shape if there's underlying pace in the car, but if there's not then it's another big redesign just for a year.

I wonder what's happening with Di Resta? Would have thought he was a good fit for McLaren, so for them to jump to Perez first is a little odd, unless Paul is being lined up to replace Massa perhaps.

Maybe he just doesn't have the money behind him?

[kalniel]

Maybe he just doesn't have the money behind him?

Macca need a pay driver? That'd be a first, and a sad failure of efforts to contain costs if so.

[Terbinator]

Macca need a pay driver? That'd be a first, and a sad failure of efforts to contain costs if so.

I guess it helps.

Obviously out of the two Perez's season has had a bit more shine and as you've pointed out, you think PDR would be a good fit for McLaren, so finances is the only other thing surely? Perez comes with Slim behind him, Di Resta comes behind two other Brit drivers

[kalniel]

I'm not sure Perez's has had more shine - for the cars they're driving I think Di Resta's doing a better job. Finances are one thing, but I think it's more likely something else, like existing contract wrangles or Ferrari having a first option or something.

[=assassin=]

It's a shame the Hamilton/Macca partnership had to end, but it just wasn't working out. Last year, it was Hamilton making mistakes that cost the team points, this year it has been Mclaren making mistakes costing Hamilton and the team points. Nice to see Perez given a chance in a decent car, although alot of talk on f1 forums is about the major backing he could bring from Telmex, as Vodafone could be leaving Mclaren as title sponsor. Schumacher was starting to come good this year performance wise, so a shame to see him go for that reason, although he has been a bit crash prone.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

[Andy3536]

Hamilton at Mclaren would have had a chance to compete next year for the title, at Mecedes he doesn't. Bizare move really motivated solely by money and the 'Hamilton brand' or ego extention.
I'm gonna enjoy watching Perez beat him next year.
Aparently Mclaren are paying Perez a good sum, although as mentioned the chance of having Telmex come on board as title sponsors in the future is potentially massive.
The interesting thing in all this is that Schumacher still doesn't seem to have made his mind up about whether to retire or carry on. Sauber are in talks with him.
I think it would be best for all if he were to call it a day though.
I guess the next big space would be the second Ferrari place, it could be a big move for someone. But i hope it's not a driver that i like as you know when they are doing well they'll get the call "Fernando is faster than you"