[Rumours] When will Jenson re-sign for McLaren?

[strider]

I can't really believe I'm posting this and I hope it will be a very short thread, but if you read this, you get the impression that Jenson is pushing a bit to sort out his deal with McLaren for next year.

I read it and didn't think much more about it, but just now a very well respected F1 journalist posted this on Twitter: "An ex-McLaren driver told me the team 'can't afford to keep Jenson because they pay Lewis so much.' Make of that what you will..."

If it were to be true, I would be speechless.

[JeremySmith]

I think Jenson has proved his worth to McLaren, and a new contract will be coming shortly..

It is interesting how the media is used to send the message to his team..I would thought, just go and speak to Martin directly..

[strider]

You would think that would be the best way, wouldn't you, but maybe Jenson has tried that and it didn't work. With McLaren, if there's a complicated way to do something simple, that's the way they'll choose.

The ball's in their court if they have to take up an option on Jenson. Maybe they weren't expecting him to do so well and thought that they would be able to renegotiate his salary, but he's making that option rather difficult for them.

[craigd]

Nah, I think it'll be a formality. They're likely sorting a new contract with an extension as opposed to simply taking up the 2012 option. I don't think there's an conspiracy concerns here.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by craigd

Nah, I think it'll be a formality. They're likely sorting a new contract with an extension as opposed to simply taking up the 2012 option. I don't think there's an conspiracy concerns here.

I agree, Jenson and McLaren are without doubt, one anothers best options for the forseeable future. In fact, Martin Whitmarsh said some months ago (in an interview for F1Racing mag) that signing Jenson was the best decision he's made in F1.

[Bononi]

McLaren would be crazy if they wouldn't re-sign him.

[garcon]

Jenson has never been afraid of taking his future in his own hands. Even if that has in the past cost him both in terms of finance and results.

If there genuinely is any doubt about McLaren offering a new (and one would think improved given his performances) contract I'm not surprised if he's putting other irons in the fire.

From a purely personal perspective, I'd bloody love to see him at Ferrari.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by garcon

Jenson has never been afraid of taking his future in his own hands. Even if that has in the past cost him both in terms of finance and results.

If there genuinely is any doubt about McLaren offering a new (and one would think improved given his performances) contract I'm not surprised if he's putting other irons in the fire.

From a purely personal perspective, I'd bloody love to see him at Ferrari.

Jenson is a nice guy, too nice to be at Ferrari.

He really has grown to be one of the most likeable person on the paddock, the commentators doesn't stop talking about this each time.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by Bononi

Jenson is a nice guy, too nice to be at Ferrari.

He really has grown to be one of the most likeable person on the paddock, the commentators doesn't stop talking about this each time.

I think that comes from winning his title. I'm sure that he, as we all proberbly did, thought it would never happen given the cars he'd been driving (BAR/Honda etc) then he's seemingly out of F1 due to Honda's withdrawal, then he's not, then he's WDC then he's in a McLaren, if that doesn't make him happy and nice then i'm not sure what will

As for too nice for Ferrari, i'm not so sure, but what i am sure of is he's proberbly too fast for comfort for Fernando. I'm not saying he'd beat Fernando to a title in the same car, but if the Ferrari is the car to beat, Fernando doesn't want a driver who could take points off him here and there, he want's a driver like Massa. I feel horrible saying that about Felipe, but i think it's true.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by Mr V

...but if the Ferrari is the car to beat, Fernando doesn't want a driver who could take points off him here and there, he want's a driver like Massa. I feel horrible saying that about Felipe, but i think it's true.

So true.

[garcon]

Originally Posted by Bononi

Jenson is a nice guy, too nice to be at McLaren.

fixed that for you.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by garcon

fixed that for you.

Not fair !

[garcon]

Originally Posted by Bononi

Not fair !

True though.

In my world.


Being honest, I think his best option probably is to stay at McLaren - and it may well be the sticking point is how long they want to tie him down for.

There's no denying Alonso would be a block to a Ferrari move - there's no way Button would accept #2 status, and I can't see Fernando agreeing to equal competition for parts, strategy etc. etc.

[chillibowl]

possibly the option is more valuable (more money over one year) than a multi year deal would be per year so JB prefers to take the option and then next year work out a multi year deal.

JB at Ferrari could be good times. Massa is on for one more year as well so perhaps JB also wants to keep himself available for the 2013 silly season.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

JB at Ferrari could be good times. Massa is on for one more year as well so perhaps JB also wants to keep himself available for the 2013 silly season.

I totally disagree, Jeson and Teflonso are on opposite extremes regarding personality and character. I can't imagine Jeson changing Teflonso ways, and even more the contrary happening.
Race wise, Jenson would give Teflonso a hard time, something Ferrari wouldn't allow... unless they decide to take Jenson as #1.