Hamilton enters frame for '07 McLaren seat

[chunterer]

Lewis Hamilton's dominance of GP2 over the weekend has reportedly made Ron think a bit more seriously about adding him to the shortlist for the second McLaren seat.

He says they aim to have the best drivers available and Lewis has only added to those options (or something like that)

If a younger driver really excels then why shouldn't he step straight into a top seat...

I know traditionally, it hardly ever happens but if he continues to sweep up this year then it would be daft to waste him in an uncompetitive car when he could do a good job straight away?

If he doesn't get a McLaren race drive what are the other racing options open to him that will allow Ron to hang onto him rather than let him go on a contract he's not in control of elsewhere?

[kipper]

I would agree that there is no reason why Lewis Hamilton shouldn't get a McLaren seat, however, Ron Dennis has traditonally expressed reticence towards putting a rookie into one of his cars; I think Andrea de Cesaris, Michael Andretti and Jan Magnussen are the exceptions, neither can be considered a success. So therefore a seat in a more mid table team is perhaps a little more likely.

[Rennen]

For a new driver to enter F1 an established driver has to leave F1 not just the team...I don't see it happening. Paffett is also in the wings too remember.

[Raven]

I just hope the man doesn't hold him down.

[BootsOntheSide]

In modern F1 there is far too much for a rookie driver it learn, for having them in a top team to be a logical approach. Not only the driving, but the thinking-on-your-feet tactics, the extra press intrusion, knowing when not to push too hard, and several new cirucits to learn (even for a driver who has been in GP2). Midfield teams, especially Jordan and Sauber, have tended to have the most successes with rookie drivers. Perhaps there is something in Ron's mentality which makes him very risk-averse with new drivers though. Probably something called Andrea de Crasharis.

[chunterer]

True, but I think there'll be a fair few people making way in several teams at the end of the season, judging by their current respective woes.

I rate Gary highly and he ought to have a race drive next year too, but are McLaren or Mercedes viewing his long term path in the same way as they are with Lewis?

[Osella]

Also, Mercedes must be mindful of Schumi, Frentzen, Wendlinger, Webber all of whom got a serious legup in sportscars, only to leave them... A seat at direxiv (if it happens) or Prodrive (when it happens) may prove possible don't you think? Still begs the question of how to keep him for 2007 (because someone good has to leave, really, no?) because he may just win GP2

[Kirk]

Nico's rather smooth transition (to date) can only be good for the other GP2 guys. Perhaps, this will prompt that Lewis get a shot sooner rather than later. Lets face it, all the teams and team principals are dreaming of signing the next star and the first place you look should be right under your nose; grab a guy before someone else does. Nico did not get much publicity before his signing with Williams, but he looks like he has the goods.

[chunterer]

Re Osella's point about the Mercedes deals, they lost Schumi because they didn't have an F1 drive available at the time and Willi Weber was really pushing for a drive for MS, only a Ford powered team (or two!) had the openings (although i remember Merceded helping find some of the money allegedly!?) Frentzen and Wingbender did go onto drive for cars powered by them in F1 though.

Lewis and Gary aren't in quite the same situation.

I think Rosberg had a fair bit of publicity pre F1, Kirk?

Arguably, the name is publicity in itself, as was JV's before him and Hill's before that, so winning titles can only reinforce that publicity.

Lewis doesn't have that 'name' of course, he just has one of those rare talents....

Is Lewis the next driver in the bracket of 'the big talent that comes along every 5-10 years or so'?

I.E. Succeeding Senna, Schumi, Alonso in the line of F1 superstars..

[Alan Raine]

Originally Posted by chunterer

Is Lewis the next driver in the bracket of 'the big talent that comes along every 5-10 years or so'?

He might well be. He seems to start a formula obviously quick, but making mistakes. It doesn't seem to be long before he learns from those and then just wins.

What chance Alonso & Hamilton or Alonso & Paffett at McLaren next year.

[chunterer]

In that case is Gary the new Blundell?!

I.E, super sub/one year deal expert...

[Rennen]

Originally Posted by Kirk

Nico's rather smooth transition (to date) can only be good for the other GP2 guys. Perhaps, this will prompt that Lewis get a shot sooner rather than later. Lets face it, all the teams and team principals are dreaming of signing the next star and the first place you look should be right under your nose; grab a guy before someone else does. Nico did not get much publicity before his signing with Williams, but he looks like he has the goods.

Don't let the hype, floppy hair, trendy good looks and famous 'pushy' father fool you into forgetting the number of major rookie errors and shunts hes had so far. Not to mention that the Willy-Cosy is potentially a front running car that in more experienced hands might have been getting better results by now.

But back on thread subject...RD's MO is more to go for someone elses proven star, than take a risk on a rookie. As he once was quoted "It isn't my job to train racing drivers"

[chunterer]

Ooh, very contentious, yet very good post Rennen.

However, I'l leave the response to someone else (sits on fence whistling!)

[Alan Raine]

Originally Posted by chunterer

In that case is Gary the new Blundell?!

I.E, super sub/one year deal expert...

I hope not. He certainly deserves a chance, especially the way the likes of Fisi, Trulli and others are plonking around at the moment. I just hope he doesn't have the same problem as Anthony Davidson. Testing - no racing.

[chunterer]

Same here, but my concern is that McLaren may give him a one year race deal if they cannot hire a suitable 'experienced' driver, or feel that they need to groom Lewis for a further years either full time testing or in a lesser team?