After a good showing in India, something tells Lewis that the 2nd place has gone to Nico's head somewhat:

 

McLaren have previously stated, well Whitmarsh anyway, that they've got some key appointments coming soon - the chance of it being Brawn are unlikely but it does seem that one has slipped in quietly under the radar.

 

Peter Prodromou, Red Bull's head of aerodynamics, will be returning to McLaren. He previously worked for McLaren from 1991 to 2005. He will apparently start with McLaren in 2015. It's no secret that Red Bull have been top of the class with regards to aero tweaks including the blown diffuser so this could be seen as a bit of coup for McLaren for 2015 as they move across to Honda power.

Newey is a genius but has a good team behind him. Hope they can fight for the lead next year. I'm expecting Red Bull and Merc to be strongest with Ferrari and McLaren not far behind. Regs have been stable for a few years so will be interesting to see how the smaller teams adapt. Don't be surprised if we see some shocking results early on. Nothing like a Marussia winning but perhaps points.

McLaren have previously stated, well Whitmarsh anyway, that they've got some key appointments coming soon - the chance of it being Brawn are unlikely but it does seem that one has slipped in quietly under the radar.

 

Peter Prodromou, Red Bull's head of aerodynamics, will be returning to McLaren. He previously worked for McLaren from 1991 to 2005. He will apparently start with McLaren in 2015. It's no secret that Red Bull have been top of the class with regards to aero tweaks including the blown diffuser so this could be seen as a bit of coup for McLaren for 2015 as they move across to Honda power.

 

No doubt Newey is a key factor in redbulls sucess but equally i watched a documentary that showed he still uses a drawing board and straight edge. No doubt this old school methodology allows freedom of sketching and outside the box thinking but he will rely on his team for the 3D parametric modelling flow simulation analasis etc. If this head of aero Prodromou is moving to Mclaren perhaps its an atempt to step out of Newey's shadow and assert himself as the premier aerodynamicist. Mclarens future could be looking bright, hardlines Lewis.  get used to seeing Perez's rear diffuser in 2015.

Don't senior staff like Brawn usually have clauses that they can't work for anyone else for several months/1yr ?

Don't senior staff like Brawn usually have clauses that they can't work for anyone else for several months/1yr ?

 

I doubt it in formula 1. Things change that quickly that old tech is not relevant the following year. I think what your getting at is a non-disclosure agreement or a Restrictive covenant. I have had to sign these being a designer i could potentially go to a competitor and give them years worth of design and manufacturing processes and drawings etc. He probably has something like this in place but they are usually unenforcable and a lawsuit would be futile.

Don't senior staff like Brawn usually have clauses that they can't work for anyone else for several months/1yr ?

 

 

I doubt it in formula 1. Things change that quickly that old tech is not relevant the following year. I think what your getting at is a non-disclosure agreement or a Restrictive covenant. I have had to sign these being a designer i could potentially go to a competitor and give them years worth of design and manufacturing processes and drawings etc. He probably has something like this in place but they are usually unenforcable and a lawsuit would be futile.

"Gardening leave" clauses are fairly regularly reported in Autosprout when senior tech staff change constructor.

Yeah that's because they don't want them taking any tech secrets with them. The enemy within. So they tell them to go on leave until the contract ends that year so at least one championship can't be messed with.

Came across this link and thought quite interesting for us McLaren fans an of live timing when you cannot get to the Sky coverage......

 

 

http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/live/?gclid=CJawk93zxboCFcTLtAodVxkAww

 

 

Sergio having a nightmare.

Happy for Massa just confirmed he has signed for williams.

 

Oh and Raikonen not in final two races due to bad back. LMAO doesn't want to fly to the States. He used to pull this one regular in WRC.

More like Renault *cough* (Lotus) have paid him so he can't be arsed.

Really positive news for both Massa and Williams - I do like Massa's spirit.

 

 

More like Renault *cough* (Lotus) have paid him so he can't be arsed.

 

You can just imagine it can't you.

This just means we get to see how good Davide Valsecchi is.

I hope. They should either announce Hulkenberg and put him in or use Valsecchi. This is what reserve drivers are for after all.

I can't see Hulk being released so I reckon it will be Val's chance.

So is it Maldanado and Massa ?

Happy for Massa just confirmed he has signed for williams.

 

Oh and Raikonen not in final two races due to bad back. LMAO doesn't want to fly to the States. He used to pull this one regular in WRC.

More like Renault *cough* (Lotus) have paid him so he can't be arsed.

 

I imagine its more likely Ferrari said to him at his health check and seat fitting this week that they don't want his back getting in the way of his work... So Raikkonen said screw Lotus, who probably still haven't paid him, I'll do the surgery now and then I'll be fit for the start of the next season!

So is it Maldanado and Massa ?

 

No Bottas and Massa. Maldanado dropped.

I imagine its more likely Ferrari said to him at his health check and seat fitting this week that they don't want his back getting in the way of his work... So Raikkonen said screw Lotus, who probably still haven't paid him, I'll do the surgery now and then I'll be fit for the start of the next season!

 

You believe the back surgery excuse even though the medical team cleared him after a scan?

You believe the back surgery excuse even though the medical team cleared him after a scan?

 

Hadn't seen that reported. I can't see him electing to have surgery for nothing... (Unless of course it's a giant sham...)

The back surgery is more than likely true. He left F1 the first time, did some rallying, etc to keep his hand in. He could have done it then but his worth may have gone down in the mean time. A racer will race in pain and I reckon lots have a few ailments. He had the injury years ago and anyone with backache knows its a constant pain. If an op can now help it and he has his seat with for Ferrari guaranteed then he'd be dull not to.

Sergio Perez has confirmed on Twitter that he won't be driving for Mclaren next year.

Magnussen favourite to replace him.

Sergio Perez has confirmed on Twitter that he won't be driving for Mclaren next year.

Magnussen favourite to replace him.

As good as done deal, although we need to wait for McLaren to announce officially. Could be done over the weekend ?

http://t.co/IZSOGdGodv

Probably end up at Lotus maybe ?

http://t.co/IZSOGdGodv

 

Really dignified, thumbs up Checo!

Really dignified, thumbs up Checo!

Agreed. In todays cut throat world of F1 this makes a change

I can't see Hulk being released so I reckon it will be Val's chance.

Word is Heikki is in, after Schui refused lol