Formula 1...

[Johny Bravo]

There's also the small matter of $60m that Honda contributes to McLaren's budget

But Mcclaren are struggling to find sponsors because they are just terrible. If they start being competitive with another engine, they cold make that up quite easily with sponsorship money.

Edited March 20, 2017 by Johny Bravo

[Iwan Kemp]

But Mcclaren are struggling to find sponsors because they are just terrible. If they start being competitive with another engine, they cold make that up quite easily with sponsorship money.

 

That's why...

 

McLaren sounds out Mercedes about F1 engine supply

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-sounds-out-mercedes-about-f1-engine-supply-883240/?s=1

[bertusras]

In Honda's defense, McLaren have a sole agreement/partnership with them where they were not allowed to supply engines to any other manufacturers. So in Mercedes' first year they supplied four teams, eight cars, Honda has to work with a dataset consisting of two cars. How are you expected to reliably develop an engine when the competition has way more information to work with?

 

The same thing happened when Renault teamed up with RBR in 2007 and didn't win squat. It takes time. And Honda most likely has one of the biggest racing budgets and R&D backing of any of the teams.

[dracs]

I'm pretty certain a Formula 1 engine isn't as simple to build as a hypercar engine. Also,

 

 

They have a contract with Honda, and we don't know whether there is an escape clause in said contract.

 

Edit: They probably also built their entire chassis to suit the Honda powertrain, it's not as simple as undoing a few bolts and slapping in a new engine.

 

Remember Braun?  A few spacers and Bob's your uncle - they got it sorted in a couple of weeks

 

 

In Honda's defense, McLaren have a sole agreement/partnership with them where they were not allowed to supply engines to any other manufacturers. So in Mercedes' first year they supplied four teams, eight cars, Honda has to work with a dataset consisting of two cars. How are you expected to reliably develop an engine when the competition has way more information to work with?

 

The same thing happened when Renault teamed up with RBR in 2007 and didn't win squat. It takes time. And Honda most likely has one of the biggest racing budgets and R&D backing of any of the teams.

 

I agree the excuses are valid, but fact is they were only 1 year behind the other manufacturers in what was a completely new formula for everyone, and the excuse cannot fly indefinitely.  If they are not on the pace by the third or fourth race of this season, McLaren will have no choice but to look to a plan B as soon as they can get out of their Honda contract. 

 

Thing is, I cannot see why Merc would want to supply them with an engine and potentially go back to the days where their customer routinely beats them...

Edited March 23, 2017 by dracs

[Baldrick]

FP2 finished, and no change from last year. Guess I'll be doing the 9 minutes of catchup this season instead of falling asleep in front of the tv.

[Iwan Kemp]

[Johny Bravo]

FP2 finished, and no change from last year. Guess I'll be doing the 9 minutes of catchup this season instead of falling asleep in front of the tv.

I agree with you 100 percent. I had hopes that the gap to Mercedes would be closed or even passed this year. No such luck, Mercedes seem even further ahead. As much as I used to love F1, I fear this year I might watch the highlights once every 2 or 3 weeks.

[barrykm]

Enjoying the Sky coverage - is this confirmed for the rest of the season?

[Odinson]

Only caught the second half of the race and while the cars are devastatingly fast, the race was an absolute snooze-fest.

 

Happy for my man, Vettel.

 

Here's to hoping that Ferrari can break Mercedes' strangle hold on the sport this year.

Edited March 27, 2017 by ØÐINSȪƝ

[Johny Bravo]

I watched the first bit on my pvr, after Vettel sat behind Lewis for 16 laps I skipped to the end of the race. Overtaking with these new cars are clearly much more difficult. 

[Iwan Kemp]

 

Alonso to skip Monaco GP to contest Indy 500

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-to-skip-monaco-gp-to-contest-indy-500-892869/

 

"... McLaren has yet to officially confirm who will replace Alonso for the clashing Monaco F1 race, but retired 2009 champion Jenson Button is considered the favourite to land the seat."

[SwissVan]

 

Alonso to skip Monaco GP to contest Indy 500

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-to-skip-monaco-gp-to-contest-indy-500-892869/

 

"... McLaren has yet to officially confirm who will replace Alonso for the clashing Monaco F1 race, but retired 2009 champion Jenson Button is considered the favourite to land the seat."

That should make Alonso happy, for awhile

[Baldrick]

Thought it was 1st April again

['Dale]

What innovative broadcasting of F1 2017

 

Could we get some of this cool methods into the world of cycling

['Dale]

Watching Verstappen taking the host dude through his amazing first few minutes after his launch from last week's race

[Starvin' Marvin]

Sheesh Alonso is scathing in is critque of Honda. Honda just have no clue at the moment.  The once mighty Macca is gone.