Team McLaren it was supposed to be located just before returning to the long-time engine manufacturer Mercedes Benz. Rumors about this are not new, as it has been talked about for several months, but as part of the racing weekend GP of Russia v Sochi, but have concretely strengthened. Judging by rumors, is also expected to occur soon official announcements cooperation.
Is the return of the McLaren-Mercedes alliance promising?
Yesterday was supposed to v paddock Sochi observed a meeting between the boss of McLaren Zak Brown in Cyril Abiteboul, team leader Renault, the current motor partner of the team from Woking. Practically at the same time, however, he was at McLarn prominent representative Mercedesa. It is clear indicthat something was going on in the background, even though no one wanted to publicly defined.
Team boss McLaren, Andreas Seidl and its technical director James key at the same time they take care of consistent further development a team that wants to return to the old paths of fame. Officially Seidl so far it has not given any signals that it could happen soon switching suppliers engines. He recently said: "We are focusing on the architecture of Renault’s engine for the 2020 season. This will also be the basis for everything we will do in November in terms of the 2021 season. The reason for our rise this season is also the step that Renault has taken in terms of the performance of its engine. I am pleased with this attitude and cooperation, as well as how open and open this relationship is."It simply came to our notice then.
Seidl would replace Wolff at Mercedes one day
All Seidl pri Mercedes he is not exactly a complete stranger. Before from Porsche transferred to McLarn, was also in conversation with Mercedes, where he is supposed to take over leadership role, with long-term ideato one day enters the shoes of Toto Wolff. In Stuttgart it is highly valued. It is quite possible that this could be an advantage of possible cooperation. McLaren is already between the years 1995 in 2014 raced with Mercedes engines. Mika Hakkinen (1998 and 1999) and Lewis Hamilton (2008) are with a race car McLaren Mercedes became world champions. Silver arrows at the time, with a tobacco sponsor West, were years 1997 a symbol of a successful period in motorsport history Mercedesa.
But not all obstacles have been removed at this time. Mercedes Benz has only recently extended his contract with the team Williams to the year 2025, also a contract with another partner, the team Racing Point, is supposed to be long-term. McLaren would thus be logically fourth Mercedes team c Formulas 1. But that's by the rules FIA strictly forbidden. V Article 8.3 of the Sports Rules it is written that one engine manufacturer can equip maximum three teams. Cooperation with fourth team it is possible only with the consent or consent of the umbrella organization FIA. Transfer from Renault k Mercedes would - if at all - follow in 2021, ie at the same time as the introduction of the new reformed rules Formula 1. Until the end of the year 2020 it is McLaren still contractually bound to Renault.
Will McLaren's departure mean Renault's farewell?
If it will cooperation occurred, then this could also have an impact on power ratio large manufacturers in Formulas 1. Mercedes Benz would be in the best position with four teams. Classic Ferrari for sale would continue to have three teams, Walking two and Renault just one. Despite the fact that at French manufacturer to this possible change of motor partner McLaren they watch or expect to be relaxed, but we cannot rule out that they could Renaultbecause he has - or will (no one expects quantum leap in the coming year) - failed planned five-year plan, withdrawn again in the near future Formula 1. Let's hope not…
