Comments on: Mercedes to take 75% stake in Brawn – but what does that mean for McLaren?

By: Charlie

Charlie — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:42:06 +0000

You mean Satanic Lair? Yep not in the best taste!

By: Charlie

Charlie — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:28:18 +0000

And of course, Mercedes don’t actually build their engines, it’s the Merc-funded Ilmor facility.

Though as they own Ilmor now Merc can do with it what they please.

By: Paige Michael-Shetley

Paige Michael-Shetley — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:51:54 +0000

I think all the signals, like Keith said, are pointing to McLaren becoming totally independent as a road car manufacturer, meaning they would be building their own F1 engines.

Remember that Ferrari began as a manufacturer of cars for auto racing. It was only after success in auto racing that they began producing the iconic road sports cars. Perhaps McLaren has the same agenda? It certainly would suit the ambitious personality of Ron Dennis, who now leads McLaren Automotive.

So, McLaren becomes the new Ferrari and builds their own F1 engines. It’s certainly plausible. They have the resources as is to build their own F1 engines, and they presumably should be pretty successful in their road car business with all the bright minds they have building them. They should get plenty of millionaires nipping at their heels to own one, especially the pretentious ones once they realize their green sports car.

By: Jeroen

Jeroen — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:42:19 +0000

U know, a long time ago there was something like Mclaren Honda.They were pretty succesfull.Too bad that doesnt happen anymore.

By: Chaz

Chaz — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:52:32 +0000

There’s a particular comment here that in my opinion has a distinct air of racism about it (no names mentioned of course), which if it is the case is disappointing an unnecessary. I hope I’m wrong and if so may I apologise in advance…

By: varun

varun — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:39:01 +0000

really stupid comments by you about merc as traitors etc.

By: Oliver

Oliver — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:16:41 +0000

If this is true, it would seem that, Mclaren in bending over backwards to ensure Honda/BrawnGP survives, have also been rewarded with treachery. Life goes on regardless.
I am a bit surprised by individuals suggesting Mclaren go their own way in developing engines. As far as I know, building an engine is the almost easiest part of it, designing and developing it is where vast amounts of cash disappears into. A road going Supercar revving to only 9,000 or 10,000rpm is no mean feat, but try taking it to even 15,000rpm, and be amazed at friction losses and piston ring leaks.

They must have a very steady means of income from their road car division before they can contemplate such an adventure.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:25:34 +0000

But Ferrari were a race team first, who moved into producing road cars (A bit like McLaren now). Thats the difference

By: PJA

PJA — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:24:52 +0000

I have been quite surprised since I first heard about these rumours about Mercedes buying into Brawn. Brawn recently announced they had long term sponsorship deals signed to secure the teams future for the next few seasons at least and they seemed happy enough with just a works engine deal from Mercedes. It has often been said that Mercedes wanted to buy a greater share of McLaren and I suppose this could be the motivation behind buying into Brawn.

Unless something major has happened behind the scenes between McLaren and Mercedes I doubt much will change in their relationship for the next few years at least. The Mercedes engine is rated the best in F1 so I don’t see why McLaren would want to build their own anytime soon, also despite all the scandals McLaren are still the second biggest name in F1 with arguably the best resources so there is no reason for Mercedes to completely dump them either.

By: HG

HG — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:22:51 +0000

man, lighten up. THis is a good thing. It shows Mercedes are committed to F1, a good thing given the world economy of late. It has also been widely acknowledged that it is far easier for a manufacture to supply a good engine, than a whole package. So if Brawn and Mclaren have the same package, it is up to Mclaren to use their nouse, expertise resources and experience to beat Brawn. If they can’t… well good on brawn.

I really am hoping for brawn-Merc partnership to fail miserably. This is gross injustic!!

. Don’t wish failure on someone, it is not nice. Rather, maybe wish Mclaren greater success than Brawn whist using the same package?