F1 Gossip: Toto Wolff spills more gas on fire amidst McLaren-Honda affair

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Toto Wolff, Merc's newly appointed motorsports chief, has recently expressed his fears the Silver Arrows team must do their best to protect the important know-how contained in the future V6 turbocharged engine the Brixworth engineers have developed for the 2014 season.

This statement comes in a period when hints that McLaren is in advanced discussions with former engine partner Honda for the revival of their historic alliance starting 2015 are becoming more evident. If you like, Wolff seems to be admitting the reality and intentionately reveals the real situation behind closed doors.

Needless to say, if the Woking-based team chooses the Japanese brand to supply its engines (which odds say it will), there will be some leaks concerning technical facts over the Mercedes-Benz 6-cylinder engine to Honda.

He further warned that, regardless of the outcome, the Germans really need to stay focused and supervise their ongoing contract with McLaren, at least for the remaining two years and crucially for next season (the alleged last season with Mercedes-powered McLarens on the grid), if Honda gets its deal signed with the British team.

Eager plans of McLaren might raise some questions of loyalty and confidence. It is their own choice to finish relationship with Mercedes-Benz, even though the performance, balance and reliability of the engines could hardly have been put at doubt during their long-term partnership which began in 1995.

Playing fair should be the right choice and battling weapon for the anticipated 2015 Telmex McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team.

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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F1 Gossip: McLaren's title sponsor Vodafone leaves F1 business at the end of 2013

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Starting last year, there has been some speculation regarding the possibility that leading global mobile communication provider Vodafone would not extend its partnership with McLaren-Mercedes beyond the 2013 Formula 1 season.

In a recent interview at the Australian Grand Prix going on this week-end, officials from Woking have admitted their official title sponsor is set to leave the competition at the end of this year as, according to statements from Vodafone, it managed to completely fulfill its targets set in 2007 when it entered Formula 1 to back the British team and thus it is now planning to take on new challenges outside the motorsports' world.

Moreover, McLaren executives have declared that an exciting announcement shall be made on 2nd December, right after the competition reaches finish line and the sponsoring contract with Vodafone as title partner expires. Meanwhile, McLaren is engaged to not make any comments on this subject and to not reveal the name of its future major sponsor.

Rumors indicate there are at least two major companies looking to secure their sponsorship for the Britons: American beverage producer Coca-Cola and Mexican telecommunication operator Telmex.

With Coca-Cola, most of the car's livery could be retained in the current styling as colours of the two corporations are highly similar. But with increased chances Telmex is the chosen company in the end according to inside reports, the exterior design of the future MP4-29 single-seater for the 2014 season could actually change quite a lot.

Just a quick remind: McLaren's newcomer Sergio 'Checo' Perez gets a substantial financial support for his F1 involvement from Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim, who also controls Telmex company. Draw yourself a conclusion... :)

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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F1 Gossip: McLaren could switch to Honda power from 2015

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Recently, it came to light Honda is planning a return to Formula 1 as engine supplier starting 2015. The Japanese are currently developing their own V6 turbocharged engine according to the new regulations coming into force next season.

Since the news emerged on various motorsports website across the internet, speculation has been intense around the possible F1 team they would offer their services to. McLaren-Mercedes was on top of the rumor list and it seems the Woking-based team is closer than ever to secure a contract with Honda running from 2015.

It is recommended to remind you McLaren has an ongoing partnership with Mercedes-Benz that expires at the end of the 2013 season, but has an option of extension for 2014 and 2015. The current contract was signed in 2011, after the Brits bought back the remaining 10% stake the Germans still had in the company.

While Martin Whitmarsh admits the team will continue in 2014 with Mercedes-Benz power, he does not reveal anything about the season after. Cited by British publication Autosport, the team principal of McLaren-Mercedes revealed: "I can definitely say that we are with them for some time, we have a contract and we have been talking about it for some time. There is nothing to announce at the moment. I can't elaborate any further. We have a contract that covers the next three seasons at the moment and we will certainly go into next year with Mercedes-Benz. We have a long and successful partnership with them."

Indications is talks between McLaren and Honda have reached an advanced stage and a positive decision would likely be taken very soon. In the event the deal gets signed, Mercedes-Benz could experience a win-lose situation: more time to focus on engines, less teams to supply (only two - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS and Force India), less revenue from this business. For McLaren, the lack of visible results in the last seasons could be a tough argument for the switch to Honda, even though the reliability and overall performance of the FO108 unit supplied by Mercedes-Benz cannot be discussed under negative terms whatsoever.

Using the new 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine developed in Brixworth for a single season and switching to Honda the next season needs some delicate analysis on whether it is the right move. Being pushed by the historic success of McLaren-Honda in the 90s without taking into consideration the massive changes Formula 1 went through in the last 5-10 years, as well the absence of the Japanese constructor from competition together with the unsuccessful experience of their fully-owned F1 team, is more than enough to make you think twice. The failed revival of the once iconic Williams-Renault alliance is another strong example that should weigh pretty much in the final decision.

The past synergies do not necessarily perform well in the future as they once did. Hopefully we'll write about McLaren-Mercedes in 2015 as well. :)

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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F1 Gossip: Lewis Hamilton starts work at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS + more

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The most intensely debated transfer of the finished 2012 season in Formula 1 was the arrival of Lewis Hamilton at the struggling MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS. Mostly a money affair rather than a completely new racing opportunity for the former champion, the Briton managed to attract a lot of attention after the official announcement was made. Moreover, his performance in the last two races proved the Silver Arrows execs that the move was strategically successful. But is that enough without a car that is yet capable to suit the aggressive, battling driving style of Lewis?

It is obvious that, since 2010 when it entered Formula 1 with its fully-owned team after more than 50 years, Mercedes-Benz failed to accomplish the targets after buying the winning Brawn GP of 2009. Chances were the Germans would exit F1 after the 2012 season, but all of a sudden, the Concorde Agreement, which gave immense headaches for a long period of time during the year, was eventually signed by all the parties involved. Nonetheless, the inconsistency of results and Michael Schumacher's indecision on whether to continue or not meant stringent action is needed.

After seeking the basket for more cash, the Board of Management agreed a bigger cash injection into the team. Despite failing to offer shining prospect at least for the next year, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS somehow managed to convince McLaren's Lewis Hamilton it is better to join them than choose another team or stay at the Woking-based team for another season. To put it straight: they are going to trim all the activity around their new contender, given his appetite for victories and his character of a true fighter. Trust us: the F1 legend Nikki Lauda, the newly-appointed non-executive president of the team, is strongly linked with this sensational transfer as he is convinced Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will form a balanced and powerful duo.

Lewis Hamilton is pretty sure that he will not be able to win any title in 2013, but at least, as he recognizes, there is a solid base to constantly fight for victories or for higher positions. He also admits he could one day return to his first F1 team, but that should not happen before 2016. The plan is now to build a competitive team that could battle at the top in a few years from now.

Although his contract with McLaren expires on the 31st December 2012, Lewis Hamilton was given the permission to takeover his brand new role at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS beginning with the 1st December. At first, he was permitted to talk with influential managers, but not to participate in any activities which involved sharing technical knowledge. However, Lewis now takes full advantage of his position, as agreed with Martin Whitmarsh and other key members from McLaren, also a strong partner of Mercedes-Benz.

As Hamilton highlights during an interview, the best part of his new job at the Silver Arrows works team, among other tough points, is the reduced number of media activities, which means he will be able to spend more time to prepare himself and the car, together with his engineers, for the races that come next year. This also creates a good perspective for the Brackley-based team, as well, whose engineers are now completely focused on developing some proper F1 W04 cars for the two team mates.

Recently, Norbert Haug stepped down from his executive position at Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, a clear signal that a breath of fresh air is needed in order to achieve better results. Speculators indicate that, for a competent guidance of their motorsporting activites, Mercedes-Benz will likely split the presidency for the division in two: one for Formula 1, one for DTM. Gerhard Berger, former Austrian driver, is in cards to occupy the seat for managing the F1 involvement, although both him and Mercedes-Benz denied any talks for a future cooperation during a recent interview. Michael Schumacher, who raced for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS up to the end of the 2012 season, was also rumored to replace Norbert Haug after his second F1 retirement, but he also declined the possibility.

With all the high investments made in a team that failed to deliver any spectacular performance, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS is in a rather tricky situation at the moment. 2013 is a decisive year for Ross Brawn. If he isn't able to secure a comfortable place in Top 5 at the end of the season, he will surely get axed off as chiefs from Stuttgart are rather angry, inside sources state. The prediction is the team will survive for at least a few years, even though the situation does or does not improve, as the parent company Daimler now owns 100% of it after the investment group Aabar exited the venture. However, chances are Lewis Hamilton will bring a ray of hope - probably, not from the Australian GP in mid March 2013. But, who knows what the future holds?

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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F1 Gossip: Hamilton closer to MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, Schumacher in for a new contract

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Last week, we brought into your attention the latest rumors regarding Lewis Hamilton's future in Formula 1 beyond 2012 (see HERE). Now, we have found out that the Briton is closer and closer to signing a contract with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS effective from 2013 onwards. Moreover, Michael Schumacher will renew his partnership with the Silver Arrows team for another two years, at least.

These reports have surfaced on various German and British publications and are based on statements of trustful inside sources. The reason Lewis Hamilton is now fully focusing on MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS is the fact McLaren have not improved their offer for 2013. By contrary, the annual salary he will get from the Woking-based team will actually be smaller then the current value, in part due to the difficult financial situation of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, also at risk of losing its main title partner.

On the other hand, the involvement of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS in Formula 1 is deeper as months pass, even though results are yet to appear. An important part of the money they gain from this motorsporting comes from activity of supplying V8 engines to McLaren and Force India, which is undeniably a strong point that many do not have. Moreover, the Brackley-based team is the sole F1 entity willing to meet Hamilton's demands and make him an offer he cannot refuse.

There are also some telling Michael Schumacher is also near to signing a contract extension with the team, running out at the end of the 2014 season. After that moment, if the former champion decides to resign, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS will continue the collaboration with Schumacher by offering him an executive role at the team.

In this entire gossip, there is only one weak point. Nico Rosberg's future is at risk, even though a contract for 2013 has already been signed. Most probably, the lack of constance and the last results he achieved could result in him being removed from the main driver lineup and offered a role as test driver inside the team.

Only future will tell if what has been said here is true, but we are confident enough to make a prediction: Michael Schumacher is here to stay for 2013. :)

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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F1 Gossip: Is Lewis Hamilton really shifting to MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS from 2013?

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Speculation upon Hamilton's future in F1 rose intensively amid the Italian GP held this weekend at Monza. Latest rumors suggest that the McLaren-Mercedes driver has already reached a principle agreement with the Mercedes-Benz works team for a multi-annual contract starting from the 2013 season.

As always, enthusiasm might be tempted to rise unexpectedly, but you have to keep your mind cold and judge responsively. It is pretty early to comment such gossips, as both Michael Schumacher and his current team through the voices of Ross Brawn and Norbert Haug have denied each and every information regarding the continuation or the resignation of the former world champion from the F1 competition beginning with next year. The two parts have resumed to simply declare that a final decision is yet to be made and that nothing will be certain until the end of this season, when an official statement is to be issued to the public.

Returning to the Briton, it is well known his relationship with the Woking-based team is very tensed at the moment. The situation only got worse when Lewis revealed some secret technical agreements and strategies from inside on his Twitter account last week, during the Belgian Grand Prix. Everyone pointed the finger to him, including Jenson Button, who declared himself dissapointed and blamed Hamilton for his rather childish actions.

On the other hand, the 2008 champion has fallen into isolation since Button joined McLaren-Mercedes in 2010. Once pampered, he now had to compete to be visible with a team mate with much more charisma and whose popularity was growing fast. All that pressure and the lack of results, linked to major defects in the construction of the most recent single-seaters which failed to perform in a constant manner across an entire season, are the arguments that made Lewis think twice if he will continue with McLaren in 2013 or the two will just have to part ways.

Obviously, when discussing about the future of a Formula 1 driver, money is the most important part and the most solid basis on which decisions are being taken. Probably, Hamilton would like to receive more liquidities from McLaren as salary. This rumor, if true, shall be the Briton's way to play tough during the negociation as it is well known MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS invests high amounts of money in the activity, is in desperate need for better results and would pay a good driver like him more than the Brits are capable of and willing to. Even though Michael Schumacher would eventually continue at the Silver Arrows team in 2013 as well and Lewis Hamilton joines it, a decent solution could somehow be reached. But one has to take into consideration Nico Rosberg has already renewed its contract and shall compete for Mercedes-Benz after 2012 as well. This configuration already raises the challenge one step further.

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Latest rumors in the F1 industry: Fresh gossip about Mercedes-AMG and McLaren

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According to French motorsport journalist Jean-Louis Moncet, Lewis Hamilton is determined to leave McLaren by the end of this year if the situation does not improve. The British champion is appearantly frustrated by the lack of positive results and the lag the team experiences regarding the development of the MP4-27. The most possible direction for him could be MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, in case Michael Schumacher decides to quit F1. Reports hint a possible option to replace Hamilton at McLaren-Mercedes is Force India's Paul di Resta, former DTM champion and a likely candidate for the Silver Arrows works team as well.

McLaren's managing director Jonathan Neale reacted to this early claims, although he admits the repeated problems and team errors Lewis was forced to withstand in 2012 are an obvious setback that would likely make one experienced racer think twice about his future opportunities inside a certain team. Neale highlights:"I wouldn't put the last two or three races into a professional like Lewis' mind in terms of where he's going to be comfortable in the future. We would like him to continue racing for us. We have plenty of time. We don't need to make that decision until much later this year. You have to judge the performance of the team in the long term relative to other teams and we stand fairly well placed. But I'm not going to walk away from the fact that we have to continue to work hard to eliminate mistakes and find the upgrades and performance."

Thursday, on the eve of the Canadian GP and amid these reports, Lewis Hamilton was quoted saying: "I am not in any rush, no rush at all, so there is no need to do it now. The McLaren is the best car out there, I believe, and the team has a great history." However, he admits a future change of his F1 seat is probable: "I've thought of a move. At some stage my management will have to sit down and start planning. I'm very happy where I am so I think it may be fairly simple."

On the other hand, the 7-times F1 champion Michael Schumacher, whose contract expires at the end of 2012, benefits from a substantial support from Mercedes-Benz. Team guru Ross Brawn is reported stating: "With the pole position, Michael showed what he is still capable of, so there is no reason for us to not want to continue with him." Schumi has been less lucky in this start of season, scoring just two points due to the fact he was involvement in several track incidents and suffered from various technical issues. Brawn further stresses out: "He has the skills, the composure and the right approach, and we will develop the car intensively. He lacks nothing."

However, everybody has seen a tough hunger for results from him, as well as a positive, encouraging performance during practice and qualifying rounds, so there is no reason why Michael Schumacher won't be kept at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS after 2012. Even his mate Nico Rosberg declares he expects the German to continue his F1 career in 2013: "I see no reason why he should stop. Michael will handle the situation. He is driving at a very high level and better days lie ahead for him."

Moreover, Michael Schumacher kindly responds that Nico Rosberg is a brilliant and competitive driver who can possibly win the 2012 title, given his maiden win, the consistent pace and the perfect overall shape he has shown in the last races. For the time being, Schumi is concentrating on what comes ahead: this week-end's Canadian Grand Prix at Montreal, where he feels he can fight for victory and reach the long-desired seventh heaven after his comeback in 2010. Expectations are high, moreso after Monaco, so let's hope Michael will finally break the ice and climb on the top spot of the podium on Sunday, after his last win in China in 2006.

Negotiations between Daimler AG and Bernie Ecclestone have reached an advanced chapter and both parties feel optimistic they will eventually find the best compromise. We remind you that back in May, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS supposedly threatened to leave Formula 1 if the controversial and discretionary Concorde Agreement would have been greenlighted in its initial form. Now, it is obvious a funding solution for the Germans, possibly together with the desired F1 board representation, will be found at last. This will also come as a much-needed breath of  fresh air ahead of the 2014 season, the year when F1 is to experience major technical regulation changes. It is well known Mercedes-Benz is investing a lot of money into motorsporting activities, and developing the new 1.6-litre V6 engine and a more complex ERS (Energy Recuperation System) unit will indeed require great costs, translated into millions of euros.

As you see, it's rather difficult to make a prediction on the outcome of F1. However, these rumors always contain a drop of truth. In the event efforts won't pay off by the end of this year, in 2013 we could see a slightly different driver lineup for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. For Michael, it is matter of personal decision if he resigns or not, but we guess both Lewis Hamilton and Paul di Resta would be more than happy to replace him at the Silver Arrows team, which is showcasing a constant and solid progress lately.

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