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Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 9:59 am
by UnlikeUday
Apart from being one of my favorites, I also felt he deserved much more than he's achieved till now in F1. Afterall, all his junior records are not a fluke. The junior records don't matter much in F1 as current form dictates people's perception about the driver. He has always been underrated but hope his time to shine has come.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.ph ... rg-release

Now that he's going to a works team, I'm hoping he achieves a podium or two in the near future, depending how Renault progress through 2017.

This probably is his last ditch option to score big in F1 as he's already 29 & can't afford to wait any longer.

Hope the move works for him!

And with his this move the game of musical chairs again gets all flared up! Excited to see the midfield team lineups.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault!

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:07 am
by Zoue
Should have an option for logical / sensible.

There is a far greater likelihood of a manufacturer challenging at the front than there is of FI doing it. It's the brutal reality of F1 today. So from Hulk's perspective I think it's a complete no-brainer. I shouldn't call it brave at all, and neither would I suggest it's suicidal. In fact it should be a dream come true for him and he has the best chance he's ever had in his career of potentially challenging for podiums. Good luck to him.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault!

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:07 am
by Lt. Drebin
FI is a team locked in the midfield with very rare podium at best. They will be never better than that, provided that they heavily depend on the engine supply from manufacturers, and don't have the resources of RBR. At present, probably he best seat that is up for the grabs with decent chance of rocketing up is in Renault, and Hulk did the best he could in given circumstances. Tough there is no guarantee that things may turn better, they surely won't get any better if he stayed with FI.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault!

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:23 am
by mikeyg123
It's a great move for Hulk. Renault always succeed in the end. He now has the opportunity to lead the team.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:34 am
by UnlikeUday
Hulk maybe earning EUR 18 million for the 2 years + 1 year as option as per the article below:

http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-308033.html

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:39 am
by Pietkok
Not brave, sensible and good. And I don't know whether I missed it or it's not known exactly , but why didn't they sign Perez instead (sponsors?)?

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:40 am
by mcdo
Makes a lot of sense. He was getting nowhere closer to the top as long as he was paired with Perez, who has had the upperhand on him for some time now. And I believe that he should have more opportunity down the line to challenge at the front than he ever would have at Force India

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:43 am
by mac_d
I'd say Renault looks to have the better upside going forward.

The desirability of seats for 2017, for my money would be something like:
Merc
Red Bull
Ferrari
McLaren and Renault (long term, I think these guys have a better shot at being race winners than those below)
Williams and Force India (pains me to say that about Williams)
Haas (really not sure where to place them tbh)
Sauber
Manor

So I'd be leaning toward this just being a pretty sensible move. Findia aren't likely to win any races, and pretty much definitely not going to win the WDC there. Renault might not win races but I do think they have a signficantly higher chance of winning races and giving Hulk the possibility of competing for a WDC. For me, the hierarchy of achievements is WDC-Race wins-Poles-Podiums. He's not likely to get many of them in Findia anyway, so really what is there to lose? Plus, if it all goes tits up, he's going to be making about 4 times as much money. That's got to soften the blow.

So it's not really brave, and it's not "suicidal". It's just a kind of sensible on the balance of probabilities. Yes, Manor could be the leading team next year, and Mercedes could be struggling to get in under the 107%. But like I said, balance of probabilities to me, says Hulk made the sensible career move for both winning and for making money.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:46 am
by UnlikeUday
Pietkok wrote:Not brave, sensible and good. And I don't know whether I missed it or it's not known exactly , but why didn't they sign Perez instead (sponsors?)?
What I read was that Perez or his sponsors weren't convinced with the Renault's development programme. Perez had said he found the Renault team structure quite weak & he couldn't derive a clear picture of their ambitions relating to getting back on the top of the grid.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:51 am
by mikeyg123
UnlikeUday wrote:
Pietkok wrote:Not brave, sensible and good. And I don't know whether I missed it or it's not known exactly , but why didn't they sign Perez instead (sponsors?)?
What I read was that Perez or his sponsors weren't convinced with the Renault's development programme. Perez had said he found the Renault team structure quite weak & he couldn't derive a clear picture of their ambitions relating to getting back on the top of the grid.
I think he will live to regret his decision. Renault may not win a championship but FI certainly won't. It's a very short term view.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:56 am
by UnlikeUday
mikeyg123 wrote:
UnlikeUday wrote:
Pietkok wrote:Not brave, sensible and good. And I don't know whether I missed it or it's not known exactly , but why didn't they sign Perez instead (sponsors?)?
What I read was that Perez or his sponsors weren't convinced with the Renault's development programme. Perez had said he found the Renault team structure quite weak & he couldn't derive a clear picture of their ambitions relating to getting back on the top of the grid.
I think he will live to regret his decision. Renault may not win a championship but FI certainly won't. It's a very short term view.
That's why Perez also has signed for 1 more year, hoping to join Ferrari in 2018. Which means a completely new lineup at Force India in 2018.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 11:29 am
by rivf1
Seems a logical move, he doesn't have much to loose because lets face it, force india won't be winning GP's anytime soon. Renault inherited an absolute sh*tbox of a car from lotus so it will be interesting what renault can come up with themselves over the next few seasons. On the PU front, they seem to be heading in the right direction so ya never know.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 12:24 pm
by UnlikeUday

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault!

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 12:30 pm
by Herb
Zoue wrote:Should have an option for logical / sensible.

There is a far greater likelihood of a manufacturer challenging at the front than there is of FI doing it. It's the brutal reality of F1 today. So from Hulk's perspective I think it's a complete no-brainer. I shouldn't call it brave at all, and neither would I suggest it's suicidal. In fact it should be a dream come true for him and he has the best chance he's ever had in his career of potentially challenging for podiums. Good luck to him.
Completely agree.

It's a no brainer for me - I'm really surprised Perez didn't jump at the chance.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 12:42 pm
by GingerFurball
Pleased for the Hulk.

Wonder if that opens the door for Werhlein to get a seat at Force India now?

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 12:51 pm
by Blinky McSquinty
I also agree that this is a logical and sensible career progression. He is leaving a team that appears to be perpetually doomed to never win titles, to another with great potential. Hulkenberg seems to be under-rated, IMO he puts together very good race weekends, and usually delivers to the maximum the car is capable of.

Renault took over a team that was turning to crap, and based on everything they have seen, improving on all fronts. The engine has gone from one that caused Red Bull to throw all their toys out of the pram for, to one that is very, very close to Mercedes in performance. With the new regulation changes for 2017, it is a big reset for all the teams, and it is not beyond reality to imagine Renault once again being at the sharp end.

It's a win-win for both Hulkenberg and Renault.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 1:33 pm
by hittheapex
Force India may go on to win races but I don't see them ever winning a title.

I see this as a no brainer for Hulkenberg. May have to take some pain for 2017 but long term it could come good. And even if it doesn't, he'll have a very nice pension sorted after the two years if the reported salary figures are true.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 1:37 pm
by moby
yip, there should be a "no brainer" option

FI have gone as far as they are lightly to, while Renault must improve to top 4.

Also, Renault have fingers in other pies FI are just FI.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 1:38 pm
by tootsie323
GingerFurball wrote:Pleased for the Hulk.

Wonder if that opens the door for Werhlein to get a seat at Force India now?
Somebody (don't know who!) did mention this, with Ocon to Renault.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 1:50 pm
by Mercedes-Benz
There should be more option for vote

In FI he was not getting podium I think his best has been P4. FI somehow always do well and now seems to beat Williams too. But they will never be able to compete with top3 with their kind of budget. I do not think Renault are going to beat Mclaren Honda or top3 team next year. They will probably fight Williams, FI, STR but Renault is worth a try. On the other hand if he does not get the results or pull up some big performance. This might be his last contract in F1. Like Heikki he might disappear after this stint x(

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 2:34 pm
by Lotus49
Pleased for Hulk, it's the right call. The chance to lead a manufacturers line up doesn't come around very often.

Perez has obviously put all his eggs in the Ferrari 2018 basket but I think that's a huge mistake with the drivers out of contract for 2018 and how young drivers like Verstappen,Sainz and Ocon have performed. Leclerk and Giovinazzi performing well may tempt Ferrari to follow suite, Giovinazzi may be extra tempting for Marchionne for obvious reasons. Then there's Kimi, if he's performing like he is this year and Seb is still in his corner they may just stay put.

Just got a horrible feeling Perez is going to regret turning Renault down.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 2:51 pm
by kleefton
Excellent move by Hulk. Honestly i was hoping alonso would make it back there and hopefully pull out of this mclaren fiasco. Renault will eventually get back to the top.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 2:58 pm
by Mercedes-Benz
kleefton wrote:Excellent move by Hulk. Honestly i was hoping alonso would make it back there and hopefully pull out of this mclaren fiasco. Renault will eventually get back to the top.
Renault are in horrible position with their engine as well as car. Last few races they are doing better but definitely Mclaren Honda will beat them next year as well. Due to James Allison and Kimi they enjoyed some success but it will take them time to get back to podium in coming years. My guess is they will be 5th best team at best. But still in FI there was not much future so not a bad idea to move on

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 3:28 pm
by kleefton
Mercedes-Benz wrote:
kleefton wrote:Excellent move by Hulk. Honestly i was hoping alonso would make it back there and hopefully pull out of this mclaren fiasco. Renault will eventually get back to the top.
Renault are in horrible position with their engine as well as car. Last few races they are doing better but definitely Mclaren Honda will beat them next year as well. Due to James Allison and Kimi they enjoyed some success but it will take them time to get back to podium in coming years. My guess is they will be 5th best team at best. But still in FI there was not much future so not a bad idea to move on
The renault engine has made some vast strides. It is still weaker than Ferrari and Mercedes, but chances are it will get even better next year, and Mercedes are finding out that it is getting awfully difficult to find extra performance from their engine. So the others are going to catch up. And the car that Renault had this year is really a Lotus car that was designed for a Mercedes power unit. That car had no chance to be successful. Next year's car is going to be a whole lot better. That is for sure.

And Renault definitely has resources comparable to Mclaren. Mclaren I just don't feel any confidence about. I feel like the team is going around in circles and putting too much of the blame on Honda. Meanwhile they have not produced an undoubtedly good chassis since 2012. If they somehow nail the next regulations I would be extremely shocked. So, I can't help but think that Mclaren is destined for the midfield in the not so distant future while Renault might actually join the battle at the top a lot earlier than anticipated.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 3:33 pm
by F1 MERCENARY
I disagree Mercedes-Benz.

Renault's engines appear MIGHTY Close to the Mercedes these days and you have to account for a great deal of their issues stemming from the car being designed around the Mercedes PU and them having to modify things quite a bit to use their PU. That increases the degree of difficulty a bit more than average. Just a few years ago those guys built HIGHLY competitive cars on shoestring budgets so imagine how much potential is there with the piles of cash now at their disposal. They are a SUPER talented team of engineers who are among the most capable in all of F1 and aren't afraid to try radical new ideas.

I'd Say Hulk made the wisest decision of ANY driver signing thus far for 2017. The question that now begs to be asked… Who will pair him? Magnussen, Palmer or someone else, and who will fill the seat he's vacating at Force India, and will it continue to be Force India for 2017?

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 3:35 pm
by kleefton
F1 MERCENARY wrote:I disagree Mercedes-Benz.

Renault's engines appear MIGHTY Close to the Mercedes these days and you have to account for a great deal of their issues stemming from the car being designed around the Mercedes PU and them having to modify things quite a bit to use their PU. That increases the degree of difficulty a bit more than average. Just a few years ago those guys built HIGHLY competitive cars on shoestring budgets so imagine how much potential is there with the piles of cash now at their disposal. They are a SUPER talented team of engineers who are among the most capable in all of F1 and aren't afraid to try radical new ideas.

I'd Say Hulk made the wisest decision of ANY driver signing thus far for 2017. The question that now begs to be asked… Who will pair him? Magnussen, Palmer or someone else, and who will fill the seat he's vacating at Force India, and will it continue to be Force India for 2017?
:thumbup:

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 3:40 pm
by UnlikeUday
F1 MERCENARY wrote:I disagree Mercedes-Benz.

Renault's engines appear MIGHTY Close to the Mercedes these days and you have to account for a great deal of their issues stemming from the car being designed around the Mercedes PU and them having to modify things quite a bit to use their PU. That increases the degree of difficulty a bit more than average. Just a few years ago those guys built HIGHLY competitive cars on shoestring budgets so imagine how much potential is there with the piles of cash now at their disposal. They are a SUPER talented team of engineers who are among the most capable in all of F1 and aren't afraid to try radical new ideas.

I'd Say Hulk made the wisest decision of ANY driver signing thus far for 2017. The question that now begs to be asked… Who will pair him? Magnussen, Palmer or someone else, and who will fill the seat he's vacating at Force India, and will it continue to be Force India for 2017?
And does Bottas get stuck with Williams or would he join Hulk at Renault?

I'm also excited to see who'll fill Hulk's shoes at Force India! Bottas is out of the picture here.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 4:00 pm
by mikeyg123
Mercedes-Benz wrote:
kleefton wrote:Excellent move by Hulk. Honestly i was hoping alonso would make it back there and hopefully pull out of this mclaren fiasco. Renault will eventually get back to the top.
Renault are in horrible position with their engine as well as car. Last few races they are doing better but definitely Mclaren Honda will beat them next year as well. Due to James Allison and Kimi they enjoyed some success but it will take them time to get back to podium in coming years. My guess is they will be 5th best team at best. But still in FI there was not much future so not a bad idea to move on
I very much doubt Hulk is basing his view on who will be better next season.

More like which is going to win a race first.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 6:38 pm
by Blinky McSquinty
Mercedes-Benz wrote:Renault are in horrible position with their engine as well as car. Last few races they are doing better but definitely Mclaren Honda will beat them next year as well. Due to James Allison and Kimi they enjoyed some success but it will take them time to get back to podium in coming years. My guess is they will be 5th best team at best. But still in FI there was not much future so not a bad idea to move on
In the last race, Japan, Renault engined cars finished second and third. In the previous race, Malaysia, Renault engined cars finished with a win and second. A team using Renault engines is a strong second on the manufacturer's standings.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 6:53 pm
by nixxxon
Only those two options? Where's the option "clever" ?

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 7:06 pm
by GingerFurball
Blinky McSquinty wrote:
Mercedes-Benz wrote:Renault are in horrible position with their engine as well as car. Last few races they are doing better but definitely Mclaren Honda will beat them next year as well. Due to James Allison and Kimi they enjoyed some success but it will take them time to get back to podium in coming years. My guess is they will be 5th best team at best. But still in FI there was not much future so not a bad idea to move on
In the last race, Japan, Renault engined cars finished second and third. In the previous race, Malaysia, Renault engined cars finished with a win and second. A team using Renault engines is a strong second on the manufacturer's standings.
When did Hamilton move to Red Bull?

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 7:29 pm
by moby
A quote from Palmer about Renault-

“I think there’s a big change going on at Enstone, we’ve got lots more people coming in. The number of staff, I think, it’s going to be a 100 more than there were at the start of the year."

Maybe Hulk has notices things like this.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 8:48 pm
by nixxxon
moby wrote:A quote from Palmer about Renault-

“I think there’s a big change going on at Enstone, we’ve got lots more people coming in
And him going out, he's the one going to be replaced by Hulk

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:47 pm
by justbeingmiko
It is a gamble, but not a huge one. With Force India he would have been on for a lucky win or a fortunate podium at best, never a championship run. Force India do punch above their weight, of that there is little doubt. But by their own admission, investment of around £200million is needed to take the next step.

Renault have a horrid car this year, but a will and a wallet big enough to make the step to championship contender - as long as the internal politics don't derail this.

For Hulk, the gamble is potential to win (Renault) or the potential to perform well enough to be picked up by a top tier team Force India). Not really a big decision I would say :)

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 7:55 am
by Amon
I'm very pleased for him. The guy should have had a win or a podium at least. It would be pretty sad for a guy with an impressive junior record to become the guy with most F1 races without ever getting on the podium. As much as I like Pierluigi Martini Hulk is defo better and he surely is a lot better than Sutil.

Who will be the one he replaces at Renault or will Renault go for a full new line-up again? While Palmer going out seems the logical move I wouldn't say Magnussen has impressed me that much either. They have lots of experience with Hulk coming in so maybe they can put Ocon in there too. Ocon will have some experience too from driving for Manor whereas Palmer had zero F1 racing experience before.

Finally some movement on the driver market!

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 6:29 pm
by Mercedes-Benz
Renault are still building the team like Mclaren Honda. Their engine is now better but have scored only 8points this year and will only be ahead of MRT and Saubers. https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2016/team.html Compared to 78points last year when they were Lotus and using Mercedes engine https://www.formula1.com/en/championshi ... dings.html

They were not prepared for 2015 I agree and things can change next year with new regulation :?: . But I doubt they can turnaround from bottom 3 to top top3 anytime soon.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 7:14 pm
by mikeyg123
Mercedes-Benz wrote:Renault are still building the team like Mclaren Honda. Their engine is now better but have scored only 8points this year and will only be ahead of MRT and Saubers. https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2016/team.html Compared to 78points last year when they were Lotus and using Mercedes engine https://www.formula1.com/en/championshi ... dings.html

They were not prepared for 2015 I agree and things can change next year with new regulation :?: . But I doubt they can turnaround from bottom 3 to top top3 anytime soon.
I reckon they will be regular podium contenders season after next.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2016 1:09 pm
by Randine
kleefton wrote:
Mercedes-Benz wrote:
kleefton wrote:Excellent move by Hulk. Honestly i was hoping alonso would make it back there and hopefully pull out of this mclaren fiasco. Renault will eventually get back to the top.
Renault are in horrible position with their engine as well as car. Last few races they are doing better but definitely Mclaren Honda will beat them next year as well. Due to James Allison and Kimi they enjoyed some success but it will take them time to get back to podium in coming years. My guess is they will be 5th best team at best. But still in FI there was not much future so not a bad idea to move on
The renault engine has made some vast strides. It is still weaker than Ferrari and Mercedes, but chances are it will get even better next year, and Mercedes are finding out that it is getting awfully difficult to find extra performance from their engine. So the others are going to catch up. And the car that Renault had this year is really a Lotus car that was designed for a Mercedes power unit. That car had no chance to be successful. Next year's car is going to be a whole lot better. That is for sure.

And Renault definitely has resources comparable to Mclaren. Mclaren I just don't feel any confidence about. I feel like the team is going around in circles and putting too much of the blame on Honda. Meanwhile they have not produced an undoubtedly good chassis since 2012. If they somehow nail the next regulations I would be extremely shocked. So, I can't help but think that Mclaren is destined for the midfield in the not so distant future while Renault might actually join the battle at the top a lot earlier than anticipated.
I think you are right about McLaren blaming Honda too much.
At least Renault have a benchmark in Red Bull. They see what their engine can achieve if the chassis is top class.
McLaren don't want Honda to share the engines with any other team and that is surely costing them in a few ways. Honda gets less data only running two cars, and McLaren don't have a chassis comparison.
Had they signed Sauber/Haas/Toro Rosso for 2016, I would think they would be further along than where they are now.

As for Hulk. This is a great move. If he stayed at FI in 2017 and got beaten by Perez again, there is no way he would get a top drive offer.
This might also cost Perez a top drive. Perez has had a great season and looks like he has matured into a pretty handy driver. However part of his strength comes from his ability to manage the tyres and get the most out of them. The switch to more performance based tyres in 2017 might erode a little of his advantage over a team mate. If he gets paired with Ocon or Werhlein and they come close or even beat Perez, his dreams of a top drive might go up in smoke too.

I think Hulk will do well with the new tyres. And a new change will surely give him motivation.

Renault sound like they want to get back to the front. And in that have signed a multi year deal with ILmor to consult on engine design. The big update is coming at the end of the year which should put them right up there with Ferrari and Merc.
And on the chassis side they realised very early on that 2016 was going to be a write off, so I predict they would have been working on the 2017 car from earlier than most teams.

One company that did a similar thing was Honda in 2008. Their car was bad so they started working on the 2009 car to make sure they got it right. Then the GFC hit, Honda pulled out, Brawn stepped in and they slapped a Merc engine in the back and it went on to win the title in 2009.
I don't think Renault have the resources to pull that off for 2017, however I do expect them to make a big step forward in 2017 and will probably be around 4th/5th in the constructors.

Red Bull have been impressed with what Renault have in the pipeline and decided to sign a 2 year contract extension and also bring Toro Rosso back to Renault engines for 2017 (& 2018).
If Renault engines do achieve parity or close to it with Merc and Ferrari, I think it will mean both Williams and Force India will both slip down the order.
The Toro Rosso chasssis looks pretty good at times, and with McLaren and Renault improving I am surprised (if rumours are true) that both Perez and Bottas passed on Renault for next year.
I think both will live to regret that decision...

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2016 2:08 pm
by Lotus49
Randine wrote:
kleefton wrote:
Mercedes-Benz wrote:
kleefton wrote:Excellent move by Hulk. Honestly i was hoping alonso would make it back there and hopefully pull out of this mclaren fiasco. Renault will eventually get back to the top.
Renault are in horrible position with their engine as well as car. Last few races they are doing better but definitely Mclaren Honda will beat them next year as well. Due to James Allison and Kimi they enjoyed some success but it will take them time to get back to podium in coming years. My guess is they will be 5th best team at best. But still in FI there was not much future so not a bad idea to move on
The renault engine has made some vast strides. It is still weaker than Ferrari and Mercedes, but chances are it will get even better next year, and Mercedes are finding out that it is getting awfully difficult to find extra performance from their engine. So the others are going to catch up. And the car that Renault had this year is really a Lotus car that was designed for a Mercedes power unit. That car had no chance to be successful. Next year's car is going to be a whole lot better. That is for sure.

And Renault definitely has resources comparable to Mclaren. Mclaren I just don't feel any confidence about. I feel like the team is going around in circles and putting too much of the blame on Honda. Meanwhile they have not produced an undoubtedly good chassis since 2012. If they somehow nail the next regulations I would be extremely shocked. So, I can't help but think that Mclaren is destined for the midfield in the not so distant future while Renault might actually join the battle at the top a lot earlier than anticipated.
I think you are right about McLaren blaming Honda too much.
At least Renault have a benchmark in Red Bull. They see what their engine can achieve if the chassis is top class.
McLaren don't want Honda to share the engines with any other team and that is surely costing them in a few ways. Honda gets less data only running two cars, and McLaren don't have a chassis comparison.
Had they signed Sauber/Haas/Toro Rosso for 2016, I would think they would be further along than where they are now.
McLaren said they would veto RB getting a Honda engine, just like Mercedes and Ferrari said they would. No-one else.

Haas only came in with a technical tie up with Ferrari and were getting a 2016 unit so that was never going to happen, Sauber had a 2016 Ferrari deal so again, never going to happen. And TR were never going to swap a race winning 15 unit that was going to be better than Renault's early 2016 unit for a 2015 Honda unit with a working ERS system. It's pure nonsense.

There was never, and still isn't, any interest in a Honda unit that even though has improved markedly is still a year behind and whose design is getting ripped up and started again this winter. (Funnily enough).

This myth McLaren have stopped Honda supplying teams other than a sham approach from Red Bull is never going to die it seems. Honda's own boss has said it's not ready to supply and there have been no approaches for 2017 either, probably teams like Sauber (who have been rumoured to be interested for 2018) wisely waiting to see how the reconfiguring of the 2017 Honda unit pans out when Honda introduce their pre combustion variant, move the mgu-h to where Mercedes have it and are able to take the turbo and compressor out of the vee of the engine and make it bigger and more comparable to it's rivals.

Then you might actually see some approaches from the likes of Sauber,TR etc..And if McLaren veto them I'll criticise them louder than anyone.

Re: Confirmed - Hulk to Renault! (See Ya Later)

Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2016 3:25 pm
by nixxxon
justbeingmiko wrote:It is a gamble, but not a huge one. With Force India he would have been on for a lucky win or a fortunate podium at best, never a championship run. Force India do punch above their weight, of that there is little doubt. But by their own admission, investment of around £200million is needed to take the next step.
I agree, Force India should not be that high in the near future, since the engine advantage will sooner or later disappear, and the official teams with far more resources (McHonda/Renault) should surpass them sooner or later.
Its nothing but a clever move for Hulk, and I think no gamble at all. Maybe he will not get any better results in the short term but surely its a good move for mid-long term.