sandman1347 wrote:Zoue wrote:sandman1347 wrote:Step 1: Bring in new leadership
Step 2: Acquire additional sponsorship (they will never return to the front with their current budget)
Step 3: Allow Alonso to move on (he's the guy you get when you're ready to fight for a title; not when you are trying to build up to that point)
Step 4: Formulate a long-term strategy that features a plan to regain works team status and that focuses on capitalizing on the 2021 regs overhaul
Do all of this and they might make it. If they are still nowhere in 2021, you will never again see McLaren as a top team.
I think 2 and 3 have the potential to conflict. Alonso brings the team headlines and sponsors might be keen to see some of that. I think there are benefits to keeping Alonso, both for that and the fact that without him McLaren would likely sink even lower in the WCC rankings, which in turns loses money. Otherwise plan seems sound, depending of course on whether new manufacturers contemplate entering the sport after the new regs are finalised
You make a good point but you also have to consider the cost side of Alonso. He's one of the three highest paid drivers in F1 (along with Hamilton and Vettel). I'm not sure how much additional sponsorship he brings to the team but it would have to greatly offset that cost to be worth it. As you mentioned earlier in the thread, McLaren have left a lot of money on the table in their negotiations with potential sponsors. They need to swallow their pride and fill up that chassis with logos already.
Mostly I just think that moving on from Alonso creates an organization that has congruence with itself; where all stakeholders are properly aligned. Patience and a long-term focus is where they need to be right now. The sense of urgency that comes with the constant "when will you give Alonso a great car" narrative is not actually what they need at the moment.
Agree!
This team needs a "fresh start", maybe Eric was able to secure the McLeren job due to the resuls Lotus was able to get, but it begs the question of what was Eric real contribution to that, I just never rated him well, something missing.
Now that Eric is gone and well aware of all the positives Alonso brings, I will put some presaure on Alonso to shut him up, stop talking or leave. Sometimes it seems Alonso has this tean hostage, everybody in fear of what will be his next radio outburst, justified or not and that helps bring down team morale. Alonso wants to always make the team "his team" by using what he says as ammunition.
I think Alonso needs to leave, for his and the teams sake, let him go to WEC, sort the car out and Stoff will get better and a new driver with new perspective and attitude will also produce points. The net effect on championship points might be +0 with both drivers sharing the load with a better car and Alonso out, but the team will be in a better place to improve
Im not saying Alonso is the cause and not having him might be a negative at first, but in the long run it will be the best thing to do. The team does not need this Alonso pressure right now.