planetf1.com

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:39 am**

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/new ... um=twitter

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh believes Lewis Hamilton is already having regrets over his move to Mercedes next season.

Whitmarsh concedes he still does "not fully understand" why Hamilton opted to quit McLaren after 14 years and join a team that has won just one race since returning to the sport three years ago.

He appreciates Hamilton's desire to "flee the nest" after 14 years but feels it might have been a knee-jerk reaction to a bad result in Singapore, a race he would probably have won but for a technical failure.

"It is always bad to make a decision in the aftermath of a bad race," Whitmarsh said. "He was pretty sure he was going to win that race and it (the retirement) was a disappointment.

"I respect his decision, but I believe he would be better off with us; we are the stronger team and we intend to beat him next year.

"You have to justify your decision. He is not going to say 'Hey, they offered me more money'. He is also not going to say he's made an awful mistake. I hope he thinks today he's made an awful mistake and I hope he thinks that next year.

"He's made that decision and he has to live with that decision.

"Right now we still want to win races. We are motivated by that and our conversation circles around that. Maybe he is completely dispassionate about it, but my guess is we both will have very emotional moments in Brazil.

"I have known him since he was 11 and worked with him since his teens and I know we will both be very emotional after Brazil. We have had one or two emotional moments since the decision was taken and I believe, but you must ask him, that we have a very good relationship."

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:43 am**

How bloody dare he!

Seriously though he's entitled to his opinion and being part of the situation his opinion will carry more weight than anyone's on here.

He also says Lewis would need to answer that quite a few times in the full interview.

http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews ... 14037.html

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:44 am**

"He is also not going to say he's made an awful mistake. I hope he thinks today he's made an awful mistake and I hope he thinks that next year"

I'm speechless...

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:45 am**

The only mistake he did was to make Button no.1 in Mclaren and not backing their faster and star driver. And also fix their reliability issues.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:45 am**

My spidey sense is tingling...

Please for the love of GOD don't take this clown back!! I'm salivating at the thought of Merc floundering "With the monkeys at the back" in 2013

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:46 am**

Whats that phrase called? Where he regrets it but he wants the other guy to know he wants him back? I forgot that word.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:47 am**

Whitmarsh alienating Perez some more before he's even joined, and publicly wishing his current workmate of 14 years all the worst for his future.

What a clever man

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:52 am**

Can see Lewis getting a bit upset by some of that, may see it as Whitmarsh trying to destabilise his position within Merc already.

I think the move may be the making of Lewis and think he will do surprisingly well next year, his time at McLaren has become repetitive and stale.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:56 am**

viariani wrote:My spidey sense is tingling... Please for the love of GOD don't take this clown back!! I'm salivating at the thought of Merc floundering "With the monkeys at the back" in 2013

I find it quite amazing that anyone could be that sad to spend any time at all on such a thought.

Bit of a strange comment from Whitmarsh. I'm not sure it's meant quite as harshly as it sounds. MW often ends up saying things that sound much worse than he intended IMO.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:56 am**

Seems a bit ridiculous to say "I hope he regrets his decision" and "I hope he realises he's made an awful mistake" etc, when in the last race your car failed him.

I didn't have any problems with Whitmarsh at all, and though the whole Hamilton moving to Merc thing was very amicable and well handled by both camps, but Whitmarsh has really let the ball drop here, he sounds bitter and resentful. Its not like McLaren haven't made mistakes this year, or any year. I'm sure he doesn't begrudge Mercedes having aspirations to climb the grid, regardless of this year's woes. Hamilton wanted to move on, if he does come to regret it, that's for him to decide, not for Whitmarsh to assume and hope for.

I actually hope Hamilton finishes ahead of the McLaren drivers next year, if only for these comments. I hope the Hamilton-Rosberg-Mercedes team flourishes.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:58 am**

The quotations on the OP do seem to mislead some what on the actual context

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:00 pm**

yes it is a bit odd to go so far to say "I hope he regrets"....I suppose he is a little bitter about it...watching the previous GP I tried to image McLaren without Lewis and just with Button and Perez - and it feels like they will be a much more mediocre team...

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:02 pm**

FormulaFun wrote:Whitmarsh alienating Perez some more before he's even joined, and publicly wishing his current workmate of 14 years all the worst for his future.

What a clever man

Yup, he seems to be messing McLaren up quite badly as manager, very poor job from him so far and that looks set to continue.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:02 pm**

I'm not a Lewis fan, far from it. He, like many other drivers have their few moments where they show their personality and I decide that they're not all that bad. Having said that, I'm so excited to see how Hamilton goes in the Merc next year. He's going to put on a show and it will most definitely add to the season.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:02 pm**

SilverstoneRegular wrote:The quotations on the OP do seem to mislead some what on the actual context

I read the article on F1.com and I don't think any of it seems to be misleading. Which bit were you referring to?

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:03 pm**

SilverstoneRegular wrote:The quotations on the OP do seem to mislead some what on the actual context

I got it from skysports web. Didnt change anything in there.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:05 pm**

This is unbelievable...at the moment it looks like Lewis is bringing about 3 tenths to half a second to that car beyond what Button is doing, now lets take Button as being what the car is capable of in someone else's hands, If Lewis takes that time to the Merc next season then the Maccas will be behind him, I think what Whitmarsh is really saying is McLaren really regret not signing him and its fecked their strategy for the next few years.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:07 pm**

Ev0lutionz wrote:
SilverstoneRegular wrote:The quotations on the OP do seem to mislead some what on the actual context

I got it from skysports web. Didnt change anything in there.

I know, I didn't mean you sorry. I was referring to the context you get from the actual interview rather than sensationalist media reporting

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:08 pm**

I think what perplexes me most is the timing of the statement, with two races to go, after Hamilton has given them everything he's got following the Merc announcement. He's practically proven/said how much McLaren means to him and that he wants a new challenge, he wants to try and build a team around him, like Button has done/is doing so well in McLaren, Alonso in Ferrari etc.

I wonder if it's more a case of "I hope Lewis struggles next year so we don't look bad."

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:09 pm**

It's funny how he says it just as Hamilton was set for winning the last race, this is a nice way to try destroy ones confidence into the next race, he's suppose to support and back drivers to get the best possible results for the team while they are on the team, regardless if they are leaving or not.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:14 pm**

I'm not sure right now that Lewis will regret the move. Mclaren still keep giving him a car that is fast but can't finish races.

I think that's why he chose to move on. And as for next year, Lewis may struggle and Mclaren might beat him, but I think the ultimate focus is on Merc building a brilliant car from 2014. I think Lewis is hoping they will give him a great car with which he can take an early WDC in the new regs, and build from there.

Mclaren will not be looking too much at 2014 yet, as they are all about the now and all about chasing the next race win. Therefore, they will be looking at building a fast 2013 car first, and worry about 2014 later.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:14 pm**

Perhaps Whitmarsh would have been better off leaving some of those comments to himself until Jan the 1st. Publically, assuming the article is accurate of course, saying you hope your current employee, one you've worked with for the last 6 seasons, fails in his job next season just because you are angry he moved isn't the best idea Martin has ever had. Things are going to be even more tetchy and uncomfortable there for the next two races.

If Lewis had said "I hope McLaren fail next year to help justify my move" he'd have been torn apart and we all know I'm not Lewis fan.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:19 pm**

An not surprised its plain to see. I can see him going Mercedes, then Williams. Then someone like HRT but at least he will be able to keep his trophies.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:21 pm**

A2jdl wrote:An not surprised its plain to see. I can see him going Mercedes, then Williams. Then someone like HRT but at least he will be able to keep his trophies.

You must be proud of that comment!

Lewis is a top racer with incredible speed, he will not slip down the grid. If the Merc thing doesn't work out he will move to a front running team after that.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:24 pm**

It was obviously a tongue in cheek comment.

I found it to be quite humorous.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:37 pm**

SilverstoneRegular wrote:
A2jdl wrote:An not surprised its plain to see. I can see him going Mercedes, then Williams. Then someone like HRT but at least he will be able to keep his trophies.
You must be proud of that comment!

Lewis is a top racer with incredible speed, he will not slip down the grid. If the Merc thing doesn't work out he will move to a front running team after that.

Yeah was only messing. I just think he is gettin to big for his boots and he will regret the move.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:39 pm**

I'm really struggling to understand MW's motive for saying some of these things, particularly;

""I hope he thinks today that he's made an awful mistake and I hope he thinks that next year. He's made that decision and he has to live with that decision."

That just comes across as incredibly bitter and is frankly a stupid thing to say publicly. Hamilton at least seems to be trying to leave McLaren with some dignity.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:42 pm**

"It is always bad to make a decision in the aftermath of a bad race," That would not have left Lewis with much time to make decisions about his future this year given the number of technical and team problems he has had this year.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:44 pm**

I was waiting to see how long it took for this thread to appear.

Of course he's going to say he's made the wrong decision. I'm pretty sure Flav said the same about Schui in '95.

Of course he's going to say he'd be better of with us. If he's better with Merc that means Merc is beating McLaren and I'm sure thats something NO McLaren Employee wants.

the full Q&A

http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews ... 14037.html

The media try to create entertainment from our faux pas.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:49 pm**

Hmm, I've re-read the article a couple of times and I can't see what the fuss is all about. He's basically saying McLaren is a better team than Mercedes and Lewis will regret changing down. And objectively speaking he's not far wrong. I really can't see how that is insulting to Perez or how it can be interpreted as an attempt to de-stabalise Lewis. Some people read way too much into things

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:50 pm**

A2jdl wrote:
SilverstoneRegular wrote:
A2jdl wrote:An not surprised its plain to see. I can see him going Mercedes, then Williams. Then someone like HRT but at least he will be able to keep his trophies.
You must be proud of that comment!

Lewis is a top racer with incredible speed, he will not slip down the grid. If the Merc thing doesn't work out he will move to a front running team after that.
Yeah was only messing. I just think he is gettin to big for his boots and he will regret the move.

Ah ok

Sorry!

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:51 pm**

Johnston wrote:I was waiting to see how long it took for this thread to appear.

Of course he's going to say he's made the wrong decision. I'm pretty sure Flav said the same about Schui in '95.

Of course he's going to say he'd be better of with us. If he's better with Merc that means Merc is beating McLaren and I'm sure thats something NO McLaren Employee wants.

the full Q&A

http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews ... 14037.html

The media try to create entertainment from our faux pas.

unnerving. Maybe we should co-ordinate in future

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:51 pm**

I'm gutted Lewis is leaving McLaren and I'm sure Lewis has had the odd doubt but I honestly think this will improve him as a driver (eventhough there is not much to improve). Alonso is a great example of this.

OOOOOHHHHH YEEEAHHHH

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:55 pm**

I think the majority of the comments are fair from Whitmarsh, its the "I hope he regrets it next year" just sounds so bitter. Re reading the article, everything else is very fair. That's my biggest beef with the article

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:57 pm**

Not sure what is wrong in what whitmarsh is saying.What else could have said? That lewis won't regret leaving mclaren. That mercedes will probably build the better car.
Hamilton was the one responsible for alienating himself within the mclaren team with his silly tweets. There is simply no reason for whitmarsh to be nice to an employee who is leaving.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:00 pm**

I think if Hamilton beats Rosberg he can again enchance his own reputation it must be said. But maybe not add to his WDCs. That would appear to be the problem.

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:03 pm**

jammin78 wrote:I think the majority of the comments are fair from Whitmarsh, its the "I hope he regrets it next year" just sounds so bitter. Re reading the article, everything else is very fair. That's my biggest beef with the article

I agree he could have phrased that better, but judging by the tone of the rest of the article I doubt it's a dig. He probably meant something more on the lines of hoping Lewis misses McLaren and realises his mistake in leaving, perhaps with a view to returning. They have an exceptionally long history together, don't forget.

Martin's a commensurate politician. It's highly doubtful he would intentionally launch a public attack on Lewis in the way people seem to think

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:06 pm**

A2jdl wrote:An not surprised its plain to see. I can see him going Mercedes, then Williams. Then someone like HRT but at least he will be able to keep his trophies.

The lower order teams couldn't foot the bill for the constant repairs, everything this guy touches breaks down

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:07 pm**

PzR Slim wrote:
viariani wrote:My spidey sense is tingling... Please for the love of GOD don't take this clown back!! I'm salivating at the thought of Merc floundering "With the monkeys at the back" in 2013!!
I find it quite amazing that anyone could be that sad to spend any time at all on such a thought.

Bit of a strange comment from Whitmarsh. I'm not sure it's meant quite as harshly as it sounds. MW often ends up saying things that sound much worse than he intended IMO.

Haha, find it as sad as you like sunbeam, roll on 2013

Posted: **Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:07 pm**

What's he supposed to say. I hope he goes and wins 3 WDCs and WCCs. I'm sure his bosses would love their team principle saying they he hopes another team beats them.

Could you imagine Horner coming out and saying "Well yeah I hope Seb goes to Ferrari and beats us" ?

Odd no one has picked up onthis yet.

We made Lewis an offer - an offer, which I believe is more money than any other driver at the moment is being paid. That leads us to suspect that our competitor and our partner Mercedes-Benz offered a bit more money. I don’t know that, but I think for Lewis made his decision. I am disappointed in one sense, but you have to focus on going forward.

planetf1.com

Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes

Re: Whitmarsh: Hamilton 'regrets' move to Mercedes