Sauber has not always been a backmarker, with proper funding and the money of Honda behind them, it will take the pressure off Honda, and who knows, maybe they can figure out what's missing and fix it. It would be fun to see Sauber in the front again, just for a change. But I share the other's lack of optimism....I don't understand what's been going on with Honda the last three years and why they can't get up to speed. watching that last video - when they switched to Alonso's on-board cam - it was almost like he hit a limiter or something going down that straight. The car accelerated just fine, but 2/3 down the straight it was almost like he just stopped accelerating and simply cruised to the corner. I seriously doubt he would do that......
Now that McLaren appear to be planning to jump ship on the Honda engine, I'm starting to wonder whether the rest of the car is any better. You can't really develop for higher speeds if you can't get to them. On the other hand, if the only thing the Honda engine is missing (other than reliability ) is at the top end then they've probably had all the opportunity they need. I guess I haven't paid enough attention, have they been good elsewhere and only losing out on the straights?
Alonso was asked about the car & he said the chassis was great. Engine swaps in an F1 car are not easy. The car is built around the lump & it is a sure bet the Benz lump isn't the same shape. Big Mac will have their work cut out for them. I wish them luck.
Read that the MB motor is much closer in size to the Honda than say the Renault motor. Also agree that with more power the McLaren chassis may need tweaking a bit too... That said, I truly believe that the McLaren with MB power would not only give them reliability but would push Alonso much closer to the sharp end of the field. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Part of it may be that the Honda engine was designed with Exxon fuel in mind, and there was a late switch to BP when McLaren switched sponsors. http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/f1/hondas-f1-troubles-explained/
Looks like a seat might be open soon. Renault F1 admits Palmer’s days are numbered, so who would replace him? (jamesallenonf1.com) Full article here: https://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2017/06/renault-f1-admits-palmers-days-are-numbered-so-who-would-replace-him/
The phone rings in the Alonso household, it's Cyril Abiteboul calling. "Hello, Mrs. Alonso. May I speak to Fernando, please?"
I've been saying that for a while now, Alonso needs Renault, and they need him. Good match all around.
Another track where the McHondas could conceivably finish better than last! Looking forward to this race, I love seeing them run between all those old buildings.
Somehow it's been a good track, especially through the old town. But even on the rest of the track, most of the passes are at the corners, and not due to DRS.
Wait, I was thinking of its first year, which was good. Last year was dull, iirc. Maybe having a good Ferrari Merc fight will spice it up again.