F1 2015 - F1

Speaking of trophies, this is reportedly Merc's haul from 2015.

 

I read speculation today it's possible McLaren's delay is caused by Alonso. Perhaps his deal isn't entirely done (a possible opt-out clause cited) and, because the Honda power unit's debut was underwhelming, to say the least, he may think his best option at this stage is a break from F1 to take a shot at Le Mans.



Whatever the reality behind the delay, I can't help thinking the driver on the steepest emotional roller coaster has to be Magnussen. He doesn't have the track record or other credentials of his competition so he probably has fewer last minute fall-back options for 2015 if he's dropped. On the other hand, it must feel good to think that even though he's a first year F1 rookie McLaren can't decide whether he's potentially a better option than a couple F1 Champions.

 

I know we've been told there is wording in regs or other contract(s) about teams being either required or asked to field three cars if the grid drops below some number or other. But I wonder whether teams have the option of doing it on their own just because they want to.

Probably not, but you never really know about these things until some team of lawyers digs in with the intent to look for a specific loophole. In fact I read recently that, despite what the media have reported over the last year or so, the FIA's lawyers (I think) determined teams aren't legally required to run third cars regardless of the field size. I think that minimum field number only shows up in Bernie's contracts with venues. As in, Bernie's obligation is to bring at least X cars to the track or he's technically in breach of contract.

Anyway, I don't expect McLaren or anyone else to decide to run a third car on their own, just wondering whether it's an option. I don't think they would get points for the third car so there's no direct benefit in terms of the constructor's championship, but Honda wants a strong first season and I suppose they could be interested in running another car to increase their data gathering. Like I said, I don't expect it to happen, just wondering whether it's an option.