Horner predicts 'weaker' McLaren without Lewis Hamilton

  • Published on 28 Nov 2012 10:28
  • comments 0
  • By: Rob Veenstra
Christian Horner, the boss of the triple constructors' champions Red Bull, thinks he will be facing a "weaker" rival in the form of McLaren next year. "McLaren are a weaker team without Lewis (Hamilton)," he is quoted by British newspapers this week. "I think they would admit that." By the same token, he said the 2008 world champion and Briton will undoubtedly strengthen Hamilton's new team, Mercedes.

Many, however, believe the balance of power will not shift dramatically in 2013, due to the essentially stable regulations and the fact many teams will be arguably more focused on the dramatic changes for the year after. "I fear that Red Bull has already won the 2013 title to a factor of 49 per cent," Jaime Alguersuari, a former Toro Rosso driver and 2012 Pirelli tester, told the Spanish newspaper AS.

But while Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel won the 2012 titles ahead of Ferrari, McLaren is also strong already. "We'll be starting (2013) with this car," Interlagos winner Jenson Button said, "and there are no regulation changes, so it is a great way to end the season."

As for Horner's comments about Hamilton weakening McLaren, Button is quoted by the Independent: "Mercedes are getting a very quick driver. He is going to help them, but they have a big job on their hands." (GMM)

Order your Formula 1 merchandise here!

Replies (0)

Login to reply

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 23:02

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 23:02

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team McLaren
  • Points 37
  • Podiums 0
  • Grand Prix 41
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 19 1980 (45)
  • Place of b. Frome, Somerset, GB
  • Weight 72 kg
  • Length 1.82 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar