Villadelprat: "McLaren's Honda decision hasty"

Maybe, maybe not. Its hard to tell. But remember that Honda already made huge reorganizations mid-partnership, when Arai was replaced with Hasegawa, who then proceeded with massrecruiting to the Sakura base.

There are of course suggestions that McLaren placed a lot of restrictions on Honda that contributed greatly to the problems they had. And the McLaren gearbox was reportedly the source of all the vibrations (which explains why Honda saw no vibrations on their dyno).

You can see lots of things in car that you wont see on the dyno. But Im sure McLaren wasnt innocent. At least not during 2015.

If Wolff is to be trusted (and mostly that seems to be the case... as far as you can trust a businessman), Mercedes did offer McLaren a deal for 2018, but McLaren dragged on time, and the deal was off. So McLaren pretty much shot themselves in the foot.

I honestly believe that was a load of crap from Wolff.

Yes, I don't believe that for a second. Toto and Laura were pretty clear about it several times. There was no interest whatsoever. Even more unbelievable is to think that McLaren would have dragged their feet to get a Mercedes engine

Well, I trust Laura as far as I can throw her, and that aint far (I mean Im skinny as fudge, I aint throwing anything anywhere). And I have a hard time trusting that in general. But it wouldnt surprise me if it was true. I mean it would be such a McLaren thing to do, do get a proposal from Mercedes only to waste the chance.

We need more independent engine suppliers to F1. The likes of Mercedes and Ferrari have too much power now, they can pretty much govern whom they want to give more power. Heck, even Renault have a certain degree of that power. Intentional or not, them not providing TR with enough spares at the end of last year did limit how hard TR could push. F1 cant thrive with suppliers being able to excert that kind of power.

It is too early, but thats media for you. But if you think this is hating, lord knows you should stay away from the toxic wastes of 9Gag and the saltmines of League of Legends. Those places are dark and full or terrors. No, this isnt hate, but its the usual media speculations along with lots of people tired of McLaren's constant talking but very little walking. Contrary to what many say, I actually find the criticism McLaren now get necessary. If you overpromise, thats the sorta treatment you will get.

@calle I was referring to Villadelprat's comments. As far as I remember you are a McLaren fan. Albeit a very disappointed and angry one (aren't we all at this point). I just get incensed by someone drawing definitive conclusions from a test that was anything but conclusive. Between cold weather, tyre differentials I think the only definitive (and obvious) conclusion was that Mercedes has a very good car again. Can't wait for this week though, should be MUCH more interesting and representative.

I am indeed a very disappointed McLaren fan. Im not sure how much more representative this week will be, but we will certainly get more material to draw further potentially unrealistic conclusions. Testing in general is a very poor reference for where things will be. But as you say, its safe to say that Mercedes will be able to shout UNLIMITED POWAAAH (!!!) again this year.

Fellas, let's show a little optimism here. You say it's only testing and no conclusions can be drawn, yet I sense an undertone stating that McLaren will not fight with the big boys. But what if conclusions can be drawn from this test (kindly disregard all your logical come backs now, remember optimism). I say McLaren will mix it up with the top three this year, and we'll have a top four. Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren will win races and make it Mercedes most difficult season since the start of the new PU era.