"tomtom615" (tomtom615)
02/18/2014 at 11:24 • Filed to: F2014, F1 preview
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"tomtom615" (tomtom615)
02/18/2014 at 11:24 • Filed to: F2014, F1 preview | 4
| 7 |
For the next couple weeks, I'm gonna put out a preview for every F1 team for the 2014 season. I will try and be consistent and do it every weekday at 11:00 AM, but I know I'm lazy and may not get it every day, but I try!
The Team:
McLaren Mercedes
Origins:
None! McLaren is the second oldest team currently in F1 (behind Ferrari), and the closest thing to an origin is Bruce's relationship with the Cooper team. McLaren's first logo is cool, so I'll post it.
Team History:
Before doing anything else, if you haven't yet, watch Senna and Rush . Okay, not you know a couple of the team's big stories and a bit about their past. McLaren was founded in 1966 and won their first race in 1968. Since then they have 8 Constructor's Championships, 12 Driver's Championships, 182 wins, and 155 poles. Their driver history reads like a list of F1 royalty. If I could really tell you the true history of McLaren we would both be here all day.
The Car:
MP4-29 is Mercedes powered for 2014, but swaps over to Honda in 2015. I expect a more lively white and orange livery when that happens, but we are stuck with silver for now.
Is the Nose a Gentleman's Sausage?
Yes, with a hole on the end of it.
The Drivers:
Jenson Button (World Champion 2009) : Jenson Button may be the happiest driver in the pit this year with the departure of Perez from McLaren. Button is a veteran of F1, driving since 2000 and has been with McLaren since 2010. He has 15 wins, and one world championship coming with (my favorite team ever) Brawn GP in 2009.
Kevin Magnussen: It is hard to find a lot of info on this guy, but he is a rookie being brought up from Formula 3.5 Renault, where he won last year's championship.
The Sponsors:
Mobil 1, SAP, Santander, and Hugo Boss are secondaries with no primary sponsor. McLaren stresses that despite the lack of a title sponsor, their budget is one of their highest due to good investment of prior sponsor money...... I kinda doubt this.
Why You Would Like This Team:
McLaren is the Boston Red Sox of F1, they like to act like the little guy, but have a high budget and a history of success and relevance. However, due to their rich history they are very likable and have one of the largest fan bases in F1.
Also Senna
My Expectations:
2013 was a bit of a hard year for McLaren and I'm not sure how they will bounce back in 2014. With the departure of Vodafone, they lose a cash flow, and I doubt Mercedes will help them much either, since McLaren moves to Honda in 2015. I figure McLaren will compete with Force India for 5th in the standings, but surge in 2015 to compete again with Ferrari and Red Bull
Goshen, formerly Darkcode
> tomtom615
02/18/2014 at 11:28 |
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Judging by the test season McLaren is on to a good season this year. At least a good first half - whether FIA will or not bitch about their suspension will influence the rest.
JeffFurbs
> tomtom615
02/18/2014 at 11:47 |
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I just started watching F1 last year with the exception of a a few races the year before that. I like Jensen and have heard he's great in rain conditions. I have not had the pleasure of seeing rain races yet but would like to so I can see Jensen's supposed prowess.
Either way I'd love to see him win a few!
André - Volvo4Life
> tomtom615
02/18/2014 at 11:54 |
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Jens o n Button.
Good article!! McLaren certainly have upped their game this year it seems.
Also, noteworthy fact, Kevin is the son of former F1 driver Jan Magnussenn. And people say Kevin is ridiculously quick.
Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
> tomtom615
02/18/2014 at 11:55 |
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I'd love to see McLaren back at the top end this year just to add a bit more intrigue in the fight for podium places.
I think we'd all agree we'd like to see Jenson get a win for his Dad.
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tomtom615
> André - Volvo4Life
02/18/2014 at 12:09 |
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Thanks for the correction!
McLarry
> tomtom615
02/18/2014 at 12:26 |
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Were things between Jenson and Perez that bad? Might explain why they dropped him after only one season...
Simplify, then add beer
> tomtom615
02/18/2014 at 18:23 |
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Totally agree with Button & Brawn GP in 2009. That first Melbourne race was amazing. Heard a rumour that he dragged his then girlfriend into an office for a boink right after the post race interviews