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Mclaren Taking Its Time

The past Formula One season has been a roller coaster ride for the Wokingbased McLaren team. At the start of the season they have been dominated by Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix. But rookie Lewis Hamilton showed the world that McLaren is still one of the top teams in the sport.

But Hamilton’s popularity and success did not go well with his double world champion Fernando Alonso who kept complaining all season long that he should be given the advantage over the rookie. And after the dust has settled and Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari was declared this season’s champion McLaren announced that Alonso will no longer be driving for them next season.

After the departure of the doubleworld time champion much melee regarding the drivers has erupted. But McLaren announced that they will be taking their time in naming their new driver for the 2008 season.

Martin Whitmarsh the team’s Chief Executive said: “Until the second McLaren drive is sorted out I don’t think you’ll see much movement in the driver market so we’re not really hurried.” Although there have been no reports as to who the team is favoring right now one driver will not be included on the list.

Ralf Schumacher who left Toyota after the season is said to have expressed his interest in joining McLaren a team which has been the foremost rival of Ferrari his brother’s longtime home in Formula One. Dennis reportedly told Schumacher’s manger that Ralf will not be on the list of drivers to be considered by the team.

Whitmarsh also said that there have been a number of drivers who have contacted them but they still have an outstanding contract with other teams. “Obviously there are some drivers who’ve approached us who are contracted elsewhere and we’ve had to say we can’t talk to them unless they can prove they are free to negotiate” said Whitmarsh.

Meanwhile Hamilton named three drivers who may be on the top of the list and they are Nico Rosberg Adrian Sutil and Heikki Kovalainen. But he added that he will stand by the decision of his team. “I’m really not bothered who I am racing with’ said Hamilton. “It’s another team decision and I stick by them whoever they choose. I’m very happy I’ve got one seat. I get to stay and do what I love doing.”

Hamilton and Alonso both drove the MP422 this year with an engine supplied by MercedesBenz the manufacturers of durable Mercedes 300SD radiators. Hamilton said that he wishes his former teammate the best in his career. “I wish Fernando the best for the future and really hope wherever he goes he is successful” said Hamilton. “But I’m going to be there competing against him and I look forward to the battle. I welcome whoever is going to be with us and look forward to the challenge. I hope they work as hard as me to take the team to the championship” he concluded.

About the writer: Anthony Fontanelle is a 35yearold automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.