How do you think the two teams and drivers will perform against each other next season?
I predict that Hamilton will win at least 3 races and outscore Jenson Button. I also predict that Mercedes will outscore McLaren.
This year the Mercedes car has not been as bad as the results of the two drivers indicate. The car has been capable of and on average achieved qualifying 5th on the grid and finishing the race in 5th position. The development of their car has been hampered by the fact that they are upgrading their wind tunnel. Lately, they seem to have written off any further 2012 development.
In terms of getting the car into Q3 we must look at the driver performances excluding penalties.
The Ferrari has failed to make it into Q3 on 11 occasions (9 FM).
McLaren 3 times (all JB)
Mercedes 12 (7 MS)
Red Bull 5 (4 MW)
2013 – Mercedes v. McLaren Predictions
posted on 13/11/12
A very bold prediction to make about them winning 3 races but I'm not so sure. The car is certainly not as bad as has been made out and MS has had horrible luck because China was going to be a 1-2 and they would have won in Monaco as well.
I think they will have a much better package next year and I would wager they'll get a couple of excellent results. I also do not think they will outscore Mclaren.
If they can sort out their tyre degradation issue, they may be the Lotus of next year.
They certainly have the personnel now to go for it.
posted on 13/11/12
I'm with Daredevil here.
Mercedes will definitely be there or thereabouts next year, but I'm not sure they'll be right up at the front.
They'll definitely take some podiums, maybe even the odd win, but I think Lewis was right to write off any championship hopes next year. 2014 on the other hand...
As for McLaren, I think losing some of their budget to fork out for engines may hurt them a bit, but as long as they can sort out reliability, they might just give Red Bull something to worry about. Button's proven his worth in a competitive car and I am really excited about what Perez can deliver.
posted on 14/11/12
McLaren operate somewhere around the £300m pa level, so I doubt £8m pa is much of an issue.
As for how competitive Mercedes will be next year, I think the difference Lewis makes will pretty much be the only change. Maybe he will win a couple of races but they wont challenge Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren for the titles.