Who the heck is Lewis Hamilton?

http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/en/head...22100125.shtml

One would think a McLaren ride would be reserved as a "step up" for a demonstrated F1 talent already on the grid. Hiring an F2 driver directly into a top tier F1 ride is another example of the falling fortunes of McLaren, IMO. If this story turns out to be true, I'm now starting to understand why Raikkonen wanted to leave.

The comment about Montoya is also interesting. On SPEED's coverage of the British GP, the commentators spread the rumor that Montoya had offered to drive at McLaren for FREE next year. But this report contradicts that.

Time will tell, as usual.

https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-benz-motorsports-racing/147604-lewis-hamilton-2nd-driver-mclaren-2007-a.html

I read an article on Hamilton by Peter Windsor. Windsor is the guy who asks the questions at most post-race press conferences and Speed's grid reporter, but he is a very notable F1 insider... for instance, he in the car with Frank Williams when they had the accident that left Sir Frank on a wheelchair. Anyway, Windsor thinks that Hamilton could very well be WDC in '08... he's that good. Ron Dennis has been working with him for many years now, sponsoring and shaping his career with the goal of bringing him into F1.

I'm skeptical of this. I'm going to what until I actually see the McLaren press release. Hamilton, in my opinion, would be an excellent addition. He is head and shoulders above the rest in his series. I would like to see Montoya stay with McLaren. Now that the pressure is on him, I'm looking for a brilliant performance at Montreal.

Ed

PS - yes I'm up late. Just drove from LA to San Fran. Whoa am I wired! I think I just paid for the Red Bull Party's Kegs at USGP.

Considering what they might have to pay for someone like Alonso, I don't think there's enough $ in the drivers' budget left over to pay for another established driver.

Hence the departure of Montoya (following "team's insistence that he accept a hefty pay cut") and the recruitment of a newbie.

I really really doubt JPM would offer to drive for free. Generally speaking these drivers like to match the size of their paychecks with the size of their egos. Look at the premature demise of JV.

You can never really tell beforehand... for example, what were Kimi and Alonso's credentials before they got their current positions?

Some observers felt it was Nick Heidfeld who should have been recruited by McLaren before Mika's retirement, having outscored his teammate Kimi that season.

Ron Dennis picked Kimi presumably on some sort of hunch and presumably on Mika's recommendation. Depending on whether you view the glass as half full or half empty, you could argue Ron unearthed an excellent young driver but then again has he ever threatened to win a championship?

Like I said, you never really know. Zanardi and JPM came in with great credentials. What happened to them? I'm not sure what credentials Button came in with, but his 1st season at Williams was probably as good as 1st seasons generally go.

i think it would be smart to put Hamilton in a lower team for a year to get some experience in F1.. F1 is much different that GP2 and he will be in for a big surprise when it comes time for him to race.... rookies dont win world championships

and anyway.. i'm almost 100% convinced that Kimi is gonna be with Ferrari come next year.. he seems to get along very well with schumi

The ink I read in last month's F1 Racing indicated MS was doing everything he could to keep Kimi out...

We'll see, I suppose....when an official annoucement is made.

Interesting. Times have changed. If the old Commandatore were still alive, it would be a no-brainer... he would gleefully recruit Kimi, just to see the two of them fight it out... Ferrari loved to pit his drivers against each other.