Immediately, the question arose regarding the driver that would be replacing Hamilton. With Red Bull already having announced their 2013 driver line-up earlier in the season and with Fernando Alonso securely positioned at Ferarri, eyes turned to the young drivers of the sport.
It was later confirmed that Sergio Perez, the young 22 year old Mexican, would fill the spare seat at McLaren, on a multi-year deal. Perez has impressed those amongst the paddock, including the McLaren team, managing to receive multiple podiums and points in only his second season driving in the sport. Although on the surface this does not seem as great as an achievement as the likes of Lewis Hamilton in his rookie and second year of competitive racing at Formula One level, you have to consider the fact that Perez is currently driving a car, that with no disrespect intended, is not considered as one of the 'front runners.' Moving to the Woking based team will surely reap the advantages, as McLaren are sure to develop and produce a competitive car for next season.
Many people seem disappointed that the Scottish driver Paul Di Resta, also only in his second season of Formula One racing has not occupied the vacant seat at McLaren. Di Resta announced that he had changed to the same management as Jenson Button, the other McLaren driver and this could have indicated that he would be making the move to McLaren. One has to explore the reasons for Di Resta not making this move as Formula One has proved in the 2012 season, that the sport is unpredictable and exciting. Perhaps one reason for Di Resta not filling the McLaren seat is that he already has something planned for the 2013 season, whether it be driving for his current team, Sahara Force India, or not. Another point to consider is that whilst Perez has made spectators and those involved in F1 sit up and take notcie, Di Resta has had more of a subdued season although he has been consistent and currently stands 11th in the World Driver Championship standings, above his team mate Nico Hulkenberg and in the latter part of the season he has really shown the world the incredible potential he holds.
Many people seem disappointed that the Scottish driver Paul Di Resta, also only in his second season of Formula One racing has not occupied the vacant seat at McLaren. Di Resta announced that he had changed to the same management as Jenson Button, the other McLaren driver and this could have indicated that he would be making the move to McLaren. One has to explore the reasons for Di Resta not making this move as Formula One has proved in the 2012 season, that the sport is unpredictable and exciting. Perhaps one reason for Di Resta not filling the McLaren seat is that he already has something planned for the 2013 season, whether it be driving for his current team, Sahara Force India, or not. Another point to consider is that whilst Perez has made spectators and those involved in F1 sit up and take notcie, Di Resta has had more of a subdued season although he has been consistent and currently stands 11th in the World Driver Championship standings, above his team mate Nico Hulkenberg and in the latter part of the season he has really shown the world the incredible potential he holds.
Another question that has been circulating the world of Formula One is the position that the 7 time world champion, Michael Schumacher is to undergo in the 2013 season. With Hamilton moving to Mercedes, it has left Michael with seemingly no seat for 2013. There is no doubt however that Schumacher is the most successful driver ever to grace Formula One in terms of achievement whether or not you 'like' the driver. Perhaps with an empty seat at Ferarri for next season Schumacher will sign to them for a year, going black to the place of which most of his success came before bowing out of the sport. Time will obviously tell.
Focusing on Lewis Hamilton, many pundits and former world champions were sure that he would sign with McLaren. I myself thought that it be a crazy idea to leave McLaren. Looking at it from a spectator's point of view, I fail to understand why you would leave a team that have every possibility of winning both championships, and join a team, which quite frankly have disappointed, only picking up one win in the 2012 season and suffering numerous amounts of problems and reliability issues. Miracles do not happen in the world of Formula One and with the regulations between 2012 and 2013 not significantly changing, I cannot comprehend how Mercedes will have a better season than McLaren. As it stands, Mercedes are fifth in the Constructor's Championship, and are in serious danger of being leap frogged by Sauber, which does not give them the best foundation for next season.
Of course, my predictions may be wrong, and this situation could all change by the time 2014 shows it's head as with new engines being introduced, and this could impact positively on the Mercedes team. But McLaren will always be a strong team, they have the experience and will not just suddenly disappear but once again time will tell.
Of course, my predictions may be wrong, and this situation could all change by the time 2014 shows it's head as with new engines being introduced, and this could impact positively on the Mercedes team. But McLaren will always be a strong team, they have the experience and will not just suddenly disappear but once again time will tell.
It would seem that Hamilton has moved to Mercedes through the temptation of having the role of 'number one driver in the team' and the massive salary that Mercedes has offered him. Consider this however, would you rather be in a team in which you know you can win and succeed, but be paid less (it is important to remember that £15 million is no small salary) or would you rather be paid more, but not have that knowledge and assurance that you will be given a car that is competitive at every race. I know that if it was my decision, and of course I am aware there other factors that play a part in the decision, but every single time I would pick security and assurance over unpredictability.
I can't help but feel Hamilton owes a sense of loyalty to McLaren. How many other teams out there would sign and support a driver through his journey into Formula One? McLaren has undoubtedly made Hamilton the driver he is today and Hamilton has helped make McLaren the constructors that they are today. Will we ever see the driver race for the team again? Time will tell.
I can't help but feel Hamilton owes a sense of loyalty to McLaren. How many other teams out there would sign and support a driver through his journey into Formula One? McLaren has undoubtedly made Hamilton the driver he is today and Hamilton has helped make McLaren the constructors that they are today. Will we ever see the driver race for the team again? Time will tell.
A dilemma has presented itself within both Hamilton and McLaren supporters. Before now, those who have supported Lewis have generally supported McLaren and vice versa, but now a new question presents itself. With McLaren no longer having a British line-up will fans decide to support Lewis and his decisions, or will they continue to support the constructors. Is it even possible to support both?
Seven different winners in as many races to start the season, the controversial move for Hamilton and two championships which are still to be decided really do sum up how unpredictable and exciting action both on and off the track have been this year. With still some racing seats still available, there is an atmosphere looming to suggest that we may be in store for some more shock and delight. One thing that seems certain is that when we look back at the vintage years of Formula One in 10, 15, 20 years time, 2012 is sure to have it's place in our minds and hearts.
-Tammy
