F1 » McLaren to ditch Mercedes for BMW in F1 2010?

A shake-up like this is no bad thing. I'd bet though that BMW is as demanding (and perhaps by that I mean dull) in terms of corporate image as Mercedes. I think that a partnership with BMW would open other avenues in motor sport - such as a wicked Le Mans prototype, perhaps - and it would simply freshen things up.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Merc own about 40% of McLaren F1, I really dont think that the relationship is so rocky that it will lead to finishing the contract early.

Merc can continue to supply engines to 3 or 4 teams next year (as Cosworth are doing if allthe new teams turn up)

Ian, what partnership are you talking about ?
McLaren is in discussions with BMW about purchasing the Bavarian marque's engine division

Mclaren are going to become a independant along the same lines as Ferrari, Anyway this is all pure speculation at moment,
One thing we can be sure of is that they will not become Mclaren Bmw !

Ian O : McLaren wants to buy the engine department, not start a partnership.

if they were to split with mclaren, it may just be the kick up the ass mclaren have been needing for the last few years (even last year when lewis got the drivers champ) to work more as a team and bring home a constructors champ more often

rummer - not going to happen

For all we know it could be Mercedes which wants to buy up the BMW engine division but knows that if it approached directly then it would be rejected by BMW and blocked by the FIA who wouldn't want anyone not named Cosworth to have so much engine influence.

If Mclaren Mercedes buys the BMW engine division then presumably it can set about developing a new engine which is not being used in F1 and hence not subject to the current freeze rules ready to badge it as a Mclaren engine in 2011.

i thought about mclaren splitting from mercedes when i read that mclaren were making the v8 engine for the new 12c supercar themselves. if they can make an engine for a road car i thougth surely they will eventually start making engines for the f1 operation after mercedes go to brawn. maybe not next year but perhaps the year after?

What? Is this for real? I doubt it...but if it is, Hamilton & company will have a rough ride next year

There would have to be a lot of moving parts for this to occur since McLaren and Mercedes are bound so tightly.