F1 » Whitmarsh: Stop the speculation.

The speculation now seems to emanate from the UK press are we going to consign it to the trash can with the Spanish report (Cassandra syndrome perhaps). Probably not, it seems that RD is going and Whitmarsh an employee taking over (one wonders for how long?). Perhaps a lateral move by RD who wanted to tie up some loose ends by contracting LH long term etc, will I wonder Mercedes want to honor that when one editorial suggests Vettel or Rosberg (perhaps even Piquet) may be joining them for 2009 but with no mention of who, Kovalainen or Hamilton will move over to make way. In 2009, interesting......!

F1 » Rumour mill claims Dennis fired.

Until I read the RENO SP post I'd almost forgotten just how much RD had achieved in F1. Dennis was the original F1 pirate, enticing Ojjeh, Honda and Newey from Williams at pivotal moments in McLaren's development. With an autrocratic management style increasingly unsuited to a ever more complex organisation, Dennis failed to adapt and unfortunatly has become a liability to McLaren. As a foil to the Mosely excesses he will be sorely missed but as I commented after Monaco 07, RD had learnt nothing from Prost and Senna in 1989 and had the "temerity to feel capable of managing a similar suitation in 2007, something he would come to regret" sadly the former is true and so I expect the latter.

F1 » Rumour mill claims Dennis fired.

Calvin: The chronology of the whole mess began with Hamilton sowing discord within the McLaren team which led to Dennis coming half clean, (with me so far) without which the Ferrari dossier would never have been known about! (which would have been fine as thats how things are done in F1). Furthermore Hamilton NEVER moves on when there's a possibility to get his photo/quote in the papers, note the totally unwarrented "showed me how not to behave" which led to the ridicule he brought upon himself in Spain.

F1 » Rumour mill claims Dennis fired.

Whatever the truth of this story, it's only a matter of time before RD's outed (when he is Whitmarsh won't be far behind). McLaren is running at a loss, Dennis's mismanagement of the spying debacle and the inability to constrain Hamilton have illustrated by just how much he lost the plot. Mosley (unfortunately) will be thinking 'job done' and Hamilton will have to get used to not having his **** wiped at McLaren, Mercedes will drop Hamilton and sign Vettel or Rosberg for 2009. With Hamilton the catalyst for everything that occurred last year Dennis must regret ever setting sights on him!

F1 » Kovalainen only McLaren's 'third choice'.

Still, he''s apparently matching LH in testing, perhaps only because neither can provide the development the McLaren needs? One wonders if RD (if he''s still there) is having regrets about letting FA go!

F1 » Hamilton is no Schumi, claims manager.

RENO SP- Pretty much on the button (as was Webber), especially the second paragraph!

F1 » Alonso defends countrymen.

The first point most agree upon is institutional racism is not present in Spain (who knows what the China issue was, so far down the line), certainly there's been no reoccurrence in Spain (which supports this view). Secondly if this is so, then the FIA are overacting in terms of a 'Racing against Racism' campaign, most commentators are wondering that now the FIA have the slogan what are they going to do with it. I'd suggest any literature or banner should be made from soft 3-ply and at least it will be of some use. Don't please assume I tolerate racism, I don't, but action has to be proportionate and in this case the warnings given to the circuits are in my view quite sufficient.

F1 » Lewis not to blame for Swiss switch.

Hi Thomas Well put, while this is hardly a scandal more a very small storm in a very very small teacup but it keep's some of us amused, however in this instance the moral aversion to lying is evidently less of a force in society with many condoning it's use or denigrating it's traditional value. More interestingly is your reference to the self imposed Hamilton standard, (precursor to market LH a la Beckem) but which many believe to have been seriously undermined by the many incidents over the year. Surely even the Hamiltons will realise that even the best media spin has limited effect and the effort required to maintain the image given the access to internet is counter productive.

F1 » Lewis not to blame for Swiss switch.

Simon Why in your reply do you ignore my first enquiry, was it too difficult to accept LH lied as to the reason for relocating to Switzerland or that you believed his initial statement. Perhaps you were unaware of the LH PR faux pas and made prior to Matt Bishop taking the reins at McLaren primarily to control LH's embarrassing blunders. 1) a) With regard to my wit that's reserved for topics to which it's appropriate. b) My friends and who they include remain private! 2) Pure conjecture on your part! 3) More speculation, always adhere to the facts. Lastly, you posed the question, attributed it to 'richard' then based your post around that where is the logic in that?

F1 » Lewis not to blame for Swiss switch.

Simon Asking anyone to believe a blatant untruth (later admitted by both father and son) assumes gullibility on the part of the listener or stupidity by the liar, were you the only one taken in by the initial comments? 1) Why should I have to know the guy, I didn't have to know Shakespeare to know he was a great and witty writer! 2) Isn't it presumptuous to assume LH is the more successful? 3) Shall we just say that while LH's IQ is not in the public domain.................... Why are you mistakingly assuming 'richards' or anyones criticism of LH is "hatred" and not a genuine wish for him to demonstrate a more conciliatory attitude or behavioral change?