Hopefully there isn't another thread on this that I can't find, but Lewis Hamilton has today been confirmed as a race driver for McLaren next year:

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=37994

I can't help feeling they should have given him a year testing first.

 

testing ?

he's a racer.. and he will be a sponsors dream ticket alongside alonso.

 

I think it is a brave and bold move by Ron Dennis.

Hamilton could be just what the sport needs and he will learn a lot from Alonso. If they get the car right, he might well outscore Jenson next year.

 

Great news I say. I've watched him last year in GP2 showing everyone else how it's done, and he deserves his shot at the big time. Good luck to him.

 

He must have had this on his mind , as he shunted my mate up the arse on the M25 about a month ago .

His Dad used to do a lot of office refits and It cable installs with us.

Even 5 years ago they were being told he will make it to F1

 

Kinky.

Maybe he'll get it on with Alonso too.

 

Rosberg was also very good in GP2, and has been somewhat inconsistent in F1. Kovaleinen has had to wait a year as a test driver. Alonso had a year in Minardi, then a year as a tester before getting a Renault, and Raikonnen had a couple of years in Sauber before getting into a top team.

And actually the second half of the GP2 season was largely dominated by Nelson Piquet Jr., not Hamilton (who is now a tester for Reanult IIRC).

I can't help feeling that putting Hamilton straight into a race seat in a top team is a bit too soon. And you know ITV is going to build him up no end.

 

the testing thing is a bit overblown.. of how alonso etc were developed via a special testing regime..

most of the time the testing year.. is to park somebody under contract.. because to kick another A list driver out for a "potential" star is simply too much money..even for an F1 team...and it's stupid not to use the driver in some role.

what other option did Mclaren have.. another season with Pedro de la Siesta?

and I guess they have got all the data they need on Paffett.. and maybe he wasn't what they wanted.. kind of Wurz situation.

 

why do they keep on going about him black for ****s sake. The media are all over this one like the KKK are still running around in their bedsheets

As Hill was saying in an interview yesterday..

Putting the racing to the side - there will be competition between Lewis and Button for the UK's support. I guess you could compare it a little to Henman, he's never that good but the support from his loyal fans is what keeps him in the game since there until recently was no one else to support.

Button and Lewis will both be on a PR charm offensive.

 

I guess it's an issue for sponsors.

Anthony Davidson will be racing (well bringing up the rear) for Super Aguri, so we have four british drivers again.