THE FACTS

Former ITV-F1 commentator James Allen is bullish on McLaren's prospects for the 2011 Formula 1 season.

On his personal website (see SOURCES below) Allen stated that he believes the tandem of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will prove to be head and shoulders above either Red Bull or Ferrari's lineup. Allen believes that McLaren has a better balanced pairing than the other top teams. Nevertheless, he is wary of the effect that the loss of Mercedes' massive financial support may have on the team now that the two have separated.

MY TAKE

I have always liked James Allen - especially when he lauds McLaren.

All joking aside though . . .

At first, I predicted that Lewis and Jenson would have a bit of tension. Two World Champions on the same team can be a real handful. But I could not have been more wrong. The two seem to get along very well - both on and off the track. This has been primarily due to Jenson's easygoing and accomodating attitude. In fact, Jenson has been so charismatic and disarming that it almost feels like it was Lewis who joined Jenson's team! The two should have success insomuch as their personal relationship is concerned. Let's wait and see what happens the next time team orders are issued or if Jenson t-bones Lewis like Vettel did Webber in Turkey. I will say this: their driving styles truly do compliment each other. Lewis is very aggressive and just ruins his tires. But that gives him the advantage at high-speed, low downforce circuits. On the other hand, Jenson is much smoother and is a master at preserving rubber. Thus, he excels at higher downforce tracks. As a team, this will help McLaren have a chance to win anywhere and under any conditions.

As far as the loss of Mercedes' financial support is concerned, McLaren renewed its sponsorship deal with Vodofone and always has a knack for coming up with cash. In reality, I think that it is Mercedes that is feeling the pressure right now. Without some real success in 2011, Mercedes corporate could look to shut down the team. And just how much longer is Ross Brawn going to take crap from a bunch of suits? No much longer I suspect.

Just my take.

SOURCES

James Allen on F1 – The official website

 

I couldn't agree more. Button and Lewis seem to get along like old chums so being on a team together is a great fit. The fact that they're both incredibly talented drivers is a good sign that McLaren will be very successful this season.

 

Lewis has learned to take care of his tires. He matched jenson most of the time when it came to tyre wear

 

I think that the loss of Mercedes is going to be dreadful for the team. I also think Mercedes is going to dump an enormous amount of money into their sole effort to make sure this move isn't looked badly upon. I really hope Mclaren can pull it out but I just don't know if that's where the smart money is betting.