Two for the Road is a hangout for mystery writers Tammy Kaehler and Simon Wood to chat, reminisce, gossip, speculate and argue about all things motorsport.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Doubling Down


By Simon

So McLaren have dumped Sergio Perez after one season.  Next year, his seat will be taken by the up and coming Kevin Magnussen.  

Can’t say I’m surprised to see Perez go.  I didn’t think he was the right fit when they announced he would replace Lewis Hamilton.  However, I’m not sure Magnussen is the right guy either.  Perez had F1 experience when he went to McLaren.  And Magnussen has none, although he’s described as “lightning quick.”

I’m not trying to diss either driver, but McLaren doesn’t need a rookie to help them out of the hole they're in.  They need a smart, seasoned and/or technical driver who can help them improve a very poor car.  Magnussen might be the quickest of cats, but without a competitive car, it won’t make any difference.  I know things are changing for 2014 specs-wise, which will level the playing field somewhat, but they really need an all round effort to help get them out of the weeds they currently find themselves in.

Personally, I would have liked to have seen Nico Hulkenberg or Paul Di Resta go to McLaren and have Magnussen go to Force India or Sauber.

Only time will tell, I suppose.  I hope McLaren can turn things around as we don’t need another Red Bull whitewash.  And I sincerely hope Kevin Magnussen does well and the pressure of McLaren’s expectations doesn’t become a burden for him.

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