#F1: McLaren – Don’t Awaken The Sleeping Giant

Don’t awaken the sleeping giant…  A phrase we must have all heard as children in one form or another.  Leave sleeping dogs lie is another version of the same basic sentiment.  Basically, at the end of the day, it means to leave well enough alone.  

McLaren started the season with arguably the best car in terms of overall performance, the best driver pairing (completely up to one’s discretion) and without question, the nicest looking 2012 challenger with the prettiest nose.

Since then however, McLaren’s season has been a bit of a ride at an amusement park.  Thrilling but with the tendency to leave your belly somewhat upset by the end.  Hamilton has had moments of brilliance that yielded no fruit.  Both drivers have wins but Button has struggled to get to grips (pardon the pun) with the Pirelli tyres.  Pitstops have not been kind to the drivers although McLaren now hold the record for the quickest stop.  Finally the British GP was a total disappointed for the team with it being the home GP and barely finishing in the points. 

But beware, McLaren has been at this game a long time.  They have the resources, perhaps some of the best in the industry/sport.  They have the drivers, budget and powerplant.  They have all the tools to make a complete turn-around and become a real force to be reckoned with.  Silverstone may have been the wake up call for the team that its rivals fear. 

With major updates coming as soon as Germany, McLaren may still be the team to beat.  So if you’re counting on them to roll over and die, you better check that again.  Red Bull are strong and it shows, Ferrari have improved but are still behind in certain areas.  If not for an overachieving Alonso and some luck, the picture in both the WDC and WCC would look a little different.

If McLaren luck and pace improves, expect some fireworks in the second half of the season.  Get a front row seat, this is going to be very entertaining….

Author: Ernie Black
Twitter: @Goggs_on_F1
Blog: https://thef1poet.wordpress.com