10th and 11th place. At least the engines lasted the race this time around. I don't expect anyone to be competitive with Michael, but BAR Honda seem far more consistent performers. Kimi has ONE point thus far. David has more points, but he is on the way out. At least Juan Pablo is a better driver and there's some hope there. Its a real shame. McLaren Mercedes used to be a powerhouse, and were expected to challenge for at least the constructor's championship this year (no one's catching Michael). Now, McLaren Mercedes is more like a third rate team, like Minardi or Jaguar. The consolation is Williams BMW is having its own woes too. Can anyone topple mighty Ferrari?

The Mercedes team started slow the last two years if I remember right. I think they are hurting from sponsorship funding too, limited resources?

__________________
dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles

I don't think funding is the problem. They just completed a new multi-million dollar test facility in the UK, set to open in about a week. The problem is their last two cars have been dogs!! They ran last year with the 2002 car, because the MP4-19 never made it to the grid. It failed crash tests and never was as powerful or handled as well as the MP4-18. This year...??? All the top brass at McLaren/Mercedes/West are on the hot seat. To go from second in the driver's championship to where they are now, one has to believe heads will roll. But, MS is just having another dominating year, so far.

__________________
I asked the Lord for everything so that I could enjoy life. He gave me life so that I could enjoy everything!

I don't think they have a problem with funding. It's focus.

The team has been concerned with having the latest/greatest team trailer or the new facility in Woking. They fell behind, technology-wise, in 2000 and have never caught up (to Ferrari or BMW). Now, other teams have been stepping up to the plate (Renault and BAR.....and to some extent Jaguar), increasing the level of competition. The effect has driven the McLaren Team further down the ladder.

IMO, they don't seem "hungry" enough