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McLaren has denied any link between its new shareholder and the career of a young Formula 2 driver.
Michael Latifi, the father of Force India reserve Nicholas Latifi, has bought 10 per cent of the McLaren Group for almost $270 million.
But a team spokesman says the deal is entirely separate to the racing career of Nicholas Latifi.
"There is no question of a connection between the investment in McLaren by Michael Latifi and the career of Nicholas Latifi as a driver," he told the Dutch publication Formule 1.
"That is a provision in the deal that was made equally by Michael Latifi and McLaren," the spokesman added.
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im sure you will until you sign the deal (assuming they will sign a deed)...
Major Tom
Posts: 152
But it can't help but bring Michael Lafiti to McLarens attention.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
This is as I expected. If they suddenly cut a deal to get a sub-par driver in the McLaren lineup, which already has the most promising young driver right now (i.e. Lando Norris), I would have revolted. McLaren has made a lot of mistakes, but I think it could safely be said that they have always chosen the best available drivers, or promising and proven young drivers. The worst of the last 20 years has probably been Heikki Kovalainen. You could argue that Magnussen and Perez should be on that list. But I would disagree, especially with the crap cars they had to drive
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Although Perez were never a bad choice, he just wasnt a good fit at McLaren at the time. And Magnussen wasnt bad, just very rough and pretty brutal. I would however say that Vandoorne has disappointed me. He is nowhere near what McLaren promised, which wasnt unexpected (the poor sod asked for patience while McLaren meanwhile shouted in its loudest voice how good he would be), but he has most importantly not been able to really catch up to Alonso. And meanwhile Norris is knocking on the door. And now there is potentially a pay driver in the hood. Im not saying they will pick Latifi... Now at least. BUT, it wouldnt surprise me if they did pick him.