Jo Ramirez: 'Politics are consuming McLaren'

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Former McLaren team coordinator Jo Ramirez, a man who started his F1 career with Ferrari and the Rodriguez brothers in the early sixties, believes the team has lost its passion.

Speaking to Spanish radio Cadena Cope, Ramirez offered his informed assessment of the former dominant outfit and the plight it currently faces.

"Unfortunately, McLaren is in a very delicate situation because there are a lot of politics," he said.

"Everyone is still working, but there's not the passion there was before because new people have come but most of them were Ron's people."

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With his heart still firmly entrenched in F1 and McLaren in particular, Ramirez is hopeful teh new management can extract the team from the doldrums.

"In January or February, we will see if the new management has been able to revive this great name, because for those who were there before it is a pity to see them destroying themselves..

"They lack great people in design, but have understood what they need to do. 2017 should be the year in which they are good, and if Fernando (Alonso) would have left, he would have regretted it.

"He has taken a few decisions at the wrong time and suffered, so let's see if he's now right this time. Hopefully."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.