'Whitmarsh's job on the line'

Tuesday 12th July 2011

'Whitmarsh's job on the line'

'Whitmarsh's job on the line'

Martin Whitmarsh's job as McLaren team principal will be on the line in the next two grands prix, according to a report.

The Daily Mail claims that "there is growing discontent among engineering and design staff at McLaren about Whitmarsh's leadership".

The 53-year-old, who is also CEO of McLaren Racing and Chief Operating Officer of the McLaren Group, is under pressure following a catalogue of blunders at the British Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton finished fourth at Silverstone while his team-mate Jenson Button's afternoon came to a disappointing halt after the pit crew failed to attach his right-front wheel properly during a stop. Button wasn't the only one to suffer at his home GP as Hamilton was left frustrated after being told he shouldn't challenge too much for a podium finish as he was running out of fuel.

What will be of bigger concern to Hamilton, Button and McLaren fans is the fact that the British GP wasn't an exception as errors on the pit wall also cost the team in Malaysia, Turkey and Monaco.

McLaren's bosses have demanded that the team react to the disappointing performances and Whitmarsh reportedly has two races - the German and Hungarian Grands Prix - to prove that he should remain in charge.

'Sportsmail understands there is growing discontent among engineering and design staff at McLaren about Whitmarsh's leadership with questions about the team's focus and direction being raised.

'And as the mistakes continue to pile up, such shaky management will do little to help convince Hamilton that his title aspirations are best served by staying with McLaren.

'The 26-year-old is also voicing concerns about the amount of promotional work he is forced to do for his team's sponsors - he was due to fly in and out of India for a Vodafone event on Wednesday, only swerving the commitment after it was cancelled.

'As for Button, Whitmarsh's star signing may be ruing the deal which means he is contractually obliged to remain with his employers should they decide to trigger the one-year extension in his contract.'

Related Link
Whitmarsh adamant his job is safe

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