As far as Stuck is concerned, all Formula One manufacturers/car makers should focus solely on engine development, leaving the other things – such as aerodynamics, chassis development and so on – for the teams to worry about. In other words, why spend millions on chassis and aerodynamic kits if your main function, as a car manufacturer, is to build cars and engines.
“I cannot understand why Mercedes or BMW still build cars. They should limit themselves to what they can do: design and sell engines. Nobody would spend 300 million in one year and then not be on the podium, but that is the way it is,” Hans was quoted as saying by Germany's Bild newspaper, while clearly pointing out at McLaren's desperate situation in 2009.
In order to exemplify his arguments, he pointed at the recently-rescued Brawn GP outfit. While taking care of their own chassis and aerodynamic package, they used Mercedes power plants for only 10 million euros a year and have now become winners in Formula One (and Mercedes Benz along with them).
What Stuck didn't consider was the fact that Brawn GP's impressive car was designed from as early as last year, and work on the BGP 001 aerodynamic package was conducted under the patronage of Japanese manufacturer Honda – who invested hundreds of millions of euros in their F1 operation during the course of 2008.
Nevertheless, given the current economic crisis, Stuck believes the best option for Mercedes and BMW, as well as other F1 manufacturers, would be to exit the sport while continuing to provide independent teams with first-hand power plants. This way, they'll be able to save tons of money and still get recognition for their merits in terms of engine development.
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