Topic: The 2019 Formula One Thread

[clinical]

You could say that he is speaking from a position of experience though rather than speculating as wildly as another pundit might be doing.

Well yeah suppose that's the other way to look at it haha.

[voodoo ray]

Hamilton these days may almost be as good as Benson on the BBC site thinks he is.

[paulrazor]

Perhaps McLaren ? I know Alonso is waiting in the wings for when/if the car is genuinely competing for podiums but he is a few years older. It will have come full circle of Hamilton. Just a thought

hmmm not sure alonso is getting back in there

Norris looks a real star. two great quallfying performances and now a points finish

[Darren G]

Hamilton these days may almost be as good as Benson on the BBC site thinks he is.

 So you're saying that he's now able to cure cancer,end world hunger and broker peace in the middle-east?

 In all seriousness though, I struggle to think of a chink in Lewis' armour anymore.  As Funky mentioned on the last page, he had definitely addressed that which I always considered his biggest weak point and now possesses the same kind of in-car mental acuity that we saw from Prost and Schumacher.

hmmm not sure alonso is getting back in there

Norris looks a real star. two great quallfying performances and now a points finish

 It'll be interesting to see how Russell and Norris go relative to one another in the coming years.  I didn't really watch F2 last season, but the general consensus appears to be that Norris may have more raw pace, but that Russell looks the more well rounded overall.

[Qston]

So you're saying that he's now able to cure cancer,end world hunger and broker peace in the middle-east?

 In all seriousness though, I struggle to think of a chink in Lewis' armour anymore.  As Funky mentioned on the last page, he had definitely addressed that which I always considered his biggest weak point and now possesses the same kind of in-car mental acuity that we saw from Prost and Schumacher.


 It'll be interesting to see how Russell and Norris go relative to one another in the coming years.  I didn't really watch F2 last season, but the general consensus appears to be that Norris may have more raw pace, but that Russell looks the more well rounded overall.

Well if you combine the sort of one lap pace that has drawn comparisons with the likes of senna, with the mental robustness and calculation of the likes of prost/schumacher, then he is one hell of a driver.

I know that rightfully Leclerc has been getting the plaudits about his performance the entire weekend, but Hamilton kept his car in touch when it mattered with vettel and then completely battered him again when racing wheel to wheel. His adjustment on the first lap and then again when catching vettel to avoid any sort of contact was absolutely brilliant as well.

If he wins the championship this year then would this go down as his greatest ? All up for debate throughout the season I suppose which is shaping up to be a great one.

[Darren G]

Well if you combine the sort of one lap pace that has drawn comparisons with the likes of senna, with the mental robustness and calculation of the likes of prost/schumacher, then he is one hell of a driver.

I know that rightfully Leclerc has been getting the plaudits about his performance the entire weekend, but Hamilton kept his car in touch when it mattered with vettel and then completely battered him again when racing wheel to wheel. His adjustment on the first lap and then again when catching vettel to avoid any sort of contact was absolutely brilliant as well.

If he wins the championship this year then would this go down as his greatest ? All up for debate throughout the season I suppose which is shaping up to be a great one.

 It's way, way too early to be talking about where Lewis winning the championship this year would rank amongst his titles. We still have no idea how the cars pace will be relative to one another across the season, how well he will drive, how well others will drive et cetera.  Too many variables there and too much conjecture needed.  As you say though, it'll be a debate that will progress across the season possibly.

 In terms of Lewis merits relative to the other all-time greats, I don't think that he is quite up there with Senna on one-lap pace and I don't think that he has quite the racing intelligence of Prost either.  I think that possibly Schumacher is the closest in comparison to Lewis at this point in time in that he (Lewis) has a complete skillset. 

 I don't feel that Lewis is the best that there has been in any single aspect of racing, but what he does have is exceptional quality in all areas whereas many others could be described as lacking in a few areas, for want of a better descriptive.  As an example, Senna's one lap pace was unmatched, but his 'race intelligence' at times was questionable.  With Lewis, there's nothing that you can really look at right now and say "Lewis is a bit shit at.."

I still feel that Schumacher is the best driver that I've seen, but that's just my opinion and it's a debate that's been done to death on here.  Whichever way you look at it though, Lewis is - as you say - one hell of a driver.  The c*nt.       

[CanuckYNWA]

He won't join same team as Leclerc. I think he'll stay at Red Bull for few years, see how they do. Then see what Hamilton does. I can see him going to Mercedes when Hamilton retires if Red Bull are still 3rd fastest.

I think it's up to Hamilton. He's got a contract for 2 more years. I think if he's in touching distance of Schumacher's race wins he'll carry on.  I don't think he'll win 7 titles though. Thing with Hamilton he's in Ferrari's head now. He's mentally stronger than their whole team, he makes not only Vettel panic, but the whole decision making side as well. Priceless in this sport which often comes down to little errors.

People won't agree and like him or hate him when he retires he'll most likely be the GOAT, for me.

If he wins this year - I think he races for 2 or 3 more years to try and tie or even beat Schumacher record of 7 titles.

[TepidT2O]

Hamilton makes the fewest mistakes of any driver I’ve seen.  He will now of course stick it into a wall!

But for his speed, his ability to avoid collisions and avoid going off is incredible

[Darren G]

Hamilton makes the fewest mistakes of any driver I’ve seen.  He will now of course stick it into a wall!

But for his speed, his ability to avoid collisions and avoid going off is incredible

 I'd agree that he's right up there in avoiding mistakes over the past couple of years, but not over his career as a whole.  I'd deffo put Alonso for example ahead of him in that department.

[jackh]

I'd agree that he's right up there in avoiding mistakes over the past couple of years, but not over his career as a whole.  I'd deffo put Alonso for example ahead of him in that department.

I've always rated Kimi in this respect too - certainly in terms of avoiding contact.  Always firm but fair.

[voodoo ray]

now there's a combination not seen for some time. it's actually somewhat eerie seeing it again.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3KVl-RXcAA2iza.jpg

[TepidT2O]

I'd agree that he's right up there in avoiding mistakes over the past couple of years, but not over his career as a whole.  I'd deffo put Alonso for example ahead of him in that department.

Alonso joined McLaren..  do mistakes get bigger


Hamilton is also incredible in the rain though.  Up there with the Schumacher and the Sennas.  He’s not the race manager Schumacher was, but Schumacher made more mistakes. 

[Darren G]

Alonso joined McLaren..  do mistakes get bigger


Hamilton is also incredible in the rain though.  Up there with the Schumacher and the Sennas.  He’s not the race manager Schumacher was, but Schumacher made more mistakes. 

Comparing their careers overall?  Hmm...not so sure about that.  It should not be forgotten either that Michael was driving far more difficult to drive, temperamental cars for a number of years than Lewis has ever had to deal with, so at the end of the day it's probably an unfair comparison to be making.

 I agree though that all three of the drivers that you mentioned are all brilliant in the wet.   The best wet weather drive in history though for my money is by Jackie Stewart at the 1968 German Grand Prix.

now there's a combination not seen for some time. it's actually somewhat eerie seeing it again.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3KVl-RXcAA2iza.jpg

Yeah, got a bit emotional looking at that pic. 

[El Lobo]

Hamilton makes the fewest mistakes of any driver I’ve seen.  He will now of course stick it into a wall!

But for his speed, his ability to avoid collisions and avoid going off is incredible

Yeah great shout, he seems to be getting better too which is a bit scary.

[RedSince86]

Comparing their careers overall?  Hmm...not so sure about that.  It should not be forgotten either that Michael was driving far more difficult to drive, temperamental cars for a number of years than Lewis has ever had to deal with, so at the end of the day it's probably an unfair comparison to be making.

 I agree though that all three of the drivers that you mentioned are all brilliant in the wet.   The best wet weather drive in history though for my money is by Jackie Stewart at the 1968 German Grand Prix.

Yeah, got a bit emotional looking at that pic. 

Schuey won 5 titles with a traction control Ferrari.

I won't mention the Bennetton "traction control" car.

[Darren G]

Schuey won 5 titles with a traction control Ferrari.

I won't mention the Bennetton "traction control" car.

 With all due respect, if you think that the Schumacher's Benetton cars were easy to drive - regardless of traction control speculation - then I'd suggest you do some reading on the subject.  It's a separate discussion, but I don't think that the cars had TC anyhow.  At least not 'proper' slip-based traction control.

I also don't think that traction control is a massive factor in the kind of mistakes that we are discussing, especially given how well it's mimicked in modern cars through torque mapping,  but granted, Schumacher had TC for 9 years out of the sixteen in his first career.  He also won 3 titles without it though and traction control is one factor among many that determines how difficult a car is to drive.

  Overall, I still think that Alonso is the most 'mistake-proof' driver that I've seen. 

[paulrazor]

Alonso joined McLaren..  do mistakes get bigger


Hamilton is also incredible in the rain though.  Up there with the Schumacher and the Sennas.  He’s not the race manager Schumacher was, but Schumacher made more mistakes. 

ah yeah, Bruno, excellent wet weather driver

did someone seriously ask mick schumacher about skiing?

[RacerX34]

  Overall, I still think that Alonso is the most 'mistake-proof' driver that I've seen.

On track...

[Darren G]

On track...

     Yeah.  I mean, I wouldn't want him picking my lotto numbers like.

 

ah yeah, Bruno, excellent wet weather driver

did someone seriously ask mick schumacher about skiing?

 I'm not sure if you are asking in a rhetorical sense, but yeah it happened unfortunately: 

 https://www.essentiallysports.com/journalist-asks-mick-schumacher-tactless-question/ 

[paulrazor]

 I'm not sure if you are asking in a rhetorical sense, but yeah it happened unfortunately: 

 https://www.essentiallysports.com/journalist-asks-mick-schumacher-tactless-question/ 

sick

[west_london_red]

I'm not sure if you are asking in a rhetorical sense, but yeah it happened unfortunately: 

https://www.essentiallysports.com/journalist-asks-mick-schumacher-tactless-question/ 

c*nt journalist

[paulrazor]

Schumacher tested the alfa romeo yesterday

Alonso in the McLaren said it was good but not enough to tempt him back

Schumacher has impressed hasnt he

oh and George Russell was in the merc

[RacerX34]

Schumacher tested the alfa romeo yesterday

Alonso in the McLaren said it was good but not enough to tempt him back

Schumacher has impressed hasnt he

oh and George Russell was in the merc

There's a proper pilot in there.
Hope they take their time with him because the spotlight is going to shine like nothing we've seen before when he does arrive.
Reporters asking skiing questions like they did should be binned off too. Utter trash.

[sminp]

Are we not jumping to conclusions with Mick Schumacher here? His times look good in comparison to others but he could have been on a qualifying lap setup when he set those times in which case they would be some way off the standard when comparing with the actual times from the race weekend. We simply don’t know if his times are good or not because we lack the information on his setup as far as I’m aware.

[paulrazor]

true but this is one of his first times in an f1 car is it not?

so i would be impressed by that

[sminp]

true but this is one of his first times in an f1 car is it not?

so i would be impressed by that

Yeah that’s fair enough. I think it would be a reasonable assumption to say he’s put in a good showing even though we don’t know the setup as his times are decent regardless. I suppose my issue was more with the word ‘impressed’ but then perhaps my definition of impressed could be a different level than yours, it’s all subjective I suppose 

[Graeme]

His times look good in comparison to others but he could have been on a qualifying lap setup when he set those times in which case they would be some way off the standard when comparing with the actual times from the race weekend. We simply don’t know if his times are good or not because we lack the information on his setup as far as I’m aware.

Yeah that’s absolutely a qualifying setup time, it’s 4 seconds faster than the fastest lap in the race.

[RacerX34]

Are we not jumping to conclusions with Mick Schumacher here? His times look good in comparison to others but he could have been on a qualifying lap setup when he set those times in which case they would be some way off the standard when comparing with the actual times from the race weekend. We simply don’t know if his times are good or not because we lack the information on his setup as far as I’m aware.

My point was really that they (the family) need to be careful with him, and I'm sure they are,
because the media around him is already primed to go nuts.

[Darren G]

Are we not jumping to conclusions with Mick Schumacher here? His times look good in comparison to others but he could have been on a qualifying lap setup when he set those times in which case they would be some way off the standard when comparing with the actual times from the race weekend. We simply don’t know if his times are good or not because we lack the information on his setup as far as I’m aware.

Exactly.  Mick's best time in the Ferrari was 2.11 seconds off Leclerc's pole time and he was also half a second slower than Verstappen, who was the only other low-fuel runner and was using tyres 2 compounds harder.  He had a decent run in the Alfa, but I'm unsure on fuel loads for that.  He did ok for his first time in f1 cars, but anything more than that is speculation and over-hype.

The lad may turn out to be a world beater, but there's nothing to suggest that's the case at this point in time.  Take away the surname and look only at the empirical evidence and there's nothing to suggest at this point in time that he's anything special.  The hype is frankly ridiculous and like Racerx34 says, I hope that he gets some protection from that because if he doesn't succeed the twats in the press will make it a bloodbath.

[paulrazor]

i didnt know the tyres or loads

he might get a go in free practice sometime

[Daniel Cabbaggio]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/47833170

Leclerc was asked to back off and not pass Vettel as he caught him in the closing stages in Australia, and in Bahrain he was quicker than the four-time champion throughout the weekend.

Leclerc qualified on pole, 0.3 seconds ahead of Vettel, lost the lead at the start but caught and passed the German, ignoring a request from the team to hold station behind Vettel for two laps




Don't know who the author is to that piece but did anyone else hear that?

[Funky_Gibbons]

I said at the end of last season that I could see Leclerc doing to Vettel what Hamilton did to Alonso.

Ferrari may have a decision to make at some point as Alonso and Hamilton took too many points off each other which cost them the championship.

[voodoo ray]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/47833170

Leclerc was asked to back off and not pass Vettel as he caught him in the closing stages in Australia, and in Bahrain he was quicker than the four-time champion throughout the weekend.

Leclerc qualified on pole, 0.3 seconds ahead of Vettel, lost the lead at the start but caught and passed the German, ignoring a request from the team to hold station behind Vettel for two laps




Don't know who the author is to that piece but did anyone else hear that?

yeah. think it was on sky too.

[RacerX34]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/47833170

Leclerc was asked to back off and not pass Vettel as he caught him in the closing stages in Australia, and in Bahrain he was quicker than the four-time champion throughout the weekend.

Leclerc qualified on pole, 0.3 seconds ahead of Vettel, lost the lead at the start but caught and passed the German, ignoring a request from the team to hold station behind Vettel for two laps




Don't know who the author is to that piece but did anyone else hear that?

There is a video of it online.
He's told to hold off for two laps and instead puts it around the outside of Vettel.
Throwing down a marker.

[TepidT2O]

Way way way too early to be writing Vettel off I think

[Tesco tearaway]

Way way way too early to be writing Vettel off I think

Going to be interesting to see how he handles pressure from both outside, and inside, rivals.

[RacerX34]

Way way way too early to be writing Vettel off I think

Who's writing him off?

It's certainly lining up to be a tougher season for him than last.
He'll have to dig very deep this season.

[west_london_red]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/47833170

Leclerc was asked to back off and not pass Vettel as he caught him in the closing stages in Australia, and in Bahrain he was quicker than the four-time champion throughout the weekend.

Leclerc qualified on pole, 0.3 seconds ahead of Vettel, lost the lead at the start but caught and passed the German, ignoring a request from the team to hold station behind Vettel for two laps


Don't know who the author is to that piece but did anyone else hear that?

There’s an Australian somewhere pissing himself with laughter.

[west_london_red]

Way way way too early to be writing Vettel off I think

If your talking about this season yes, completely.

If your talking about the last 10 races or so then it might not be so premature.

[Graeme]

There’s an Australian somewhere pissing himself with laughter.

Mutli 5-16 doesn't have the same ring to it does it?