this kid Hamilton... (practice)

[nostatic]

The guy looks to be the real deal. Smooth as all get out. The recap show showed his moves in Malaysia again. Amazing race craft and so far apparently quite mature. This will be a *very* interesting season.

Oh, and Honda blows. Literally. Toyota just figuratively. How embarassing is it for the two factory teams to be spanked by last year's model?

[bell]

hamilton is the new light for F1, his entering the sport coinciding with schuey's retirement couldn't have been better timed for F1.....it's exactly what they need

[CurtEgerer]

Hamilton hasn't had an accident yet.


But he does look like the real deal. Keke Rosberg was comparing him to Gille Villeneuve yesterday - fearless.

[the]

He's the real deal, McLaren has had him under contract since he was 12 years old.

[scottmandue]

Yep, he is a breath of fresh air for F1... and he will keep all the old dogs on their toes or he will kick their a$$ sea-bass!

Mature? Driving yes, interviewing no... he has had the car to do the job in the last two races, lets see how mature he is if/when things go wrong mechanically or otherwise.

[cstreit]

Since 12?

I have to say I'm really impressed with the kid, good combination of balls and skill. Doesn't let the old-guard push him around...

[David]

There's an article on Hamilton in this week's autoweek. I believe it said when he won a kart race at 10, he went up to Ron Dennis and said: "I want to drive your cars one day." I guess he made quite an impression at that young age.

[scottmandue]

I have to admit I feel bad for Honda and Toyota, while watching the last race the commentator said they are pouring millions into development and they are still pulling the back of the pack. Historically Honda has built some pretty nice race cars.

[BGCarrera32]

I think the real problem with Honda and specifically Toyota is the organizational structure...you can only throw money at things to solve problems for so long. With teams like Ferrari, McLaren, Renault you can point to a figure head...Jean Todt, Ron Dennis, Flavio Briatore... not sure who that would be at Toyota or Honda or what the plan is...

[BGCarrera32]

And by the way signing Ralf Schumacher to Toyota for as long as they have is nuts...he's way past his sell by date like JV was at Sauber.

[David]

Originally posted by BGCarrera32
And by the way signing Ralf Schumacher to Toyota for as long as they have is nuts...he's way past his sell by date like JV was at Sauber.

Yep, isn't it odd that his brother was probably the best of all time (I was late in agreeing with this, but I don't doubt it anymore) and he's mediocre at best?

[the]

Half Schumacher.

[scottmandue]

Originally posted by BGCarrera32
And by the way signing Ralf Schumacher to Toyota for as long as they have is nuts...he's way past his sell by date like JV was at Sauber.

Hey he could get a seat in NASCAR... and he could still drive a Toyota!

[Panzer909]

Hamilton is a solid kid. He handled that dice with Massa in Sepang extremely well - I was really impressed.

That being said, he needs a piece of humble pie soon before this continues to go to his head, as he comes off as cocky and sucks at interviews.

Oh, and I just can't help but think it looks like he's wearing makeup on his face.

[bell]

he does alot better than kimi with press imo.....kimi's monotone garbled english always makes me laugh

and i think his "attitude" comes from 12 years of hard work towards his dreams of driving for mclaren F1 specifically, he's here and it's his time in his eyes. so far he's on his game.

[the]

Originally posted by Panzer909

he comes off as cocky and sucks at interviews.

that would be unprecedented for a Formula 1 driver.

[Wickd89]

For those of us that have been following F1 for a few decades, yes it definitely feels like he is the ONE.

Same feeling we got when Schumi joined the circus....

[DUK]

Three podiums in his first three races says it all. I like guys who let their results do the talking.

[livi]

And just to rub it in, I bet he is very well hung too..

[David]

Originally posted by livi
And just to rub it in, I bet he is very well hung too..

I thought that was a myth .