Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr
I'm no driving expert but IMHO there are 2, maybe 4 drivers in F1
Max, Alonso, maybe Hamilton and Lando
That have such an exceptional natural ability, they can drive a car faster than it really should go
There are no bad drivers in F1, only have to see what the slower F1 drivers achieve when they leave F1
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Agreed.
I believe there are three facets to being a great F1 driver:
1) Being able to drive faster than anyone for a lap or three
with an equal car.
2) being able to drive fast, consistantly without
making a dumb mistake or wearing out the equipment
3) being able to develop the car and team to improve it.
Max, alonso and Lando can check the box for number one.
Vettel could occasionally when younger.
Hamilton has done this for years,
but I'm not convinced it wasn't just the car.
A bit biased here.
Same deal with Max.
Seems like he can just cruise most of the time and only
has to turn it up in the last minute of Q3.
Maybe they are so good they just makes it look too easy.
Hamilton's claim to fame is #2, concentration.
He rarely makes a dumb mistake under pressure or
when the pressure is off with as a big lead.
He just drives and doesn't go off or tear up the machine.
Take away the whining and character flaws and I'd root for him.
This was vettel's shortcoming.
To often he went off or cause a collision at an inopportune time throwing away a race or lead. Choked.
Maybe he ran out of talent, maybe he lost focus,
maybe he was just pushing the car farther than it could go.
That is what kept him from being great.
Leclerc is following that same path.
Max did this in his first few years.
Pushing too hard, charging into a corner when there isn't room,
challenging other drivers to get out of his way or crash.
He has grown out of that for the most part.
This could also be George's fate but the jury is still out.
He CAN be fast, really fast. he can also blow it if pushed.
I think he has the capability to be great. Only time will tell.
He has all the raw talent, he just needs the smarts.
Schumacher could almost check all three but he did
get caught up in the red mist a few times and made mistakes.
Not many.
He also used intimidation against other drivers to let him past
or move over.
His greatest talent was making the car and team better.
Over-achieving.
I believe Alonso is the best active driver.
If he were in a red bull he'd be lapping the 2nd place car.
He just drives so much smarter.