New Grand Prix Season Is Almost Upon Us!!!

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Orm

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Okay then......

I finally figured it out. You're Batman. [:)]

warspite1

Fatman would be more accurate..... [:D]

[Orm]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

ORIGINAL: Orm

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Okay then......

I finally figured it out. You're Batman. [:)]

warspite1

Fatman would be more accurate..... [:D]

I understand. I am sorry. I promise that I will make no further attempts to blow your cover. [:)]

[warspite1]

LEWIS, LEWIS, LEWIS!!!!!!!!!!!

3-time World Champion. Well done matey!!! Totally deserved, top, top man.

And Austin - what a circuit, what a race. Let's hope this one stays on the calendar for many years to come.

And finally a word on Nico. If Lewis is as good as I believe him to be, then it has to be said that Rosberg has defied expectation (remember this was the guy released by Williams as they were unsure of his ability) and proved himself incredibly fast and has had some superb races.

Let's see what the final 3 races bring and then bring on 2016!

[Lecivius]

That was fun, if really wet.[;)] I've never seen open cockpit racing with All Terrain tires before.

I'm gonna disagree with Lewis. Yes, he won the championship. Yes, he can drive. But he is no champion, IMHO. The way he drove was not that of a champion, it was more of a thug. But hey, Andretti did it as well and look what it got him [8|] Ah well, I guess being a sportsman, having ethics, being a true professional, is gone [:(]

[CarnageINC]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

LEWIS, LEWIS, LEWIS!!!!!!!!!!!

3-time World Champion. Well done matey!!! Totally deserved, top, top man.

And Austin - what a circuit, what a race. Let's hope this one stays on the calendar for many years to come.

And finally a word on Nico. If Lewis is as good as I believe him to be, then it has to be said that Rosberg has defied expectation (remember this was the guy released by Williams as they were unsure of his ability) and proved himself incredibly fast and has had some superb races.

Let's see what the final 3 races bring and then bring on 2016!

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

LEWIS, LEWIS, LEWIS!!!!!!!!!!!

3-time World Champion. Well done matey!!! Totally deserved, top, top man.

And Austin - what a circuit, what a race. Let's hope this one stays on the calendar for many years to come.

And finally a word on Nico. If Lewis is as good as I believe him to be, then it has to be said that Rosberg has defied expectation (remember this was the guy released by Williams as they were unsure of his ability) and proved himself incredibly fast and has had some superb races.

Let's see what the final 3 races bring and then bring on 2016!

warspite1

Wow - never realised that Lewis is the first man to win at least 10 Grand Prix in consecutive seasons! Thought Schumacher must have done that! Apparently not....

Another milestone for you there Lewis - as well as being the only man to win a Grand Prix in every season competed in F1 in [&o][&o]

[Jagdtiger14]

Once again, Hamilton pulling a stunt at the start. I wish he would have flipped his car over on that one. Too bad Nico f'ed up. I hope Nico drives super aggressive these last races and slams into Hamilton every chance he gets.

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Jagdtiger14

Once again, Hamilton pulling a stunt at the start. I wish he would have flipped his car over on that one. Too bad Nico f'ed up. I hope Nico drives super aggressive these last races and slams into Hamilton every chance he gets.

warspite1

Great Plan?

And how does that work out? So Rosberg 'slams into Lewis' every chance he gets. This potentially gifts three wins to Ferrari and seals second place in the championship to Vettel, despite Mercedes having the best car.

Yes, I must say that's a really sensible, mature, well worked plan of action. In addition to Nico looking a muppet, he would deny his own chances of more Grand Prix wins (you know how important these are to a driver don't you?), he would potentially finish third with far and away the best car and his reputation would be in tatters. No way the Mercedes top brass would sack Rosberg after such a mindless plan of action eh?

Double Standards?

Look, you don't like Lewis, I get that. But as I have said before, I do not care what you think of him personally - that's up to you. But as far as racing is concerned I do find your double standards totally bemusing.

You have got totally bent out of shape because Lewis has taken firm (lets say very firm in the last race) but fair action against Nico in the last two races. By the way, I do not expect you to take my word for it - I am just a fan. However it is interesting that most commentary from racing drivers and expert motor sport journalists has supported Lewis on his actions.

You wrote:

I used to root against Schumacher every race since he joined Ferrari. But in the end, I came to admire and respect him. The amount of Championships is the measurement to compare across the generations

So lets be absolutely crystal clear here. Schumacher cheated Damon Hill out of the championship in 1994 by barging into him after he had taken his own car out of the race with a mistake (not to mention the other rumours that have always failed to go away).

http://www.vitalf1.com/article.asp?a=665


Schumacher was banned from the championship in 1997 for trying the same cheating manoeuvre against Jacques Villeneuve. That time the move failed and instead of taking out the Canadian, he damaged his own car, Nonetheless the FIA, recognising the barely disguised act of blatant cheating, removed his points and his 2nd place in the championships.


He famously tried to cheat Alonso of pole at Monaco by simply stopping his car on track during qualifying.

In his comeback season he almost sent his former team mate, Rubens Barrichello, into the next world by trying to wipe him out against the pit wall rather than be overtaken.


Nothing to do with cheating but further context on the seven world championship wins: In winning those Ferrari titles Schumacher had outright No.1 status and even had special tyres made only for him. Lewis has never had - nor asked for - such support from the team and the tyre support is absolutely unheard of.

So Schumacher can do all this - and you respect and admire him. But as a racing driver you cannot stand Lewis' 'aggressive' driving... Er.. as shown above, anything that Lewis has done pales into insignificance against Schumacher... but okay....

Why don't you just come out and say it: You criticise Lewis as a driver because:

a) you dislike the man intensely as a person (fair enough and your call) - and as a result -
b) you cannot be objective in your analysis of his driving.

There is no other explanation for how you can admire Schumacher and criticise Lewis given their respective track records.

[Lecivius]

I'm still really new to this sport, so my view is a bit juvenile. But in watching the DVR after we got home from the race Lewis crew chief can be heard after the hard yellow around lap 42 saying "Lets have a clean start this time". I'm not intelligent enough on this to go off on a rant, but one wonders on hearing that. Also, the replay on Lewis car clearly shows he did not steer as clear on that first blind turn as he does in later turns, so it was not a mechanical issue.

Rosberg had it & lost it towards the end. That is clear. And Lewis did win by the rules. And I will leave it at that.

[Jagdtiger14]

Warspite: You may be surprised by my answer, but you have that just about right. I remember hating Schumacher for all the BS he was up to all those years, and you did a good job highlighting some of those incidents, which are just a tiny fraction of what he did. It seemed to me when I was watching him in real time that he was up to something every weekend.

Why I forgive Schumacher: His return to Mercedes (my favorite team) in 2010 has something to do with it, but mostly I have to admit he really made watching F1 all those years a lot of fun...he kept my interest in F1 and looking forward to every race and season. At the time I was very aggravated. His recent injury also has something to do with it perhaps.

F1 has become somewhat boring to me recently (I must agree I love the Austin track and look forward to going there perhaps next season). I like Mercedes dominance, and some of the changes F1 have made I agree with, but I think some of the coolness factors are missing (esp. the engine sound).

Ok, let me revise my remarks as to what Nico should do...now that Hamilton has won, Mercedes should have no problem with Nico being as aggressive as he needs to be. Mercedes from their team view point should let Hamilton know they wont appreciate him f'ing with Nico...perhaps supporting him (yes, I hate team orders, and its not what I want to see, but I'm role playing Mercedes management). I think Nico cant really look that good anyway if: 1. He gets any assists from Hamilton, or 2. Hamilton is seen as holding back in any way...ie...driving in a relaxed manner now that he's won the Championship. Sad that this is what we have to look forward to in the final races. I think I'm done with Nico after this season.

My hatred for Hamilton has me so off balance that I never thought I would say this, but I am considering becoming a Ferrari fan next season...or as long as Hamilton drives for Mercedes.

[british exil]

ORIGINAL: Jagdtiger14

Warspite: You may be surprised by my answer, but you have that just about right. I remember hating Schumacher for all the BS he was up to all those years, and you did a good job highlighting some of those incidents, which are just a tiny fraction of what he did. It seemed to me when I was watching him in real time that he was up to something every weekend.

Why I forgive Schumacher: His return to Mercedes (my favorite team) in 2010 has something to do with it, but mostly I have to admit he really made watching F1 all those years a lot of fun...he kept my interest in F1 and looking forward to every race and season. At the time I was very aggravated. His recent injury also has something to do with it perhaps.

F1 has become somewhat boring to me recently (I must agree I love the Austin track and look forward to going there perhaps next season). I like Mercedes dominance, and some of the changes F1 have made I agree with, but I think some of the coolness factors are missing (esp. the engine sound).

Ok, let me revise my remarks as to what Nico should do...now that Hamilton has won, Mercedes should have no problem with Nico being as aggressive as he needs to be. Mercedes from their team view point should let Hamilton know they wont appreciate him f'ing with Nico...perhaps supporting him (yes, I hate team orders, and its not what I want to see, but I'm role playing Mercedes management). I think Nico cant really look that good anyway if: 1. He gets any assists from Hamilton, or 2. Hamilton is seen as holding back in any way...ie...driving in a relaxed manner now that he's won the Championship. Sad that this is what we have to look forward to in the final races. I think I'm done with Nico after this season.

My hatred for Hamilton has me so off balance that I never thought I would say this, but I am considering becoming a Ferrari fan next season...or as long as Hamilton drives for Mercedes.

In 2010 Mercedes founded their F1 team. Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg being the first drivers. 1 win, a few podiums and a lot of bad results were the what the team had accomplished in the seasons 2010-2012.

2013 was a completly different matter. 2nd place in the constructors championship due to great dirving from Rosberg and Hamilton.

2014 Constructors championship and drivers champioship won
2015 the same.

Now some may not like Hamilton, but as a driver he has done quite a bit for Mercedes.

Mat

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Jagdtiger14

Warspite: You may be surprised by my answer, but you have that just about right. I remember hating Schumacher for all the BS he was up to all those years, and you did a good job highlighting some of those incidents, which are just a tiny fraction of what he did. It seemed to me when I was watching him in real time that he was up to something every weekend.

Why I forgive Schumacher: His return to Mercedes (my favorite team) in 2010 has something to do with it, but mostly I have to admit he really made watching F1 all those years a lot of fun...he kept my interest in F1 and looking forward to every race and season. At the time I was very aggravated. His recent injury also has something to do with it perhaps.

F1 has become somewhat boring to me recently (I must agree I love the Austin track and look forward to going there perhaps next season). I like Mercedes dominance, and some of the changes F1 have made I agree with, but I think some of the coolness factors are missing (esp. the engine sound).

Ok, let me revise my remarks as to what Nico should do...now that Hamilton has won, Mercedes should have no problem with Nico being as aggressive as he needs to be. Mercedes from their team view point should let Hamilton know they wont appreciate him f'ing with Nico...perhaps supporting him (yes, I hate team orders, and its not what I want to see, but I'm role playing Mercedes management). I think Nico cant really look that good anyway if: 1. He gets any assists from Hamilton, or 2. Hamilton is seen as holding back in any way...ie...driving in a relaxed manner now that he's won the Championship. Sad that this is what we have to look forward to in the final races. I think I'm done with Nico after this season.

My hatred for Hamilton has me so off balance that I never thought I would say this, but I am considering becoming a Ferrari fan next season...or as long as Hamilton drives for Mercedes.

warspite1

Yes I am surprised - in a pleasant way [:)]. Thank-you. And FWIW, I had similar feelings about Nelson Piquet - still do truth be told. The guy was such a %^&* that being objective about his driving ability becomes difficult. That fact he was, in 1987, the most undeserving World Champion in the history of the sport - and that he took Nigel's championship from him just makes the pain and the sheer anger so much greater. If I want to depress myself I only need to look at Autocourse 1987. It's enough to make a grown man cry. Nelson Piquet 1987 World Champion - what a load of sloblocks....[:(]

[Jagdtiger14]

Wow, Mat. I don't think you pay attention to F1 at all. If your summary is that Mercedes is where it is because of Hamilton, then why not plug in Hamilton at Marussia and watch that team take off!!! If only Marussia could have Hamilton for the 2016 campaign, they would dominate F1!

You see Mat, its all about the engine, the aero of the car, and taking advantages of rules. Mercedes was ahead of the curve and its competitors in these regards, and everyone is waiting to see if the other teams can catch up and when that will be.

In 2010-2012 Mercedes had a dog of an engine. In 2013, they had the F1 WO4 engine which was a big step up. Although Hamilton just barely beat Rosberg that season, Rosberg had 2 wins to Hamilton's 1 win. Rosberg also had 3 DNF to Hamilton's 1 DNF. If I recall correctly, there was one race that season where the team asked Rosberg to let Hamilton go ahead of him, and Rosberg was really bitter about that.

Anyway, 2014 began a whole new phase for F1 with new rules, new engine (did I say I hate the sound?). Mercedes is guilty of developing their package quicker and better. I cant argue with Hamilton winning his 3rd Championship, and drivers do influence the development of their team's cars...I'm sure Hamilton has had a very positive impact...but to credit him solely, or mostly is just plain wrong. The vast majority of credit goes to the engineers (every aspect) to management that hired them (and the drivers) to make all this happen. All of them have done quite a bit more for Mercedes F1 than Hamilton...and I wouldn't be surprised if just about any driver who wins the championship would lay down the credit the way I have...except maybe Hamilton.

[warspite1]

and drivers do influence the development of their team's cars..

They certainly do. You beat up on british exil, but you know that he was not suggesting Lewis would make the difference to Marussia. I remember Williams after they re-signed Nigel and he drove the old car for about half an hour. I cannot find the quote, but it was from Patrick Head and it was something to effect that “$%^$$ it took 30 minutes to realise we had been heading in the wrong direction all year”. Drivers like Schumacher, Senna, Mansell, Vettel, Prost, Lewis and Alonso are priceless.

Although Hamilton just barely beat Rosberg that season, Rosberg had 2 wins to Hamilton's 1 win. Rosberg also had 3 DNF to Hamilton's 1 DNF.

This raises a couple of points:
1. Lies, damned lies and statistics. Rosberg 2 wins vs Lewis 1. Have a look at the British Grand Prix that season….. that race was Lewis’ at a canter – until his machinery decided otherwise - and Rosberg inherited the win. 2-1 to Lewis.
2. This was Rosberg’s team, he had been there since 2010. He was at home with the team, his engineers etc – and Lewis came in and beat him

All of them have done quite a bit more for Mercedes F1 than Hamilton...and I wouldn't be surprised if just about any driver who wins the championship would lay down the credit the way I have...except maybe Hamilton.

Very poor. This is the guy who never fails to thank the team. No reason whatsoever, no grounds whatsoever for making that comment - but hey, we know why you made it now [;)]

[british exil]

I did not realize that the rules were changed from 2014, I was always under the impression that they had new rules every year. Thanks for clarifing this point.


I wonder where all the information came from, so that they could make a more improved engine? Do they get information from their test drivers only? What do you think the top teams are doing between races? Between seasons? The permitted test weekends? What do Rosberg/Hamilton do?



There are a number of accounts of drivers being told to let their teammate pass.
Accounts where Ferrari told their number 2 driver (Brazillian) to make room for their number 1 (German). Although in the next race the two drivers exchanged favours.
Red Bull ordering a german driver to let an Australian driver win, the German had faulty earphones that day.
Team orders are not always liked, but are still used frequently and less open more in coded way nowadays. FIA try to ban most of it, but the engineers know what to say.



A good driver is not needed to really drive a F1 car, anybody can.

I think people are too quick to say that driving a Formula One car is now so easy that a monkey could win. That is definitely not the case; you still have to drive it, steer left and right, and brake at the right point. It will take away some of the physical stuff, very definitely, and the drivers will probably say it will take away an element of the fun. But you must never forget that part of that fun is going round the corner as fast as you can.

You can definitely go round faster than if you have to do a lot of things manually. But if you are going faster, it all happens faster, so your brain has got to be in top gear to handle that. Could a monkey drive the car? Maybe yes. But the monkey won't be able to win a Grand Prix. . .
http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archi ... 6/williams

Mat

[Orm]

I am sorry to say this but when I read your argument I am beginning to wonder why you like it at all. But I suspect that the simple answer is just that I do not get it. [:)]

[warspite1]

In answer to your question, F1 is great because....

[warspite1]

...and because.....

[warspite1]

...but above all because

[Orm]

Their commercials? [;)]