This is really an impossible question to answer here people. If he does not have the car, it will never ever happen. It will not happen for ANYONE without the right car. We cannot tell the future on what rule changes bring or how competetive the Mercedes will become or how much better next year's car might be.
I think with Michael Schumacher's feedback from this season, next year's car will be better than this year's. I'm betting he'll be very competitive in 2011. All the best, Andrew.
I voted yes but not because of how he is performing. I do expect his performance will improve but more importantly- I think the return of the Silver Arrow and Mercedes has some historic implications which demand an historic investment and effort. The combination of MS, Brawn and Merc seems to me a recipe for success on a stage where failure is not an option. I have to believe that, even if not now, MS will find the motivation required to be a part of that new chapter in history.
I've voted No and I'll tell you for why. Part of it is because as some have already said, Schumacher's now just racing for fun, not with the determination that it is something that he has to achieve at all costs. The other, bigger part however, is that I feel that the Mercedes (for Mercedes read Brawn), was a one trick pony that made the most of their double diffuser advantage at the start of last season and then became very mediocre when everybody else had one. By the end of the season they just about managed to cling onto the Championships. I can't shake the feeling that the bosses at Mercedes think they learnt a lot more from their time with McLaren than they really did and that they will become the new Toyota, spending a lot of money and not really getting anywhere. I could be wrong though, in F1 you never know!.
I voted yes and if the car gets right watch out. He is a tough competitor and I don't think he is racing for fun at all. He wants to win. He's going to show better as the year progresses.
He can't even beat Rosberg. Webber dominated Rosberg (Rosberg's rookie season, but virtually all past champions have been fast their rookie season).
No. Hard to push it to the limit with pictures of children in your wallet. His best days are behind him.
I joined the crowd of No's, but I really wanted to vote Yes. I think we will see some success from Michael later in this season and probably more next year, but I think that winning another WDC will be a real challenge given the competitiveness of the current field and how difficult it can be to improve the cars now. I would like to see him prove us wrong though. >8^) ER
Not a chance. It's tough enough to win one, let alone two, let alone what he's trying to do. I really don't think his heart is all the way in it yet. The real pressure will come later when the results aren't there. I can't see Michael being happy running as a mid-packer fighting with his teammate for 10th place. I love the guy... but I think he should have remained retired and walked around the world in his red jumpsuit.
As great as he is; once again its the car not the driver that wins WDCs. Does he affect how the car turns out ? Definitely yes but the structure of the team has to be in place. If Mercedes turns out to be a great car then Yes he has a chance. About 50/50. Same as Rosberg who is also a real talent. Remember that MS controlled the greatest obstacle to his being multiple WDC; team-mate selection.
Totally agree. I understand (I think) where he's coming from in wanting to get back in the game. With any profession at that level there is always the passion and frankly the identity that is wrapped up with the guy in the mirror; hard to move on sometimes, I get it.
No way. He lives and breaths for racing and he still has a legitimate shot at it. That seat was going to go to Kimi or MS. The best man DID win.
For me, that would be true. But for some drivers, that's not an issue. After all, you could get hit by a bus, walking to a desk job. (Especially in the DC area.) There are a number of married soldiers, too.
A few names who 'lost' their first full season to a teammate; J. Stewart D. Hulme J. Villeneuve N. Lauda J. Rindt K. Raikkonen G. Villeneuve N. Mansell J. Clark At least he's keeping good company.....
Thankyou Is! I was about to embark on a similar research exercise but you saved me the trouble Cheers, Ian
The only drivers who will win a WDC are those drivers fortunate enough to be driving for the team with the best car. Case in point this season, Red Bull has by far and away the best car, ergo their drivers will win more often than not. Last year Brawn had the edge based on their diffuser and Button looked magnificent. Once everyone else caught up to that technology, Button looked like usual - a mid pack place filler. Unfortunately, MS is in a mid pack car and he will run mid pack. There is no amount of talent that can make up for a car that circulates more slowly than other cars. F1 is all about the technology and literally every half second a lap counts. All of these these drivers, arguably the best conditioned and capable race drivers on earth, can get 100% out of the car they are in. Sometimes their 100% is not quite the same as the 100% of the guy ahead of them.
I hear what you're saying, and agree that none of 'em can turn a complete pig into a winner. However, the best of these guys *can* develop a "reasonable" car into a winner, and the very best of the best can make 'em go faster by sheer force of will, talent, and big balls...... It may take a year or two for the designers to produce what the jockey needs - It's a team sport after all, but it can, and has been, done. Yes, the car is a huge part of it, and maybe many of 'em could have duplicated Jenson's success early last year, but they've still got to deliver, and not many of 'em can do that. Cheers, Ian
I'm happy to oblige and I was willing to wager (apologies, couldn't resist...) a few of us reference fiends were diving into the vault to determine if the comment held water. To be honest, the point is valid to an extent but like everything in F1, there are plenty of instances deflating the argument........ Good to know first year failure wasn't enough to deny their talent.
