Yeah, particularly the performance clauses for the team and all the restrictions regarding #2. And people think Massa is the step child of pitlane
Oh GAWD. Are we going to get into one THOSE debates? Aren't there enough of them in the vintage threads? I kid. I kid.
Just to be clear, I am by no stretch an Alonso fan but I do have immense respect him. What Alonso has done with what can be successfully argued as being less than WDC or WCC machines is equivalent to what Schumacher did in the late 90s, or what Senna did with Lotus. What separates them from Sebastian is they do/did this regularly with inferior machinery. I wouldn't disrespect Vettel's titles, but what has been done the past 3 seasons with the car he has had doesn't surprise anyone, but what Alonso has done against Vettel's amazing machinery is what stands much taller than Seb's supposed success. Alonso having such success when the odds are so stacked against him with that Red Bull being what it is makes drivers like Alonso, Hamilton more respected drivers for their feats. Put Seb in a Ferrari and see if he can do what Alonso or Schu did in the late 90s. My guess is Seb's hot head would get the best of him, he's no cool customer as has been proven now.
How's this for a new F1 gimmick? Driver lotteries. Before each race meet the drivers draw lots to see which cars they'll be driving that weekend. We'd see how much is car, how much is driver.
It only made sense. But my question is if he demanded more money or not. He was pretty low in the F1 list for being a triple world champion, for what I remember. Even below Nico, who has only won a couple of races. He seems more focused on winning than the money, no? And that's a good thing. He already makes a ton anyway. Hope to see him in red after that; we'll see.
That's pretty flawed logic - it takes a driver of Vettel's skill to extract that much performance from the car, and also provide the appropriate feedback to Newey for updates etc. I was not a fan of Vettel after what he did to Webber, but he has completely destroyed Mark, and others. It's a disservice to Vettel to not acknowledge his success. I'm sure you would be signing a different tune if Adrian were at MB though.....
Indeed. [I *love* reading rules/contracts! ) Worth noting, once again, that Rubens remains adamant that there were *never* any "#2" clause(s) in his contract. I believe Gilles, Eddie and myriad others have said the same over the years. However, none of 'em would disobey their team like Kid Index. Cheers, Ian
But it wasn't their team. RB is Seb's team. Reminds me of the Twilight Zone episode with little Billy Mummy. The one where no one dares say no or upset the kid with the "power". Image Unavailable, Please Login
+1 I'm not much of a fan, but I absolutely respect his abilities. Jimmy, Ayrton & Michael were the only guys that could disappear into the distance the way this kid can. I guess Fangio too, but I never saw him. Cheers, Ian
And Taco. At least according to the NBC commentators who compared Seb's ability to disappear into the distance on cold tires with One Pablo.
I don't want him there, Newey. That's under control, but that's a different story. I acknowledge his success and acumen behind the wheel, but thus far he is not late 90s Schu and Alonso. I only hope Vettel gets the opportunity to prove me wrong, but so far it's been like 92 Williams for Vettel, he qualifies in or near front and the car is on cruise control. Alonso fought bare knuckled for his podiums and wins, clawing his way through the field consistently finishing some 30 seconds (barring no car issues for Massa) ahead of his teammate. I would have immense respect for Vettel if we could witness him do the same in a lesser machine, consistently, and for years now.
