Not at all: Sebastian Vettel: 39 issues (32 mechanical issues, 3 team order, 2 team-mate clashes, 2 significant pit stop issue), 8 leading to a DNF Mark Webber: 47 issues (35 mechanical issues, 3 team orders, 2 team-mate clashes, 7 significant pit stop issues), 5 leading to a DNF In that period, Vettel suffered a significantly higher point loss than Webber due to technical retirements with 139 points lost and Webber 59.
The reality is Vettel did not forget how to drive. Actually, Mark Webber smartly predicted a difficult season such as this for Sebastian. Webber said Vettel has enjoyed a Red Bull with tons of downforce and a very planted rear, which particularly suits Vettel's driving style (getting on the power VERY early). With the significant loss of downforce overall and particularly at the rear, Vettel is having to cope with an entirely different approach to his driving. I expect he will continue to improve...
That's an interesting observation. DH was always saying how Vettel had traction control imbedded in his right foot. These cars are MUCH more tail happy than last year, rear traction is a huge deal. Vettel was also able to just scream away on cold tires. Certainly both would be helped by a car with high and rear biased down force. And if Ricciardo happens to be someone who likes his car to twerk...
IMO, a truly gifted driver does best with what he has, then makes what he has better - ultimately developing it into the best car on the grid. I believe the best driver of late to do this is Michael Schumacher. He took the Benetton and made it a contender at first, then a winner through his feedback and development. Then, he took that ability to Ferrari and created a Legacy. I see those same traits in Lewis Hamilton. I will also say that I have NOT been a fan of Lewis since day 1. Not that he's a shabby driver, but because he was a juvenile. He lacked maturity, thus not allowing me to give him the respect he deserved. However, I consider Ron Dennis a more knowledgable bloke than myself, and give him the benefit of the doubt ;-). He saw the potential very early-on. Nico wasn't able to capitalize on Schumacher's insight. Lewis has, and added his own to create a winning combination. Alonso has the most raw-talent on the grid, IMO. But, he doesn't seem to have the same ability to help the engineers make the car into a true Championship contender. Why, I do not know. But, it is difficult for me to see him struggle the way he has for so long. Especially when he is driving for the Scuderia, my team for the WCC.
