Hahaha !! I have been driving since 1967; Mercedes only came back in F1, as a team, in 2010. Go figure ...
Nor do I, when I started following this nobody cared about F1 at my place/city/country, I was in a very very small minority. But still that´s not why we like Ferrari either.
Let's say that I don't subscribe to the "exceptionalism" some people claim Ferrari has. For me, it's a team like the others; since it survived for so long, it's bound to go through hard times in its existence. Other teams re-ivented themselves under different labels, or just faded away at the end of their natural life.
You´re contradicting yourself. Ferrari has survived: that alone is exceptional. You can like what you want. You may like the new kid on the block instead of the old institutions. But saying that Ferrari is like "anybody else" is cherry picking the facts.
Me too, I have a 2009 SL550 with AMG package. Car has less than 18k miles on it. I store it at times for months. The 2nd battery has a CTek MXS 5.0 charger hooked up at all times.
Nor does it influence a discrete decision for most people. My comment was about whether a potential Ferrari buyer makes a decision based on F1 success or failure. As I already said, answer is no. But they are aware of Ferrari’s legendary history. Buying a Ferrari is never a completely rational decision unless you’re in the business. You seem to completely dismiss the emotional component of racing. That’s ok. But not as much fun.
Individuals = an organization Back on topic, Leclerc would give Russell a major headache if he switched to Mercedes.
I see them about even. Both have wins with Charles having more than Russel. Both are accident prone a touch. Neither are quite team leaders etc. Would be very interesting to see them in the same team. Let us not forget how drivers switching teams, not always successful as we hope in a different car. The 'adaptability' factor.
+1 Unless the car is already Great when the driver arrives. eg Hill @ Williams / Hamilton @ Mercedes (although Ham had to wait 12 months) It's easier to adapt to a great car that's on Scalextric rails
Nothing has ever been rational about Ferrari, or about owning a Ferrari. By essence, it cannot be rational; otherwise, it would simply not be Ferrari. But whenever I look at my 328 GTB and ask myself "is it reasonable"?, the answer is always the same "I don't know, but this is irreplaceable"; there is nothing like it. (Although my guess is that today, the road cars have become just another fashion accessory for most customers, and that they couldn't care less about F1 results.) To me, certainly the Scuderia has lost some of its appeal since LdM left. Before that, there was a continuity, even if the most important period was of course when the "old man" was alive; after his death, it still was more or less the same scuderia Ferrari. Since LdM has left, it is only a succession of bland "corporate managers" who are not really interested in racing. Rgds
Agree Ferrari is all about emotions, The first time a saw a F40 in the flesh it was a very emotional day I can assure you! Now their leaders are only obsessed with electrification, I bet the brand will disappear in the long term or being something completely different..
There will be the "mass market" models for China etc, and an exclusive ICE division producing few for the few. ICE Ferrari engines will continue with efuel.
.I just bought an Alfa and i deslike Toto&Co...lolo...i still have the merc though, justo ton take the dog to the vet! and carry the bycicles!
Already posted in the thread "Ferrari F1 2023"; Leo Turrini is usualy quite a reliable source... https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1762283/charles-leclerc-mercedes-lewis-hamilton Charles Leclerc 'is talking to Mercedes' as huge doubt cast over Lewis Hamilton's future Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have both endured F1 frustration in recent seasons as they attempt to hunt down Max Verstappen. By CHARLIE GORDON 07:12, Wed, Apr 26, 2023 | UPDATED: 07:16, Wed, Apr 26, 2023 Charles Leclerc holding talks with Mercedes is an 'open secret' within the F1 paddock, according to reports in Italy. Silver Arrows star Lewis Hamilton is out of contract at the end of this season and speculation on his future refuses to subside, while some have urged him to move on in search of an eighth world title. Neither Hamilton nor Leclerc will be satisfied with their current situations as both Mercedes and Ferrari trail Red Bull in the Constructors' Championships. The Brit came agonisingly close to an eighth world title in 2021, which would have put him top of the all-time charts, but he has not won a Grand Prix since. Ending his drought this season may still require a slice of luck as Red Bull stars Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have won all three races between them so far. Leclerc has also been left frustrated by Ferrari's nightmare start under new boss Frederic Vasseur. The Monegasque driver could be putting together a back-up plan if things don't improve in Maranello as Italian journalist Leo Turrini claims that talks are ongoing between Mercedes and the F1 star. "Leclerc talking to Mercedes is an open secret," he explained in a piece for Quotidiano Nazionale. "Everyone knows it, from the remote garage in Maranello to the Indian Ocean.""[Hamilton's current team-mate, George] Russell is very, very strong. But if Hamilton were to stop, whoever pays in Stuttgart might not accept another [Valtteri] Bottas alongside a driver who is not yet a world champion."
I’m arriving late to this conversation; all I can say is that I’m terrified at both the ideas of leclerc going to replace Hamilton and Hamilton chauffering for Ferrari. That will leave Ferrari in the questionable hands of the Queen of Fashion and the Prince of slowlife. Wouldn’t it be better if we send Sainz instead somewhere else more favourable a ground for Sainz?. Revive Minardi, Sainz would do fine there, but please don’t bring Hamilton to our world or I will begin clapping another team XD
Ham would drown in the Ferrari pasta soup. Ham started with Mercedes power and will retire with Mercedes.
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12867561/charles-leclerc-denies-holding-talks-with-mercedes-as-lewis-hamilton-says-speculation-doesnt-impact-contract-talks#:~:text=A report in Italy claimed,with Mercedes have taken place.
I truly believe Lewis wants to emulate Senna in that Senna had told Luca De Montezemolo many years ago that he wanted to end his career at Ferrari. Lewis has baggage but I do not see his Ferrari bridge as burned but maybe singed over the years.
