MS Predictions?

He's not going anywhere. What his former teammate stated regarding Schu still having his previous ability but the younger drivers are better is utter crap as many of the drivers on the field were drivers Schu was demolishing in his day. Webber, Button, Barich, Massa, Alonso were all on the field. Something has him stumped about current F1 though, for sure. We see glimpes of him here and there but no solidity. This last race was the first race where his car has been 100%, and he looked great.....until qualifying. During the race he had some great moments, but other times we all knew there was something off.

 

I suppose he's just getting old. We may not see it as such, but the performance differences between the F1 drivers are negligible compared to the rest of the world. Being 15 years older makes a big difference in such an extremely competitive environment.

 

It's either that or he just can't come to grips with today's F1 cars. Massa, Webber, Rubens, Button all have but for whatever reason Michael just hasn't. He's shown he can be incredibly fast (Friday's third practice) but it's terribly inconsistent lately.

 

All excellent points John, as usual.

 

I had my doubts when he returned and am sorry that it hasn't worked out as he intended.
Yet I hope he sticks out the season. I'd hate for people who don't know better to think him some sort of quitter.

 

He won't quit half way through but if he doesn't get any "big joy" by the end of the season, this could be his last IMHO.

 

That may be the case unless they know they have something very special in line for next season. Also, I hear he really wants to race in the US again. Would be great to see him at the GP in Austin IF it happens.

CRG, he's not over the hill. Nico is a fabulous driver and has come to grips with these cars and the style required to get the most out of them. Michael brakes later, has sharper turn in, and jumps on the accelerator quicker than Nico, but Nico really has a finess about what he is doing which really appeals to these cars. Rubens is still out there as is everyone else Michael used to lap.

Spain has a new exhaust and a cooling update. Since the car is just now made right for him as of Turkey (not breaking somewhere), I am holding off on final judgment pending the European GP in Valencia. If no improvement by then and the car has not gone awry either via KERS, DRS, whatever, then it might be time for him to rethink his position. He is not a quitter though.

 

Probably not fun for him anymore because he's not winning. Makes sense. I never believed he would quit early but after reading his comments i'm starting to second guess myself on that assertion.

 

I expect di Resta to take his place eventually.
Di Resta came out of the gates strong as many rookies do but lets see how he performs once the initial thrill/motivation wears off.
He already has Mercedes tie-ins.

 

Di Resta will take Nico's spot next season. I bet Nico is headed to Ferrari.

 

+1

He should quit soon if he doesn't enjoy it anymore. Why take the risk. I'm sure his schnuckiputzy tells him the same thing.

I never thought he had a chance of a successful comeback: in the modern F1 40 years is the cut off date

What's kinda sad is now seeing a lot of people questioning his 7 titles. I don't of course.

 

Maybe or he stays at Mercedes and MS leaves after the last race. He's done. I dont care what Sabine Kehm says. MS has no future. He is old news.

DiResta or someone else stays with Nico. Currently Nico is as well off at Mercedes as he is at Ferrari. Neither car is going to win much if anything this year. Management problems at Ferrari are glaring in my opinion. How much life does Domencali have left.

Id rather race with Ross Brawn. Question is where does Ross go if the Mercedes does not improve in a big way. Patience at Mercedes. How much is there.

 

I think he will see his contract out and call it a day, MS has never been one to quit and I can't see him starting now.

 

Precisely. Your reflexes start to erode in your early-30's and you also become VERY aware of your mortality, so you don't take the same chances that you would as a 20-25 year old. I think his best days are well in the rear-view mirror and don't really understand why he's still driving. He may be one of the best in F1 history, but he's no longer the daredevil who drove for Benetton and Ferrari.

He's the quintessential toothless old lion now, I'm afraid.

 

I don't buy it, but I hear where you are coming from.

Here's why: Michael brakes later than Nico, bounces on the rev limiter more, has sharper turn-in, and hits the accel earlier than Nico. Michael's line is just too aggressive compared and he needs to learn (if he can) that these cars can't be driven that way. His driving is still remarkable but I don't know if he is able to make the paradigm shift which is required to finess these cars the right way. He cooks those front tires with his super-sharp style. Reflexes are not an issue though.

 

I think he will see out this year, the sad part IMO is the difference in points with Nico, last year Nico 142 points, MS had 72. 4 races this season Nico has 20 points, MS has 6.

There is no escaping those facts

The history of F1 driver comebacks tells a story, this is just another chapter to take heed from.

 

True. M.S is beginning to remind me of M.J. (Jordan not Jackson).

 

Id say thats a good choice. Seems to be fast! If Nico stays id bet he would pressure Nico a bit!