What if MS retires next year? Imagine the joy of watching F1 again....

Haha, owned!

 

Ok, ship your car over to HK and I'll do the service myself.

 

... probably come back signed by JPM, and thus devalued

Pete's just stirring

 

The only question is what should we call it? I have come up with a few suggestions:

F1-b
F2
The World Runners-Up Championship
La Duexiem Prix

They will need a slogan too...
These guys are (also) good
If you can't beat 'em, exclude 'em
The race to be the best, by default

I'm being a bit glib, but the point is F1 represents the pinnacle of motorsports. The other drivers will simply need to find a way to beat MS, and the other teams will need to find a way to beat the SF. If it's done any way other than merit, it will be a very hollow victory indeed.

Rule changes meant to handicap Ferrari will also backfire, rules stability is the key to a level playing field. Changing the rules only enforces that status quo because the strongest and richest teams will be the first to develop and implement new solutions.

 

Chris, that offer sounds strangely like my wife when I asked if I could trade her in on two half her age. She said sure and then asked if I wanted the car cut in half down the middle or across the seats! I believe I'll pass.

Pete, you behave! I'm trying real hard here!

To give a decent reply to your original post, I have this to offer. I think that the recent alignments of drivers and teams has set us (the fans) up for some great racing in the next couple years. THe good drivers tend to migrate to the better teams. However, it seems the teams also want to tie the better young guns up in long term contracts. THis, of course, to protect their investment, sponsors, and hope for the next title contender. Booorrriiiinnnggg. THis year, with all the contracts either ending or excercising performance clauses - we have loads of movement. And brother, I think that is GREAT! Because, until one of these up-and-coming jocks gets hooked up with the right team, we will continue to have MS run away with it all. If he quits before a true challenge, it will be like compairing MS to Fangio - you just can't do it! Was he that good? Was/is there anyone close? I know we have plenty of great drivers on the grid. But I think we need a serious challenger to give them credibility(?). Otherwise, I think it cheapens abilities of all the rest. I don't know if this makes sense!?!?! Heck, maybe he IS that good! (and no, I am not in the defend MS mode!)
Jim