Debate: Which driver deserves the title?
One race, three drivers separated by seven points. They’ve all driven blinding races this year, but they’ve all made mistakes as well.
So which one deserves it most – Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso or Kimi Raikkonen? Have your say below
Lewis Hamilton
Wins: Four – Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Indianapolis, Hungaroring, Fuji Speedway
Points: 107
Best moment: Faultless win under pressure in pouring rain in Fuji.
Worst moment: Staying out a lap too long in Shanghai and turning a possible win into his first ever DNF.
Fernando Alonso
Wins: Four – Sepang, Monte-Carlo, Nürburgring, Monza
Points: 103
Best moment: Passing Felipe Massa in the dying laps of the European Grand Prix to win.
Worst moment: Several off-track moment in Montreal before being shafted by the appearance of the safety car.
Kimi Raikkonen
Wins: Five: Melbourne, Magny-Cours, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, Shanghai
Points: 100
Best moment: Vital win in tricky conditions in Shanghai to keep his title hopes alive.
Worst moment: Crashing in qualifying at Monte-Carlo.
Photo: Ferrari Media
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Tags: f1 / formula one / formula 1 / grand prix / motor sport
ade said on 8th October 2007, 15:47
Hamilton deserves the title. He’s kept his car between the white lines more than the other two & has really only messed up in a race twice. As the points system seems to reward consistency and he’s been the most consistent driver, I guess that makes him the most deserving of the three.
.
Most of the commenters here seem to have conveniently forgotten the fact that Kimi struggled badly for the first part of the season:- *yes* he’s a true racer and he’s thrilling to watch, but he’s not really been Mr Consistency again this year, has he?
Uk said on 8th October 2007, 15:53
Of course Kimi deserves it, for many reasons you all know, I think Alonso deserves more respect and he has had a horrible season, fighting against his own boss, english press, Fia, etc….but he betted for Mc Laren and he failed. Lewis is an amazing rookie yes, but every body has supported him further than legality, Fia, Mc laren, Press and Media in general, I think just beacuse he is a great bussines for them all, but F1 (I hope ) still is a sport.
nellyweb said on 8th October 2007, 16:13
Almost all of alonso’s problems have been of his own making – he is lucky to even be still driving the car, given that he has behaved so badly towards the team, and his accusations of favouritism sound hollow when he was complaining at the beginning of the season that Mclaren were being equal to both drivers when they should be favouring him!
Alonso is simply highlighting something I have known for 3 years now – he is a great winner, but a terrible loser, and always blames the team or his team-mate for his own problems – if he is slow it is because the team are tampering with the car or pitstops. If Hamilton wins a race then it is because he is lucky and Alonso was not.
Last year he blamed Renault for hampering his progress, and also said that Fisi should be doing more to help him win.
Lets face facts, Alonso thought he would have a walk in the park this year with a rookie learning the ropes, and it turns out that the rookie is faster and makes less mistakes.
So think about this Alonso fans – imagine how much faster and more experienced Hamilton will be next year… Alonso has already won his last championship – the next few years will be all about Kimi and Hamilton.
David said on 8th October 2007, 16:39
Whoever wins in Brasil should get the title.
I’d like Alonso to win it, but he should prove us all he is the best by bitting them on track.
James B said on 8th October 2007, 17:04
Kimi deserves it most.
Simply because he has had his fair share of reliability problems this year and the other two haven’t had a mechanical problem in a race this year.
Melanie said on 8th October 2007, 17:28
Easy Kimi off course.
If it wasn’t for his 2 mechanical failures he would have been in the lead. Since he has adapted to his team(which he did extremely well), he has been on fire and the highest scorer. His drive in Fuji was simply brilliant from last to 3rd place, he made something like 8 passes in the worst of conditions. He has guts and determination. And no he doesn’t brake cars.
He has acted the with the most respectability, between the contenders. He never says anything bad about anyone, and has always shown great sportsmanship. Kimi is the real deal racer on the track, he wins boat and snowmobile races in his spare time. He does donuts at the end of races, and off course dresses up in a gorilla suit to have a few drinks. How refreshing, I would love to see a champion like him.
He deserves it the most, and after him it has to be Alonso.I cant wait for next season, without traction control, I bet it is going to be a straight fight between Kimi and Lewis.
oliver said on 8th October 2007, 17:36
I agree with you completely Nellyweb. His first gripe with the team was that certain team members cheered more for Hamilton. How small minded can a person get. I’ve always wanted Alonso to win over Schumacher and Kimi. Even this year I wanted him to win it. He cannot accept the fact that a young rookie in his first race can be a match for him with his over five years of racing in Formula1.
He should ask Ferrari what happens when a team do not like you,…you will never have complete set of tires.
If you notice he has said recently that the cars are the same and he gets equal equipment, I believe, Bridgestone showed him the data on tyre pressures and temperatures because they have all the records. That made him pause a bit.
Clive said on 8th October 2007, 18:07
Deserves? Oh, Jenson Button deserves the championship more this year than any of them.
But, if you’re limiting me to the chosen three, of course it has to be Kimi, even though he’s driving for the wrong team. Apart from anything else, he knows how to keep his mouth shut when it matters. And, as these comments demonstrate, he’s a racer through and through.
But Button deserves to be champion after the year he’s had…
John said on 8th October 2007, 18:36
I think that no one “deserves” the championship more that another. This is an award given out for achievement not just in one person but a team. The award is not given to a driver we think “should” have it. But just for fun it would be nice if Kimi won. He is a very capable driver that had it not been for the two misfortunes ealier in the season would probably be in the lead. Kimi appears to be a perfect gentlemen. Controversy does not surround him and he doesn’t have a bad thing to say about his team and/or his competition. Problem is he doesn’t have much to say period. That in itself speaks volumns about his personality. I agree with Clive that the only problem with Kimi is that he is on the wrong team. Alonso proved to me that he does not deserve it when he began to criticize his own team. Some say that it is paranoia and I agree. Fact is though that I think that Hamilton, deserving or not will win the championship next week at Brazil.
JavierR said on 8th October 2007, 18:51
ALONSO.
He’s fighting against ALL elements.
(And elements you can think what you want…)
JavierR said on 8th October 2007, 18:57
By the way…
Who will have extra lap in Brazil?
I think it’s Alonso who should…
Loki said on 8th October 2007, 19:06
Kimi. Followed VERY closely by Alonso.
I’m sick of the new points system, where it shows nobody needs to really win (they should award winners 12 points if they wish to keep points for 8 places). Although consistency is good, Kimi has made the best out of a bad situation with DNFs and Monaco Qualification by fighting for the front.
Anything bad happens, he moves on, he knows there’s not a lot he can do except do the best he can the next race – and you have to admit he’s had a lot of unlucky times with McLaren and, even more unfortunately for him, at Ferrari as well now which could prove to cost him another championship. But also bear in mind he’s in a new team, where he has Schumacher’s team, but has been many reports of isolation and took him the first half of the season to acclimatise not just with the team, but the tyres.
I’m not sure how long Kimi has in F1 left, but he could go down as one of the greats that never won – not to say it should be handed to him, but I think he’s made a strong comeback to deserve it. To win the championship by such a deficit, in a season where his rivals have had the reliability and consistency, will be well deserved.
Alonso’s has had acclimatisation problems as well – new team, new tyres . . . new team mate who has the advantage over him in both these respects, but is a rookie – an underestimatation in terms as it turned out. Fighting against a McLaren and a Ferrari, with another Ferrari as a TEAM-playing car, he’s got his work cut out for him heading to Interlagos. But a 3rd consecutive title is the making of a great F1 marque, and I relish in watching. Especially after this year, and probably for a while, he may not be in a championship winning car.
Wesley said on 8th October 2007, 19:44
Who DESERVES the title: (that was for you Number 38 )
RAIKKONEN
Who do I WANT to win the title: Heidfeld ( maybe next year )
I don’t want a Ferrari driver to win the title but,the Iceman is so cool I don’t mind it too much.
KB said on 8th October 2007, 20:08
KIMI KIMI KIMI KIMI
Stayed outta controversy, not slagged off team or fellow drivers.
I like a grafter who lets his work do the talking, unlike the other 2 tubes who like to blow their own trumpets.
There is nothing I would like to see more than the 2 McClarens take each other out, that for me would sum the season up….perfectly!
AmericanTifosi said on 8th October 2007, 22:22
KIMI!!!
Remember 2003? Remember 2005?
He is a racer. Not just a good driver. I could list my numerous reasons for disliking Hamilton but it would take too long. Alonso would be my next driver to win. He makes me laugh.