Nick Heidfeld’s career in video (part 2)
9th July 2009, 7:00 by Journeyer 13 Comments »
Nick Heidfeld had his strongest season in 2007
The early part of Nick Heidfeld’s F1 career was respectable, if unremarkable. But by the end of 2003 he was at something of a dead end, and found himself at Jordan, a team that was on its last legs.
Despite that, he soon found himself allied to one of F1′s emerging powerhouse teams – BMW.
2004: But first, he had to drive for Jordan. He did manage to race with Giancarlo Fisichella (with whom he had swapped seats) here in Australia, but Fisichelle was ahead of him most of the season. In fact, while Heidfeld did score a couple of times, it seemed as if he wasn’t getting another chance to move back up the order.
2005: Just when it almost seemed to be over for Heidfeld, he managed to get a seat at Williams-BMW. And he made the most of it – scoring podiums and beating teammate Mark Webber.
Heidfeld also grabbed his first (and so far only) pole position of his career at the Nürburgring. This video shows the difference in speed between Heidfeld’s 2005 pole lap and Raikkonen’s 2007 pole lap.
2006: With Williams and BMW ending their partnership, it always seemed likely that Heidfeld would move with BMW – after all, BMW were taking over his old team Sauber. He easily dispatched team mate Jacques Villeneuve, and readily raced with most of the field (like here against DC in Bahrain). He would find an equal, however, in Villeneuve’s mid-season replacement Robert Kubica.
2007: Heidfeld had a great season that year, scoring two podium finishes at Montreal and the Hungaroring, and beating his much-vaunted team mate Kubica.
But for me, Nick’s best moment that year was driving his BMW F1 car around the old Nordschleife. So here’s his whole lap – with onboards! Sit back and enjoy this one.
2008: While not as great as the heady heights of 2007, Heidfeld still had a very good 2008, scoring almost as many points as 2007, and finishing all the races. In fact, the last time he retired from a race was at Indianapolis in 2007. Here he is chasing down Felipe Massa for third at Hockenheim.
2009: After the brilliance of 2007 and 2008, BMW were bumped back to reality this year. Other than Heidfeld’s podium at Sepang, the team haven’t had much in the way of good results this year. Here’s Nick doing a qualifying lap at Melbourne.
So what does the future hold for Quick Nick? His contract with BMW ends this year, but with Kubica rumoured to be looking at other teams, BMW may want to keep him on for his experience.
In the meantime he faces an expectant home crowd – without a car to give them the result they want.
Kovy said on 9th July 2009, 7:12
Nice article.
But – according to wikipedia, Webber outscored Heidfeld with 36 points to 28.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Formula_One_season
Keith Collantine said on 9th July 2009, 8:57
Heidfeld missed the later races of the year though – up until the point Heidfeld left he was ahead of Webber.
m0tion said on 9th July 2009, 10:34
On that score you could drop some of Webber’s DNF’s from the race count too.
Tom said on 10th July 2009, 6:40
yeh, pizzonia took over cause williams knew they wouldn’t have nick in 06
ajokay said on 9th July 2009, 9:23
I completely forgot that he drove for Williams. He certainly has been around a bit, hasn’t he? Another driver who deserves more than he’s been presented with.
m0tion said on 9th July 2009, 10:43
I want that Nordschleife seat with a longer diff, slicks and a V10.
Patrickl said on 9th July 2009, 12:33
Heidfeld claimed he might have ended up at Brawn GP. Would loved to have seen him fight with Button in that car.
French frog said on 9th July 2009, 16:45
Hello,
I know that it ‘s not the good topic but according to french media, Bourdais should have his last race this week-end. STR should make the annonce after the race
sad end
HounslowBusGarage said on 9th July 2009, 21:44
Bonjour Monsieur Grenouille Francais!
Is Bourdais to be replaced then? By whom?
It would be unfortunate for Formula 1 not to have French driver or a French race. After all, France was the original home of the grand Prix.
dy said on 10th July 2009, 6:03
From memory, Webber’s unfortunate multiple engine and car failures, Fisichella taking him out in Malaysia and a botched Williams pit stop strategy at Monaco benefited Heidfeld greatly. Yes he was ahead of Webber before he was sat on the sidelines, I reckon Webber was way ahead in terms of performance. He just got lucky!
Tom said on 10th July 2009, 6:41
i agree. monaco was so frustrating for webber.
stren said on 10th July 2009, 20:52
Why did you put Kubica’s picture from Brazil 2007 in an article about Heidfeld ?
ChilliHarry said on 11th July 2009, 17:09
“He easily dispatched team mate Jacques Villeneuve”
Not sure i agree with that one either….
Heidfeld outscored Villeneuve yes, but there was luck involved in that, and JV was 7-5 ahead in qualifying prior to BMW sending him on his way