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Done. Good luck!
Thread closed by moderator – we’re having too many requests for help with dissertations now.
I think you’ve got some good thoughts there, Raymondu999.
To add to the point that he might actually be ok with becoming known for having so many crashes (as it builds an intimidating persona, al la Schumacher early 2000s). I think there is always a point with ultra-talented sportspeople where they begin to look like they’re losing their edge, because their competitors simply figure out what it is that they’re doing and then either copy it or work out how to counter it. So – if everyone has analysed what he does, then either he can’t make passes stick that used to work, or passes that should work end up in smashes because he hasn’t factored in that the other guy will predict what he’s going to do and try to stop him.
If that’s true, then it might well be a good thing for him to continue with the aggressive overtakes, but also figure out some new moves!
In the case of Hamilton, I think people’s memories are far too short.
For me, the hype that surrounds Hamilton is about three things:
(1) His first year in F1 was astounding, which I think every F1 fan (regardless of who they ultimately support) would agree with (even Alonso fans).
(2) He has the ability (like Vettel and Alonso) to push the car to its absolute limit and produce lap times that seem amazing, especially when compared to their team mates.
(3) He is pretty handy at overtaking.
Given how he performed in his first year, I find it hard to understand comments about his maturity or ability to think in the car – it took Vettel a couple of years to hone the skills that he currently wields, but Hamilton had the whole package out of the box. I’d say that one of his strengths is an ability to think clearly whilst racing, which is why he is so good at points 2 and 3 above. In fact, I’d say that he is actually one of the drivers that thinks the most whilst in the car. I would have to agree that the recent times he has been caught out by poor calls have made him look pretty silly, but they were exaggerated to look even worse by the circumstances. After China this year, we were applauding his strategy to reel RB back in.
Overall, I’d say that his current dip in form is just down to the car. McLaren might well have the race pace now, but they didn’t for the first few races – and I think we all knew that Vettel was going to walk this year from race two. So, given that he knows he can’t win the title, I think he is thinking of the bigger picture and focussing instead on improving his legacy around points 2 and 3. Given the car that can consistently win races, I think we would see a return to the 2007/08 form and consistency.
Interestingly, I wonder what we might be saying about Vettel if RB dropped behind Ferrari and McLaren next year?
(PS – yes, I do cheer for Hamilton, but I’m just as much of a fan of Alonso, Vettel, Schumacher, Kovaleinen, Di Resta and Kobayashi)
I would add that you could look at it another way – the team is effectively the old Honda team that was floating about at the back of the grid for quite a few years. Since Brawn joined they made a flukey leap to the front with their innovation around the double diffuser, and for two years running they’ve managed to stay at the back of the top four, even picking up a podium or two.
That’s actually pretty good going!
I think ovals would be very interesting to see, although I’m not sure I’d pay attention for a whole race distance.
What I would really really love to see is a feature event that had a series of short races that depended upon some different skill sets of the drivers. For example, you know in the Race of Champions they start at different ends of the circuit? I’d love to see two F1 racers go head to head on a similar theme, on a circuit something along the lines of the part-road part-oval circuit that PM mentions above. If they started at different ends of the course then noone could complain about dirty air slowing them down etc. If the course played to different driving characteristics, then we might see them pushing each other to the limit. Perhaps they could do some quick qualifying to decide the pairs.
Similarly, I’d like to see them in a challenge that was specifically about overtaking. Eg in ‘Need For Speed: Shift’ there’s an online challenge where you do the same short course three times. Once starting together, once starting a little behind the other car, then once starting a little ahead. So, to win, you’re probably going to have to overtake at some point. But I’m sure something quicker or more entertaining could be made up.
But it’ll never happen :(
Hi Magnificent Geoffrey
With much regret, I’m afraid I’m going to have to withdraw from the race tomorrow – got to cover for someone at work (on my weekend off…).
Totally gutted, as I’ve been looking forward to this all week.
If someone is able to take place and it isn’t too late, then that would be great.
I’m hoping to make amends by volunteering to coordinate the next race? Anyone fancy a F1 2010 race?
Sorry
Graeme
Tried to count up and think I might have just squeezed in there??
PS – first time posting on the forum :)
