How is Heikki an F1 Driver?
Discussion
So no-one knows !!!
Yes, there are worse drivers on the grid, some who always seem to make contact with other cars (and did so again today I noted) BUT sometimes I can see the reason why such as the nationality of the driver matches that of the team/engine (though I don't personally believe this should be deemed acceptable to put a liability on a race track, but that's a side issue) but in Heikki's case I simply cannot see it.
This is compounded by the fact he's driving for McClaren. But I cannot believe there are far, far better (read more aggressive and committed) drivers in worse teams. For a top team, surely they only want a man who is going to be fighting for all places possible. It's not like he needs time to get used to the car or somesuch.
Yes, there are worse drivers on the grid, some who always seem to make contact with other cars (and did so again today I noted) BUT sometimes I can see the reason why such as the nationality of the driver matches that of the team/engine (though I don't personally believe this should be deemed acceptable to put a liability on a race track, but that's a side issue) but in Heikki's case I simply cannot see it.
This is compounded by the fact he's driving for McClaren. But I cannot believe there are far, far better (read more aggressive and committed) drivers in worse teams. For a top team, surely they only want a man who is going to be fighting for all places possible. It's not like he needs time to get used to the car or somesuch.
It may be that his postion represents where the McLaren really is in the form book. Before 2 weeks ago you would have said the same about Fissy and Sutil; but give them a decent car and they are actually verry good drivers.
But as Brundle says, the best drivers tend to gravitate towards the best cars and so I doubt he will be with them next year.
But as Brundle says, the best drivers tend to gravitate towards the best cars and so I doubt he will be with them next year.
Project7 said:
Its a shame he doesnt seem to be able to put everything together in the race - in qualifing he's very rapid - fuel corrected for qualifing he was the quickest there.
Yes, that is true enough, but that's not a racing driver, as you clearly appreciate, and I do agree that it's a shame. But the bottom line is I do not see the aggression nor overtaking ability (nor really the ability to defend) - it's not where you start the race it's where you finish.Jasandjules said:
Project7 said:
Its a shame he doesnt seem to be able to put everything together in the race - in qualifing he's very rapid - fuel corrected for qualifing he was the quickest there.
Yes, that is true enough, but that's not a racing driver, as you clearly appreciate, and I do agree that it's a shame. But the bottom line is I do not see the aggression nor overtaking ability (nor really the ability to defend) - it's not where you start the race it's where you finish.
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I think Heikki has the aggression and commitment. He's shown that a few times, like the race last year with Trulli. But he doesn't seem to be able to bring it out consistently.
It seems to me that Heikki's problem isn't ability, but confidence. Perhaps the car just doesn't suit him, and he can't drive it the way he really wants to? And he seems far too corporate to really speak his mind on such issues.
But, yes, there are better drivers on the grid. I'm in favour of Nico replacing Heikki for next season. German driver in a Mercedes, with a long-time childhood friend and former team-mate alongside, sounds like a more constructive combination than the current one.
It seems to me that Heikki's problem isn't ability, but confidence. Perhaps the car just doesn't suit him, and he can't drive it the way he really wants to? And he seems far too corporate to really speak his mind on such issues.
But, yes, there are better drivers on the grid. I'm in favour of Nico replacing Heikki for next season. German driver in a Mercedes, with a long-time childhood friend and former team-mate alongside, sounds like a more constructive combination than the current one.
Mini1275 said:
dpbird90 said:
Probably worth putting a tenner on Sutil to replace him next year? Although Rosberg seems to be the favourite I don't think he'll go just yet, but Mercedes still want a German in there next year.
That would be good, Hamilton and Sutil get on really well too.Kovalienen has consistently shown pace in qualifying, fuel corrected, and later in stints. But he hasn't got anything like good enough pace on full tanks or cold tyres.
He can be just as quick as Hamilton for some of the race, but can't stay on the limit throughout. He pretty much always drops away and it's usually in the early stages. While he's waiting for the car to come to him, others are making time on him.
Being compared to Hamilton isn't doing him any favours but bottom line is he isn't quick enough for enough of the time.
He can be just as quick as Hamilton for some of the race, but can't stay on the limit throughout. He pretty much always drops away and it's usually in the early stages. While he's waiting for the car to come to him, others are making time on him.
Being compared to Hamilton isn't doing him any favours but bottom line is he isn't quick enough for enough of the time.
I was thinking on this subject yesterday ..
He just seems like a good 'B' driver at the moment.
Maybe one day he will get better and be an excellent B driver and bring home good points and maybe even a lower grade A driver. But he does not look to be the best driver out there.
I think some if not most teams enjoy having an A and B driver.. one to win and the other to collect good points - as we have seen in the past, having 2 very good A drivers is not always a good thing.
Alonso - Hamilton anyone.
He just seems like a good 'B' driver at the moment.
Maybe one day he will get better and be an excellent B driver and bring home good points and maybe even a lower grade A driver. But he does not look to be the best driver out there.
I think some if not most teams enjoy having an A and B driver.. one to win and the other to collect good points - as we have seen in the past, having 2 very good A drivers is not always a good thing.
Alonso - Hamilton anyone.
rev-erend said:
Alonso - Hamilton anyone.
If Renault leaves F1, who knows....maybe. Rumours are that Santander have been talking about re-signing as sponsors of McLaren for 2010. As well as sponsoring Ferrari. It might be the Abbey National UK link with Lewis or it could be for a certain Spaniard to return for a year.rev-erend said:
I was thinking on this subject yesterday ..
He just seems like a good 'B' driver at the moment.
Maybe one day he will get better and be an excellent B driver and bring home good points and maybe even a lower grade A driver. But he does not look to be the best driver out there.
I think some if not most teams enjoy having an A and B driver.. one to win and the other to collect good points - as we have seen in the past, having 2 very good A drivers is not always a good thing.
Alonso - Hamilton anyone.
I don't think Kovi really is doing a good job as a B driver.He just seems like a good 'B' driver at the moment.
Maybe one day he will get better and be an excellent B driver and bring home good points and maybe even a lower grade A driver. But he does not look to be the best driver out there.
I think some if not most teams enjoy having an A and B driver.. one to win and the other to collect good points - as we have seen in the past, having 2 very good A drivers is not always a good thing.
Alonso - Hamilton anyone.
Most of his performances this year have left him quite a long way behind his team leader. He hasn't threatened to win in the last 2 seasons unless Hamilton retired - at Monza 2008 he couldn't even stay with Vettel let alone pass him.
I lke the guy and maybe he just needs a different environment in which to thrive but honestly I think he's not doing a good enough job as a B driver in a top team.
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