Driver Pairing Analysis
Discussion
The "Strongest Driver pairings" thread got me thinking about the pairings for 2010 and I thought it would be worth discussing the differing routes the teams have taken this year. I'm not going to list them all since I'm sure you'd all fall asleep 
Starting with the obvious one,
Mclaren:
I'd say it's definately the strongest pairing currently signed for next year - and frankly even if Merc do sign Kimi or even bring the correct Schumacher out of retirement I don't see anyone manageing a better line up. Hamilton's qualities are well known and Button not only brings a good level of experience with him he also brings substantial speed in his own right and its very likely that he is at the peak of his abilities right now.
It's very rare that you get such a strong line up with such a low level of risk to the team.
Ferrai:
They've got Alonso and Massa, both drivers are proven race winners with fantastic speed and something to prove this year, and if it all goes to plan they will be a formidable pairing that should ensure good results.
However Alonso's temperment and his ability to cope with a fast teammate have been shown to be questionable, if Massa manages to rattle his cage (and I have no doubt that he will be trying) then we could have Mclaren '07 all over again.
Massa himself has his weaknesses, he seems to need alot of support from the team to keep his confidence up and while he is one of the best in the business at leading a GP his seeming lack of ability to come through the pack hurts him especially with the relative closeness of the teams making a front row slot that much harder to guarantee. Let's not forget that how well he has recovered from the accident psychologically is still a question mark as well and that will remain untill Australia at the very least.
Red Bull:
By going with a stable line up they know that they can hit the ground running from the start, both drivers have proven they can compete with each other while still playing nice and both are proven winners. Webber improved alot last year and while I'll never rate him amongst the top teir of drivers he is certainly good enough to get some good results. Vettel has awesome speed and his tendency to be a little erratic should reduce as he matures - his "young hot shot" status and the need to beat him is also no doubt a great motivator for Webber.
Mercedes (nee Brawn):
This really is s
t-or-get-off-the-pot time for Rosberg, he's been around too long now for "promising young talent" and he needs to deliver now if he is to avoid becoming "never quite delivered". Ideally they need to pair him with someone who is solid, now they have lost Button I would be looking to Kimi or Heidfeld, neither offers much for PR (except the dubious value of Kimi's "what will he do" saga) but hey that's what the sponsor's darling Rosberg is for. Kimi does bring an undeniable talent and as long as he is kept motivated can deliver very strong results from a so-so car. Heidfeld might not be about to set the world alight but in F1-edition dictionaries the word "reliable" says "see Nick Heidfeld" - he's also proven that he has got enough pace in him not to make much more popular drivers look stupid.
Williams:
Straight out of the aspiring midfield textbook really, take one promising rookie (Hulkenburg) and pair him with steady old hand who is still quick enough and offers fantastic car-setup and development (Barrichello ticks both boxes better than anyone else in the sport IMO)
Starting with the obvious one,
Mclaren:
I'd say it's definately the strongest pairing currently signed for next year - and frankly even if Merc do sign Kimi or even bring the correct Schumacher out of retirement I don't see anyone manageing a better line up. Hamilton's qualities are well known and Button not only brings a good level of experience with him he also brings substantial speed in his own right and its very likely that he is at the peak of his abilities right now.
It's very rare that you get such a strong line up with such a low level of risk to the team.
Ferrai:
They've got Alonso and Massa, both drivers are proven race winners with fantastic speed and something to prove this year, and if it all goes to plan they will be a formidable pairing that should ensure good results.
However Alonso's temperment and his ability to cope with a fast teammate have been shown to be questionable, if Massa manages to rattle his cage (and I have no doubt that he will be trying) then we could have Mclaren '07 all over again.
Massa himself has his weaknesses, he seems to need alot of support from the team to keep his confidence up and while he is one of the best in the business at leading a GP his seeming lack of ability to come through the pack hurts him especially with the relative closeness of the teams making a front row slot that much harder to guarantee. Let's not forget that how well he has recovered from the accident psychologically is still a question mark as well and that will remain untill Australia at the very least.
Red Bull:
By going with a stable line up they know that they can hit the ground running from the start, both drivers have proven they can compete with each other while still playing nice and both are proven winners. Webber improved alot last year and while I'll never rate him amongst the top teir of drivers he is certainly good enough to get some good results. Vettel has awesome speed and his tendency to be a little erratic should reduce as he matures - his "young hot shot" status and the need to beat him is also no doubt a great motivator for Webber.
Mercedes (nee Brawn):
This really is s
t-or-get-off-the-pot time for Rosberg, he's been around too long now for "promising young talent" and he needs to deliver now if he is to avoid becoming "never quite delivered". Ideally they need to pair him with someone who is solid, now they have lost Button I would be looking to Kimi or Heidfeld, neither offers much for PR (except the dubious value of Kimi's "what will he do" saga) but hey that's what the sponsor's darling Rosberg is for. Kimi does bring an undeniable talent and as long as he is kept motivated can deliver very strong results from a so-so car. Heidfeld might not be about to set the world alight but in F1-edition dictionaries the word "reliable" says "see Nick Heidfeld" - he's also proven that he has got enough pace in him not to make much more popular drivers look stupid.Williams:
Straight out of the aspiring midfield textbook really, take one promising rookie (Hulkenburg) and pair him with steady old hand who is still quick enough and offers fantastic car-setup and development (Barrichello ticks both boxes better than anyone else in the sport IMO)
Edited by KaraK on Thursday 19th November 13:54
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