Discussion
I've just watched the SkyF1 'Button reunited with Brawn' feature, which I thought was very good and felt genuinely quite an emotional reunion, understandably.
I always listen whenever Ross Brawn speaks. I've never met the man but I find he comes across very honest, articulate, sincere and a thoroughly decent gentleman.
This had me thinking - who else within the past & present F1 community would we consider holding many positive qualities?
I always listen whenever Ross Brawn speaks. I've never met the man but I find he comes across very honest, articulate, sincere and a thoroughly decent gentleman.
This had me thinking - who else within the past & present F1 community would we consider holding many positive qualities?
37chevy said:
TheDeuce said:
Niki didn't quite make the cut?
It’s not an exhaustive list. There are plenty of others....of course you could suggest them instead of being an assAnd yes, it's a very long list.
I would add Niki, DC (and so many no longer with us drivers) as having mostly positive qualities, and leaving a positive impression on the sport. Also James Allison.
I'm sure it's controversial, but I would also say Bernie has had an overall positive effect on the sport. Albeit self-serving, he did make it accessible and understandable to the live viewer at home. Also pulled a good few strings to keep the show on the road when the wheels were at danger of falling off. Again, self serving all the way - but it did keep the sport going and growing.
tweenster said:
Patrick Head
Colin Chapman
I’m not sure if Colin can make a list of F1 good guys to be honest and I say that as a huge admirer of his talent/genius.Colin Chapman
Most first hand sources suggest that he could be a tyrannical boss, touchy, manipulative and vain.
From an engineering perspective Lotus pushed the envelope to the very limit of technical integrity. Yes the drivers knew of and took the risks to sit in often the very fastest cars.
It’s easy to argue that Colin was a genius much harder to argue that he was a ‘Good Guy’ in my honest opinion.
Regards Mike
I think we need to have a distinction between ‘positive contribution’ or ‘talented’ and ‘nice bloke’
Patrick Head was often not a very nice chap. For example, his motivational chat to Heinz-Harald Frentzen when he was struggling in 1997?
“You know your problem? You’re not f
king quick enough”
As for Bernie E, this is the man who said Hitler “got things done” who bled racetracks dry before moving on to another country/area, who connived with Mosley to ensure teams never got longevity and a business model that worked.
Sure, he helped the likes of a Eddie Jordan and a Frank Williams from time to time, but it was always ultimately self-serving....
Patrick Head was often not a very nice chap. For example, his motivational chat to Heinz-Harald Frentzen when he was struggling in 1997?
“You know your problem? You’re not f
king quick enough”As for Bernie E, this is the man who said Hitler “got things done” who bled racetracks dry before moving on to another country/area, who connived with Mosley to ensure teams never got longevity and a business model that worked.
Sure, he helped the likes of a Eddie Jordan and a Frank Williams from time to time, but it was always ultimately self-serving....
I'm unsure about Patrick Head.
He certainly appears like he could tear a phone book in half and worked during a very stressful & challenging period of F1 - although I don't recall any 'bad' examples
Edit: Muzzer79 - yes! I think the BTG podcast with Alan Jones also mentioned 'motivational words' - Paddy's off the list!
He certainly appears like he could tear a phone book in half and worked during a very stressful & challenging period of F1 - although I don't recall any 'bad' examples
Edit: Muzzer79 - yes! I think the BTG podcast with Alan Jones also mentioned 'motivational words' - Paddy's off the list!
Edited by CocoUK on Sunday 21st July 23:06
CocoUK said:
I'm unsure about Patrick Head.
He certainly appears like he could tear a phone book in half and worked during a very stressful & challenging period of F1 - although I don't recall any 'bad' examples
He's pretty much credited with turning Franks Williams team in to what they became, a dominant force. But is that his genius or Frank's genius to partner with him recognising the effect he could have? Could question the same about many F1 characters no doubt.He certainly appears like he could tear a phone book in half and worked during a very stressful & challenging period of F1 - although I don't recall any 'bad' examples
For me personally, I don't see mostly positive lasting memories from Head. I think he got the job done in a fairly crude way, which is fair enough - it was after all his job. I have no doubt he got an improved result out of a several drivers and engineers, but to get the 'best' result I think requires more the Toto method.
CocoUK said:
In terms of current drivers, I guess Danny Ric?
He seems liked by plenty of drivers, including Max, gives the press plenty of time plus handled a couple of terrible situations rather well - it's early days but could be considered a good egg?
In the history of F1 it's hard to recall a better 'egg' He seems liked by plenty of drivers, including Max, gives the press plenty of time plus handled a couple of terrible situations rather well - it's early days but could be considered a good egg?
I think he's already earned a special place in the sport due to his down to earth decency, humility and great attitude. Just really wish he had the drive to cement his name in the history books too! DR back to Red Bull or to Ferrari? Please. Please..
Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff