Best Number 2 Drivers
Discussion
Ignoring the fact that technically you sort of cannot have a number two driver, the discussion on the Bottas / Hamilton / Rosberg pairings got me thinking as to who have proven to be the best number two drivers. I guess the rationale would be quick enough to keep the number one driver sharp, reliable, good technical feedback, compliant and non-disruptive.
The two that spring to mind for me are Riccardo Patrese and Eddie Irvine.
Any other suggestions?
The two that spring to mind for me are Riccardo Patrese and Eddie Irvine.
Any other suggestions?
I assume we are to answer who is best no2 based on their performance for their own sake, as opposed to how compliant they are in supporting the no1 drivers success?
Rosberg was a better driver than Bottas imo, but as a number 2 driver, I think Mercedes definitely rate Bottas as the better choice.
Rosberg was a better driver than Bottas imo, but as a number 2 driver, I think Mercedes definitely rate Bottas as the better choice.
TheDeuce said:
I assume we are to answer who is best no2 based on their performance for their own sake, as opposed to how compliant they are in supporting the no1 drivers success?
Rosberg was a better driver than Bottas imo, but as a number 2 driver, I think Mercedes definitely rate Bottas as the better choice.
^^^^^What he said.Rosberg was a better driver than Bottas imo, but as a number 2 driver, I think Mercedes definitely rate Bottas as the better choice.
Spot on.
TheDeuce said:
I assume we are to answer who is best no2 based on their performance for their own sake, as opposed to how compliant they are in supporting the no1 drivers success?
Rosberg was a better driver than Bottas imo, but as a number 2 driver, I think Mercedes definitely rate Bottas as the better choice.
Actually, that's a better question to ask - what makes a good number 2? Compliance should be part of this I guess.Rosberg was a better driver than Bottas imo, but as a number 2 driver, I think Mercedes definitely rate Bottas as the better choice.
I'm sure there's been cases where two Alphas in the same team have led to the team failing over a season. Prost and Senna is a case in point but with them, one of them always prevailed.
Haas, maybe. Although that's more a case of two Betas in the same team!
StevieBee said:
Actually, that's a better question to ask - what makes a good number 2? Compliance should be part of this I guess.
I'm sure there's been cases where two Alphas in the same team have led to the team failing over a season. Prost and Senna is a case in point but with them, one of them always prevailed.
Haas, maybe. Although that's more a case of two Betas in the same team!
I think the question can be answered from two different perspectives - the driver that shines most as no2 vs the driver that, as a paid driver, is most useful as no2.I'm sure there's been cases where two Alphas in the same team have led to the team failing over a season. Prost and Senna is a case in point but with them, one of them always prevailed.
Haas, maybe. Although that's more a case of two Betas in the same team!
In the end, I don't think it's a question that can be answered unless the perspective 'best for who?' is defined.
For me, Bottas is the current best no2. It is very rare for a driver to be as reliably fast and consistent even when they have spent years playing second fiddle. I think part of his compliance comes down to his team genuinely treating him as an equal at the start of each season, and only asking him to play the team game once Lewis has established a strong points lead - which is both fair and reasonable, so he doesn't have to resent it so much. At least, it seems he is comfortable enough with that game for it not to upset his work behind the wheel.
He should probably get a new award - worlds most reasonable drivers champion.
Edited by TheDeuce on Tuesday 1st October 18:54
Exige77 said:
TheDeuce said:
I assume we are to answer who is best no2 based on their performance for their own sake, as opposed to how compliant they are in supporting the no1 drivers success?
Rosberg was a better driver than Bottas imo, but as a number 2 driver, I think Mercedes definitely rate Bottas as the better choice.
^^^^^What he said.Rosberg was a better driver than Bottas imo, but as a number 2 driver, I think Mercedes definitely rate Bottas as the better choice.
Spot on.
Nampahc Niloc said:
Turbojuice said:
Barrichello. You could argue not the best factually, but definitely the most iconic 2nd driver.
This. I was reading through the this topic wondering why no one had mentioned him yet.Since then, for that season, every interview he did he was made to wear a hat with number 2 on it.
I'd also say Giancarlo Fisichella was a good number 2 driver.
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