Which drivers are currently capable of an WDC?
Discussion
I think the field is currently the strongest there's been. It's easier to list those that aren't capable of taking a WDC. Even someone like Stroll who I think we can all agree is not the best F1 driver is still significantly better than some who've passed through F1 of late.
I'd suggest a more interesting debate is which of the current crop stand the greatest chance of passing into the 'Elite' realms - multiple and revered champions of the likes of Hamilton, Schumacher, Senna, Prost, etc...
I'd suggest a more interesting debate is which of the current crop stand the greatest chance of passing into the 'Elite' realms - multiple and revered champions of the likes of Hamilton, Schumacher, Senna, Prost, etc...
StevieBee said:
I think the field is currently the strongest there's been. It's easier to list those that aren't capable of taking a WDC. Even someone like Stroll who I think we can all agree is not the best F1 driver is still significantly better than some who've passed through F1 of late.
I'd suggest a more interesting debate is which of the current crop stand the greatest chance of passing into the 'Elite' realms - multiple and revered champions of the likes of Hamilton, Schumacher, Senna, Prost, etc...
Yes, it s never been the case before that the whole field was there on merit. The only guy close to being described as a pay-driver is Stroll, and after (checks notes) 176 starts, he s made himself good enough even if he’s the weakest driver of the current 20. I'd suggest a more interesting debate is which of the current crop stand the greatest chance of passing into the 'Elite' realms - multiple and revered champions of the likes of Hamilton, Schumacher, Senna, Prost, etc...
Russell, Piastri, Antonelli, Hadjar, Leclerc, Norris, Bearman, Albon, all look like possible future world champions if given a good car.
BrettMRC said:
Given how tight the field is now it got me wondering, in the right car - which of the current crop could deliver a WDC?
My thoughts are:
Russell
Piastri
Hadjar
Norris
I've excluded Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso as we know they can do it...
I think you have to add Leclerc to that list, he's proven he can dominate when he's in the fastest car (it was a very brief period) and he doesn't make many mistakes these days.My thoughts are:
Russell
Piastri
Hadjar
Norris
I've excluded Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso as we know they can do it...
Car and tyre dominance is such a thing now that I think it is the tiny differences that make a champion, was more obvious back in the day, you could literally see Schuey and Nando were different level and Lewis to a point, it became less obvious with Seb and the hybrid era cars, and that is when F1 lost me a bit
When I watch wec or write or bikes, I can see why Estre is God tier or Ogier 9r Marquez
When I watch wec or write or bikes, I can see why Estre is God tier or Ogier 9r Marquez
It's so hard to tell.
I started writing out a list, which was basically all the race winners. However, we have no idea if Lawson or Gasly (for example) could win a WDC if they get the right car because they've never been in that position.
I think that 80-90% of them could win a title with a car like the 2022 Red Bull or the 2020 Mercedes.
A more close-fought battle is impossible to predict and relies on so many more factors than just the driver.
I started writing out a list, which was basically all the race winners. However, we have no idea if Lawson or Gasly (for example) could win a WDC if they get the right car because they've never been in that position.
I think that 80-90% of them could win a title with a car like the 2022 Red Bull or the 2020 Mercedes.
A more close-fought battle is impossible to predict and relies on so many more factors than just the driver.
bergclimber34 said:
Car and tyre dominance is such a thing now that I think it is the tiny differences that make a champion, was more obvious back in the day, you could literally see Schuey and Nando were different level and Lewis to a point, it became less obvious with Seb and the hybrid era cars, and that is when F1 lost me a bit
When I watch wec or write or bikes, I can see why Estre is God tier or Ogier 9r Marquez
What on earth do you mean by 'Lewis to a point'? In the same sentence you say MS and FA were a different level, then put down LH who beat FA as a rookie!When I watch wec or write or bikes, I can see why Estre is God tier or Ogier 9r Marquez
It makes no sense whatsoever. It seems obvious that if FA was a different level then LH must have been a higher level again to do what he did in 2007.
BrettMRC said:
Given how tight the field is now it got me wondering, in the right car - which of the current crop could deliver a WDC?
My thoughts are:
Russell
Piastri
Hadjar
Norris
I've excluded Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso as we know they can do it...
Every Single OneMy thoughts are:
Russell
Piastri
Hadjar
Norris
I've excluded Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso as we know they can do it...
Put even Stoll in a dominant car, he could win (provided his team mate had really bad luck)
Seriously, we might put some drivers down, but they are still F1 drivers and have driving skills beyond most of us.
MustangGT said:
bergclimber34 said:
Car and tyre dominance is such a thing now that I think it is the tiny differences that make a champion, was more obvious back in the day, you could literally see Schuey and Nando were different level and Lewis to a point, it became less obvious with Seb and the hybrid era cars, and that is when F1 lost me a bit
When I watch wec or write or bikes, I can see why Estre is God tier or Ogier 9r Marquez
What on earth do you mean by 'Lewis to a point'? In the same sentence you say MS and FA were a different level, then put down LH who beat FA as a rookie!When I watch wec or write or bikes, I can see why Estre is God tier or Ogier 9r Marquez
It makes no sense whatsoever. It seems obvious that if FA was a different level then LH must have been a higher level again to do what he did in 2007.
It's a rhetorical question, but highlights that 'beating' one driver over one year isn't the full story.
BrettMRC said:
Given how tight the field is now it got me wondering, in the right car - which of the current crop could deliver a WDC?
My thoughts are:
Russell
Piastri
Hadjar
Norris
I've excluded Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso as we know they can do it...
I'd strongly dispute Alonso is capable of a WDC. My thoughts are:
Russell
Piastri
Hadjar
Norris
I've excluded Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso as we know they can do it...
FeelingLucky said:
BrettMRC said:
Given how tight the field is now it got me wondering, in the right car - which of the current crop could deliver a WDC?
My thoughts are:
Russell
Piastri
Hadjar
Norris
I've excluded Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso as we know they can do it...
I'd strongly dispute Alonso is capable of a WDC. My thoughts are:
Russell
Piastri
Hadjar
Norris
I've excluded Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso as we know they can do it...
Gary C said:
Every Single One
Put even Stoll in a dominant car, he could win (provided his team mate had really bad luck)
Seriously, we might put some drivers down, but they are still F1 drivers and have driving skills beyond most of us.
Aston Martin to nail the new regs, Alonso to have a string of DNF's/bad luck, and Stroll to be 2026 WDC... ? Put even Stoll in a dominant car, he could win (provided his team mate had really bad luck)
Seriously, we might put some drivers down, but they are still F1 drivers and have driving skills beyond most of us.
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