Best Number 2 Drivers

[StevieBee]

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?

[StevieBee]

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.

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]

amgmcqueen said:

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.

He bent over more times than Jenna Jameson.

Marvellous!