Hmm you're right but then you have to ask how much of that is because the car has been developed around Lewis for years? A bit like Vettel at red bull, they design the car to suit the driver. I wonder if there's any stats that show a leaderboard of drivers when given a handicap for the finishing position of the constructor. I doubt there is
Because Hamilton went very slow and left a huge gap in front of him, to keep his tyres warm and those in front to cool.
It's a which came first argument though isn't it. The top teams have the best cars and then sign the best drivers and build the car to suit said driver.
Definitely. You wouldn't build your car around someone if they hadn't proven themselves for you first.
Of course it's my opinion, I posted it. Others are free to hold/share their own. In 14 seasons, he's won seven titles. He's also finished second twice - in 2007 (his debut season, by one point) and 2016 (by five points). Competition? Schumacher, Alonso, Button, Massa, Rosberg, Webber, Raikonnen, Vettel, Verstappen and so on. Most titles, most wins, most poles, most podiums, most points, most laps led, won a GP in all 15 seasons, most consecutive GP entries (265 in a row until COVID last year). Silverstone has the 'Hamilton Straight' on it. If he's not the greatest, I'm not sure what it's judged on.
Yes I did, haven’t heard Red bull complain about it, it it was that bad Horner would’ve been the 1st to complain.
In my opinion it was bad but like I've said, I don't blame him for it as he did the same yesterday and wasn't warned about it so he does what he has to do to gain an advantage
He's had far superior equipment (at Mercedes) and over a longer period. His stats are phenomenal but let's not kids ourselves that he's been challenged much over the last 7 years of Mercedes domination. As I said in an earlier post, it's nice to see the competition between Verstappen and Hamilton and I'm sure this season's title fight will go down to the wire (or at least I hope it does). I've always wanted more restrictions on development to achieve a closer and more competitive field but appreciate that will never happen in F1.
I appreciate what you’re saying but isn’t that like a football team taking time to take throw-ins and corners when in a winning position? Small bits to gain an advantage, All part of the game.
The question you have to ask yourself @Shepley Red is Has Mercedes been dominant because they had Hamilton or would they have been as dominant with any top driver. I think it’s not as simple as him just having the best car. He won titles with Maclaren who have done nothing since he left. Mercedes were a new team and have dominated with. It will be interesting to see when Lewis goes if Merc can maintain their dominance. I can’t think of anyone who could have recovered the way Lewis has this weekend
Yes it's exactly like that. Don't blame him for doing it but often the formation lap is very poor with the field spread out and those on the front row just sat waiting. It could so with managing better.
Easiest way to manage it much better is using virtual safety car. Everyone has a delta that they have to meet. No going above or below it
How come the red bull blew them away last race/s but this race Mercedes was far superior speed wise i though even making minuscule gains is incredibly difficult. And this was in a week
Hamilton gets better the more pressure he is put under. Would not surprise me if he wins the last 3 races. The best there has ever been and that’s just my opinion,very few drivers could have done what he has done this weekend.
They weren't the superior team/car when he joined Mercedes. He was ridiculed by much of the paddock at the time for leaving McLaren. Lewis' last race for McLaren in Brazil 2012, saw the team (with Button) win that GP. They didn't win another race until this season, nine years later, and Ricciardo only won that because Verstappen took Hamilton out at Monza. It's absolutely no coincidence that the team he left went into such a demise, whilst the team he joined has enjoyed unprecedented success. But yes, I agree that it's great to see two drivers duking it out for the title again. 2016 we had it with Rosberg, Vettel had a nibble for a couple of years in the Ferrari too. And whilst I hope Hamilton wins this year, it's clear that Max is on a very similar level in terms of talent. I'd love to see them in the same team with the same car. But it is what it is. The new regulations for 2022 suggest a more congested field, but I've heard that before. One team (Ferrari, Brawn, Red Bull, Mercedes) always seem to find the loophole that puts them ahead of the pack.
Alonso not in Hamilton’s league I seem to recall they raced in the same car when Hamilton first started and Hamilton came out on top so much so alonso left.