The Best 2013 Driver's Line Up
#1
Posted 29 December 2012 - 19:12
http://forums.autosp...w...t=0&start=0
Of course. A lot has changed in one year. Mclaren and Mercedes have a new drivers onboard, the Lotus duo has had a chance to impress. Ferrari and Red Bull have retained last seasons line up, but both Webber and Massa have improved from 2011.
Therefore, I am expecting the result of this voting to be quite a bit closer than last years.
2013 Drivers Line Up
http://en.wikipedia....ams_and_drivers
The reason to why Caterham and Force India aren't in the poll is because three of those four drivers are yet to be announced, not that it should make much of a difference though.
#3
Posted 29 December 2012 - 19:29
If not, than RB is next in line for me.
The Lotus driver pairing is not among the strongest, I doubt RG will be much better this coming season.
Ferrari is among the strongest, with a 'broken in' FM. In terms of consistently maximizing their score, they could be the strongest in fact.
I don't have a clue about Mc. I'm clueless about how well SP will do.
#4
Posted 29 December 2012 - 19:31
#5
Posted 29 December 2012 - 19:33
#6
Posted 29 December 2012 - 19:39
#7
Posted 29 December 2012 - 19:42
EDIT: Completely forgot about Lotus. Like Massa at Ferrari, if Grosjean can cut out all the mistakes (which I believe to be unlikely) then they could be ranked similarly to Merc & RB.
Edited by PretentiousBread, 29 December 2012 - 19:45.
#8
Posted 29 December 2012 - 19:57
Lotus I believe.
So, the team with the best driver line up is the team that had one of the drivers crashing out if half of the races?
Interesting point of view.
#9
Posted 29 December 2012 - 20:01
"No 1 drivers": Alonso=Vettel=Hamilton=Raikkonen>Button
Considering equipment available and teammate comparisons Rosberg impressed me more in the last years than Webber, Massa, Grosjean and Perez, therefore I voted Mercedes.
#10
Posted 29 December 2012 - 20:01
I think Mercedes should be just as good as red bull once Lewis gets settled in and if he continues his 2012 form.
#11
Posted 29 December 2012 - 20:02
Similar with Lotus and Ferrari, hard to choose.
#12
Posted 29 December 2012 - 20:02
This is a 2013 pollSo, the team with the best driver line up is the team that had one of the drivers crashing out if half of the races?
Interesting point of view.
#13
Posted 29 December 2012 - 20:10
#14
Posted 29 December 2012 - 20:30
three time champ vettel
proven race winner webber who keeps vettel from losing focus
ferrari
alonso
and an on form massa can win could be in the title fight
renault
raikkonen will only get better
his team mate will crash into all his rivals, couldn't ask for more
merc
doesn't really matter who is driving because the team is not cohesive and money doesn't win titles
#15
Posted 29 December 2012 - 20:55
This poll is purely based on drivers line-up ability, not teams.merc
doesn't really matter who is driving because the team is not cohesive and money doesn't win titles
#16
Posted 29 December 2012 - 21:13
All 3 have top-level drivers with teammates I consider 2nd tier. Should note that Ferrari wouldn't be included if not for Massa's late-season form. If he cant keep that up, then they're definitely not in the running for best pairing.
Lotus are close, but I dont think either driver is really top-tier.
#17
Posted 29 December 2012 - 21:17
#18
Posted 29 December 2012 - 21:41
The Lotus duo is close with Räikkonen beeing even faster than the Ferrari duo but with Grosjean beeing incredibly fast but error prone they will fall short of beeing the best duo.
McLaren and Mercedes pairings? No, since there is no star driver in McLaren and because Hamilton will most likely be beaten by Rosberg thus raising the question about how good he actually is.
Therefore my vote goes to the Red Bull drivers since they have a record of three straight WDC and WCC.
Edited by Lone, 29 December 2012 - 21:47.
#19
Posted 29 December 2012 - 22:02
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#20
Posted 29 December 2012 - 22:19
Has Massa ever once complained that his lack of performance was ever down to the car not being setup for him, but for Alonso instead?The fastest pairing should be the Ferrari duo but since the car will be set up/built at Alonsos preference only, they will not be the best line up.
Edited by Seanspeed, 29 December 2012 - 22:19.
#21
Posted 29 December 2012 - 22:32
Has Massa ever once complained that his lack of performance was ever down to the car not being setup for him, but for Alonso instead?
That's just how I see it. I'm sorry if the way I see things diminishes your favourite drivers accomplishments, in this case Alonsos. I didn't mean to insult any driver or any fan but I was only expressing an opinion, right or wrong.
#22
Posted 29 December 2012 - 22:38
Cant really pick between Mercedes, Red Bull or Ferrari.
All 3 have top-level drivers with teammates I consider 2nd tier. Should note that Ferrari wouldn't be included if not for Massa's late-season form. If he cant keep that up, then they're definitely not in the running for best pairing.
Lotus are close, but I dont think either driver is really top-tier.
This is what it comes down to for me as well. Of the latter, Rosberg is who I would sign up over Webber and Massa.
#23
Posted 29 December 2012 - 22:44
Although clearly not the best I think the signs are that Williams will have one of the fastest, if perhaps erratic lineups
#24
Posted 29 December 2012 - 22:45
Has Massa ever once complained that his lack of performance was ever down to the car not being setup for him, but for Alonso instead?
You don't complain about your boss or his decisions in front of the press. Or atleast you shouldn't. In any job.
I'm not saying that Massa's car is BAD because of Alonso though. Number 1 driver policy is quite obvious, but that doesn't necessarily be that big a deal on pace. It makes a difference, but we can't tell how big.
Recent translate from Marca:
Team principal Domenicali picks up the theme.
"Why does Webber have so many failures on his car? Because the best parts go to the driver getting the better results."
"And this is normal, and it seems so logical that we never say anything."
"We don't like to speak of the others, but the others like to talk about us," he added.
Edit, source:
http://www.onestopst... to Vettel.html
Voted for RBR
Edited by Diderlo, 29 December 2012 - 22:51.
#25
Posted 29 December 2012 - 22:50
If Rosberg proves to be match Hamilton (which I think will be the case) then it should be Mercedes, as the poll seems to suggest. If Rosberg has a different driving style, it could be a problem for providing equality though. (of couse, Hamilton could show that Nico is the new Fisichella, which would be embarrassing for Rosberg)RedBull
Webber is unable to drive with Vettel's EBD "trick" and struggles sometimes when the car has been better optimized to Vettel's technique (all of a sudden Webber is all over the place, such as Australia 2011). With a neutral car, Webber is fairly close to Vettel though, and indeed sometimes better and sometimes a lot better at least in qually speed such as Monaco 2012 .
#26
Posted 29 December 2012 - 22:51
#27
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:01
Maybe Ferrari just has better quality control than Red Bull, as Vettel car also breaks down a lot too..."Why does Webber have so many failures on his car? Because the best parts go to the driver getting the better results."
On that topic, it is bizarre that major auto maker such as VAG chooses to fit a gearbox to 100,000s of cars, when they must know it has well below average reliability! It is not like VW owners don't notice when their cars breaks down and needs thousands in repairs --- and it is not like they lose repeat buyers with mild statements like "never again VW" or anything is it!?
Edited by V8 Fireworks, 29 December 2012 - 23:01.
#28
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:02
Vettel a bit better than Hamilton and Webber a bit better than Rosberg
Mercedes next, then Ferrari, Lotus and Mclaren.
An on form Massa sees Ferrari jump to 2nd, then a small gap between Ferrari and Lotus/Mclaren
#29
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:04
Good oneHamilton is better than Vettel
Oh, you are serious.
Seriously, there is no proof either way until they are directly compared in the same team, IMO. If anything current evidence suggests Vettel is a little more consistent than Hamilton, but with similar speed.
#30
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:10
#31
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:13
#32
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:20
Vettel is not better than Hamilton, anyone who thinks he is is kidding themselves and as for Rosberg being better than Hamilton those who think that need to stop smoking mind altering substances.Red Bull
Vettel a bit better than Hamilton and Webber a bit better than Rosberg
Mercedes next, then Ferrari, Lotus and Mclaren.
An on form Massa sees Ferrari jump to 2nd, then a small gap between Ferrari and Lotus/Mclaren
#33
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:24
But actually, now I think it's Ferrari again.
#34
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:32
Good one
Oh, you are serious.
Seriously, there is no proof either way until they are directly compared in the same team, IMO. If anything current evidence suggests Vettel is a little more consistent than Hamilton, but with similar speed.
Current evidence being 2012 points towards Hamilton being the better driver, actually.
#35
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:39
#36
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:41
Finally voted Mercedes.
Edited by SRK, 29 December 2012 - 23:45.
#37
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:54
A WDC means more than any number of times as contender (only winners are remembered) and only the better driver counts (see previous). Let us sort the teams using this criterion.
1. Red Bull
3×WDC, 1×contender
1×contender
2. Ferrari
2×WDC, 3×contender
1×contender
3. Lotus
1×WDC, 3×contender
4. Mercedes
1×WDC, 2×contender
5. McLaren
1×WDC (notice: runner-up does not equal being a contender)
#38
Posted 29 December 2012 - 23:55
But... If Massa was in the form of the last few races then Ferrari could easily have the strongest team and also don't count out Mclaren if Perez turns out to be better than expected.
#39
Posted 30 December 2012 - 00:11
For me, its RB that have the best line-up this year, although it depends upon whether Massa can carry forward the form he displayed in the latter part of 2012. Also keeping an eye on Lotus, who have the potential to have the best line-up on the grid if Kimi can improve on last year and Grosjean can sort out his head.
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#40
Posted 30 December 2012 - 01:13
based on that I would say Ferrari >Merc = Redbull >Lotus >McLaren > Williams.
Edited by BernieEc, 30 December 2012 - 01:13.
#41
Posted 30 December 2012 - 01:33
#42
Posted 30 December 2012 - 03:02
Kimi is fast, but Grosjean is absolute rubbish. Perez is yet to be judged and too man people on the board are acting as though he's worse than Ide or Deletraz just because he replaced Hamilton.
Order of #1 drivers, gaps are very small though:
Alonso > Vettel > Hamilton > Raikkonen > Button
And #2 drivers:
Rosberg > Webber > Perez (just a guess) > Massa > Grosjean
#43
Posted 30 December 2012 - 03:07
Oi! In Valencia, Webber's DRS was not working at all so he had no chance, that darn flap is worth what 1-2 seconds a lap in qually?Webber am sorry but I think he is one of the most inconsistent and erratic drivers I have come across. in one race he's up ther and in the next 2 races he won't make it into Q3.....am not sure what goes on with him...
But I do agree. The race at Monza was a disaster for instance: Vettel got a penalty yet he still managed to charge back through the field and pass Webbo! Crikey.
To those saying Hamilton > Vettel, based on 2012 evidence. As Letterman would say "What!?" Who won the WDC? Who did those crazy overtakes on the outside at places like Spa? It's true the McLaren team underperformed, but Vettel also retired from the lead of races too.
#44
Posted 30 December 2012 - 03:19
If Ferrari allow Massa soon enough, they will be in the running for WCC podium.
I don't think Williams is quite up for the challenge yet, but they would be the new dark horse together with Merc. Bottas should assist and if Maldonado continues to control his little red mist problem, they should challenge. Lewis and Nico are fully capable of bringing home the WCC, however, the rest of their combination probably won't be, based on Merc's performance last year. They have great strategy and excellent team work, great drivers - they just need a performer.
So:
Red Bull
McLaren
Lotus
Ferrari (could be higher if they free up Massa sooner)
Mercedes
Williams
Sauber
FI
STRF
Edited by bourbon, 30 December 2012 - 03:20.
#45
Posted 30 December 2012 - 03:56
However, if massa has pace like he did at the end of 2012 or better, ferrari will have the best lineup.
Not a great time to be a Mclaren fan I fear.
#46
Posted 30 December 2012 - 04:00
I highy appreciate your imput, but... you did read the thread OP thoroughly, right?Macca, Lotus, RBR will challenge for 1st full on. RBR will likely lead. Lotus could challenge if Grosjean gets his act together. Button should feel the car as it is presumably developed toward him, but Perez will still pull a stunner, so that is going to be a points rich duo - they will be the main challenger to Red Bull, assuming their relability rate and team strategy/pits stops betters 2012.
If Ferrari allow Massa soon enough, they will be in the running for WCC podium.
I don't think Williams is quite up for the challenge yet, but they would be the new dark horse together with Merc. Bottas should assist and if Maldonado continues to control his little red mist problem, they should challenge. Lewis and Nico are fully capable of bringing home the WCC, however, the rest of their combination probably won't be, based on Merc's performance last year. They have great strategy and excellent team work, great drivers - they just need a performer.
So:
Red Bull
McLaren
Lotus
Ferrari (could be higher if they free up Massa sooner)
Mercedes
Williams
Sauber
FI
STRF
#47
Posted 30 December 2012 - 05:27
Red Bull (10 and 7)
Ferrari (10 and 6)
Mclaren (8 and 6)
Lotus (9 and 6)
Mercedes (10 and 8)
Sauber (7 and ?)
Williams (6 and ?)
Toro Rosso (6 and 5)
Marussia (6 and ?)
By this logic Mercedes (18) have the best line up, followed by Red Bull (17), Ferrari (16), Lotus (15), McLaren (14) and Toro Rosso (11). Every other team has an uncertain player that I'd like not to rate. Ferrari could have the equally best line up if Massa was more consistent/adaptable, on top form he's a 8/9 but on the last few seasons he's been very disappointing. The same is actually true of Webber who too often lets himself down with anonymous weekends.
Edited by Cult, 30 December 2012 - 05:32.
#48
Posted 30 December 2012 - 07:45
Actually he did.Has Massa ever once complained that his lack of performance was ever down to the car not being setup for him, but for Alonso instead?
I one of the interviews he said that the car and updates are designed for fernando and he just has to adapt
Anyway, it is clear that Ferrari builds cars around Alonso. This is not something to be questioned
Edited by beqa16v, 30 December 2012 - 07:47.
#49
Posted 30 December 2012 - 09:39
Taking only 2012 season into account you're right that Lotus driver line-up for 2013 just cannot be considered as a "best one". They would be somewhere between Ferrari and McLaren in that case.So, the team with the best driver line up is the team that had one of the drivers crashing out if half of the races?
Interesting point of view.
But I wrote literally that "I believe" because I'm really hoping Romain will improve in terms of consistency and will reduce greatly amount of mistakes. He is tremendously fast driver, at his best as fast as Raikkonen IMO, who is one of the four best and fastest drivers on the grid.
Moreover, Lotus drivers has a lot more room to improve than drivers from other top team. Don't forget it's only a 2nd year for Raikkonen after brake and 2nd full season in general for Romain. Also Enstone team lacked drivers stability over last few years, so I think continuation with the same drivers will pay off.
That's why I think they've got massive amount of potential and might be considered as a best driver line-up for 2013.
#50
Posted 30 December 2012 - 10:07
I reckon Ferrari are better than the poll is suggesting, but where would they be with Hulk in the other car? Thank goodness for Monty
McLaren are toast by the look of this. Only 3 top drivers and they don't have any of them. Perez - a normal, decent young driver - is proof positive that they totally lost track of what they had in Hamilton. Shoulda gone for Hulk too.
Kimi will be even better, I'm expecting; I have my doubts about Grosjean though.
Sebi should be even better, Webbo is getting on a bit now.
Lewis with his new engineers will be tremendous, and I think Nico will raise his game in response. I just gave them my vote.