It's Vettel's championship to lose
#1
Posted 08 July 2013 - 11:57
And if not, who/what could stop him?
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#2
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:02
Wasn't Alonso in the lead of the championship by 40ish points or something after the Hungarian GP last year? Lot of racing still to go.
#3
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:05
No.
Wasn't Alonso in the lead of the championship by 40ish points or something after the Hungarian GP last year? Lot of racing still to go.
Alonso´s drove same car as Red Bull RB9??
#4
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:06
No.
Wasn't Alonso in the lead of the championship by 40ish points or something after the Hungarian GP last year? Lot of racing still to go.
Alonso was in the lead with a much slower car. Vettel is in the lead with a much faster car, and is also driving very well. He will win it at a canter, just like in 2011.
#5
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:07
#6
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:07
#7
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:10
The Red Bull is no longer the fastest race car. In colder conditions, its the Merc, in hotter, the Lotus. But the Red Bull is the most consistent and well rounded car, with the best team of strategists, engineers and pit crew, and a team mate who won't interfere, which means Vettel is always up there.
and Vettel is delivering excellent consistent drives, let's not brush this aside. He is leading the championship by virtue of his consistency and ability, so far this season, to always deliver near maximum.
#8
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:13
This is ridiculous, wait until Interlagos and you'll know who the WDC is.
I hoping it doesn't go to the wire... if Seb is involved, not sure I could take an evening like that again!
Please Seb, wrap it up in Abu Dhabi or America!
#9
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:14
Yes, of course, but at this point the least you expect from a WDC with a team/car geared toward him is to be consistent. The RB9 is stable, fast, good in all conditions, and Vettel basically lives inside the car. The kid needs a challengeand Vettel is delivering excellent consistent drives, let's not brush this aside. He is leading the championship by virtue of his consistency and ability, so far this season, to always deliver near maximum.
#10
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:16
The Red Bull is no longer the fastest race car. In colder conditions, its the Merc, in hotter, the Lotus. But the Red Bull is the most consistent and well rounded car, with the best team of strategists, engineers and pit crew, and a team mate who won't interfere, which means Vettel is always up there.
Pretty much agree
The Red Bull is the best in the wet/damp
In terms of dry qualifying and race pace it is merely thereabouts
But Red Bull are now a well drilled outfit (on Seb's side at least!) and Seb doesn't hang around either.
Others have to take risks to gain back points on him, which may lead to errors, he's definitely in the box seat
#11
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:20
His teammate is on the brink of retirement, and more importantly never had the same drive to win a world championship. And when he does do well there's always various ways to screw his race up.
Every year is just a Vettel puzzle and at some point it just falls together for him. We still have Singapore, Korea, Suzuka etc. to go to, which is a part of the calender Red Bull always sets an extra step, so even if a rival would be ahead until then, like Alonso in 2012 or Hamilton in 2010, it still doesn't say much.
This year is something between 2011 and 2010/2012 in terms of predictability, but based on those experiences it's more obvious now.
#12
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:22
#13
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:23
Cheers! ;-)
#14
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:23
#15
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:26
No other team is consistently supplying their driver with the opportunity to challenge him and that's not going to change anytime soon.
Edited by MichaelPM, 08 July 2013 - 12:27.
#16
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:26
This explains why many people don't like him. Other drivers have arguably performed to this level that Seb is showing this year, but to no avail.I feel that if he wins this WDC (and I think it's almost inevitable), it will be the most thoroughly deserved title of the four.
#17
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:27
Red Bull is strong all-round. Ferrari, Lotus and Mercedes may be quicker on some days, but they're too inconsistent. Red Bull also has a good 2nd driver that regularly takes away points from the opposition, and Vettel himself is strong as ever. It's the same championship-winning combination that worked in previous years.
The races can still be entertaining, but I'm guessing this championship is going turn into quite the yawn sooner rather than later.
#18
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:28
I do not want to see Vettel win it again, but I cannot think which team/driver combo deserve it more.
#19
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:35
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#20
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:35
#21
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:37
In terms of race pace, they are usually up there at the front, and it is their challenger who changes each race (e.g. Lotus at Nurburgring, Mercedes at Silverstone, Ferrari at Montreal). None of these teams are as consistent from race to race as Red Bull are.
#22
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:40
Have to say I agree. If there is a challenge, where on earth is it coming from?Hot, cold, steel, kevlar, everything they can throw at the teams and the RB9 is always up at the sharp end while other teams are yo-yo'ing in performance depending on tracks, conditions and strategy calls.
No other team is consistently supplying their driver with the opportunity to challenge him and that's not going to change anytime soon.
#23
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:42
This explains why many people don't like him. Other drivers have arguably performed to this level that Seb is showing this year, but to no avail.
Which one? Except of Alonso I don't know anybody who performed like Vettel the recent years and please don't come up with Hamilton. His season 2012 was very good, but I my books he still has to prove that he is up to for a tough fight in the ending stage of a season. You can't even compare Vettel and Hamilton the last years because they were in completely different situations( fighting for the WDC till the end), mental toughness is a big part of being multiple WDC or not...
#24
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:43
Hot, cold, steel, kevlar, everything they can throw at the teams and the RB9 is always up at the sharp end while other teams are yo-yo'ing in performance depending on tracks, conditions and strategy calls.
No other team is consistently supplying their driver with the opportunity to challenge him and that's not going to change anytime soon.
That's it though. it's not like the Red Bull is miles clear of anything else, it is just that it is never completely out of the running. The last race you could say the Red Bull had no chance of winning or fighting for a podium was Monza last year, but even then Vettel looked good for 4th or 5th before his penalty and retirement
#25
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:48
#26
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:49
Which one? Except of Alonso I don't know anybody who performed like Vettel the recent years and please don't come up with Hamilton. His season 2012 was very good, but I my books he still has to prove that he is up to for a tough fight in the ending stage of a season. You can't even compare Vettel and Hamilton the last years because they were in completely different situations( fighting for the WDC till the end), mental toughness is a big part of being multiple WDC or not...
I'm guessing TomNokoe was referring to Hamilton's 2010 season.
I think Hamilton already proved he is up for a tough fight at the end of the season in 2008.
#27
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:53
Have to say I agree. If there is a challenge, where on earth is it coming from?
The best chance probably is Mercedes (which given their problems shows how good Vettel chances are)
Lotus need a particular scenario to get near in qualifying and Ferrari (not including Germany ) have been the best part of 1 second down in qualifying a lot of the time. I don't see either finding that time with cars that are supposedly almost fully developed so it seems unlikely these teams are going to be able to mount a serious challenge starting so many slots down the grid each time.
Also, Singapore & Abu Dhabi are weak Ferrari tracks, Monza weak Lotus track while RB has no weak tracks.
Mercedes on the other hand can keep starting ahead of RB and they can occasionally race well. I'm not sure how hot the Asia series normally is but you couldn't write off Merc holding off RB in the race for Japan-Korea-India e.t.c if they can find the Silverstone performance regularly.
Edited by SamH123, 08 July 2013 - 12:54.
#28
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:54
The Red Bull is no longer the fastest race car. In colder conditions, its the Merc, in hotter, the Lotus. But the Red Bull is the most consistent and well rounded car, with the best team of strategists, engineers and pit crew, and a team mate who won't interfere, which means Vettel is always up there.
This.
Red Bull aren't the force they have been because others have caught up. But their rivals are still not able to challenge them consistently, giving Sebby V a real advantage. Next season though I predict that they will be behind the rest.
#29
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:54
No.
Wasn't Alonso in the lead of the championship by 40ish points or something after the Hungarian GP last year? Lot of racing still to go.
Yes, however Alonso was only in that position because the RB8 was underdeveloped and struggling and McLaren had pitstop/reliability woes. RB9 has none of those issues.
#30
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:55
#31
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:56
Yes, of course, but at this point the least you expect from a WDC with a team/car geared toward him is to be consistent. The RB9 is stable, fast, good in all conditions, and Vettel basically lives inside the car. The kid needs a challenge
Yeah you're right, the RB every year is perfect, so consistent and smooth and never a challenge at all. That's why Mark always finishes second in the WDC and Vettel wins the championship before the last race every time... oh wait.
#32
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:57
I'm guessing TomNokoe was referring to Hamilton's 2010 season.
I think Hamilton already proved he is up for a tough fight at the end of the season in 2008
this is a good one ;) wouldn't say this was the best performance - one of Hamilton's worst years especially the last race , way behind 2009 or 2010,2007. If Vettel has to prove himself against a strong team mates this is the major task for Lewis (in my book - I have to add).. but off topic. I see no way Vettel will lose this championship - team and driver are too good this year
#33
Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:57
Also, Singapore & Abu Dhabi are weak Ferrari tracks, Monza weak Lotus track while RB has no weak tracks.
Spa and Monza are weak tracks for RB.
#34
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:03
Lol. In 2010 his team didn't even dare tell Sebi he was in wdc position in the race in case it made him tighten up! In 2011 there was no pressure with such a big lead and in 2012 he soooo nearly threw it all away in Abu Dhabi with 2 collisions and again in Brazil.Which one? Except of Alonso I don't know anybody who performed like Vettel the recent years and please don't come up with Hamilton. His season 2012 was very good, but I my books he still has to prove that he is up to for a tough fight in the ending stage of a season. You can't even compare Vettel and Hamilton the last years because they were in completely different situations( fighting for the WDC till the end), mental toughness is a big part of being multiple WDC or not...
If anyone can have him under a bit of pressure at the end of the season they'll be in with a real chance.
#35
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:03
Spa and Monza are weak tracks for RB.
Spa is fine for RB - any time they lose on the straights is gained in sector 2. They've never been off the podium there.
#36
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:03
Spa and Monza are weak tracks for RB.
true, sorry. I should have remembered Monza but I forgot Spa was bad because Vettel came 2nd last year (but now i remember he didn't make).
I still see Merc as the ones with the most potential, because, poor quali pace, to my amateur eye, seems much more inherent/deep. Merc sorting out race pace seems more likely than Lot/Fer finding 5 tenths in quali
Edited by SamH123, 08 July 2013 - 13:04.
#37
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:04
Which one? Except of Alonso I don't know anybody who performed like Vettel the recent years and please don't come up with Hamilton. His season 2012 was very good, but I my books he still has to prove that he is up to for a tough fight in the ending stage of a season. You can't even compare Vettel and Hamilton the last years because they were in completely different situations( fighting for the WDC till the end), mental toughness is a big part of being multiple WDC or not...
Lewis is relentlessly consistent in Q3 when you have one lap to be on the edge and make no mistakes- he has proved his mental toughness when it comes to the track.
#38
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:04
#39
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:10
Lewis is relentlessly consistent in Q3 when you have one lap to be on the edge and make no mistakes- he has proved his mental toughness when it comes to the track.
You realize being in Q3 isn't quit the same situation as being in the last races of a WDC-campaign. I don't know where you take this comparison from. It proves he is one hell of a one lap driver - nothing more. Vettel came back two times (2010, 2012) in positions he had to win race after race...
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#40
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:10
But do I think Vettel will be the WDC 2013? Yes, I do think he will be.
Edited by rasul, 08 July 2013 - 13:11.
#41
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:11
After Monza I will tell you,if vettel does have more then 50 points of a gap,then its almost game over,because then comes the famous Singapur,Japan,Korea,India,we might see some domination by red bull there...
My answer is I don't know...
Edited by weltmeister1995, 08 July 2013 - 13:16.
#42
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:15
No I want him to wrap it up already in India,really hope so.It was really heavy watching the last year Brasil GP,when Vettel spun,I thought it was game over for him,I nearly turn off the TV.I hoping it doesn't go to the wire... if Seb is involved, not sure I could take an evening like that again!
Please Seb, wrap it up in Abu Dhabi or America!
Vettel have to fought really hard in 2010,2012 to get the WDC.In 2011 it was much easier,he wasn"t so under pressure,and if the history repeats I expect a 2011 style ending for Vettel in 2013.And of course hard battle yet again in 2014,but I see Renault engines next year to be really good,they have a lot of experience with this engine style.You know it might be yet again,that the lotus,red bull will fight for the championship next year,dont underestimate the Renault,never!
Edited by weltmeister1995, 08 July 2013 - 13:25.
#43
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:18
The fastest race car and a team mate who isn't allowed to interfere.
Boring, innit?
#44
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:19
Alonso could be the only guy to beat Vettel like he nearly managed it last year and in 2010 in a much slower car, but this Ferrari is just way too sensitive.
#45
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:24
Imagine if his gearbox had not failed him at Silverstone. It would have been an insurmountable lead even for the likes of Alonso.and Vettel is delivering excellent consistent drives, let's not brush this aside. He is leading the championship by virtue of his consistency and ability, so far this season, to always deliver near maximum.
#46
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:25
What a coincidence he had the car to easily pull that off then.You realize being in Q3 isn't quit the same situation as being in the last races of a WDC-campaign. I don't know where you take this comparison from. It proves he is one hell of a one lap driver - nothing more. Vettel came back two times (2010, 2012) in positions he had to win race after race...
Imagine if he didn't. That's what his rivals are basically facing for the 4th year in a row. And then people talk about 'pressure' and 'mental toughness', funnily. As if he's been in such a situation.
#47
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:26
You realize being in Q3 isn't quit the same situation as being in the last races of a WDC-campaign. I don't know where you take this comparison from. It proves he is one hell of a one lap driver - nothing more. Vettel came back two times (2010, 2012) in positions he had to win race after race...
Bold 1: Holding your nerves and keeping focus is a large part of your hotlap in Q3- a lap which can make or break your race; I'm sure we agree holding your nerves together and keeping your focus is also a large part of the final stages of a WDC run.
Bold 2: If memory serves correctly, didn't Vettel have a few incidents in Abu Dhabi and Brazil last year?
#48
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:27
If he will not win it, it would be shame.
#49
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:27
#50
Posted 08 July 2013 - 13:29
Lewis, Nando, Kimi and Rosberg will occasionally have their day. Vettel's day is everyday - Mr consistent