I’m expanding my thoughts on the F1 drivers from my first thread now that the first four races are done. This is my first year following F1 so no doubt I might get some grief for my neophyte assessments, but this is just a silly internet racing forum and I have a thick skin.
The Elite:
Based on results of the last few years: Hamilton, Alonso, Räikkönen, and Vettel, are the current elite talent.
My impression is that Alonso and Hamilton seem to have a touch more talent than the rest of the elite. Räikkönen, and Vettel are looking like their abilities to really shine are rather car setup sensitive.
Established Talent:
Button, Rosberg, and Massa, are consistent top threats that keep the elite honest, and could become champions if certain things go their way.
They could walk into a premium drive, go on a win streak, and/or have things fall their way during some races. Most likely, all three would need to occur in some kind of combination throughout the season. In my opinion Button’s 2009 WDC would be an example of this.
The most interesting of the rest:
Hulkenberg; has been very consistent. He’s been nibbling at, and recently getting into the WDC top ten the over last three years despite bouncing around the B-teams. I’d be very interested to see what he could do in a premium drive.
But I think he has to prove he can hit the podium a few times, and establish his dominance over Perez before a big team will consider him. The current car seems capable for now.
Grosjean… This poor bastard is a proven podium finisher, and has been breaking into the WDC top ten for the last two years. But he drew the short straw this year in the drive department to say the least.
But it could be argued that last two years he had a rather competitive drive, and came up short against elite talent. So he’s either not fully developed yet, or on his way to being an established driver. Who knows…
Bottas; I think his ride is competitive and he could make a good showing of himself. Worth watching to see how he develops. He has to consistently beat out Massa this year, and hit a podium or two to make a case for his future though.
Magnussen; started well, but I think he has to outshine Kvyat consistently to make his case as someone to watch.
Kvyat; another rookie with potential. Worth seeing how he finishes the year in comparison to Magnussen… if he beats him and his teammate out this season he can make a case to be moved out of the B-teams sooner rather than later.
Ricciardo; walked into what looks to be developing into a premium drive (if second to Mercedes). He has talent, (he adapted to the new car better than Vettel), but he hasn't really done anything to catch the eye his three seasons before 2014. He was consistently improving and advancing up the rankings, and he is young. Maybe he is just now coming into his own? Or it’s the car???
Just a few of my thoughts to further stir the pot in the ongoing driver debates...
Edited by Wes350, 23 April 2014 - 02:05.