98 replies to this topic

[Nivra]

Rosberg: Webber was tougher team mate than Schumacher
http://www.yallaf1.c...mi-as-teammate/

Nico Rosberg has named Australian Mark Webber as his toughest teammate in Formula 1 so far, despite the German currently being in the same team as seven times Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher.

Rosberg’s Mercedes move in 2010 coincided with seven time world champion Michael Schumacher’s return to formula one, at the same Brackley based team, where they have been teammates ever since.

When asked by Sport Bild who his toughest teammate has been, he answered: “Mark Webber in 2006, then Michael.”

And he hopes he will be in front of his famous current teammate yet again in 2012, particularly with Mercedes hoping its new W03 is a race winner.

[walkindude]

Rosberg: Webber was tougher team mate than Schumacher
http://www.yallaf1.c...mi-as-teammate/

Nico Rosberg has named Australian Mark Webber as his toughest teammate in Formula 1 so far, despite the German currently being in the same team as seven times Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher.

Rosberg’s Mercedes move in 2010 coincided with seven time world champion Michael Schumacher’s return to formula one, at the same Brackley based team, where they have been teammates ever since.

When asked by Sport Bild who his toughest teammate has been, he answered: “Mark Webber in 2006, then Michael.”

And he hopes he will be in front of his famous current teammate yet again in 2012, particularly with Mercedes hoping its new W03 is a race winner.

Well,it was his first year so he would have found it tough anyways.He did look very impressive that year.Who would've known he will be entering his 7th year without a win to his name.

[Nivra]

Well,it was his first year so he would have found it tough anyways.He did look very impressive that year.Who would've known he will be entering his 7th year without a win to his name.

That's Nasty!

Edited by Nivra, 23 February 2012 - 06:22.

[PassWind]

Mikka had similar beginnings and Jenson Button, not everyone can just hop into a car and start winning all the time. There is plenty of time left for Nico he is clearly talented enough.

[Meanbeakin]

That was Nico in his first year and he's now racing a 40 odd year old Michael. You'd wanna hope Mark was the tougher teammate in those circumstances.

[mymemoryfails]

That was Nico in his first year and he's now racing a 40 odd year old Michael. You'd wanna hope Mark was the tougher teammate in those circumstances.

Webber has improved dramatically since then, I believe he would give Nico another whupping if they were teammates again in 2012

mymemoryfails

[Cyanide]

Fortunately for him, he wasn't Schumacher's teammate during 94 and 95. Otherwise, he would've had to hang on to that Britney hair.

[goldenboy]

how unfortunate webber was the driver to also cost rosberg his best chance at a win also, in korea 2010. maybe reaching a bit but not that much.

[Szoelloe]

Webber has improved dramatically since then, I believe he would give Nico another whupping if they were teammates again in 2012

mymemoryfails

No he hasn't IMHO. NR got better, and MW is declining sharply, and he just got crushed in every way imaginable by last year, and will get the coup de grace from SV this year. He would be crushed by Rosberg too, unfortunately. I like Webber since his Minardi years, but having Vettel as a teammate was the most unfortunate thing in his career. And having Marko around hasn't helped.

[goldenboy]

No he hasn't IMHO. NR got better, and MW is declining sharply, and he just got crushed in every way imaginable by last year, and will get the coup de grace from SV this year. He would be crushed by Rosberg too, unfortunately. I like Webber since his Minardi years, but having Vettel as a teammate was the most unfortunate thing in his career. And having Marko around hasn't helped.

contrary to what the stats say as someone that has followed him closely I feel he is better now than then. Vettel is just much better! I think rosberg and webber would be a close match up, definately closer than when they were team mates.

Edited by goldenboy, 23 February 2012 - 07:14.

[vlado]

Nico is good.. and overall he has been faster, but not by much really. And from what I saw last year, the main difference was in quali, MS's race craft is still very competitive.

[Szoelloe]

contrary to what the stats say as someone that has followed him closely I feel he is better now than then. Vettel is just much better! I think rosberg and webber would be a close match up, definately closer than when they were team mates.

Well, ok, I believe you, and I would not be sad if he held his own against Vettel this year. Just somebody please tie Marko's legs to Vettel's diffuser.

[mymemoryfails]

No he hasn't IMHO. NR got better, and MW is declining sharply, and he just got crushed in every way imaginable by last year, and will get the coup de grace from SV this year. He would be crushed by Rosberg too, unfortunately. I like Webber since his Minardi years, but having Vettel as a teammate was the most unfortunate thing in his career. And having Marko around hasn't helped.

I'm not sure I follow you... Since being Nico's teammate surely Webber has got better.. He has won races, poles, led the WDC put in some great drives. Admittedly 2011 was a shocker, but when he was leading the WDC in 2010 did you see a guy on a "downward spiral"? Honestly?

Nico started with a bang 7th in his first race and you would think he naturally would improve with experience added. But I'm one of those who thinks Nico hasn't shown enough in 7 years to justify his "rating". He's done ok, performed to the car's level I suppose but never taken my breath away like Webber putting a Jaguar on p3 in Brazil, or Hulkenberg putting a williams on pole, etc.

As has been pointed out it is quite common now to have a long wait before getting a win, etc so we'll have to see...

I dont see any evidence to say Rosberg>Webber - I don't know if Nico even believes that.

mymemoryfails

[Richardc]

How i hope that he beats Snosberg on points this year. Had a more impressive year in 2011, now just needs the points.

[Faupa]

Well,it was his first year so he would have found it tough anyways.He did look very impressive that year.Who would've known he will be entering his 7th year without a win to his name.

Well lets hope when Hulkenberg joins Rosberg next year that Hulkenber is great opposition than Rosberg's current partner.

It is sad to see Schumacher still trundling around. He tries the old moves on drivers who no longer fear him, wouldn't it be great to remember Schumacher as he was

[cheapracer]

Webber has improved dramatically since then,

No he hasn't, he makes the same cockups he always did just the RBR is so sublime it's hard to be bad in it regardless of how hard he tries.

I don't think Nico is very far behind Vettle and that Webber would present no challenge today.

Also define "tougher", Webber may not have shared information or been as friendly etc.

[cheapracer]

It is sad to see Schumacher still trundling around.

None of those drivers are "trundling" around, you went half that speed you would crap your undies.

[Juan Kerr]

Isn't perception a wonderful thing, Michael Schumacher is as fast if not faster than he's ever been, the sport is different these days, if you fart in the wrong direction the tyres won't perform and if you don't find tricks in the set up it can render you half a second off your team mate. The days of ragging the car up the grid and wringing its neck just don't suit these regulations.
I imagine that Schumacher will have many races this year where he comprehensively out-drives Nico, quite a few more than last year. Nico is in a no-lose situation anyway, there's no pressure on him, if he loses to Schumacher its because he's the greatest driver ever, its not a case of 'he got beat by a 43 years old'.
Yes! Its however you want to perceive it, what ever suits your preconceptions and wishes.

[mymemoryfails]

No he hasn't, he makes the same cockups he always did just the RBR is so sublime it's hard to be bad in it regardless of how hard he tries.
Let's face it... you've never rated him
I don't think Nico is very far behind Vettle and that Webber would present no challenge today.
Based on?.......
Also define "tougher", Webber may not have shared information or been as friendly etc.

mymemoryfails

[Massa_f1]

Nico is lucky that he is Schumachers team mate in his 2nd career. If they were together in 95-04 he would of been blown away. Anyway Nico can talk all he wants. He has never won a f1 race in his career. I doubt he ever will.

[Sardukar]

How is this exactly news to anyone? webber is a good driver, there is a reason all the teams wanted to sign him for this year. Schumacher isn't young anymore and he is no where near good as he used to be because of age.

[mymemoryfails]

How is this exactly news to anyone? webber is a good driver, there is a reason all the teams wanted to sign him for this year. Schumacher isn't young anymore and he is no where near good as he used to be because of age.

If Nico had said either Wurz or Nakajima were his toughest team-mate, that would have been news!

mymemoryfails

[cheapracer]

Let's face it... you've never rated him

So what, If we didn't have personal opinions this thread wouldn't even be happening, besides results speak for themselves - maybe we should ask Frank Williams for an opinion?

Webber is a good driver, there is a reason all the teams wanted to sign him for this year.

Webber is a fast, experienced driver, because of the stupid testing regulations teams barely have a choice now - experience or money.

Edited by cheapracer, 23 February 2012 - 08:43.

[holiday]

When asked by Sport Bild who his toughest teammate has been, he answered: “Mark Webber in 2006, then Michael.”

The best racer in the world over the age of 40 still has plenty of opportunity to change his team-mate's perception.

[Group B]

Fortunately for him, he wasn't Schumacher's teammate during 94 and 95. Otherwise, he would've had to hang on to that Britney hair.

Quite. Nico wouldn't know whether to sh*t or get off the pot if he'd faced Michael in the 90s.

[jals99]

The best racer in the world over the age of 40 still has plenty of opportunity to change his team-mate's perception.

Statistics, especially in quals clearly shows, that Shumacher is not tougher than Wurz and Nakajima

[Group B]

Well lets hope when Hulkenberg joins Rosberg next year that Hulkenber is great opposition than Rosberg's current partner.

It is sad to see Schumacher still trundling around. He tries the old moves on drivers who no longer fear him, wouldn't it be great to remember Schumacher as he was

To an extent, yes; but let's remember he was within a few points of KR last season, so is ultimately still justifying a drive.

[Tenmantaylor]

Love this for two reasons. Firstly it proves Nico isn't afraid of rocking the boat at his team (imperative if he takes his future seriously, passives don't succeed in F1) and secondly because Webber deserves a lot of praise in that rubbish Williams that year. I was at Monaco 2006 and was gutted when the car failed after he put that POS on the front row.

[Group B]

Statistics, especially in quals clearly shows, that Shumacher is not tougher than Wurz and Nakajima

Statistics, I think you'll find, show that Schumacher is 91 wins and 7 WDCs better than Wurz and Nakajima.

[PayasYouRace]

Nico started with a bang 7th in his first race and you would think he naturally would improve with experience added. But I'm one of those who thinks Nico hasn't shown enough in 7 years to justify his "rating". He's done ok, performed to the car's level I suppose but never taken my breath away like Webber putting a Jaguar on p3 in Brazil, or Hulkenberg putting a williams on pole, etc.

Rosberg did similar things in the Williams, especially in 2007 and 2009. Stuff like Singapore 2009 was much better than sticking the car high on the grid and falling away as soon as the light went out.

[walkindude]

Well lets hope when Hulkenberg joins Rosberg next year that Hulkenber is great opposition than Rosberg's current partner.

It is sad to see Schumacher still trundling around. He tries the old moves on drivers who no longer fear him, wouldn't it be great to remember Schumacher as he was

I think the mercedes lineup next year wont make you happy.

[RedBaron]

Let Nico talk. Schumacher slashed the gap to him last season dramatically. Not only that but it was a pretty disappointing 2011 from Rosberg, barely an exceptional performance anywhere... except when he used up his fuel allocation to make the first half of his race look better than it really was.

He has all the fight when it comes to making these 'digs' and jibes in interviews and after the race. He has all the talk repeating the same thing after every qualifying session 'I could have done better'... but we never see better. We never see real fight from him, a glimmer here and there but nothing that blows anyone away.

He is using Schumacher's second career to boost his own average career, it's tiresome, transparent and boring. Win a race Nico, actually fight wheel to wheel not giving an inch every time you're in battle, make ground in a race don't fall back or just hold position. Do something other than big yourself up in the media while just about meeting expectation on track.

[mymemoryfails]

Also define "tougher", Webber may not have shared information or been as friendly etc.

You mean Michael never called Nico "Britney" Michael is pretty mellow this time 'round.

mymemoryfails

[Ferrari_F1_fan_2001]

Fortunately for him, he wasn't Schumacher's teammate during 94 and 95. Otherwise, he would've had to hang on to that Britney hair.

I suspect he would have started tearing out those golden locks himself.

Didn't Irvine say being Schumacher's team-mate was like being hit over the heat with a cricket bat continously? I suspect Schumacher's dominance, swagger and arrogance would have been a serious mind-mess for any team mate.

[TF110]

You all sound like a bunch of Shumacher forgivers. He said Webber was his toughest teammate. Webber is younger than Shumacher. He was a rookie when he was teamed up with him. So relatively speaking Webber was his toughest teammate. Nakajima wasn't ready for F1, and Shumacher is making his return still. For Nico to even be able to race competitively against Shumacher is good enough, beating him twice in points is even better. Let the man have his own opinion. Who gives a crap how 'tough' Shumacher is? While all you say "if he was with him in 2001, 2004 etc." Nico wasn't even in F1 at that time, he was too young. So how can you compare different time periods? You think Nico couldn't win in an F2004? Save the **** talking about him and hope they both have a great season for Mercedes.

Edited by TF110, 23 February 2012 - 10:22.

[LiJu914]

Not really suprising news as MW is the only driver Nico "lost" to.

All further speculations (NR/MW/MSC got better/worse) are - as always - completely subjective.

[Rikhart]

Rosberg is just like an internet troll, lots of baiting and sounding awesome, but nothing behind it at all He must have forgotten last year´s races, when he was comprehensively beaten by schumacher...

[Atreiu]

Rosber has been lucky with his teammates, IMHO.

[Group B]

You all sound like a bunch of Shumacher forgivers. He said Webber was his toughest teammate. Webber is younger than Shumacher. He was a rookie when he was teamed up with him. So relatively speaking Webber was his toughest teammate. Nakajima wasn't ready for F1, and Shumacher is making his return still. For Nico to even be able to race competitively against Shumacher is good enough, beating him twice in points is even better. Let the man have his own opinion. Who gives a crap how 'tough' Shumacher is? While all you say "if he was with him in 2001, 2004 etc." Nico wasn't even in F1 at that time, he was too young. So how can you compare different time periods? You think Nico couldn't win in an F2004? Save the **** talking about him and hope they both have a great season for Mercedes.

Er, who said Nico couldn't win in an F2004? As for 'who gives a crap how tough Schumacher is?', clearly you do because you're in this thread, and Nico does because he's bleeting about it. The point people are making is that for Nico to judge himself aged 21 against Webber aged 28 and himself aged 27 against Michael aged 43 is hardly a fair or objective comparison.

[motorhead]

Anyway Nico can talk all he wants. He has never won a f1 race in his career. I doubt he ever will.

Well no one would have won with those cars he drove. Not even Schumi himself...

[king_crud]

Er, who said Nico couldn't win in an F2004? As for 'who gives a crap how tough Schumacher is?', clearly you do because you're in this thread, and Nico does because he's bleeting about it. The point people are making is that for Nico to judge himself aged 21 against Webber aged 28 and himself aged 27 against Michael aged 43 is hardly a fair or objective comparison.

Nico was asked a question in an interview and gave an answer. The way people are carrying on in here you'd think he'd said "Schumacher is crap, always has been, I am far superior and am the greatest driver in the history of the universe, even faster than that kid in the first Star Wars movie flying those things across the desert".

It's all circumstantial, he was a rookie in 2006, Webber was very fast then, since Schumacher came back he's not been as fast as he has previously, so Nico rates Webber as his toughest team mate. Talk about a group of drama queens.

[ViMaMo]

Way to go fellow forumers. Keep it going ...

Are we talking about Schumacher's history of toughness ? No, its the the present. Nico has been Schumacher's team mate for 2 years and he feels confident about beating MS (he has finished ahead of MS?) . Its one of those million questions that media asks, well they need to ask such mundane questions right! Maybe Nico needed to sit down, take a deep breath and think about it for a few minutes, then talk to the PR, consult with others, then answer the question? The only thing I got to say is, he will face a tougher team if he starts getting beaten.

Edited by ViMaMo, 23 February 2012 - 11:16.

[TF110]

Er, who said Nico couldn't win in an F2004? As for 'who gives a crap how tough Schumacher is?', clearly you do because you're in this thread, and Nico does because he's bleeting about it. The point people are making is that for Nico to judge himself aged 21 against Webber aged 28 and himself aged 27 against Michael aged 43 is hardly a fair or objective comparison.

I read the thread because I like the Mercedes duo. But why dwell on what Nico's opinion is about the 'toughness' of his teammates? You're dwelling on it, you care about it. So you answered my question. How is a comparison not fair if they are both his teammates? If anything it's a compliment to Shumacher. That even at his age he's still a tough opponent, only 2nd to Webber 6 years ago. You're reading into it too far. It's pathetic to see people trying to blast Nico for anything he says.

[Jejking]

Let's face it, the competition level is confusing. He always had the wrong teammates at the wrong times.

1. Webber (then 30 years old). Rosberg (21 then) was a rookie without 3 years of precious xp. Despite of that he had some strong drives and a bunch of errors. On speed alone he was close to Webber, f.e. in Malaysia and later China qualifying. 3 points difference (7-4) although it must be said with that unreliable dog of a car Mark would have scored much more (Monaco ).
2. Alexander Wurz. A fast driver in his young and reckless days but later on stuffed it a bit, extinguished. Brought a podium on xp but Rosberg outclassed him pretty much all year long. 20-13.
3. Nakajima for 2008 and 2009. That one was pretty easy, Rosberg had the measure of him all the time. Only in Silverstone 2009 I thought and Brazils 2009 wet qualifying N was a match. But he got destructed and it was the end of his career. Not even going to bother on this for points.
4. Schumacher, 2010 (41). Qualifying, NR (25), ahead. On racepace, even farther ahead. Still it is a bit of flawed logic to assume stuff here, the difference in points was large but Schumacher was out for 3 years AND was 11 years older. Those are valid circumstances.
5. Schumacher, 2011 (42). Q: NR (26), ahead again. On racepace, not so much or even behind. With less bad luck and mistakes than the German ahead of MSC in the standings.

Everything that Rosberg says and does now is self preservation, this season he has to end Schumachers career on pure performance. Schumacher came back at him on smartness and toughness this year on raceday several times, so to answer directly to Nico: I think Schumacher actually IS (became) the biggest challenge in your career, for now, considering the environment where you are in at the moment. Rosberg can't let his guard down. I think it is quite the same vice versa too, btw.

Edited by Jejking, 23 February 2012 - 11:38.

[rog]

I'm not sure I follow you... Since being Nico's teammate surely Webber has got better.. He has won races, poles, led the WDC put in some great drives.

His car got much better since then. I doubt Webber himself improved, maybe he lost his competitiveness last year.

[jals99]

Statistics, I think you'll find, show that Schumacher is 91 wins and 7 WDCs better than Wurz and Nakajima.

I mean only statistics Nico WS teammates

[BRK]

I'm not sure he'll be saying that at the end of this season.

[Jejking]

His car got much better since then. I doubt Webber himself improved, maybe he lost his competitiveness last year.

Well that Williams was quite a dog. At Red Bull he immediately harassed Coulthard, whom holy flame went out in 2008. In 2007 he def. had the measure of the Scott. 2009 vs Vettel was good but not sublime, 2010 he took the lead of the WDC with very good racing when Vettel had reliability issues. But on performance Vettel already was ahead. 2011, Webber had the common best car of the field but wasn't able to use it to the max with average qualifying laps, some poor ontrack decisions, and his setup wasn't always cooperating when driving through the field (high downforce). And of course he had fierce competition to deal with.

[spacekid]

I don't see anything contoversial here. I don't think Michael is as good as he was 10 years ago, and Nico has beaten him on points 2 years running.

Anyway, he hasn't quantified 'tough'. Maybe Michael is a really nice person to work with?

[slideways]

How is this exactly news to anyone? webber is a good driver, there is a reason all the teams wanted to sign him for this year.

Err, we heard that Renault, 5th in constructors was interested, not exactly all the teams.

Well,it was his first year so he would have found it tough anyways.He did look very impressive that year.Who would've known he will be entering his 7th year without a win to his name.

It's been a while but from memory he was completely thrashed by Webber?? IMO less impressive than say Perez, or Kobayashi's rookie years.

Also, everyone who says he has never had a chance at a winning car, that may be true but I remember him twice losing legit race leads by making mistakes.