Jump to content


Photo
* * * - - 17 votes

Lewis Hamilton - Part IV


  • This topic is locked This topic is locked
848 replies to this topic

#801 Peter Perfect

Peter Perfect
  • Member

  • 5,618 posts
  • Joined: April 01

Posted 20 December 2012 - 06:15

Looks like Hamilton's been able to make an earlier start than expected at Mercedes

http://www.f1today.n...ork-at-mercedes?

Lewis Hamilton has already started work at Mercedes. Britain's Sun newspaper said that although the 2008 world champion remains under contract to McLaren for two more weeks, a "deal" has been agreed whereby the 27-year-old can at least meet his new engineers.

And the report said Briton Hamilton also got his first taste of Mercedes' driver simulator last week. "Lewis has already been in the factory to see the team and fulfil some duties after we found an agreement about that with McLaren," said Mercedes' departing head of motor sport, Norbert Haug.



Advertisement

#802 jjcale

jjcale
  • Member

  • 16,192 posts
  • Joined: October 09

Posted 20 December 2012 - 20:46

Something silly but important has occured to me....

Macca has a good radio system and we get a lot of comms from LH ... from the standard "where am I losing time?" followed a few laps later by "You are the fastest car Lewis" - to the plaintive "the tyres have gone off..." about 5 laps into a stint... to gems like "whose freaking idea was that stop!"" and best of all "I cant go any slower!" :lol:

It just remembered that Merc has one of the worst radio systems on the grid - at least as far as fans are concerned..... will this mean that when we do hear from LH will he sound like he is speaking through his balaclava down a payphone giving instructions on how to pay a ransom?

As far as I am concerned Merc can forget about prioritising the Aero package .... I want them to make sure that they get that radio sorted out.

#803 InSearchOfThe

InSearchOfThe
  • Member

  • 2,629 posts
  • Joined: June 10

Posted 20 December 2012 - 20:56

Something silly but important has occured to me....

Macca has a good radio system and we get a lot of comms from LH ... from the standard "where am I losing time?" followed a few laps later by "You are the fastest car Lewis" - to the plaintive "the tyres have gone off..." about 5 laps into a stint... to gems like "whose freaking idea was that stop!"" and best of all "I cant go any slower!" :lol:

It just remembered that Merc has one of the worst radio systems on the grid - at least as far as fans are concerned..... will this mean that when we do hear from LH will he sound like he is speaking through his balaclava down a payphone giving instructions on how to pay a ransom?

As far as I am concerned Merc can forget about prioritising the Aero package .... I want them to make sure that they get that radio sorted out.

They'll just let the results do the talking.

#804 OO7

OO7
  • Member

  • 23,395 posts
  • Joined: November 04

Posted 20 December 2012 - 21:00

They'll just let the results do the talking.

Haha, very good! :lol:

#805 maxx7

maxx7
  • Member

  • 141 posts
  • Joined: September 09

Posted 20 December 2012 - 21:31

Christmas Card from BE
Posted Image

#806 pacificquay

pacificquay
  • Member

  • 6,236 posts
  • Joined: March 07

Posted 21 December 2012 - 10:21

You'd think he would know how to spell McLaren

#807 jjcale

jjcale
  • Member

  • 16,192 posts
  • Joined: October 09

Posted 21 December 2012 - 12:19

I did a google seach to make sure that this is real and came up with this gem

F1 : Ecclestone 2012 Christmas card depicts Lauda & Hamilton robbing Mercedes

http://www.f1sa.com/...c...&Itemid=157

:rotfl:

#808 PretentiousBread

PretentiousBread
  • Member

  • 2,906 posts
  • Joined: February 10

Posted 21 December 2012 - 12:51

I did a google seach to make sure that this is real and came up with this gem

F1 : Ecclestone 2012 Christmas card depicts Lauda & Hamilton robbing Mercedes

http://www.f1sa.com/...c...&Itemid=157

:rotfl:


Correct me if i'm wrong, but it seems like Bernie Ecclestone is mocking Lewis Hamilton for chasing cash?

#809 Maustinsj

Maustinsj
  • Member

  • 4,911 posts
  • Joined: February 12

Posted 21 December 2012 - 12:53

Correct me if i'm wrong, but it seems like Bernie Ecclestone is mocking Lewis Hamilton for chasing cash?


Oh the irony! :rotfl:

#810 Brandz07

Brandz07
  • Member

  • 3,500 posts
  • Joined: February 10

Posted 21 December 2012 - 12:59

You'd think he would know how to spell McLaren


He's avoiding legal action I reckon. :lol:

#811 H2H

H2H
  • Member

  • 2,891 posts
  • Joined: June 09

Posted 21 December 2012 - 13:46

Love it. Especially since it comes partly from Mr. Money 1.
.

Edited by H2H, 21 December 2012 - 13:47.


#812 jjcale

jjcale
  • Member

  • 16,192 posts
  • Joined: October 09

Posted 21 December 2012 - 18:39

Leo Parente of Drive responding to a viewer question - does anybody in racing today still drive 10/10ths

I replaced the link with a working now

BTW a little warning - Leo is neither a fan of LH nor driving 10/10ths.

Edited by jjcale, 21 December 2012 - 21:43.


#813 jrg19

jrg19
  • Member

  • 6,118 posts
  • Joined: December 11

Posted 21 December 2012 - 18:57

http://www.mclarenst...2/invt/vmm1246/

Lewis helmet under £50.

:D

#814 PretentiousBread

PretentiousBread
  • Member

  • 2,906 posts
  • Joined: February 10

Posted 21 December 2012 - 19:00

Leo Parente of Drive responding to a viewer question - does anybody in racing today still drive 10/10ths



BTW a little warning - Leo is neither a fan of LH or driving 10/10ths.


Says the video has been removed jj?

#815 OO7

OO7
  • Member

  • 23,395 posts
  • Joined: November 04

Posted 21 December 2012 - 21:16

Says the video has been removed jj?



BTW the comment you are looking for (I think) is right at the end.

#816 jjcale

jjcale
  • Member

  • 16,192 posts
  • Joined: October 09

Posted 21 December 2012 - 21:27

Says the video has been removed jj?


Fixed the link in my earlier post.

@Obi - thanks.

Edited by jjcale, 21 December 2012 - 21:27.


#817 as65p

as65p
  • Member

  • 26,207 posts
  • Joined: June 04

Posted 22 December 2012 - 00:49

Correct me if i'm wrong, but it seems like Bernie Ecclestone is mocking Lewis Hamilton for chasing cash?


Difference is, Bernie doesn't chase cash, he makes it come to him.

#818 PretentiousBread

PretentiousBread
  • Member

  • 2,906 posts
  • Joined: February 10

Posted 22 December 2012 - 01:14

Fixed the link in my earlier post.

@Obi - thanks.


Thanks, such a criminally underdiscussed topic - the facade of flat out racing. Imagine if someone told you Usain Bolt and the rest of the sprinters were only going at 70% of their capacity? It would undermine the whole idea of what you're watching. I see F1 in a similar position, and I found it very weird and annoying how Schumacher was shot down in the press for his anti-Pirelli rant. It truly is as if it's the biggest kept secret in F1, the forbidden topic - delta 'racing'.

At Monaco we witnessed an utter abortion of a 'race' where the Marussias and Caterhams ran at an often race leading pace, and Sergio Perez ran several seconds per lap faster than the tyre nurses ahead of him for he had nothing to lose, and yet you had someone as esteemed as Martin Brundle scratching his head wondering what was going on during commentary. What was going on was a procession in the truest kind, a literal train of cars, all chained to a delta lap time in order to do less pit stops. Then you had a random Journo having a mic stuffed in his face post race by Jake Humphrey, being prompted to laud the nail biting thriller we had supposedly just seen, and he called it out immediately as a complete tyre saving exercise, at which Jake and DC scoffed at of course.

You only needed to watch Webber's post race interview at Spain to understand the full degree of this stupid formula, his body language spoke a thousand words, utterly deflated and bored. And you contrast that with Hamilton's eyes positively lighting up after his Indian GP where he finished a humble, but flat out 4th, yet looked happier than he does after half of his GP wins. Says it all really.

Anyway, rant over. Mark Hughes did a good interview with Michael Schumacher in this week's Autosport and also got a couple of interesting snippets out of Jock Clear (who I hope will possibly be Hamilton's RE next year?) relating to Hamilton:

"I'll be brutally honest here. I don't think Michael is the quickest driver there has been for the last 20 years - because Mika Hakkinen on a good lap would be as quick and certainly Hamilton would be"

"In general terms, what is required of these tyres does not suit Michael's driving style as well as it suits others. Drivers like Michael, who turn the car using the rear tyres as opposed to the front, will suffer more from these tyres. The rears just can't handle being stressed in that way. Which prompts the question of could Michael have adjusted his driving style? I'm not sure any of them can. I think drivers develop their skill and style around their predisposition to using certain cues and I think they are probably hard-wired in.
Whatever yaw rate Michael needs to feel only comes from turning the car in on the rear tyres. This is the way all the really good kartists drive, but then you get to F1 with these tyres and it's not the appropriate way. It doesn't suit Michael, doesn't suit Lewis Hamilton, but it does suit Nico, it probably suits Fernando, seems to suit Sergio Perez"


Edited by PretentiousBread, 22 December 2012 - 10:48.


#819 PretentiousBread

PretentiousBread
  • Member

  • 2,906 posts
  • Joined: February 10

Posted 22 December 2012 - 01:14

Difference is, Bernie doesn't chase cash, he makes it come to him.


So he chases cash basically.


Advertisement

#820 V8 Fireworks

V8 Fireworks
  • Member

  • 10,824 posts
  • Joined: June 06

Posted 22 December 2012 - 02:47

You only needed to watch Webber's post race interview at Spain to understand the full degree of this stupid formula, his body language spoke a thousand words, utterly deflated and bored. And you contrast that with Hamilton's eyes positively lighting up after his Indian GP where he finished a humble, but flat out 4th, yet looked happier than he does after half of his GP wins. Says it all really.

But this is booorrrring.

OK if they had to go flat out in the walls of Singapore or Monaco than fair enough: there is a risk of crashing as they go flat out.

But flat out with 5 acres of run off and no risk at all... it is dull time trial and puts race fans to sleep.

As an example: 2004 Spanish Gp Even the highlights are boring. zzzzz

Edited by V8 Fireworks, 22 December 2012 - 02:51.


#821 Peter Perfect

Peter Perfect
  • Member

  • 5,618 posts
  • Joined: April 01

Posted 22 December 2012 - 08:18

...

Anyway, rant over. Mark Hughes did a good interview with Michael Schumacher in this week's Autosport and also got a couple of interesting snippets out of Jock Clear (who I hope will possibly be Hamilton's RE next year?) relating to Hamilton:


"I'll be brutally honest here. I don't think Michael is the quickest driver there has been for the last 20 years - because Mika Hakkinen on a good lap would be as quick and certainly Hamilton would be"

"In general terms, what is required of these tyres does not suit Michael's driving style as well as it suits others. Drivers like Michael, who turn the car using the rear tyres as opposed to the front, will suffer more from these tyres. The rears just can't handle being stressed in that way. Which prompts the question of could Michael have adjusted his driving style? I'm not sure any of them can. I think drivers develop their skill and style around trot predisposition to using certain cues and I think they are probably hard-wired in.
Whatever yaw rate Michael needs to feel only comes from turning the car in on the rear tyres. This is the way all the really good kartists drive, but then you get to F1 with these tyres and it's not the appropriate way. It doesn't suit Michael, doesn't suit Lewis Hamilton, but it does suit Nico, it probably suits Fernando, seems to suit Sergio Perez"

Those two statements together look a bit odd to me with relation to this year as Hamilton clearly went well on the tyres. Which surely means either the tyres were suited to him or that he could adapt, both of which statements Jock Clear would seem to disagree with.

But yes, is Jock Clear is Hamiltons race engineer next year (which seems likely) he'll be onto a winner there IMHO. Clear has got huge experience and worked with some top drivers.

Edited by Peter Perfect, 22 December 2012 - 08:23.


#822 SmokeScreen

SmokeScreen
  • Member

  • 191 posts
  • Joined: February 12

Posted 22 December 2012 - 08:43

Those two statements together look a bit odd to me with relation to this year as Hamilton clearly went well on the tyres. Which surely means either the tyres were suited to him or that he could adapt, both of which statements Jock Clear would seem to disagree with.

Lewis is adaptable no doubt but certainly the tyres have reined him in somewhat and he could also be referring to the obvious fact that Pirelli style is not Lewis' preferred racing style.


But yes, is Jock Clear is Hamiltons race engineer next year (which seems likely) he'll be onto a winner there IMHO. Clear has got huge experience and worked with some top drivers.



well then I do hope it is jock clear - after past 2-3 seasons it would be great to see him matched with an EXPERIENCED & CONFIDENT engineer and see what level they can take their racing to.

#823 stanga

stanga
  • Member

  • 1,124 posts
  • Joined: April 11

Posted 22 December 2012 - 08:46

Correct me if i'm wrong, but it seems like Bernie Ecclestone is mocking Lewis Hamilton for chasing cash?


At least he has a sense of self-irony, I'll give him that!

#824 SmokeScreen

SmokeScreen
  • Member

  • 191 posts
  • Joined: February 12

Posted 22 December 2012 - 08:52

http://uk.eurosport....-160625075.html
this seems to include a more balanced review of Lewis' season in which the points difference to his teammate (2012 or since 2010 )is not the main narrative & the writer doesn’t sound bitter towards the bloke for daring to leave McLaren –









(Seriously! .... not) Perhaps he didnt “got the invite” to that Brazil dinner ;) .

#825 PretentiousBread

PretentiousBread
  • Member

  • 2,906 posts
  • Joined: February 10

Posted 22 December 2012 - 11:32

But this is booorrrring.

OK if they had to go flat out in the walls of Singapore or Monaco than fair enough: there is a risk of crashing as they go flat out.

But flat out with 5 acres of run off and no risk at all... it is dull time trial and puts race fans to sleep.

As an example: 2004 Spanish Gp Even the highlights are boring. zzzzz


No, what is boring is the knowledge that the drivers are going around to a delta lap time, driving well within themselves, perhaps 60-70% of their capacity in order to do fewer pitstops. That you're seeing lots of overtaking is a merely a superficial collision of events brought about by everyone managing as best they can their rapidly degrading rubber. In a typical Pirelli F1 race the driver has become little more than a tyre technician. If you see someone outpacing the other it's because he's managing his tyres better and nothing more, it's become a contest of who can tip-toe around the best. It might be something, but driving around for an entire race to a pre-determined average lap time - like a faster safety car period - isn't racing in my book. And clearly i'm not alone, because if I was then the F1 community would be a whole lot more open about this truth, yet Schumacher's rant was generally given short shrift and ignored. They know that they need to perpetuate the illusion that what you are seeing is the best drivers in the world pushing each other to their limits, or else the whole spectacle loses its raison d'être to the viewer. Why is it you hardly hear commentators mentioning that they are coasting around to a delta lap time? Because they know it's boring and turns people off. I can understand someone not being aware of any of this and finding it exciting, but what I can't understand is those who know the score and yet still find what they're watching exciting, despite possessing the knowledge to understand that it's all an illusionary shitfest which in reality isn't exciting or challenging at all.

The race we had at Austin encapsulates why delta F1 is so misguided. What people don't realise is that in a more typical tyre saving race, Hamilton would never have been able to challenge Vettel - his tyres would have been chewed up after a couple of laps and he would have been forced to simply hold station and manage his tyres, he would not have been able to make the difference. As soon as he's given free rein to push, he was able to make the difference as a driver.


#826 maxx7

maxx7
  • Member

  • 141 posts
  • Joined: September 09

Posted 22 December 2012 - 12:01

What is the likelihood that Jock Clear will be lewis racing engineer in 2013?

Edited by maxx7, 22 December 2012 - 12:01.


#827 P123

P123
  • Member

  • 23,879 posts
  • Joined: February 09

Posted 22 December 2012 - 12:21

Difference is, Bernie doesn't chase cash, he makes it come to him.


Bernie goes to where the cash is- the middle east and Asia. Even Bernie can't make Europe, or Turkey, pay up to host his races...

#828 Timstr11

Timstr11
  • Member

  • 11,162 posts
  • Joined: May 02

Posted 22 December 2012 - 12:23

I think it will be Peter Bonnington (Race Engineer) and Jock Clear (Performance Engineer). Same pairing as with MS.

#829 JRizzle86

JRizzle86
  • Member

  • 2,096 posts
  • Joined: December 09

Posted 22 December 2012 - 12:37

Christmas Card from BE
Posted Image


Shouldn't the sign say Brackley...

#830 Raelene

Raelene
  • Member

  • 5,342 posts
  • Joined: April 99

Posted 22 December 2012 - 13:04

V8 Fireworks - no saving tyres and not racing as hard as you like is boring. EVERY race driver wants to go as fast as possible all the time.

#831 robefc

robefc
  • Member

  • 13,534 posts
  • Joined: July 08

Posted 22 December 2012 - 13:56

Those two statements together look a bit odd to me with relation to this year as Hamilton clearly went well on the tyres. Which surely means either the tyres were suited to him or that he could adapt, both of which statements Jock Clear would seem to disagree with.

But yes, is Jock Clear is Hamiltons race engineer next year (which seems likely) he'll be onto a winner there IMHO. Clear has got huge experience and worked with some top drivers.


:up:

I agree and really hope we are right.

On a separaet not I thought Bernie's card was class.

#832 jjcale

jjcale
  • Member

  • 16,192 posts
  • Joined: October 09

Posted 22 December 2012 - 14:05

But this is booorrrring.

OK if they had to go flat out in the walls of Singapore or Monaco than fair enough: there is a risk of crashing as they go flat out.

But flat out with 5 acres of run off and no risk at all... it is dull time trial and puts race fans to sleep.

As an example: 2004 Spanish Gp Even the highlights are boring. zzzzz


Have to echo the first comment on youtube:

.... 2004 cars were faster than todays cars. You can even see it, looks like another sport.


I am only sorry that LH didnt get to spend more of his career in the refueling sprint racing era.

#833 Markn93

Markn93
  • Member

  • 4,621 posts
  • Joined: February 11

Posted 22 December 2012 - 21:07

Just wondering, who do people consider the tougher teammate, JB or nico ?

#834 MP422

MP422
  • Member

  • 2,157 posts
  • Joined: November 11

Posted 22 December 2012 - 21:16

Just wondering, who do people consider the tougher teammate, JB or nico ?


JB i suppose. He has more experience.

#835 MortenF1

MortenF1
  • Member

  • 23,721 posts
  • Joined: June 01

Posted 22 December 2012 - 21:32

Have to echo the first comment on youtube:



I am only sorry that LH didnt get to spend more of his career in the refueling sprint racing era.


Oh, I so totally agree! For the lifestyle, Räikkönen says he's thirty years late, for the racing, Hamilton is ten.

Edited by race addicted, 22 December 2012 - 21:34.


#836 apoka

apoka
  • Member

  • 5,878 posts
  • Joined: May 09

Posted 22 December 2012 - 21:59

Just wondering, who do people consider the tougher teammate, JB or nico ?

We will know after the next years. I guess it is Nico (on relative pace; purely on points he would have to beat Hamilton to be better than Button, which is not impossible but certainly not an easy task).


#837 Skinnyguy

Skinnyguy
  • Member

  • 4,391 posts
  • Joined: August 10

Posted 22 December 2012 - 22:12

...for the racing, Hamilton is ten.


Racing? 10 years ago? Surely you´re talking about another series.

#838 Boxerevo

Boxerevo
  • Member

  • 3,598 posts
  • Joined: December 10

Posted 22 December 2012 - 23:44

Correct me if i'm wrong, but it seems like Bernie Ecclestone is mocking Lewis Hamilton for chasing cash?

:lol:

#839 dhill39

dhill39
  • Member

  • 426 posts
  • Joined: November 09

Posted 27 December 2012 - 13:31

Can't wait to see Lewis in Mercedes team gear,can't believe the season is around the corner.

Advertisement

#840 undersquare

undersquare
  • Member

  • 18,929 posts
  • Joined: November 07

Posted 27 December 2012 - 13:41

Just wondering, who do people consider the tougher teammate, JB or nico ?

I don't think we'll be able to make a comparison, with the RE's and different attitude of the teams.

Anyway I'm expecting Nico to raise his game, but still be outperformed in 80-90% of the races.

@dhill: I have a little private bet that 30 minutes into the first test Lewis will be at the top of the timesheets. Not that it'll mean too much, but still, I'm looking forward with my usual groundless optimism :lol: . Hope we get some TV coverage this year.

#841 jrg19

jrg19
  • Member

  • 6,118 posts
  • Joined: December 11

Posted 27 December 2012 - 15:41

Can't wait to see Lewis in Mercedes team gear,can't believe the season is around the corner.


Do you think they'll unleash pictures from Jan 1st?

#842 dhill39

dhill39
  • Member

  • 426 posts
  • Joined: November 09

Posted 27 December 2012 - 20:58

I think they will,I am so excited about this coming season.

#843 F1ultimate

F1ultimate
  • Member

  • 2,991 posts
  • Joined: November 10

Posted 27 December 2012 - 22:15

Do you think they'll unleash pictures from Jan 1st?


I bet they will. Mclaren have already moved on and have had a life sized Tooned version of Perez at the HQ. Merc are paying a lot for Lewis so they will surely start using him as early as they can. I'm really counting down until the start of 2013.

#844 MortenF1

MortenF1
  • Member

  • 23,721 posts
  • Joined: June 01

Posted 28 December 2012 - 11:03

Nitpicking, and being the biggest pedant, but surely you wouldn't expect any pictures before 2nd Jan?

#845 jrg19

jrg19
  • Member

  • 6,118 posts
  • Joined: December 11

Posted 29 December 2012 - 12:04

new designs have been emailed; we're just waiting for confirmation.


Jason, Lewis' helmet painter replied to a question about Lewis' design for next season.

:D Hope he keeps it yellow.

#846 dhill39

dhill39
  • Member

  • 426 posts
  • Joined: November 09

Posted 01 January 2013 - 00:26

So in a couple of hours,we get to see Lewis in his new team wear.

#847 jrg19

jrg19
  • Member

  • 6,118 posts
  • Joined: December 11

Posted 01 January 2013 - 00:27

So in a couple of hours,we get to see Lewis in his new team wear.


I'm sure we'll see it within the week :cool:

#848 olliek88

olliek88
  • Member

  • 4,050 posts
  • Joined: January 10

Posted 01 January 2013 - 00:30

Nitpicking, and being the biggest pedant, but surely you wouldn't expect any pictures before 2nd Jan?


I wouldn't mind betting Hamilton's has already had his photo taken in team gear etc (Since allowed him to visit the factory earlier than obliged) and said photos have been sent to the media (Autosport etc) but are embargoed. It will be odd seeing Lewis in non Mclaren gear thats for sure!

#849 Buttoneer

Buttoneer
  • Admin

  • 19,094 posts
  • Joined: May 04

Posted 01 January 2013 - 11:28

In RC, the driver threads started with the Lewis Hamilton thread which was a discussion about a new up-and-coming driver who ought to make it into F1. Over a period of years the title of the thread was taken as a banner to discuss any and all aspects in which Lewis was involved, including lots of non-motorsport discussion, and it then spread to all other drivers who now have their own topic.

Threads like these have been looked upon by some as a 'fan appreciation' thread where dissenting opinions should not be given voice and by others as places to go to troll. It is this environment where the labels 'fanboy' and 'hater' or 'anti' have become ingrained and then employed more widely across the forum. During a race, progress is followed here instead of in the race thread or live forum; when a site releases a poll each driver thread is used to discuss that drivers position within it; when there is an incident, the thread for each driver involved becomes part of the extended battleground. In reality, the threads have become micro-communities where fans of particular drivers tend to discuss every aspect of F1 with other posters they feel comfortable with. Potentially good topics of discussion often go unnoticed by the more general membership who may have had something positive to contribute, because it was not clear the discussion was taking place.

We have decided that the threads are a barrier to the free flow of discussion and ideas and have taken the decision to ban driver threads as part of the introduction to our new rules, which can be found here (link).

As always, we are happy to listen to your views and opinions on how the forum is moderated but please, by PM only.