61 replies to this topic

[sladealonso]

With the line ups for the 2019 Formula One season all But confirmed (albeit barring a dramatic plot twist at Force India) we have a dramatically different grid from the one that lined up Sunday at the Yas Marina Circuit.

So who would you say have 'won' the driver merry go round and has the best line up on the grid.

My opinion;
1.Ferrari
2.Renault
3.Mercedes
4.Red Bull
5.Sauber
6.McLaren
7.Haas
8.Racing Point Force India
9.Williams
10.Toro Rosso

What are your thoughts on the 2019 line ups.

Edited by sladealonso, 28 November 2018 - 18:52.

[sopa]

I don't know if Ferrari ends up being the best line-up, but what I would say that they certainly have potential to be one, provided both drivers perform at their maximum potential and don't start floundering or crashing around. Mercedes, Red Bull and Renault all have each one so-called top driver (though Ricciardo has lost a bit of that reputation), and a good second driver (though Gasly has a bit to live up to). We have to wait and see, how these ones develop.

 

Behind them there are a lot of unproven drivers, so it's quite hard to call at the present moment.

[sladealonso]

I don't know if Ferrari ends up being the best line-up, but what I would say that they certainly have potential to be one, provided both drivers perform at their maximum potential and don't start floundering or crashing around. Mercedes, Red Bull and Renault all have each one so-called top driver (though Ricciardo has lost a bit of that reputation), and a good second driver (though Gasly has a bit to live up to). We have to wait and see, how these ones develop.

Behind them there are a lot of unproven drivers, so it's quite hard to call at the present moment.

It's very hard to call tbf. Half the grid are filled with drivers who have potential to be special and obviously not all of them can be.

Ferrari have the edge for me simply because of what my perception of Lecerc is. I'm expecting a big year, hopefully I'm not wrong. If I am however the title would fall to Renault for me and if he does flop Ferrari could even slip to 4th.

[Nonesuch]

Really depends on how Leclerc and Gasly perform. Whoever does best probably propels his team to the top spot.

 

Ricciardo/Hülkenberg will be interesting. It's Hülkenberg's chance to prove Alonso right - and the teambosses wrong.

[TomNokoe]

Mercedes - stability is key

Ferrari - very very exciting

Renault - solid as a rock if lacking that last tenth

Red Bull - very risky, both drivers are hero or zero

Haas - spectacular yet unreliable

McLaren - bounds of potential in both drivers

Force India - one man show with Perez on board, although Stroll has shown flashes

Sauber - Gio has a lot to live up to and Kimi isn't getting any faster

Williams - arguably two rookies in 2019 terms

Toro Rosso - two very fragile characters with pressure to perform

--

I can't see past 1-6. Locked in, IMO.

Maybe I could've swapped RPFI and Sauber for 7-8 and similarly Williams and TR at 9-10.

Edited by TomNokoe, 28 November 2018 - 19:18.

[Domi]

We will see, for me Haas/Toro Rosso has the weakest. If Kubica turns out to be still as good as he was then williams is right there in front pack

Edited by Domi, 28 November 2018 - 19:07.

[HistoryFan]

Ferrari

Mercedes

Renault

Red Bull

McLaren

Sauber

Toro Rosso

Force India

Haas

Williams

[GiorgioF1]

McLaren - bounds of potential in both drivers

Williams - arguably two rookies in 2019 terms
 

 

Yeah lets say that McLaren lineup has "bounds of potential" but then say that there are "agruably two rookies in 2019 terms" at WIlliams when at McLaren there is a rookie who is probably less rated than Russell and Sainz who was not given a seat at Red Bull, couldnt beat Hulk over a season and is likely gonna be the first one to drop when Fernando will sniff a good McLaren car.

[ANF]

1. Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton + Valtteri Bottas (229 + 118 GPs, 134 + 30 podiums)
1. Ferrari. Sebastian Vettel + Charles Leclerc (219 + 21 GPs, 111 + 0 podiums)

3. Renault. Nico Hülkenberg + Daniel Ricciardo (156 + 150 GPs, 0 + 29 podiums)
3. Red Bull. Max Verstappen + Pierre Gasly (81 + 26 GPs, 22 + 0 podiums)

5. Williams. Robert Kubica + George Russell (76 + 0 GPs, 12 + 0 podiums)
5. Sauber. Kimi Räikkönen + Antonio Giovinazzi (292 + 2 GPs, 103 + 0 podiums)
5. "Racing Point". Sergio Pérez + Lance Stroll (155 + 41 GPs, 8 + 1 podiums)
5. McLaren. Carlos Sainz + Lando Norris (81 + 0 GPs, 0 + 0 podiums)

9. Toro Rosso. Daniil Kvyat + Alex Albon (72 + 0 GPs, 2 + 0 podiums)
9. Haas. Romain Grosjean + Kevin Magnussen (143 + 81 GPs, 10 + 1 podiums)


(GPs = race starts)

[TomNokoe]

Yeah lets say that McLaren lineup has "bounds of potential" but then say that there are "agruably two rookies in 2019 terms" at WIlliams when at McLaren there is a rookie who is probably less rated than Russell and Sainz who was not given a seat at Red Bull, couldnt beat Hulk over a season and is likely gonna be the first one to drop when Fernando will sniff a good McLaren car.

Sue me!

[guillo]

I don't think people are giving enough credit to Stroll.

 

2017, he finished in 12th, just 3 points behind Massa, and with 4 retirements. In a 5th place WCC Williams.

2018, yes, he finished in 18th, but beat Sirotkin by 5 points in the worst car of the field.

 

He may not be anything impressive, but if "Racing Pink" gets a good car next year, Perez and Stroll, may not be as weak as people think.

 

Additionally, here are some performance stats:

http://grandprixrank...nkings/2017-f1/

[Lights]

1. Mercedes

2. Ferrari / Red Bull / Renault

5. Force India / Haas

 

No clue for the teams with rookies.

[messy]

=1. Mercedes, because Hamilton. Bottas has the potential to be better than 2018.
=1. Ferrari, Vettel can still be brilliant and Leclerc is a hell of a talent
3. Red Bull, Verstappen is second only to Lewis these days, jury's out on Gasly
4. Renault, very very solid just lacking the superstar all the above have
5. Sauber, Kimi still massive asset and Giovinazzi a very promising driver in his own right
6. Racing Point, because Perez is unexciting but the most solid midfield runner out there
7. Williams, Russell is a potential superstar and Kubica's quality is (hopefully still) clear
8. Haas, lose major points on consistency but both capable drivers on their day
9. McLaren, Sainz was great in a Toro Rosso and Norris has potential
10. Toro Rosso, Albon promising, Kvyat unpromising.

[Lights]

I don't think people are giving enough credit to Stroll.

 

2017, he finished in 12th, just 3 points behind Massa, and with 4 retirements. In a 5th place WCC Williams.

2018, yes, he finished in 18th, but beat Sirotkin by 5 points in the worst car of the field.

 

He may not be anything impressive, but if "Racing Pink" gets a good car next year, Perez and Stroll, may not be as weak as people think.

 

Additionally, here are some performance stats:

http://grandprixrank...nkings/2017-f1/

 

Can just as well mention that Massa beat Stroll 17-2 in qualifying with an average gap of 7 tenths, easily one of the biggest qualifying beatings in the last decade. Or that Stroll only got so close to Massa in the points because of a podium in Baku where countless of drivers, including his teammate, suffered bad luck in front of him.

 

Maybe that's why people don't give Stroll much credit.

[ANF]

Can just as well mention that Massa beat Stroll 17-2 in qualifying with an average gap of 7 tenths, easily one of the biggest qualifying beatings in the last decade. Or that Stroll only got so close to Massa in the points because of a podium in Baku where countless of drivers, including his teammate, suffered bad luck in front of him.
 
Maybe that's why people don't give Stroll much credit.

Ouch.

[BRG]

Ouch.

Not really.  The standard anti-Stroll nonsense, as if there were points awarded for qualifying and that this was more important than actual race results.  Your summary was a lot objective, and I would add to it that Stroll has probably got the best record for making up places on the first lap.  He has ceratinly made up more places on the first lap than that Lewis  Hamilton, for instance.

[SCUDmissile]

Renault is the best imo. Ferrari's is certainly exciting.

I dunno about the others.

Mercedes??? We all know how good Lewis is, but did you guys not see the other Mercedes at the GP last weekend???

Edited by SCUDmissile, 28 November 2018 - 21:26.

[TheMessiah]

Ferrari

Mercedes

Renault

Red Bull

McLaren

Haas

Force India

Williams

Sauber

Toro Rosso

[MortenF1]

Mercedes 10+7=17
Ferrari 8+8=16
Red Bull 9+6=15
Renault 7+8=15
McLaren 7+7=14
Williams 7+7=14
Sauber 7+6=13
Haas 7+6=13
Toro Rosso 5+6=11
Racing Point 7+2=9

Something like that for me. (I think)

Edited by MortenF1, 28 November 2018 - 21:58.

[guillo]

Ouch.

 

Not really an ouch. there are plenty of nitpicking arguments about any subject, but it's not worth it to discuss them with someone with "I'm-right" assertive attitude.

[tghik]

Mercedes 10+7=17
Ferrari 8+8=16
Red Bull 9+6=15
Renault 7+8=15
McLaren 7+7=14
Williams 7+7=14
Sauber 7+6=13
Haas 7+6=13
Toro Rosso 5+6=11
Racing Point 7+2=9

Something like that for me. (I think)

very nice, almost there

 

I'm still thinking about:

Red Bull 9+6=15 (this pairing will self destruct, both mixed is a bomb coz of psychological makeup, also still not convinced Gasly is 6, going against Hartley is easy)

McLaren 7+7=14 (Norris same as Russell ? Sainz same as Hulk ?)

Haas 7+6=13 (both overvalued)

Williams 7+7=14 (the biggest ? of all teams, see potential for higher)

[sabjit]

1. Merc (any line up that has Hamilton in it is the strongest, irrespective of the second driver)

2. Renault

3. Ferrari

4. Red Bull

5. Williams

6. Sauber

7. Haas

8. McLaren

9. Force India

10. Toro Rosso

[MortenF1]

very nice, almost there

I'm still thinking about:
Red Bull 9+6=15 (this pairing will self destruct, both mixed is a bomb coz of psychological makeup, also still not convinced Gasly is 6, going against Hartley is easy)
McLaren 7+7=14 (Norris same as Russell ? Sainz same as Hulk ?)
Haas 7+6=13 (both overvalued)
Williams 7+7=14 (the biggest ? of all teams, see potential for higher)

Should’ve used a scale of 1-20 perhaps, to show a bigger spread. On that scale Hülkenberg would’ve had a point more than Sainz.
Who knows about Norris, Giovinazzi, Russel and Albon really? And Gasly for that matter, but I do think 6’s and 7’s are where they are. I’m also sceptical about Gasly but I don’t feel I can rate him lower as per now.
Grosjean is very good when things click into place.

[Garndell]

Mercedes

Renault

Ferrari

Red Bull

McLaren

Williams

Haas

Sauber

Toro Rosso

 

Everyone else on earth...

 

Force Nepotism

[RacingGreen]

1 Mercedes - the reigning champs and must be favorites again and a nicely balanced pairing that works well for the team

2 Ferrari - both potential champs - but Seb is also a potential liability

 

3= Renault - if the unproven Hulk can really match Dan R

3= Red Bull - although not convinced that Gasly and Max will work together

 

5 Most of the rest: Williams, Haas, Toro Rosso & Sauber - too early to tell, too many unanswered questions

 

9 Team Stroll - because of all the drivers in the paddock it is hardest to imagine Lance being there in any merit basis system. 

 

10 McLaren - Sainz has done little to justify being a team leader and Norris's F2 bid faded as the season progressed - This is statistically the worst driver pair McLaren have ever had and I expect to be comfortably the worst on the grid next year.

[Blackmamba]

Mercedes
Redbull
Renault
Ferrari
Haas
McLaren
Williams
Racing Point
Sauber
Toro Rosso

[Laster]

Mercedes - Lewis is top dog in F1 at the moment, and Bottas despite his struggles in the latter half of seasons, is comparable to most midfield drivers.

Renault - Two known quantities in Ric and Hulk, both easily make my top ten of the current F1 crop and will consistently deliver.

Ferrari - I have high hopes for Leclerc, but he is an unknown quantity still. If he proves himself in 2019 this could well be the strongest lineup in F1.

Red Bull - Verstappen is super quick but prone to finding trouble, Gasly I need to see more of. Hartley was matching him in those final races.

Haas - Two drivers who I feel are hit and miss, good pace in them, and will score plenty of points.

Mclaren - Sainz is a competent midfield driver, and Norris is another I have high hopes for but is still unproven.

Force India - Perez is a strong midfield driver and will take a podium if the chance arises. Stroll I have little faith in but it’ll be interesting to see how he compares against a more consistent driver than a rookie Sirotkin and a back from retirement Massa.

Sauber - Raikkonen’s powers have faded with time but is great at getting through a race unscathed and picking up the pieces, occasionally has the great race in him still. Gio I have no idea what to make of him yet.

Williams - Very tough to work out how Williams will fair. How close can Kubica get to his original speed? And how good is the F2 champ? Their seasons will definitely be worth keeping an eye on.

Toro Rosso - Which Kvyat will turn up? The broken one or the quick but accident prone one? I’m happy to see Albon get his chance, I like the underdog story so I’ll be quietly cheering him on to do well next year.

[sopa]

and I would add to it that Stroll has probably got the best record for making up places on the first lap.  

 

Probably the only thing he is good at + good in the wet.

 

It's not like Stroll's race pace is anything special either. Sirotkin often seemed in similar ballpark.

[Ben24]

Not really.  The standard anti-Stroll nonsense, as if there were points awarded for qualifying and that this was more important than actual race results.  Your summary was a lot objective, and I would add to it that Stroll has probably got the best record for making up places on the first lap.  He has ceratinly made up more places on the first lap than that Lewis  Hamilton, for instance.

Of course you're going to make up a lot of places when you start last every race. Even if you get a terrible start there will likely be an incident that moves you forward a position or two.

[Marklar]

I think Mercedes, Red Bull, Renault and Ferrari are very similar tbh.

Hamilton is the best driver ahead of Verstappen, Vettel and Ricciardo when we look at the number one drivers.

Leclerc has the biggest potential of the number two drivers. Gasly is also unproven. But before we see what they can actually do in a top team I wouldnt rate them yet much higher than Hulk and Bottas who are very solid drivers.

Edited by Marklar, 29 November 2018 - 10:15.

[athlon]

Toro Rosso-line up will surprise a lot of people here. Both Kvyat and Albon has the speed, everything else can be learned. 

[jules153]

Renault - RIC & HUL both top draw and seldom make mistakes

Ferrari - Leclerc could be as good as HAM, SEB slight liability

Mercedes - HAM brilliant but BOT needs to step up

Red Bull - VES amazing but GAS will need time to adjust

McLaren - SAI solid and NOR could surprise

Williams - possibly both great but need time to adjust

Sauber - RAI obvious class

Haas - both solid but both liabilities

Force India / Toro Rosso - no comment

Edited by jules153, 29 November 2018 - 10:41.

[Qbab]

Mercedes Lewis Hamilton (10)  Valtteri Bottas (7)  = 17

Ferrari Ferrari Sebastian Vettel (8) Charles Leclerc (8) = 16

Renault Renault Nico Hulkenberg (7) Daniel Ricciardo (8) = 15

Red Bull TAG Heuer Max Verstappen (8) Pierre Gasly (5) = 13

Force India Mercedes Sergio Perez (6) Lance Stroll (4) = 10

Haas F1 Ferrari Romain Grosjean (5) Kevin Magnussen (5) = 10

 

and "potentially"

 

Williams Mercedes George Russell (potentially 8)  Robert Kubica (potentially 10) = potentially 18

Sauber Ferrari Kimi Raikkonen (9) Antonio Giovinazzi (potentially 6) = potentially 15

McLaren Renault Carlos Sainz (5) Lando Norris (potentially 7) = potentially 12

Toro Rosso Honda Daniił Kwiat (5) Alexander Albon (potentially 6) = potentially 11

[sopa]

 

Mercedes Lewis Hamilton (10)  Valtteri Bottas (7)  = 17

Ferrari Ferrari Sebastian Vettel (8) Charles Leclerc (8) = 16

Renault Renault Nico Hulkenberg (7) Daniel Ricciardo (8) = 15

Red Bull TAG Heuer Max Verstappen (8) Pierre Gasly (5) = 13

Force India Mercedes Sergio Perez (6) Lance Stroll (4) = 10

Haas F1 Ferrari Romain Grosjean (5) Kevin Magnussen (5) = 10

 

and "potentially"

 

Williams Mercedes George Russell (potentially 8)  Robert Kubica (potentially 10) = potentially 18

Sauber Ferrari Kimi Raikkonen (9) Antonio Giovinazzi (potentially 6) = potentially 15

McLaren Renault Carlos Sainz (5) Lando Norris (potentially 7) = potentially 12

Toro Rosso Honda Daniił Kwiat (5) Alexander Albon (potentially 6) = potentially 11

 

 

Potentially Raikkonen and Kubica are better than Verstappen, Vettel or Ricciardo, huh.

[statman]

Mercedes

Ferrari

Red Bull

Renault

Haas

Racing Point

McLaren

Toro Rosso

Williams

[Qbab]

Potentially Raikkonen and Kubica are better than Verstappen, Vettel or Ricciardo, huh.

 

Yes, in my opinion, Vettel is just a lucky man, he has hit the great RedBula period and that's it. To be an outstanding driver, he has too weak a psyche. Max is extremely fast but he can not control himself completely, just like Sebastian. The champion must be able to drive fast but also ideally balance between risk and bravado, such as Hamilton in the last race when overtaking he did with a huge margin.  Ricciardo is extremely solid but he lacks this "flash of genius".

However, Kimi and Robert are unlucky. Look how Kimi was treated by the teams he was racing in. And Robert - accident. But such "invisible" things as the perfect slide in the pitstop, show his genius, just like suzuka in 2010 or monaco.

 

https://youtu.be/4HH12f3Aqj8

[Spillage]

As others have said, it definitely depends on the relative performances of Leclerc and Gasly. But if what I suspect happens does happen - and Leclerc performs and Gasly doesn't - then I'd rank them as follows:

 

1) Ferrari

2) Renault

3) Mercedes

4) Red Bull

5) Haas

6) Sauber

7) Williams

8) Force India

9) Mclaren

10) Toro Rosso.

 

I've always rated Hulkenberg which is why I put Renault so high up the list. Conversely, if Norris struggles this will probably be the worst Mclaren line-up of all time; it's certainly the first time they haven't had a driver who's been on the podium before.

[Spillage]

Can just as well mention that Massa beat Stroll 17-2 in qualifying with an average gap of 7 tenths, easily one of the biggest qualifying beatings in the last decade. Or that Stroll only got so close to Massa in the points because of a podium in Baku where countless of drivers, including his teammate, suffered bad luck in front of him.

 

Maybe that's why people don't give Stroll much credit.

It's also worth pointing out that, whilst you'd expect the younger Stroll to grow into the team over the course of the season, he was still getting walloped by Massa and season's end. In Abu Dhabi last year Massa outqualified Stroll by more than a second and scored a point, whilst Stroll finished dead last.

 

I don't rate Stroll at all. Frankly it's a travesty that Ocon has had to make way for him, tempered only by the fact that the team would likely have gone bust without Stroll Snr's cash. I fully expect him to turn into F1's very own Marco Andretti in the next few years.

[AnR]

I beat on the youngsters to

 

1. Renault

2. Ferrari

3. Mercedes

4. Red Bull 

5) Sauber

6) Haas

7) Williams

8) Force India

9) Mclaren

10) Toro Rosso.

[Quickshifter]

2019 is a season of unknowns ranging from rookies like Norris, Russel, Giovinazzi(despite a couple of races he is still practically a rookie) and Albon, drivers making comebacks like Kubica, Kvyat and plenty of drivers switching teams like Ricciardo, Stroll, Sainz, Gasly, Leclerc and Raikkonen.

It is massively hard to predict how the drivers who are making a comeback will fare, how will the rookies respond at the biggest stage and how the drivers who are changing teams adapt.

Ultimately it boils down to our natural preferences and biases (me included) as to how we see the drivers lineups for 2019.All i want to say is that the kind of driving needed in f1 especially with these engines and tyres success in junior formulae doesn't guarantee a headatart. Drivers who are switching teams have to go through the grind of getting used to the new team, car and engineers. Drivers who are making a comeback have a get rid of the ring rust quickly in a short time because of minimal testing opportunities these days.

All i want to say is that there will be surprises next season and because of thia huge shake up of driving lineups across the grid it will be fascinating to see who lives up to the hype, who manages to rebuild reputation and who fails to deliver on the promise.

[goldenboy]

Ferrari (I think leclerc is going to rise to it)
Renault
Merc (bottas is uninspiring but probably not as bad as made out)
Red bull - not in the slightest convinced by Gasly

[Kalmake]

I've always rated Hulkenberg which is why I put Renault so high up the list. Conversely, if Norris struggles this will probably be the worst Mclaren line-up of all time; it's certainly the first time they haven't had a driver who's been on the podium before.

McLaren has had a champion or a future champion in a car since 1982. It's on the twitch streamer to keep that streak going. We have seen enough from Sainz to lose hope.

[Spillage]

McLaren has had a champion or a future champion in a car since 1982. It's on the twitch streamer to keep that streak going. We have seen enough from Sainz to lose hope.

You never know about Norris, though. He's had a very promising junior career. I just fear for him because Mclaren's last three young prospects - Perez, Magnussen and Vandoorne - have all struggled. It doesn't seem a great place to kickstart a career.

[jules153]

Another factor is how well the team-mates are going to get along with each other:

 

VER-GAS can't see this being harmonious! If GAS treats VER the same as he did HAR then there will be fights

 

At the other end of the scale I imagine RIC and HUL will get on well together and I'd say KUB-RUS will be a good pairing - KUB has seen it all before and RUS won't want to rock the boat too much as a novice.

 

Obviously the million dollar question is VET-LEC..... this year we've seen VET crack at Ferrari and if LEC is adding more pressure then it could get spicy...

Edited by jules153, 29 November 2018 - 15:41.

[Carrinthe]

1. Ferrari: An established superstar combined with a huge talent who will not accept 2nd fiddle. Fireworks for sure.

2. Renault: Despite being beaten by Verstappen Ricciardo is still one of the best on the grid. Hulkenberg is far better than most think and will push Ricciardo the whole season. Also, the Hulk will benefit more than most with the new driver-weight rules.  Most balanced lineup for 2019. Too bad they won't get the material to fight for podiums. 

3. Mercedes: Hamilton is the most complete driver on the grid and I rate Bottas slightly higher than Gasly so Mercedes gets the nod above Red Bull

4. Red Bull: Verstappen is clearly elite at this moment but, although he has potential, Gasly is not ready to play with the big boys.

5. McLaren: Sainz is a solid midfield driver with above average skills in the wet, Norris is a serious talent. I'm not very optimistic about McLaren's car though. 

6. Haas: Very balanced lineup with two equal midfield drivers. 

7. Williams: Williams lineup is vastly stronger than last season. We don't doubt Kubica's talent but how much will his injuries hamper him? I think and hope he will manage. Russell is a very talented youngster who will benefit from Kubica's experience.

8. Sauber: Raikkonen will put the Sauber were it belongs consistently. I'm not very convinced Giovinazzi is F1 material. 

9. Racing Point: Perez is one of the better midfield drivers but Stroll, although not as bad as some think, is one of the weaker ones. 

10. Toro Rosso: Kvyat,..... why,..... there are a lot of better options like Vergne. Kvyat has demonstrated that he cracks under pressure. Albon, although the kid has some talent I don't think he is F1 material and certainly not RB material.

Edited by Carrinthe, 29 November 2018 - 16:59.

[HeadFirst]

The most interesting aspect of 2019 for me, is that every team has at least one question mark Some examples ...

 

Mercedes - Will Bottas have a bounce back year, and live up to the potential that got him the Mercedes drive in the first place?

 

Ferrari - Will Leclerc use the better Ferrari pkg, to establish himself as a star? 

 

Red Bull - Will Verstappen get off to a better start, and challenge for the WDC? Will Gasly live up to his potential? Will the Honda engine allow either driver to be competitive?

 

Sauber - Can Giovinazzi justify Ferrari's faith in him? Does Kimi have another year in him?

 

Renault - Can Ricciardo take the team up a level?

 

Haas - Will either driver show the consistency needed to remain in F1 in 2020.

 

Racing Point - Will the combination of a better car and a better team-mate, help Stroll to make something of his career?

 

Williams, Toro Rosso, McLaren - so many questions!

[BalanceUT]

There are so many dimensions on which we could rank them. At the most important level, which pairing looks most likely to carry their team to a higher ranking in the constructor's championship than the mere equipment capabilities would suggest? Some would argue that Hamilton took the Mercedes to a higher level and Bottas was sufficient to the task because the Mercedes was, on many circuits, not quite as quick as the Ferrari. OTOH, Grosjean and Magnussen may have held Haas down compared to the apparent capability of their car. 

 

But, there are also dimensions of most interesting, enjoyable, exciting, aggressive, and so forth. I think Ricardo at Renault is very interesting/intruiging. I think Leclerk at Ferrari is most exciting. I think Kubica and Russell at Williams is enjoyable. And Verstappen always takes the win on aggressiveness. 

[sopa]

 OTOH, Grosjean and Magnussen may have held Haas down compared to the apparent capability of their car. 

 

 

That is certainly interesting, because in my view Haas was on average the fourth fastest car of 2018, but due to drivers and team operations it earnt a net 6th place (disregarding Force India's DQ and adding together driver points).

 

However, relatively speaking Haas will stand stronger in midfield in 2019, because...

- McLaren loses Alonso (gets a solid midfielder and an unproven rookie instead)

- Force India loses Ocon (gets Stroll instead)

- Toro Rosso loses Gasly (gets two questionmarks instead)

- Sauber loses Leclerc (gets two solid drivers instead, but unlikely a star).

 

So I think in the context of 2019 Haas driver line-up may not end up losing a place in WCC, because behind the first four teams there is no team, who would at least initially look like having a clearly superior line-up. Of course if some rookies truly impress and raise the bar like Leclerc did, then during the season it may look differently. 

[BRG]

Probably the only thing he is good at + good in the wet.

The only thing he is good at, apart from the other thing he is good at.

 

Of course you're going to make up a lot of places when you start last every race. Even if you get a terrible start there will likely be an incident that moves you forward a position or two.

Indeed.  But to do it at almost every race, without being part of those incidents suggests some skills. 

[Garndell]

The only thing he is good at, apart from the other thing he is good at.

 

Indeed.  But to do it at almost every race, without being part of those incidents suggests some skills. 

 

Or just that he started behind a 2018 McLaren.