77 replies to this topic

[F1Johnny]

Who was MS' best rival including 1997 though he was excluded. I would definitely say Hakkinen.

Your thoughts.

[silver]

Schumacher`s and Hakkinen`s rivalry goes all the way back to their karting days. After that they met again in F3 and then F1. It would have been fantastic had Hakkinen had better car earlier than 1998.

[TazioN]

With Hakkinen there was some sort of mutual respect. The Hill rivalry was very interesting. But I have to say his best rival was Villeneuve. Michael Schumacher appeared at times desperate, and if Villeneuve had been more constant, he could have psychologically crushed Schumacher.ç

It was for me the most exciting championship competition of the past six years.

[Bruce]

Hakkinen, because he has had the most consistent car of MS's major challngers in the past 5+ years, and therefore their rivalry has spilled over into several years duration.

Villeneuve because the rivalry in that single 1997 campaign was so intense and undistilled.

[CaptnMark]

Villeneuve.

[HSJ]

MH. Next KR.

[B.Verkiler]

Hakkinen, head and shoulder above any other "schumi-beater"

Then it's Hill, but Hill became better when facing JV instead of MS.

Then JV, the worst.

[StickShift]

If you mean enemies, obviously Villeneuve. But if you mean racing, obviously Hakkinen. Of the two, I preferred Hakkinen vs. Schumacher.

[Todd]

Mika Hakkinen has been Michael's only real rival since the 3rd race of 1994. I have no idea why Jacques Villeneuve gets mentioned. He was only ever Michael's rival on a points table, and only in one season at that. They never even shared a podium. JV trying to ram MS in Suzuka and MS trying to return the favor in Jerez were the only times they were close together on the track. The years since have shown that JV was only in a good car because he had the luck of starting in the best car. Had he started his career in a 2nd rate car, he would never have been promoted to a top team. Hill may have been mediocre, but at least he had a couple exceptional performances in cars that were not Williams-Renaults, and he also had numerous on track battles with Michael Schumacher. Something that can't be said about the soon to be unemployed brat from Monaco.

[Paste]

Mika Hakkinen.

David Coulthard tried to create a rivalry, but rarely drove in such a way to back it up.

Jacques Villeneuve could have been, but he made a bad (understatement) career move.

Damon Hill was between 94 and 96, but ultimately Mika wins out since they had four full years of head to head racing, showed respect to each other and helped the other to raise his game.

[Frans]

there were a lot of opponents, some were die hard enemies....... hmmm, most seasons he was his own enemy, I vote on Mike himself here.

accept 200 and 2001, there it was the racing fan.

[Rene]

Originally posted by Todd
Mika Hakkinen has been Michael's only real rival since the 3rd race of 1994. I have no idea why Jacques Villeneuve gets mentioned. He was only ever Michael's rival on a points table, and only in one season at that. They never even shared a podium. JV trying to ram MS in Suzuka and MS trying to return the favor in Jerez were the only times they were close together on the track. The years since have shown that JV was only in a good car because he had the luck of starting in the best car. Had he started his career in a 2nd rate car, he would never have been promoted to a top team. Hill may have been mediocre, but at least he had a couple exceptional performances in cars that were not Williams-Renaults, and he also had numerous on track battles with Michael Schumacher. Something that can't be said about the soon to be unemployed brat from Monaco.

Todd you never miss chance to slam JV, instead of sticking with the positive arguement you made for Mika (which I agree with) you have to take a shot at JV....why do you take every possible opportunity to slam JV? It brings down the credibility of your post(s) especially as many of your posts are well though out and factual....

[SeanValen]

Hakkinen vs Schumacher, a respected Gladitorial battle, although I understand the fans saying Villeneuve, because of his character, its so different to Schumacher, don't like each other, makes for interesting moments on and off the track, too bad he's been in the Bar nightmare all this time, he's a better driver now though then 1997.

[WillieF1]

Hakkinen - It must have driven MS crazy to see MH win back to back WDCs.

[moog101]

Originally posted by silver
Schumacher`s and Hakkinen`s rivalry goes all the way back to their karting days. After that they met again in F3 and then F1. It would have been fantastic had Hakkinen had better car earlier than 1998.

Just don't come knocking in the PC with my Avatar...

[Eoinb]

JV???I know us Sch fans go on and on about superior machine but the '97 Willams was miles ahead of the Ferrari.

Has to be Hakk...F1 would be dead without him as schumi would have walked all over DC in 98/99/00/01.

[Avalon]

Without even the faintest hint of a doubt Häkkinen. He is one of the most gifted talent that has ever graced the race tracks. Outqualifying Senna in his first GP in the same team with him. Speaks volumes. Unfortunately this year there isn't anyone who is as of now able to get to Schumi's level. Häkkinen and Schumi were totally of their own class. Of the current crop of drivers noone can control their car so excuisitely on the edge. Defenetly not JPM (a dissappointment for me), not DC, not even RS, and we havent seen it yet in KR.

The mutual respect and sportsmanship between MH and MS did a lot of good to the sport. And by respecting the talents of their most bitter rival they each made the fans respect their own talents even more.

Villeneuve was also very good for F1. It is sad to see him strolling around racetracks now. Unmotivated in a relatively shitty car. Yes he did have perhaps the best F1 car after the F2001 (having not seen the F2002 in action) but even his move from the outside in Spain only showed that the driver was very-very good as well.

Hill was fast and had some spectacular battles with MS, but most of them he lost and thus the 3rd place here.

[130R]

Definitely Hakkinen.

Villeneuve could have developed a rivalry but needed a better car.

[Nikolas Garth]

Hakky

[raceday]

Mika without a doubt! Followed by JV and Hill

[Menace]

Mika...

[Arrow]

Hakkinen was his best rival in those years.Watching hill try and battle michael was entertaining only for the way michael toyed with him so often.Hill was badly outgunned but his dogish english attitude was admirable.
Hakkinen may of been his best rival but that rivalry was slightly dull or lacking in fire,which i think is neccesary in all great duels.
It was simply too lovey dovey,with smiles all round,constant congratulations,michael even expressing sorrow at mikas car failing at spain...yuck
Thats not my kind of rivarly and i think thats the case for many.
I like to see fireworks,spite,tension,anger,wheelbanging and so on,and that was not present with their rivalry because they liked each other too much.It just wasnt exciting enough.
Like and Rivalry dotn belong together.

All that has changed because with montoya and michael we will get all of those elements and I think montoya will become michaels best and strongest rival.


Wheel banging is a lot more fun when you know the two dont like each other

[TazioN]

Originally posted by Eoinb
JV???I know us Sch fans go on and on about superior machine but the '97 Willams was miles ahead of the Ferrari.

Has to be Hakk...F1 would be dead without him as schumi would have walked all over DC in 98/99/00/01.

But JV was the one who had MS the most worried of all. I think MS was relieved that JV never got a decent car after 97

[sek]

1.Hakkers

2.Hill
3.Villeneuve

[Pikachu Racing]

Mika Hakkinen gave Michael Schumacher his best runs. He been with McLaren since 1992 and finally shows his best against him.

JV could of been but his move to from Williams to BAR have fans wondering was it the car or the driver that JV won the championship.

[magic]

eddie?

[tifoso]

The one he respected most was Hakkinen. I don't really think he thought Hill or Villeneuve were all that great.

[The Voice of Reason]

Where are all the Schumaniacs? Shouldn't they be flooding this thread with claims that Newey was Schumi's only real challenger?

Definitely Hakkinen. Villeneuve is almost as good as Hakkinen, I think, but his time in a top car came when he was still relatively inexperienced in F1. Hill was a featherweight in comparison.

[Nustang70]

The only one i actually saw was Hakkinen, so i guess he gets my vote by default. but, it seems to be more than just that, the general concensus is that Hakkinen was the best so i will agree for lack of a real opinion.

[George Bailey]

1) MH
2) DH
3) JV
4) DC


This is for a seasons worth of garnering points. The fact that JV annoyed MS (and probably still would if he was at all relevant to the outcome) does not equate into the treat of putting 17 races together for a WDC. I believe that MH would have wrapped up the WDC in 1997 before Jerez.

MH could push MS in terms of speed given the right car, and was the most likely of the rest to maximise his points week in and week out. The other guys in decreasing order showed speed, but lacked the ability to deliver consistantly.

All IMHO obviously.

[gerry nassar]

Definately without question Mika Hakkinen!!! And the year to look at is 2000 when the Ferrari's and Maclarens were ver very close - almost equal. Hakkinen really matched Schumacher despite his little early season slump.

1997 was in general a great year for F1 so I think it increases the value of the JV vs MS duel. Both JV and DH were good adversaries but not at Hakks level.

Watching the Melbourne racing - I couldnt help but wonder what Mika would have done had he been racing. Last year he could have won the Melbourne race had it not been for the crash he had. JPM and Kimi still havnt been given a chance - I think they will take it up to MS. I just hope we are not robbed of seeing new exciting drivers battling MS because the Ferrari is too far ahead.

Ideally next year - three equal cars and the teams to be:

Ferrari - MS, Massa

Maclaren - Kimi, Hakkinen (or Heidfeld)

Williams - JPM, Ralf

Now that would be awesome.

[Captain Cranckcase]

Hakkinen may have been the best driver, but personally I always found their battles boring compared to when he was fighting Villeneuve or Hill. Hill because it was plain funny sometimes and Villeneuve because he really wanted to be recognised as the best driver in f1, while with Hakkinen he just did his own thing. 1997 IMO was the last great year for F1. 1998 was for the most part boring. 1999 was embarassing. 2000 boring, but 2001 could have been the start of something good because now we have Montoya.

[Slyder]

Shumi Vs. Hill
Shumi Vs. Hakkinen
Shumi Vs. Villeneuve

[Ricardo F1]

Hakkinen in terms of someone who could beat Schumacher with an equal or lesser car, Hill because after Oz'94 it just had to be - the whole revenge philosophy which added another spark to the Senna/Prost days.

[Will]

I would say Hill vs Schumacher was the best because Hakkinen-Schumacher was too polite Highlights in terms of drama included Suzuka '94, Adelaide '94 Spa '95 and Silverstone '95. Spa '95 was particularly illustrative of their rivalry transcending the rest of the field with Hill and Schumacher tussling for the lead wheel-to wheel after not many laps despite having started 8th and 16th respectively due to a rainy qualifying.

[zozo]

JV ,no doubt about it .The only driver to really "bug" MS .The only driver who would tell (and still does) MS that he's full of s**t publically.

"We have a really quick car " JV 1999 after 1st test with BARF

[The RedBaron]

Hakkinen on abilities, Hill for dramas, Villernerve might have been great too if it spanned over a greater period. (only 97)

My gut feeling is that the JPM duel could be a great one.....what we were deprived of in 94 (MS vs Senna)

[kouks]

Mika Hakkinen,

I recall on numerous occassions MS saying that Mika was just too fast!

Mika is also a class act. I remember at spa when he pulled that move on MS, a few laps before, MS cut him off. MH was went up and spoke to him about it after the race. He even held in hands in front of his mouth so the camera's wouldn't pick up what he was saying. He was motioning with his hands what happened and MS was just nodding.

[SennasCat]

Mika.

DC - inconsistent
Jax - 2-year wonder. Best car at the time
JP-M - maybe. To early to tell
Damon Hill - see Jax.

[umapathypon]

Mika.He was one guy who could really worry Michael in terms of racing ability.

[Arrow]

Originally posted by umapathypon
Mika.He was one guy who could really worry Michael in terms of racing ability.

...when equiped with a faster car.

[Menace]

Originally posted by Arrow


...when equiped with a faster car.

Still going...

Why is it that Michael respects Mika so much then? He has many times stated that he beleives Mika to be his only REAL challenge. These are two drivers that have immense respect for each other, due to the fact that they have been racing since junior formula. Why you need to try to put Mika's accomplishments down on every chance you get, goes beyond me...

[Menace]

Originally posted by kouks
Mika Hakkinen,

I recall on numerous occassions MS saying that Mika was just too fast!

Mika is also a class act. I remember at spa when he pulled that move on MS, a few laps before, MS cut him off. MH was went up and spoke to him about it after the race. He even held in hands in front of his mouth so the camera's wouldn't pick up what he was saying. He was motioning with his hands what happened and MS was just nodding.

I remember that too, I was wondering at the time what the hell was Mika whispering to him!?

Ahh, I miss the times I had a reason to not like schumy so much!

Nowadays I'm just caught in awe over what the man is capable!

[Arrow]

Originally posted by Menace


Still going...

Why is it that Michael respects Mika so much then? He has many times stated that he beleives Mika to be his only REAL challenge. These are two drivers that have immense respect for each other, due to the fact that they have been racing since junior formula. Why you need to try to put Mika's accomplishments down on every chance you get, goes beyond me...

Respect has got nothing to do with the fact that mika was only a threat in a much faster car.
Im just talking fact.

[Menace]

Originally posted by Arrow


Respect has got nothing to do with the fact that mika was only a threat in a much faster car.
Im just talking fact.

Hey, your not fooling anybody...your talking with your ASS!

Back to the topic, so you are saying MH was no match for schumi on equal cars?

[Arrow]

Originally posted by Menace


Hey, your not fooling anybody...your talking with your ASS!

Back to the topic, so you are saying MH was no match for schumi on equal cars?

Mika proved he was barely a match in faster cars,so why would u think he was a match in equal cars.

[Menace]

Originally posted by Arrow


Mika proved he was barely a match in faster cars ,so why would u think he was a match in equal cars.

He was "barely" a match in "faster" cars...??? OK...

You really could have thought something more original!

[HSJ]

Originally posted by Todd
Mika Hakkinen has been Michael's only real rival since the 3rd race of 1994. I have no idea why Jacques Villeneuve gets mentioned. He was only ever Michael's rival on a points table, and only in one season at that. They never even shared a podium. JV trying to ram MS in Suzuka and MS trying to return the favor in Jerez were the only times they were close together on the track. The years since have shown that JV was only in a good car because he had the luck of starting in the best car. Had he started his career in a 2nd rate car, he would never have been promoted to a top team. Hill may have been mediocre, but at least he had a couple exceptional performances in cars that were not Williams-Renaults, and he also had numerous on track battles with Michael Schumacher. Something that can't be said about the soon to be unemployed brat from Monaco.

(Yes, I'm in agreement with Todd! Actually, the more time goes by, more I agree with Todd. However, this I suspect is only temporary... )

[SupraDupra]

Mika, of course. He will be missed by so many. And in 2000 he easily proved to be capable of beating Michael in a car that was at best equal to the Ferrari. Sadly, I doubt we'll ever get a chance to see Schumi and Mika go at it again. I'm sure they enjoyed racing each other as much as we enjoyed watching it!

And Arrow, it's a damn good thing you aren't biased at all.
;)

[f1gpshop]

Mika Hakkinen!