Best Current F1 Driver? (Poll) - LotusTalk

apk919 · 10-04-2009, 08:46 PM

We all know Brawn GP is still leading the championship, and one of their drivers will probably be F1 champion this year...

That said... all things being equal... who do you think is the best current F1 driver?

Harix · 10-04-2009, 08:50 PM

I think Hamilton is the most talented. But I like Alonso too.

MadMan Markiss · 10-04-2009, 09:04 PM

Kimi Raikkonen puts out a good fight and a challenge for them all.

Uh...........his last name on the voter poll is misspelt though. It has two "K's" not two "N's"

I'll let it go this time and not alert Kimi.

Cheers, and may the best man win.

apk919 · 10-04-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMan Markiss

Kimi Raikkonen puts out a good fight and a challenge for them all.

Uh...........his last name on the voter poll is misspelt though. It has two "K's" not two "N's"

I'll let it go this time and not alert Kimi.

Cheers, and may the best man win.

Oops! Sorry Kimi...

Kimi: "mumble, mumble, mumble..."

ErictheBastard · 10-04-2009, 09:18 PM

For pure inherent natural talent and ability, Sebastien Vettel, followed by Kimi Raikonnen. For talent, acquired skillset and sheer will, Fernando Alonso.
Lewis Hamilton, Robert Kubica and Felipe Massa split the difference between the two, Felipe edging out Lewis in the sheer will dept. and Kubica edging them both out in natural talent.

Mark Webber was probably a very bad person in a previous life and Nick Heidfeld was probably a member of ABBA in a previous life. Nico Rosberg is on his first life, not sure what he'll come back as (perhaps one of the girls from ABBA?). Kaz Nakajima's new name will be Kaz Nagonnaworkhereanymore.

After a few post-race interviews with Kimi Raikonnen and Heikki Kovalainen, it's pretty clear why there aren't a lot of famous singers coming out of Finland.

I'm sure Jarno, Fisi, Timo, Sutil, Buemi, Alguersuari and Luizi are very nice guys, although I think Sutil may eventually make a name for himself in the right car. Scott Speed was a better driver (statistically) than Luizi.

I miss Montoya. I don't miss Ralf's brother.

ms355 · 10-04-2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErictheBastard

... and Nick Heidfeld was probably a member of ABBA in a previous life. ...

mjf · 10-05-2009, 05:46 AM

I think Hamilton and Alonso are a step ahead of everyone.
Vettel, Raikkonen, and Massa are the next tier.

After that it gets really hard to tell how much is the car and how much is the driver.

MikeLeuz · 10-05-2009, 06:26 AM

Very difficult to to judge overall driving talent in F1. You can look at comparison's on the same team, but even then, you have to consider that the car is often setup in a way that fits one driving style over another - not always fitting the driving style of both drivers on the team.

All the moves happening for next year will add to the debate. How will Alonso do in the Ferrari (assuming since Ferrari has already been focused on next year that they'll start off much stronger), how will Hamilton look next to Kimi (assuming Kimi goes to McLaren), etc.

With all this said, while there's still a lot left for him to show, I'd give the nod to Vettel right now.

Green Hornet · 10-05-2009, 09:29 AM

WHAT --

No mention of Little Piquet

apk919 · 10-05-2009, 09:46 AM

Wow... no love for Button. And he's still likely to win this year. I guess if I had a poll for best team manager, Ross Brawn would be a shoe-in?

dwkoski · 10-05-2009, 10:01 AM

Kovalainen gets my vote. I know he hasn't gotten great results this year but he's been competitive with Hamilton on times running a heavier car. Besides, he's personable and humble (for an F1 "personality"), unlike his team-mate and other poll choices. I still remember when he beat Schumacher in the Race of Champions.

Maypo · 10-05-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErictheBastard

Felipe edging out Lewis in the sheer will dept.

I think this is spot-on -- and it's what I love about Massa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErictheBastard

I miss Montoya.

I don't, although I like him in NASCAR.

Autosport (I think it was) had a "top 5" drivers article early last year, where they graded on technical expertise (feedback loop with their engineer), qualifying speed, wet-weather performance, and race pace. In the end the top three were Kubica, Alonso and Hamilton. Some interesting judgments along the way were: Barricello is the master at working with his engineers, Button was an ackowledged bullet in the rain, and Heidfeld's race pace was exceptional.

Despite his ABBA DNA, I have rooted for Heidfeld since I heard him interviewed back in '06 where he was modest, genuine, and unhesitatingly took responsibility for some previous poor performance. My personal favorite is Glock, although I root for Kimi almost reflexively (granted, it's partly the Red Car).

ErictheBastard · 10-05-2009, 11:07 AM

My problem with Heidfeld is that he sounds like Madeline Kahn as Lili Von Shtupp in 'Blazing Saddles' - when I hear that voice and then see his face I feel dirty and violated.

kestrel74 · 10-05-2009, 11:11 AM

I like HAM.

rnr · 10-05-2009, 11:46 AM

To pull of a super lap or pass I'd take Hamilton.

To build a race team from the ground up Alonso has no equal.

Vettel strikes me as being in between the two.

Hayseed · 10-05-2009, 12:54 PM

I didn't vote, there are so many things to consider.

If Kimi had a great car under him, and spent a bit less time partying; he would be motivated like no-other, and possibly unbeatable.

Lewis was raised to drive F1, I expected him to dominate like MS, but the car wasn't there for him. Hmmm.

Fernando seems to be able to make marginal cars somewhat competitive, even without his team-mate bringing out safety cars. Fernando in a competitve Ferrari will be interesting.

Massa has a history of stinking it up when it rains, so I rate him a bit low.

Button is lucky to be where he is. If they can't keep the Red Bulls running, he will walk away with this championship without earning it in my eyes.

Vettel is fast, rain or shine.

Weber seems to blame eveyone but himself for all of his problems.

Sutil will be there one day. Kubica may have peaked, Heidfeld is boring, Kovahowever you spell it is too nice to win. If he was an egomaniac, he'd be leading Lewis. Rubens is pretty damn fast for an old guy.

The best current F1 driver is:

I have no idea.

Go Vettel.

...m... · 10-05-2009, 12:59 PM

...jenson button drives very, very well in a vacuum and mark drives very, very well under pressure - i think barichello's the most consistent, though...

shay2nak · 10-05-2009, 02:04 PM

MNlotus · 10-05-2009, 03:50 PM

felipe massa IMO, hamilton is very good but he still makes ALOT of rookie mistakes

macdady2424 · 10-05-2009, 04:05 PM

Gotta go with Hamilton, he's the man.

But what about Sutil. I think he's one of the best on the grid. Having to drive an inferior car and to do as well as he does takes some awesome skill. Imagine what he would be doing if he were in a McLaren or Brawn car. Even Hamilton and others think he's got a lot of talent.

View Poll Results: Who do you think is the best current F1 driver?
Jenson Button	0	0%
Rubens Barrichello	4	4.12%
Sebastian Vettel	25	25.77%
Mark Webber	2	2.06%
Kimi Raikonnen	8	8.25%
Lewis Hamilton	37	38.14%
Fernando Alonso	16	16.49%
Felipe Massa	3	3.09%
None Of The Above	2	2.06%
Voters: 97. You may not vote on this poll

10-04-2009, 08:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
apk919 ΒÄŅNED Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Limbo Posts: 6,281 Images: 20	Best Current F1 Driver? (Poll) We all know Brawn GP is still leading the championship, and one of their drivers will probably be F1 champion this year... That said... all things being equal... who do you think is the best current F1 driver? __________________ * 2009 Lotus Challenge Series Rookie Of The Year * (Thanks Jim, Tom, Jack, Rob & Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch!) My videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/apk919

10-04-2009, 09:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
MadMan Markiss Foot to the oil pan baby! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canada....EH! Posts: 69	Kimi Raikkonen puts out a good fight and a challenge for them all. Uh...........his last name on the voter poll is misspelt though. It has two "K's" not two "N's" I'll let it go this time and not alert Kimi. Cheers, and may the best man win. __________________ SIMPLE RECIPE FOR EXCITEMENT: Take 1 new Exige. Throw in a supercharger. Add 6 gears. A dash of 94 Octane. A sprinkle of style inside and out. Toss in 1 MadMan. And finally heat tires and pavement to taste. Recipe produces 1 Lotus Exige'S' and full satisfaction. Hammer Down!!

10-04-2009, 09:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
ErictheBastard NOT the Stig Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 265 Images: 5	For pure inherent natural talent and ability, Sebastien Vettel, followed by Kimi Raikonnen. For talent, acquired skillset and sheer will, Fernando Alonso. Lewis Hamilton, Robert Kubica and Felipe Massa split the difference between the two, Felipe edging out Lewis in the sheer will dept. and Kubica edging them both out in natural talent. Mark Webber was probably a very bad person in a previous life and Nick Heidfeld was probably a member of ABBA in a previous life. Nico Rosberg is on his first life, not sure what he'll come back as (perhaps one of the girls from ABBA?). Kaz Nakajima's new name will be Kaz Nagonnaworkhereanymore. After a few post-race interviews with Kimi Raikonnen and Heikki Kovalainen, it's pretty clear why there aren't a lot of famous singers coming out of Finland. I'm sure Jarno, Fisi, Timo, Sutil, Buemi, Alguersuari and Luizi are very nice guys, although I think Sutil may eventually make a name for himself in the right car. Scott Speed was a better driver (statistically) than Luizi. I miss Montoya. I don't miss Ralf's brother. __________________ Eric the Bastard, Esq. Sylmar, CA 2005 Buzzbomb Chrome Orange Larini SE Exhaust LETSLA shift kit

10-05-2009, 05:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
mjf elf Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,341	I think Hamilton and Alonso are a step ahead of everyone. Vettel, Raikkonen, and Massa are the next tier. After that it gets really hard to tell how much is the car and how much is the driver. __________________ 2007 Elise Type 72D #6 of 50

10-04-2009, 08:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
Harix Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 52	I think Hamilton is the most talented. But I like Alonso too.

10-05-2009, 06:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
MikeLeuz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dublin, Ohio Posts: 42	Very difficult to to judge overall driving talent in F1. You can look at comparison's on the same team, but even then, you have to consider that the car is often setup in a way that fits one driving style over another - not always fitting the driving style of both drivers on the team. All the moves happening for next year will add to the debate. How will Alonso do in the Ferrari (assuming since Ferrari has already been focused on next year that they'll start off much stronger), how will Hamilton look next to Kimi (assuming Kimi goes to McLaren), etc. With all this said, while there's still a lot left for him to show, I'd give the nod to Vettel right now. __________________ 2008 Lotus Elise California Edition - Red 1998 Volvo S70 T5

10-05-2009, 09:29 AM	#9 (permalink)
Green Hornet Zzzzzzz Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 875	WHAT -- No mention of Little Piquet __________________ Life, Liberty and the Happiness of Pursuit

10-05-2009, 09:46 AM	#10 (permalink)
apk919 ΒÄŅNED Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Limbo Posts: 6,281 Images: 20	Wow... no love for Button. And he's still likely to win this year. I guess if I had a poll for best team manager, Ross Brawn would be a shoe-in? __________________ * 2009 Lotus Challenge Series Rookie Of The Year * (Thanks Jim, Tom, Jack, Rob & Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch!) My videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/apk919

10-05-2009, 10:01 AM	#11 (permalink)
dwkoski Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 444	Kovalainen gets my vote. I know he hasn't gotten great results this year but he's been competitive with Hamilton on times running a heavier car. Besides, he's personable and humble (for an F1 "personality"), unlike his team-mate and other poll choices. I still remember when he beat Schumacher in the Race of Champions.

10-05-2009, 11:07 AM	#13 (permalink)
ErictheBastard NOT the Stig Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 265 Images: 5	My problem with Heidfeld is that he sounds like Madeline Kahn as Lili Von Shtupp in 'Blazing Saddles' - when I hear that voice and then see his face I feel dirty and violated. __________________ Eric the Bastard, Esq. Sylmar, CA 2005 Buzzbomb Chrome Orange Larini SE Exhaust LETSLA shift kit

10-05-2009, 11:11 AM	#14 (permalink)
kestrel74 G-200 Driver Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: North of Detroit; Watkins Glen, NY Posts: 9,313	I like HAM. __________________ 74 Europa Zetec TC Special 3614R Elise #2292 / Chrome Orange !! / Starshield / Nitron Sport SA / RTDbrace / Uprights machined / Down Low rails / ChaseCam / V1 / SS lines w/ R4-S "My daily driver does .85 Mach" " I started flying when Sex was safe and Hang Gliding was dangerous " BUY My Europa ! http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/...pa-sale-43829/

10-05-2009, 11:46 AM	#15 (permalink)
rnr daily driver Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 1,950	To pull of a super lap or pass I'd take Hamilton. To build a race team from the ground up Alonso has no equal. Vettel strikes me as being in between the two. __________________ http://www.rahulnair.net/blog

10-05-2009, 12:54 PM	#16 (permalink)
Hayseed Photo Courtesy of Larry B Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 323	I didn't vote, there are so many things to consider. If Kimi had a great car under him, and spent a bit less time partying; he would be motivated like no-other, and possibly unbeatable. Lewis was raised to drive F1, I expected him to dominate like MS, but the car wasn't there for him. Hmmm. Fernando seems to be able to make marginal cars somewhat competitive, even without his team-mate bringing out safety cars. Fernando in a competitve Ferrari will be interesting. Massa has a history of stinking it up when it rains, so I rate him a bit low. Button is lucky to be where he is. If they can't keep the Red Bulls running, he will walk away with this championship without earning it in my eyes. Vettel is fast, rain or shine. Weber seems to blame eveyone but himself for all of his problems. Sutil will be there one day. Kubica may have peaked, Heidfeld is boring, Kovahowever you spell it is too nice to win. If he was an egomaniac, he'd be leading Lewis. Rubens is pretty damn fast for an old guy. The best current F1 driver is: I have no idea. Go Vettel.

10-05-2009, 12:59 PM	#17 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,718	...jenson button drives very, very well in a vacuum and mark drives very, very well under pressure - i think barichello's the most consistent, though... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

10-05-2009, 02:04 PM	#18 (permalink)
shay2nak I <3 chicken, I <3 liver Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Land of da 1000 Oaks, CA Posts: 15,060	Ham __________________ save ~10 lbs gain 1 hp EQ: Y=(190X) / (1984-X) where Y is (HP) and X is (lbs) '07 EXIGE S * MY CAR ** VIDEOS! '08 ACURA TSX 6-speed http://www.makeNYNYagain.com

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10-05-2009, 03:50 PM	#19 (permalink)
MNlotus 06 elise Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: apple valley MN Posts: 812	felipe massa IMO, hamilton is very good but he still makes ALOT of rookie mistakes __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise-way too many mods to list (k24 swap planned. 300+whp) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjIcCsvhWvY 2003 Caterham Super Seven DeDion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ysO...e=channel_page

10-05-2009, 04:05 PM	#20 (permalink)
macdady2424 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 1,313	Gotta go with Hamilton, he's the man. But what about Sutil. I think he's one of the best on the grid. Having to drive an inferior car and to do as well as he does takes some awesome skill. Imagine what he would be doing if he were in a McLaren or Brawn car. Even Hamilton and others think he's got a lot of talent. __________________ 225 TTQC & 05 Elise