Lewis Hamilton
One of the worst things that could have happened to Lewis over the winter is for Nico to retire. One of Lewis’s main motivations would have been to “right the wrong” of the 2106 championship, but now that opportunity has been taken away.
Not that Lewis needs motivation usually but he does have a delicate psyche and grabbing back the team and possibly overall lead would have made the dear boy feel better about himself. Also, of course, 2106 may be the last year we see such a large gap in performance between his Mercedes car and the rest of the field (magic 8 ball what say you?) so I think that added to his frustrations.
Now what to do about 2017? One thing is for sure he has learned a lesson in making every point count, for whatever reason he wasn’t at his best in a few races (Baku probably the most memorable) and he needs to do the homework on why this occurred and what can be done to avoid it in the future. Every driver will have his/her ups and downs with reliability over their career so you must leave no stone unturned to maximize the points when they are available.
As the rise of the Red Bull continues, 2017 is looking more like at least a 2 team affair so that adds a couple of more drivers into the race battle dynamic, strategies will need to change, and no longer will the luxury of turning down that Mercedes powerplant and managing the gap be an option most of the time.
Knowing Lewis, I think he will relish this challenge as he will be able to fully attack for the race wins instead of having to play the team game and race under defined parameters of engagement (if he ever did), we may see some more hat throwing but this time it may be propelled at the boys in blue. As good as Lewis seemed to be on getting the most from the Pirellis over a stint I think the ability to push harder over the entire race will suit him well as he is surely one of the best at attacking the corner entry which the new rules should compliment
Valtteri Bottas
As for his new team mate, Valterie Bottas, we will have to see where he stacks up and if he can mount a challenge. Even if he does, there won’t be as many issues within the team as the competitiveness of the Red Bulls will erase the need to play fair on strategies as all eyes will be on getting the best of them, especially if the new lower degradation Pirellis allow for more full chat running.
Valterie won the lottery of the plum drive over the Winter which I’m sure seemed like the longest on record for him (which is saying something for a boy from Finland!) as he awaited the outcome of the negotiations with Williams. Now he is confirmed it will be all go to get to know the car, the team and come to terms with the fact that every time he shows up at a Grand Prix he will have a very real chance of winning.
This is quite a change as although he has a great track record of winning in the lower formulas he’s been in F1 for a while with no real hope of winning a race and was graded on how well he did in spite of his cars performance, so now he has to change to a winning mentality and all the pressures that comes with that.
For the team they are just hoping he can follow Lewis around and protect their reign of Championships but for Bottas he will be on a mission to not only win races but to follow in Rosbergs’ shoes and deny Lewis a 4th crown. He is quite a bit different personality to Nico so it will be really interesting to see how his relationship with Lewis pro or di-gresses. I think he will be less likely to be affected by words from his team mate if it comes to that, and he will not have to sell his soul to go mano-a-mano if the speed is there.
Also he is currently on a one year plan as the team choose to keep options open for 2018 so he must make the most of it which I believe he will, Heikki Kovalinan he ain’t. Also keep in mind team boss Toto has strong ties to Bottas and will be sure to keep it all on the up and up
You’ve got one of the sports greatest Champions going up against a good driver who has yet to win a race and all you can bring yourself to say is that he has a “fragile psyche”- obviously parroting Montoya’s recent comments. And that he will play politics and “mind games” to get inside Bottas head and control of the team.
Interesting angle, Todd. The bias is real with this one. All praise and good wishes for Bottas, baseless assumptions about Hamilton. Keep it up, this will be the new axisofoversteer.com very shortly.
While I think the author WAS heavy handed, I’m not going to say Lewis is “one of the sports greatest Champions” either. That shows just a much bias as you are siting in the article. I think that Lewis is a great driver, but so are many others on the grid. To say he’s benefit from the Mercedes would be an understatement, as the gaps to the next team will show. This will be an interesting year to be sure. Also, Todd didn’t write this, so you can put all the vitriol you were saving for him away until HIS… Read more »
Might want to check your hate at the door if you need convincing that Hamilton is one of the greats. His titles, wins, and podiums speak for themselves. No, personality or “likeability” does not decide greatness. I imagine that’s what you’re getting hung up on.
That number 44 is one of the fastest driver on the grid nobody can dispute, that he is one of the best drivers on the grid neither can it be disputed. But lumping him (himself does, as do others/his fanboys do) with the likes of SENNA and the other greats of the sports is nothing short of oneeyedfanboyism. Since the introduction of the new hybrid formula one car in 2014 most if not all drivers on the grid would have been in with a chance of winning one, two or the three championships driving the Mercedes car, at least any… Read more »
I’m not mad at you. Clearly you are grieving. Care to tell which stage you’re at:
1. Denial
2. Anger
3.Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
Neither me (be assured) is mad at you, or anybody else for that matter, because we don’t agree on a subject, in fact I am enjoying it and as usual learning all along, and be assured that I will NEVER ASK/PUSH FOR SOMEBODY/ANYBODY TO BE BANNED because I do not agree with him.
As far as I am concerned YOU have a right to PUMP-UP your idol driver to your heart content, as much as I/others might have a right not to agree with your oneeyedfanboyism.
Here’s a little secret. I was actually banned once. Hamilton fans are not too welcomed around here. I had to go create a second account so I can set you guys straight from time to time. Otherwise this would turn into all of the other anti Hamilton comment sections.
I do have to give myself a pat on the back for accurately predicting the “fanboy” response. Also I couldn’t help notice you give no reason why Hamilton is not one of the greatest champions. Care to share one or two?
Alonso could not win a championship when he was teammed up with a rookie Hamilton in 2007 in a car capable of winning the championship. Same in 2010 and 2012, with a multiple race winning Ferrari and a weaker teammate in Massa. Vettel could not win a race in 2014 in a race winning Redbull car while he was partnered with Ricciardo, who Lewis must surely be equal to or might even edge even by just a little bit, if we count experience and confidence as barometers of quality, and was matched in quali by a slower and aging Kimi… Read more »
Yes, 100% sure that both Alonso and Vettel would have maximized their championship potential in a Mercedes much more and much better that number 44 did so far.
Yes, yes, we know how blind you can be especially since the facts say otherwise. Tsk, tsk, Sunny, you have just brought oneeyedfanboyism to new heights. Or is it to new lows? Is it still oneeyedfanboyism when you are a fanboy of two drivers? Alonso was matched and beaten to the standings by a rookie in a championship calibre car and Vettel was spanked and beaten to the standings by a sophomore in a multiple race winning car. It has been proven that both Alonso and Vettel, at one point in their careers, were not able to maximize their championship… Read more »
Hi Purple, do you know that Grid Walk isn’t written by Todd?
I would like to know what it is about Hamilton that makes people feel so strongly about him, either for or against. There seem to be very few who are neutral about him. In my opinion Hamilton will have the harder job to impress this year. He is expected to get the better of Bottas, so doing so will just meet those expectations. If Bottas gets close it will just show Bottas in a good light. Hamilton comfortably beating Bottas could end up further raising Rosberg’s reputation (showing how much better Rosberg performed than his replacement). With the change in… Read more »
NC: Honestly, I’m about as neutral on Lewis as I possibly can be. I really have no heavy investment in him emotionally and as an American, I really don’t have a knife in the fight. I think he’s a terrific champion and massively talented and amongst the top drivers in the sport through history according to his achievements. Is he the best that’s ever been? In my opinion, no, but that doesn’t marginalize what I think about him and his abilities. They are massive. I love his aggressive approach and competitive spirit. Having said that, I am also very capable… Read more »
Very few do appear to be neutral though, unless it is just those with the more extreme views (for or against) who wrongly identify others as fanboys or haters if they don’t share the same views.
Few other drivers seem to generate such passion among F1 fans, who are normally tolerant of others views.
Taking this thread as an example, the responses of a ‘passionate’ fan seems to lead to increasingly polarised positions. For me, its too early to classify Hamilton as one of the GOAT’s (greatest of all time), same with Vettel. Many of the drivers who are now widely accepted as GOAT’s were massively polarising while they were active, Senna, Prost, Schumacher, all genius drivers with flawed personalities. In years to come Hamilton and Vettel may well come to be regarded as GOAT’s, in the meantime we get to be enthused or annoyed by aspects if their personality and behaviours, and post… Read more »
MIE, you ask what it is about Hamilton that makes people feel so strongly about him, either for or against? With some it’s race, as much as some may wish to deny. Lewis found that out very early in his karting days. To think that feeling by some may have disappeared since then, is just not realistic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDjRdi5zv-w
The antagonism towards Hamilton that I heard in karting paddocks was jealously about the level of his McLaren sponsorship at such a young age. ‘ I could win in the best equipment’ was a common complaint, forgetting that he had the best equipment because he won.
Dang! That coming from the guy just talking about neutrality just a few seconds ago. Are the writers here really that biased?
I’d like to here your spin on the RACISM, not “antagonism” he receive ONCE he made it into F1. Remember the black face incident? This should be good for a chuckle but go ahead…rewrite history for us.
I didn’t deny the racism I just stated that the anti Hamilton feeling that I heard in the nineties was caused by jealousy. He stood out among his peers at that stage (junior UK karting before he went to Europe). It was only when he got into cars that his rate of progress slowed (five years in junior categories before reaching F1), but that was because McLaren insisted that he win the title before moving up. The result was he was much better prepared when he got to F1 than most. Your response though is what I referred to in… Read more »
What’s that saying? “I was born at night but not last night.” You’re twisting yourself into knots trying to downplay what must have been a trying period for the Hamiltons. BTW, UK is in Europe.
Man, you should apply for Kelly Ann Conways job, you’re good at this spin/alternative facts thing.
The Europe comment was to reflect that Hamilton went for racing in the British championship (in 1997) to the European championship (in 1998). Once racing in the European championship he didn’t make many (if any) appearances in British races. The control tyres supplied were too different, the European rubber providing noticeably greater grip with the result that drivers (Hamilton included) found it difficult to adapt to the lower cornering speeds required to race in Britain.
I give up. I don’t even know what your point is. But go ahead keep at it. But just so I’m not making accusations at you. Do you think Hamilton is one of the greats? If not, what must he do to reach that level. I’m getting the sense from you that he still needs to prove himself. Strange that a 3-time champ has to prove himself but that’s the vibe I’m getting.
Hamilton certainly has racecraft on a par with the greats, and that was apparent from his time in cadet karts. What stops him being considered as being an all tie great in my opinion is his reliance on pushing competitors’ off the track rather than racing the cleanly (fairly?). This is a trait he shares with Senna and Schumacher, also drivers who had the talent necessary that they didn’t need to drive in that manner. I appreciate that others consider such driving to be high praise, but I still consider motor racing to be a non contact sport. It is… Read more »
Correct. Although for Prost it was a one off rather than a routine occurrence. That’s why I mentioned Senna and Schumacher in my comment above.
Nicely put Dave, I also find the ‘win at all costs’ of those three diminishes my opinion of their achievements.
*****I’ve been banned again*****
Sorry won’t be able to reply. Todd apparently does not like Hamilton fans or disagreeing opinions.
“What stops him being considered as being an all time great in my opinion is his reliance on pushing competitors’ off the track rather than racing the cleanly (fairly?)”
Following your logic, MSC, Senna or Prost would not be part of GOAT list. They are all guilty of “pushing competitors off track.” Senna vs Prost at Suzuka anyone?
Some would say you won’t find a dirtier racer than MSC.
And that’s a personal attack, mate. I get it, you’re a fan of Lewis’s and feel racism is the reason people don’t like him. That’s a huge blanket to throw over everyone who doesn’t share your passion for Lewis. There’s a reason I banned you prior to this and it was for this reason, argue the points but personal attacks are not tolerated. Please refrain from it or go to other websites that heap praise on Lewis with no counter opinion. That will be a safe space in which to share facts about Lewis. I can get my head around… Read more »
That is a such a false accusation to silence someone you don’t want around. Total straw man.
No…not really. I think we’ve all appreciated your like of Lewis and that’s great, I like him too, but when someone disagrees, you parse words, become tedious or purposefully obtuse and then resort to personal attacks. I’m not trying to silence you because you like Lewis, we have a lot of Lewis fans here. What I grow tired of is you either, purposefully or not, become the 800lbs gorilla in every thread you disagree with. It’s not fitting for our site and community and let me make a couple things very clear. Engage with decorum & civility (no personal attacks).… Read more »
” I don’t need someone behaving like a petulant child”
If we’re playing the false outrage game, is that not a personal attack? Where’s the civility?
I don’t believe that racism is the only reason, by all of those who may dislike or hate Lewis. To think that it doesn’t exist though with some who hate Hamilton, are just denying reality..
According to Lewis, the antagonism that he felt wasn’t just due to the jealousy of his sponsorship, as some may have felt. But, the racist names as he said being called to him.
I wasn’t around for his karting days but the testing in Spain and some fans’ actions there was miserable. Then president Max Mosley put a serious clamp down on that and was very rightfully angered by it…as he should be.
“I would like to know what it is about Hamilton that makes people feel so strongly about him, either for or against. There seem to be very few who are neutral about him.” That’s not hard to answer although is a combination of many things. One, racial animosity. Motor racing is one of the few sports left that is still being dominated by Whites. Many fans can’t handle the fact that now the face of F1 is a Black man. Two, F1 media and sites like this blog have realized that Hamilton drives traffic. So anything he says, they will… Read more »
Funny.
Purple, Todd didn’t right this.
My bad, meant to say Paul. Don’t want to blame Todd for his contributors comments.
No worries. I was a little disappointed in the article to be honest. Lewis isn’t my favourite driver but I can recognize his outstanding ability – and I think his drive to win is underrated by many plus his psyche is a lot tougher than people give him credit for. The guy is a racer. Providing the car’s reliable, I expect he’ll beat Valterri this year, as indeed I expect Lewis would beat most team-mates.
Thanks for clarifying that, I know sometimes it seems like it’s always my pie-hole writing here but others do contribute too. :)
Care To Correct Those 2106 – Twice ?
Being 160 Makes Me Feel Really Old.
GO, 44 !
Well I certainly don’t think the only thing I spoke about was his psyche, but I believe that is his weakest attribute so I’m not going to walk on egg shells around it, I stick to my opinion that has been said many times before Montoyas interview. As for Bottas he may not have won a race yet but he sure has the talent too, Nico Tosberg had to wait a long time before he won his first but once given the right car he showed to be a winner
Would you agree he is one of the greatest Champions? Not saying he is the greatest, just that he is among the greats. Just because he is still driving does not exclude him. He could retire now, never add a single win, title, podium etc to his name and he would be in the same circle of drivers like Senna, MSC, Prost, Mansell, Stewart etc. And that’s what really ticks people off. They can’t acknowledge his accomplishments-which are irrefutable. Its not like they are up for debate. Therefore anyone who recognizes those accomplishments and accepts that he is one of… Read more »
“The international, Would you agree he is one of the greatest champions?”.
I don’t know or care to know what “The international” opinion is on the question asked of him, But I for one DOES NOT AGREE. HOPE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT AND THAT NO OFFENCE WAS CAUSED.
I think we’ve established you don’t agree. The pertinent question is why? I’ve seen you use quotes so I take it you understand the concept of supporting your claims. Just making claims and statements won’t cut it. You can say, I don’t think he is one of the greats because “I don’t like him.” That would be fair because “that’s just like your opinion, man.” An extremly biased and baseless opinion, but one you are fully entitled to have.
Thanks for admitting that others are entitled for their own opinion, that’s certainly some progress from on your side. but hey, it is only you that “cuts it” by just making claims and statements and not others.
Will you guys ever answer questions or just keep ducking?
I cannot question his speed or his skill, he is an amazing driver but like most champions, and people for that matter they are not perfect and although you may think any criticizing is baseless drivel I do not think he is perfect, neither were Schumacher , Senna or Mansell
Well that’s a pretty pathetic pivot. Who said he was perfect? I could not have been more specific and you still could not stay on topic. I wonder why?
Hi Purple, how do you think Bottas will perform in relation to Hamilton?
He’ll be close in qualifying but will drop back in race pace if Merc dominance continues.
Provided Hamilton’s car remains reliable, he’ll beat Bottas. Bottas is an unknown. His only reference is Massa and lower category success. Not much credentials when he is going up against a 3 time champ. But he might be able to hold his own. We don’t know. See, Paul you can do a head to head and remain factual.
‘One of the sports greatest champions”. that is somebody that has been labeled as a “dickhead” “a tit” “a first class jerk” “a born lair” “the worst team player ever”.
But father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing and neither saying, cos they are totally blinded by fanvboyism, to such an extent that they even push color, race and racism onto a Discussion forum to prop-up their arguments.
Hey Todd, you always preach about civility. How is this guy allowed to spew this stuff over and over and you don’t even bat an eye?
Maybe if you didn’t scream “BIAS”, “discredited” and didn’t generally didn’t crap on everyone who works hard at this site but who doesn’t show the amount of reverence you demand be given towards Hamilton, they would care about those offending you in the comments.
But hey, who am I to tell you how to make friends and influence people? You seem to be doing fine all by yourself.
Does this mean I can say any nasty thing I want as long as I put in quotes and pretend they are someone else’s words when they are actually mine?
I quoted others and never pretended the quotes are mine, if you quantify those quotes as nasty that is a right of yours. now for the facts.
A dickhead, by a local honorable member of parliament as regards his local laws were the dickhead was a gust. A tit, A jerk and the worst team player, by non other than three prominent British formula 1 sites article writers. A liar, this one was right out of the horse mouth “I liqasv
I don’t know where you get your labels but Alonso once labeled Hamilton “the best in F1”. Mansell labeled Hamilton “a legend already” while Stirling Moss labeled Hamilton “one of the best drivers in the world”. Button labeled him “the fastest teammate” while current champ Rosberg labeled his ex teammate “one of the best ever”. Oh and by the way, F1 team bosses labeled Hamilton “the best driver of 2016”. They must be all one eyed fanboys.
I have never read any of your so-called labels sprouted by a qualified or credible source.
Stop getting your facts from totalsportek!
Wow Paul, did you think the Grid Walk would be this difficult when you took the assignment on? I think you’ve done a good job and provided us with some good insights about Hamilton and Bottas, aspects of the new rules that could suit Hamilton’s skill set, and Bottas’ relationship with Woolf. But I think you are right to highlight that if another team is competitive with Mercedes, the way Mercedes chose to use strategy will greatly influence how the drivers are able to display their capabilities. As they say ‘predictions are difficult, particularly about the future’. Look forward to… Read more »
Thank You!