Quote Originally Posted by journeyman racer View Post
Why mention Senna? Just say 80s/90s? But anyway. There no question that previous generation of drivers (at least the recognised top guys), are superiors to the current mob.

Circuits these days a more forgiving to driver error. In fact, they're now designed to take into account modern day drivers inferior level of ability. There's was a wider variety of circuits. This leads to a greater challenge overall, over a season. Now? Almost all the circuits have the similar characteristics. A lesser season long challenge.

There's an assumed knowledge back then of how to drive on a track. Nowadays drivers are having to be told everything. I mean, the stringent safety car rules nowadays is due to the modern day drivers inferior lack of comprehension of actual discipline of driving.

Cars back before 94, were more raucous and fragile. Even in the best car, drivers had to manage them throughout the race. Nowadays, driving the cars are a more straightforward exercise. It requires less overall ability than in the past.
drivers adapt to circuits. if there's a wall in the exit of the corner, they will be carefull. if there's room to go off, they will push more. this has nothing to do with the level of driving skill. on the other hand are the cars of today way more complicated and thus harder to drive than those of the past.

imo is the average level nowadays higher than 20 years ago, but are the best of the best still on the same level.