No driver in the top 10 should call it quits - period - end of story
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No driver in the top 10 should call it quits - period - end of story
Well now, as I type this the poll is split exactly 50.0%! So a year into this thread, what have we learned? Bog all, I'd say!
I think it's generally accepted that Michael was eased out at Ferrari earlier than he would have chosen and that probably played a part in him wanting to return. Had he walked away from the sport at a time and a place of his chosing then I doubt whether he would have come back.
Sadly, I think the decision to quit now may be more about what Mercedes want than Michael making the decision himself because IMHO Michael is not the driver he was before he retired.
That might be down to three factors: 1) his age, 2) the car and 3) the effects of his neck injury.
I don't think age is particularly significant. Of course he is competing against much younger drivers but, as before, MS remains one of the fittest drivers on the grid. The one area his age does make a difference is in the time it will take to get Mercedes to the front of the grid. He had that time at Ferrari, but not now.
The Mercedes, clearly, is no match for the Red Bull. It's not going to win races in normal circumstances. Years ago Michael could win races in a car that was not the best on the grid, but not now. However I do think he's still capable of winning races...if he had a Red Bull, or if Mercedes build a winning car.
Finally, his neck injury. I do wonder what effect this has had. Obviously it prevented him making his return with Ferrari but supposedly all is now ok but could the lingering effects be enough to have affected his performance? Months after his accident at Goodwood Stirling Moss tested at the same circuit. His times were competitive but he felt driving, racing, was no longer automatic. He had to think about what had previously been second nature. Now obviously circumstances were different but being competitive in F1 is all about small margins and maybe, just maybe, Michael's injury has had an effect.
That is a fair assesment.
I do not believe that he is psychologically affected by that bike accident. After all he broke his leg in Silverstone back in 99 then came back to win 5 championships like if nothing ever happened.Quote:
Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1
MS is having a hard time qualifying towards the sharp end of the grid but he is having good race pace which is a positive sign and what counts most.
A main reason Michael could win in a bad car but Nico hasn't is that, is that Michael was up against Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Heinz-Harald Frentzen in the top cars... Now its Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel etc... and cars are almost perfect reliable these days, all random factors seem to get taken out of the sport. There also used to be gravel traps!!! So when a river went off, his day was over. These factors make it much harder to win in a bad car these days. So much so, when was the last time this happened - Alonso Japan 2008 maybe?
not until the end of the season
2012 Season... ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuartf12007
Yes, we all agree at our shop this man needs to retire. Steve Mc Queen made a state ment when he was young, when I need glasses to see then I'll retire, You are a vetren know, be a team player and support Nico, dont be a fool you were young and fast at one time, You will always be a herro
Is that some liquor shop you're talking about?Quote:
Originally Posted by David Fontes