Driver ratings

[jens]

This link already appeared in a different thread, but I wanted to create a new thread to discuss about general driver rating specifics. Throughout the history of F1.

There is some guy, who has gone absolutely in-depth in this matter.
http://grandprixratings.blogspot.co.uk/

Obviously for all F1 fans it is a fascinating matter to rate drivers. But there is no science to properly separate man and machine plus take into account all other variables, so ratings and their accuracy are largely based on experience and gut feeling. You won't get an absolute truth, but you aim to get as close to 'genuine reflective performance' of drivers as you can.

Most of the time you'd hear that drivers like Fangio, Clark, Prost, Senna and Schumacher are mentioned among the very elite of all times. Depending on everyone's personal criteria, the names can vary somewhat. And of course beyond them there are hundreds of drivers, who - depending on how deep into the matter you want to go - will be rated 'somewhere' too.

So what is it? Partly it is the results. But not only. There is a lot in the impression you leave on track. Gilles Villeneuve was driving an absolutely rubbish Ferrari in 1980, but that didn't stop people considering him an incredible talent. Even though he didn't score any results to speak of that year. So you'll (subconsciously?) try to separate man and machine. This is where 'gut feeling' rating comes in.

But how exactly? Even though G. Villeneuve was very spectacular, ultimate rating is not dependent on driving style either. Prost and Senna had very different styles, but both were very successful, and left a huge impression. There is something deeper in it, which creates an impression in people and creates a 'gut feeling rating'. But still everyone has their own judgement, and they all vary to an extent.

For starters perhaps I am not asking you to rate all drivers of all times. But perhaps you can leave your criterias how to identify driver talent/performance, and give historic examples of drivers to prove your point. From the legend level right down to the Deletraz' and Ides of this world.