2018 Australian GP Thread

[Nitrodaze]

I don't think Ricciardo is quite on the same level as Hamilton, but I do believe he is an exceptionally talented racer and one who could snatch a WDC or two from him as Rosberg did. Let us remember that this is the guy who handed Vettel's backside over to him on a plate. So even if he's not GoaT material as Hamilton or Alonso are, he's not your No. 2 driver either, but someone fully worthy of a WDC crown.

N4D13 your estimation is quite correct. I don't think anyone would see Ricciado as a Nos 2 driver, the very reason why he might leave Redbull. And l read alot about him beating Vettel in the Redbull. But no mind is given to the fact that it was a Redbull struggling to be competitive against the Mercs and Ferrari. A not very motivating circumstances for a driver that has tasted the sweet end of four WDC. I would accept these comparisons if Vettel was in his sweet spot and Ricciado beat him fair and square.

I wonder when people undervalue the best driver on the grid and measure him equally to unproven drivers like Ricciado. As if it is easy to win four WDC, l suppose you just have to be in the best car to do it. Webber was in the best car when Vettel won his four, so was Rosberg who won one due to very weird circumstances. While Ricciado is highly rated, he has not convinced anyone that he can get on top of Verstapenn. The one everyone is touting to be the next big thing in the post Hamilton era.

Ricciado in the Mercedes would be much better than Bottas, there is no doubt. One hopes that he would be able to emulate Rosberg by giving us a great inter-teammate rivalry. But failing to recognize the brilliance of Hamilton is just simply a high order of motor racing ignorance. That comment is not intended for you by the way.

Hamilton's league is an exclusive club which includes the illustrious names such as Vettel and Alonso. Verstapenn is knocking on the door of this club. And Ricciado is a wanna be at this stage.