Okay, here's a couple of lines on how I think each driver's going this year. Doubtless there'll be disagreements (eh, Giles?), which is good, I was intending this as a kick-off for discussion.
M Schumacher
Driving as well as ever and as long as Ferrari maintain their technical advantage its hard to see him losing the title in the near future. I tip hell win seven titles and then retire
Barrichelllo
Has looked a lot more confident this year and at the risk of stating the obvious thoroughly deserved the win at Austria bar team orders. Failures have denied him the chance to really shine but has shown himself to be far superior to Eddie Irvine. Consistency still not quite there but much improved. I think he has a seat there for some time to come possibly as long as Schumachers there.
Montoya
Tyres have clouded his performances in races but has shown natural speed in qualifying. I have been a little disappointed in him but he has shaded Ralf.
R Schumacher
Ralf has shown a fair degree of petulance over the last twelve months, something youd never see from his brother seems to be unable to deal with Montoya. I think, especially after the sharpen up comments from Frank last week he might only have one or two seasons left at Williams theres too many fast young things coming up through the ranks.
Raikkonen
The last guy who looked so natural in the top 6 was Michael. Its his SECOND season! Future world champion, for sure and I like the fact that hes grumpy!
Coulthard
Has shown flashes of brilliance but I think unless something special happens next year might be his last at McLaren.
Button
Has shaded Trulli and made the Renault look good on occasions. Is getting better and more consistent (hes only 22!) and it will be interesting to see how he goes at BAR next year.
Trulli
Hasnt seemed particularly inspired this year. I think Renault got rid of the wrong driver, personally, but thats Briatore for you!
Fisichella
Consistency is a bit up and down as always but you have to wonder how many team-mates Giancarlo has to beat before he gets a decent drive. I personally think hes going to end up the new Jean Alesi so much promise, wasted
Sato
Has probably gone at it too hard this year after showing so much promise in British F3 a year test driving for BAR (if thats where he ends up) would really do him the world of good. I still rate him as a talent.
Heidfeld
Has been particularly cool with another young team-mate this year and although Sauber arent where they were last year has been pretty solid. Hes due for a step up
Massa
Naturally fast but stepped into F1 too early. Would do well with a couple of seasons of F3 under his belt. His display at Monaco was one of consummate immaturity.
Villeneuve
Well, hes probably re-signed for another season at BAR and I think is now resigned to never winning another championship. I personally think hes on cruise and collect.
Panis
If hes the one on the move from BAR, where is he going? Toyota perhaps? Hard to tell how hes going when the cars so poor.
Frentzen
Has shown good speed when the cars (and the team!) been up to it.
Bernoldi
Hardly seen this year the incident with Massa at Monaco was about the only time hes been sighted. Another has-been/never was.
Salo
Has had the Toyota in some interesting places this year (like two sixth places!), but very hard to judge given the inconsistency of the car. Does seem to have driven well.
McNish
Again, hard to judge given the newness of the team, the inconsistency of the car, and that he's got to learn all the tracks - not to mention a run of bad luck that would make Barrichello angry. Has looked pretty good at times, enough to suggest he might be worth another season (which sadly I don't think will happen).
Irvine
Ford's highest paid employee looks to be on 'cruise and collect' and with the car so bad who can blame him?
de la Rosa
I know the Jag's bad but it can't be good for your career to have a rookie in a Minardi start in front of you every other grand prix.
Webber
Has shown maturity and speed, I think hes only had one DNF that was his fault (and that was with a clutch problem) at the British GP. Someone must pick him up hes quick and cheap to run (unlike Sato!)
Yoong
Entirely out of his depth. Expect him to be replaced before the next GP.
M Schumacher
Driving as well as ever and as long as Ferrari maintain their technical advantage its hard to see him losing the title in the near future. I tip hell win seven titles and then retire
Barrichelllo
Has looked a lot more confident this year and at the risk of stating the obvious thoroughly deserved the win at Austria bar team orders. Failures have denied him the chance to really shine but has shown himself to be far superior to Eddie Irvine. Consistency still not quite there but much improved. I think he has a seat there for some time to come possibly as long as Schumachers there.
Montoya
Tyres have clouded his performances in races but has shown natural speed in qualifying. I have been a little disappointed in him but he has shaded Ralf.
R Schumacher
Ralf has shown a fair degree of petulance over the last twelve months, something youd never see from his brother seems to be unable to deal with Montoya. I think, especially after the sharpen up comments from Frank last week he might only have one or two seasons left at Williams theres too many fast young things coming up through the ranks.
Raikkonen
The last guy who looked so natural in the top 6 was Michael. Its his SECOND season! Future world champion, for sure and I like the fact that hes grumpy!
Coulthard
Has shown flashes of brilliance but I think unless something special happens next year might be his last at McLaren.
Button
Has shaded Trulli and made the Renault look good on occasions. Is getting better and more consistent (hes only 22!) and it will be interesting to see how he goes at BAR next year.
Trulli
Hasnt seemed particularly inspired this year. I think Renault got rid of the wrong driver, personally, but thats Briatore for you!
Fisichella
Consistency is a bit up and down as always but you have to wonder how many team-mates Giancarlo has to beat before he gets a decent drive. I personally think hes going to end up the new Jean Alesi so much promise, wasted
Sato
Has probably gone at it too hard this year after showing so much promise in British F3 a year test driving for BAR (if thats where he ends up) would really do him the world of good. I still rate him as a talent.
Heidfeld
Has been particularly cool with another young team-mate this year and although Sauber arent where they were last year has been pretty solid. Hes due for a step up
Massa
Naturally fast but stepped into F1 too early. Would do well with a couple of seasons of F3 under his belt. His display at Monaco was one of consummate immaturity.
Villeneuve
Well, hes probably re-signed for another season at BAR and I think is now resigned to never winning another championship. I personally think hes on cruise and collect.
Panis
If hes the one on the move from BAR, where is he going? Toyota perhaps? Hard to tell how hes going when the cars so poor.
Frentzen
Has shown good speed when the cars (and the team!) been up to it.
Bernoldi
Hardly seen this year the incident with Massa at Monaco was about the only time hes been sighted. Another has-been/never was.
Salo
Has had the Toyota in some interesting places this year (like two sixth places!), but very hard to judge given the inconsistency of the car. Does seem to have driven well.
McNish
Again, hard to judge given the newness of the team, the inconsistency of the car, and that he's got to learn all the tracks - not to mention a run of bad luck that would make Barrichello angry. Has looked pretty good at times, enough to suggest he might be worth another season (which sadly I don't think will happen).
Irvine
Ford's highest paid employee looks to be on 'cruise and collect' and with the car so bad who can blame him?
de la Rosa
I know the Jag's bad but it can't be good for your career to have a rookie in a Minardi start in front of you every other grand prix.
Webber
Has shown maturity and speed, I think hes only had one DNF that was his fault (and that was with a clutch problem) at the British GP. Someone must pick him up hes quick and cheap to run (unlike Sato!)
Yoong
Entirely out of his depth. Expect him to be replaced before the next GP.
