Sutil to Ferrari?

[Bram Turismo]

You thought what?

Ruben's did pretty damn well against Button last year(could have possibly beaten him if he didn't have the brake issues in the first half of the season)...and how old is he?

I guess a car that was lightyears ahead of everything else on the grid doesn't have anything to do with it?

Button beat him fair and square, and Button hasn't even got raw pace.

 

[Peter]

Rubens had some problems with the car not suiting him at the start of the season iirc. By the end of the season, when he sorted out those problems, he was finishing higher than Button. The team was pretty much built around Button anyway.

 

[Ardius]

Why? So Fernando can bitch about him being too risky and not wanting to let him by?

Again, back to Schumacher, some of you are expecting way too much (and in some sense being unfair) from someone who hasn't been in a competitive F1 seat for three years now. If you were expecting him to jump in a seat, fail two or three times, and then outrun everyone else then I honestly don't know what to tell you. Re-evaluate your expectations is one thing that comes to mind, and this coming from someone who's seeing him race for the first time without having to watch bits and pieces from off of Youtube during his "I will win everything" campaign with Ferrari. Let's for a second assume that Mercedes actually wants to get rid of Schumacher for whatever reason, and let's also forget that Ross is there as well - they get rid of Schumacher and he goes to say, Renault (hypothetical situation) what happens? Well, there's the possibility that since he's in a better car, you know, assuming Renault is able to keep their pace next season, he could perform to his own expectations and leave everyone with their mouths gaped.

Then what? Mercedes are going to look like fools, and Schumacher is going to be on the track trying to murder people again.

He's already tried to murder Barichello at Hungary and got a 10 grid penalty for it, and still finished in eleventh. Maybe it's because I wasn't expecting much from him this year to begin with considering the circumstances, but that's damn impressive to me.

De La Rosa hasn't been even racing for three years and he's done a better job at Sauber. Schumacher has been racing bikes and testing all sorts of machinery (GP2, karts, ROC) during his "retirement". Three years away is not an excuse, particularly not for a WDC who was quite famous for his ability to drive anything. Compare the Schumacher of 1996 to the Schumacher of 2010...

I can assure you that after this season, no team will hire Schumacher other than the backmarkers. For the very same reasons I am giving for why he isn't going to last at Mercedes.

I think Mercedes can live with Schumacher suddenly doing well if they bring in some new talent who is more likely to be successful in the long term. Even if Schumacher somehow find pace next year, how long is he realistically going to keep going? Not more than a few seasons at the very most.

The team was pretty much built around Button anyway.

Couldn't be more wrong. If the team was built around Button, why did the team help Rubens sort out his brake trouble?
Rubens had been at that team for three years prior, he was just was well settled as Button was.

 

[Dotini]

I've been following GP racing since the days of Phil Hill and Jack Brabham.

With respect to Schumacher, I say history and tradition demand he be treated with respect and given every opportunity, even though I have never personally been a fanboy. I do agree with Bram Turismo that younger drivers have better pace, which is the very first and most important quality for success at racing.

Respectfully,
Dotini

 

[Ardius]

There's a difference between giving Schumacher respect and criticising his current abilities. I respect what Schumacher did pre-2006.

Surely a driver's current ability comes first, not his history? Sure, you'd give them a bit more time to maybe show some of their history..but I think we have given Schumy plenty of time to show something other than his dirty side. His famed adaptability and consistent speed are somewhat lacking.

Would you give Jackie Stewart a race seat simply with respect to his history? Of course not! You would obviously realise he's not going to be the same driver he once was.
A WDC alone doesn't earn you a race seat, it makes it a lot easier, but you still have to show the goods.

 

[Dotini]

Okay. He should be given the the full 2010 season, and his contract should be honored for next year, if he wants to. But you are right about his now obviously fading skills. He does add to the draw, don't you think?

 

[Ardius]

I don't think so, he's barely mentioned in races when he's not shoving people off track or earning penalties. While I do enjoy the mass-debate about his latest dirty tricks, I feel more disappointed that his race seat is such a waste when we have drivers like Di Resta and Paffett waiting on the sidelines.
Or even the Toro Rosso drivers slowly fading into anonymity.

I'd also like to see a competitive team mate for Rosberg..we've still never really got a decent benchmark apart from Webber in his rookie season.

It says it all that Sutil has almost overtaken Schumacher in the points standings in a car which is two WCC places down....

 

[Dotini]

You are unsatisfied with the battle between Vettel, Alonso, Hamilton, Button and Weber? You want more?!

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Schumacher has usually been only a couple of tenths off of Rosberg's pace, so I can see how more confidence in the car can get him to beat Rosberg. And if the car doesn't work with Rosberg's driving style then even better for him.

 

[Ardius]

You are unsatisfied with the battle between Vettel, Alonso, Hamilton, Button and Weber? You want more?!

Not at all, I love the current 5-way battle for the title! This has been one of my favourite ever seasons!
Schumacher's failure hasn't added anything though, which is disappointing in itself. I'd rather he had not returned at all and we see a great team-battle between Rosberg and another upcoming driver like Buemi or Sutil.

Just because I find fault, doesn't mean I don't enjoy. Do you not see the things you like and dislike in the things you enjoy? Nothing is ever perfect.

Schumacher has usually been only a couple of tenths off of Rosberg's pace, so I can see how more confidence in the car can get him to beat Rosberg. And if the car doesn't work with Rosberg's driving style then even better for him.

Thats the thing though, Schumacher never had to have the car "work to his driving style" before...

 

[Terronium-12]

Okay. I'm really beginning to get pissed off here, no, I'm kidding. I am however beginning to understand the whole Schumacher from the perspective that's been conveyed, but I still have to cut the guy some slack whether being absent from a competitive F1 seat for three years is an excuse to one person or not. It's valid to me and because one person has adapted better than Schumy doesn't make him terrible or something of that sort, everyone adapts to situations differently. Simply because Michael is a 7-time WDC doesn't put him on some "I can't believe he's failing" pedestal. Then again, I'm completely unbiased to the guy as like I said before this is my first time actually seeing him race and seeing as my expectations (as far as him being anywhere near dominating) were already low, he's done nothing but impress the crap out of me.

Is he anything close to what I would have liked to have seen (without using Youtube)? Absolutely not, I'd be a fool to say otherwise.

 

[Dotini]

At one time he was an indisputable genius, or else a clever cheater. Remember when he finished on the podium after many laps stuck in one gear?

 

[Ardius]

Okay. I'm really beginning to get pissed off here, no, I'm kidding. I am however beginning to understand the whole Schumacher from the perspective that's been conveyed, but I still have to cut the guy some slack whether being absent from a competitive F1 seat for three years is an excuse to one person or not. It's valid to me and because one person has adapted better than Schumy doesn't make him terrible or something of that sort, everyone adapts to situations differently. Simply because Michael is a 7-time WDC doesn't put him on some "I can't believe he's failing" pedestal. Then again, I'm completely unbiased to the guy as like I said before this is my first time actually seeing him race and seeing as my expectations (as far as him being anywhere near dominating) were already low, he's done nothing but impress the crap out of me.

Is he anything close to what I would have liked to have seen (without using Youtube)? Absolutely not, I'd be a fool to say otherwise.

There's nothing wrong with you being impressed, but I won't agree he deserves more time in the Mercedes seat.
His return hasn't been Mansell-esque failure, but it hasn't been Lauda-esque success either. Its just been disappointing.

People were saying at the start of the season "give him 3 or 4 races, you'll see" and even back then I was pretty pessimistic. Here we are near seasons end and he still hasn't really beaten Rosberg outright and his year has been pretty anonymous. You wouldn't have noticed if he had an engine failure most races.

It also contrasts heavily with Button's 2009 season, with people criticising him for being unable to adapt to a car's performance abilities - did Schumacher simply have a car that suited him for years? I don't think he did entirely, especially as his lightning speed carried over several major regulation changes that altered the car's behaviour a lot (non-refuelling in 1991-93, refuelling 94-2006, slick tyres 1991-1997, grooved tyres 1998-2006, wide-chassis 91-97, narrow chassis 98-2006, V10 engines, V8 engines, no traction control, traction control...etc).
So, clearly, either the 2010 regulations have really screwed Schumacher (doubtful) or he's lost his ability to adapt.
There were loads of great drivers that failed to adapt over those years, Alex Zanardi being the most famous example.

 

[Terronium-12]

There's nothing wrong with you being impressed, but I won't agree he deserves more time in the Mercedes seat.
His return hasn't been Mansell-esque failure, but it hasn't been Lauda-esque success either. Its just been disappointing.

People were saying at the start of the season "give him 3 or 4 races, you'll see" and even back then I was pretty pessimistic. Here we are near seasons end and he still hasn't really beaten Rosberg outright and his year has been pretty anonymous. You wouldn't have noticed if he had an engine failure most races.

It also contrasts heavily with Button's 2009 season, with people criticising him for being unable to adapt to a car's performance abilities - did Schumacher simply have a car that suited him for years? I don't think he did entirely, especially as his lightning speed carried over several major regulation changes that altered the car's behaviour a lot (non-refuelling in 1991-93, refuelling 94-2006, slick tyres 1991-1997, grooved tyres 1998-2006, wide-chassis 91-97, narrow chassis 98-2006, V10 engines, V8 engines, no traction control, traction control...etc).
So, clearly, either the 2010 regulations have really screwed Schumacher (doubtful) or he's lost his ability to adapt.
There were loads of great drivers that failed to adapt over those years, Alex Zanardi being the most famous example.

From your point of view, I'd agree. I don't see him maintaining the seat either, however, as I've already said I honestly can't see them getting rid of him either because, and I'm going to sound a bit like a hypocrite here - it's Michael Schumacher for crying out loud. Can he contend with Button, Hamilton, Kubica, Ve--you get the point and the answer is obviously no at least not this season. At the same time you have to consider that Rosberg was expected to be dwarfed by Michael's return, and just as Hamilton said he's someone with a wealth of talent and is often overlooked. I only ever agreed with the latter, never the former. Of course as far as namesake goes, of course I'd agree with that as I'm sure more people are likely to know who Schumacher is than knowing Rosberg (for almost the exact reason Hamilton states). Next season is when I can honestly say I'd be on the same boat you're on now as far as being critical of his performance goes. This is assuming he isn't knocked down to a lower team, which I really, really doubt.

 

[lmanion]

Im willing to wait and see what he does next season, I was never really a fan of his before but to me at least having him there this year has added something. Especially the last lap at Monaco where he apparently illegaly made a move after the safety car control line which is apparently legal on every lap other than the last. He still has the brains to race. The car hasnt suited him and Nico has given him a solid belting this year, but I have no doubt next years car will suit him a lot more as this years car suffered with Brawn having little money to start development on it last year which has led to it being a mid pack car rather than a race winner.

On his ability to drive the wheels off anything, is it possible as a guy gets older it takes a away from his ability to do that? I just cant see Hamilton or Alonso driving the wheels off anything when they are Schumachers age unless it 100% suits their driving style.

I actually thought Rubens trying to get past him in Hungary was actually pretty great to watch and Rubens passed him off the track = drive through /sarcasm

 

[The Outlaw]

There's nothing wrong with you being impressed, but I won't agree he deserves more time in the Mercedes seat.
His return hasn't been Mansell-esque failure, but it hasn't been Lauda-esque success either. Its just been disappointing.

People were saying at the start of the season "give him 3 or 4 races, you'll see" and even back then I was pretty pessimistic. Here we are near seasons end and he still hasn't really beaten Rosberg outright and his year has been pretty anonymous. You wouldn't have noticed if he had an engine failure most races.

It also contrasts heavily with Button's 2009 season, with people criticising him for being unable to adapt to a car's performance abilities - did Schumacher simply have a car that suited him for years? I don't think he did entirely, especially as his lightning speed carried over several major regulation changes that altered the car's behaviour a lot (non-refuelling in 1991-93, refuelling 94-2006, slick tyres 1991-1997, grooved tyres 1998-2006, wide-chassis 91-97, narrow chassis 98-2006, V10 engines, V8 engines, no traction control, traction control...etc).
So, clearly, either the 2010 regulations have really screwed Schumacher (doubtful) or he's lost his ability to adapt.
There were loads of great drivers that failed to adapt over those years, Alex Zanardi being the most famous example.

Personally, I believe this is the case (him not being able to adapt that well) to an extent, especially now that he is older (your brain is not as malleable/adaptable, or able to soak up foreign abiiities as sharply/quickly as you get older) and is having to deal with completely new regulations and a car which was not at all designed around his basic driving preferences (preferences which are probably necessary for him to achieve consistency in his lap times - what he is most lacking atm). Not to mention that the car is a bit flawed to begin with, with some basic weight distribution issues, tires issues, among other things (which haven't made life any easier for Michael) which the team realized quite early on. To me Michael just looks REALLY uncomfortable (particularly during corner entry to the apex, where it's almost as if he doesn't know what the hell theh cars going to do) in the thing and nothing like the type of precise (perfect lines)/on a razors edge driving that we used to see from him in his prime days at Ferrari. The lack of testing is not at all helping his cause either, as this was an aspect he really used to exploit when it is was allowed, and maybe his biggest downfall at the current point in time, especially given his age.

From your point of view, I'd agree. I don't see him maintaining the seat either, however, as I've already said I honestly can't see them getting rid of him either because, and I'm going to sound a bit like a hypocrite here - it's Michael Schumacher for crying out loud. Can he contend with Button, Hamilton, Kubica, Ve--you get the point and the answer is obviously no at least not this season. At the same time you have to consider that Rosberg was expected to be dwarfed by Michael's return, and just as Hamilton said he's someone with a wealth of talent and is often overlooked. I only ever agreed with the latter, never the former. Of course as far as namesake goes, of course I'd agree with that as I'm sure more people are likely to know who Schumacher is than knowing Rosberg (for almost the exact reason Hamilton states). Next season is when I can honestly say I'd be on the same boat you're on now as far as being critical of his performance goes. This is assuming he isn't knocked down to a lower team, which I really, really doubt.

Same here. I can't fairly judge him on his performance thus far, or write him off just yet, as he has been in a car which he has had little to no feedback in developing (from the ground up - he got some crap leftovers) and a car that has been rather problematic all season long in terms of finding a predictable balance and getting the tires to work efficiently when needed. I think if anything, this year has maybe shown that he is less adaptable than previously thought (whether due to age or the way he's always been). Given time, you can't discount Michael's ability to bring great people around him to build up a team/car to help him get to the top level...and I wouldn't be surprised if he can do it again (just like he did with his illustrious careers at Benetton and Ferrari). I personally won't discount Michael's genius that easily, especially this early on in his return to a completely new situation.

I'm not going to write him off just yet, just like I'm not going to write Massa off (as far as being able to compete at a closer level to Alonso next year) simply because he's had issues particularly getting the hard tire to work. Next year could be a completely different ball game, literally.

 

[Ardius]

I find it immensely amusing people can use the "blame the car" excuse for Michael Schumacher, particularly when Robserg has double(!!!!) his points. The car can't be that bad and I don't consider Rosberg to be that amazing, I always felt Rosberg was decent but more of a Button decent. It says more about Michael's fall from grace than about Nico's talent in my opinion.

Yet when Button falters, blaming the car is not cool.

This all goes to show that if the car doesn't suit your driving style, you can struggle. Which shows how spec-series like GP2 are not really a good measuring stick for a driver's ability, as it just may be that the car simply suits him over the other drivers. This is where I prefer F1 and all series where there are some development parts - the car can be tailored to suit the driver and so all drivers in theory can have a better chance than they did in GP2 or whatever.

I'm sure Michael will perform a bit better with a car that will suit him. But the point is that he didn't need that before and hence his abilities have clearly degraded. Its therefore a waste of time letting him get up to speed when he appears to be no better than Sutil.....
What if next year's car doesn't suit him again? Let him waste another year miles behind his teammate?

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Let him waste another year miles behind his teammate?

He's not that far behind if you don't look at the points.

I think the new testing rules hurt Schumacher pretty badly.

 

[Greycap]

It's interesting how common opinions change depending on who's driving. A couple of examples.

McLaren 2007: The car suits Hamilton, too oversteery for Alonso. The drivers finish on equal points in the final standings. The opinion - Alonso sucks because he couldn't beat Hamilton fair and square, Hamilton is a new F1 god.

Ferrari 2009: The car suits Massa, far too understeery for Räikkönen. Early in the season Massa slightly outperforms Räikkönen who then goes on to collect more points than anyone else for a large part of the second half of the season. The opinion - Räikkönen sucks and has lost his motivation.

McLaren 2009: The car suits Hamilton like a glove being built to his liking, far too nervous for Kovalainen. Hamilton gets all the new parts and outperforms Kovalainen. The opinion - Kovalainen sucks.

Mercedes 2010: The car suits Rosberg slightly better than Schumacher and is changed mid season (Spain, I think) to give Schumacher a better chance. Rosberg still outdrives Schumacher. The opinion - Schumacher is driving well, the car sucks.

What happened when the underperformer's name changed to Schumacher? It's very clearly the driver that sucks in that case too when the Schumi glasses are taken off.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Ferrari 2009: The car suits Massa, far too understeery for Räikkönen. Early in the season Massa slightly outperforms Räikkönen who then goes on to collect more points than anyone else for a large part of the second half of the season. The opinion - Räikkönen sucks and has lost his motivation.

McLaren 2009: The car suits Hamilton like a glove being built to his liking, far too nervous for Kovalainen. Hamilton gets all the new parts and outperforms Kovalainen. The opinion - Kovalainen sucks.

Mercedes 2010: The car suits Rosberg slightly better than Schumacher and is changed mid season (Spain, I think) to give Schumacher a better chance. Rosberg still outdrives Schumacher. The opinion - Schumacher is driving well, the car sucks.

What happened when the underperformer's name changed to Schumacher? It's very clearly the driver that sucks in that case too when the Schumi glasses are taken off.

2007: Hamilton's performance was pretty outstanding. Drivers usually take time to get used to F1 cars. Alonso made many mistakes. You would think after a couple of times he would figure out how to break in Canada. And with his experience he shouldn't have crashed out in one of the Asian races.

Ferrari 2009: I doubt Raikkonen would have went to the WRC if he was as committed to F1 as he was before. Plus if he decides to come back, there might not be a place for him when he wants. His 2008 season wasn't that spectacular either. He wasn't that consistent in either of the seasons.

McLaren 2009: Kovalainen isn't that great of a driver. He was okay in Renault and disappointing in McLaren. It's not in McLaren's interest to lose the constructor's so they couldn't have slowed him down too much.

Mercedes 2010: Schumacher comes back after a long break in a season with virtually no testing. His performance is somewhat disappointing. He's definitely not as sharp as Hamilton in 2007 and never will be again. I reserve my judgment for 2011.

 

[The Outlaw]

I find it immensely amusing people can use the "blame the car" excuse for Michael Schumacher, particularly when Robserg has double(!!!!) his points. The car can't be that bad and I don't consider Rosberg to be that amazing, I always felt Rosberg was decent but more of a Button decent. It says more about Michael's fall from grace than about Nico's talent in my opinion.

Who's to say he was ever THAT great to begin with? The talent pool nowadays can make make someone like him look rather mediocre, especially when he's not in a top car tailored to his preferences (which atm is likely very important for him to compete at the top level).

Yet when Button falters, blaming the car is not cool..

According to who? I simply stated the car is likely to blame for Michael's lack luster performance this year - now what does this mean? It means Schumacher lacks adaptability (which is a skill in itself). The same can be said for Button to a lesser extent.

This all goes to show that if the car doesn't suit your driving style, you can struggle. Which shows how spec-series like GP2 are not really a good measuring stick for a driver's ability, as it just may be that the car simply suits him over the other drivers. This is where I prefer F1 and all series where there are some development parts - the car can be tailored to suit the driver and so all drivers in theory can have a better chance than they did in GP2 or whatever..

To an extent this is true. Although we've seen that guys like Hamilton can get the most out of anything, which is a great skill in itself.

I'm sure Michael will perform a bit better with a car that will suit him. But the point is that he didn't need that before and hence his abilities have clearly degraded. Its therefore a waste of time letting him get up to speed when he appears to be no better than Sutil.....
What if next year's car doesn't suit him again? Let him waste another year miles behind his teammate?

I'm sure Mercedes and Schumacher knows what's best for them better than either you or me, so lets just let time run its course and give Schumacher a PROPER chance in a car he has helped tailor (something he has proven to be good at), not some hand-me-down car (last time he had to deal with something like that was 96' !) which he clearly has been unhappy with.

It's interesting how common opinions change depending on who's driving. A couple of examples.

McLaren 2007: The car suits Hamilton, too oversteery for Alonso. The drivers finish on equal points in the final standings. The opinion - Alonso sucks because he couldn't beat Hamilton fair and square, Hamilton is a new F1 god.

Ferrari 2009: The car suits Massa, far too understeery for Räikkönen. Early in the season Massa slightly outperforms Räikkönen who then goes on to collect more points than anyone else for a large part of the second half of the season. The opinion - Räikkönen sucks and has lost his motivation.

McLaren 2009: The car suits Hamilton like a glove being built to his liking, far too nervous for Kovalainen. Hamilton gets all the new parts and outperforms Kovalainen. The opinion - Kovalainen sucks.

Mercedes 2010: The car suits Rosberg slightly better than Schumacher and is changed mid season (Spain, I think) to give Schumacher a better chance. Rosberg still outdrives Schumacher. The opinion - Schumacher is driving well, the car sucks.

What happened when the underperformer's name changed to Schumacher? It's very clearly the driver that sucks in that case too when the Schumi glasses are taken off.

And whos "common opinion changes depending on who's driving"? I know for a fact I for one haven't even come close to alluding that Schumacher is driving well this season All I've been saying is that the car hasn't worked for Schumacher and this is clearly showing he isn't as adaptable as he either once was or as previously thought. My argument is quite simple really.

 

[Matti_Dude]

It has been said many times that Schumacher doesn't like the Mercedes car this year. He has mentioned the amount of understeer it has and has said that it does not suit his driving style. Maybe if Mercedes give him a car that suits his driving style then we can drive him properly. But I would have to agree, I was expecting more from him this season.

 

[yeti]

Can you not say "Alluding" - makes me think of Eddie Jordan!

C.

 

[Small_Fryz]

And if you think in my first activity with Benetton it took me about four years to build up and finally win a championship, in Ferrari it took me five years and I hope we are much more efficient here.

Source

He has a point, No?

 

[Terronium-12]

Indeed he does and I'm glad he's dismissed the possibility of him leaving. What could be even more interesting is that he hints he won't leave until he wins another championship, or his body just isn't able to take it anymore.

 

[Ardius]

Who's to say he was ever THAT great to begin with? The talent pool nowadays can make make someone like him look rather mediocre, especially when he's not in a top car tailored to his preferences (which atm is likely very important for him to compete at the top level).

According to who? I simply stated the car is likely to blame for Michael's lack luster performance this year - now what does this mean? It means Schumacher lacks adaptability (which is a skill in itself). The same can be said for Button to a lesser extent.

To an extent this is true. Although we've seen that guys like Hamilton can get the most out of anything, which is a great skill in itself.

I'm sure Mercedes and Schumacher knows what's best for them better than either you or me, so lets just let time run its course and give Schumacher a PROPER chance in a car he has helped tailor (something he has proven to be good at), not some hand-me-down car (last time he had to deal with something like that was 96' !) which he clearly has been unhappy with.

I don't really have to explain why Schumacher was considered the best to you do I? Have we just forgotten what happened between 1991 and 2006? Even if the talent in F1 in the 90s was quite lacking compared to right now, Schumacher proved his immense ability many times over. I'm not even a fan of him!

I seem to remember several people noting how Button has a small window of adaptability - which is true - yet in that circumstance it was used to show how he isn't a great driver. Now when Schumacher has the same problem, is he no longer a great driver? Seems the common opinion is more of "lets give him another chance", something that Button didn't really get. But I guess this point is more to do with relative fanbases.
I think the idea of being able to adapt to a wide range of car behaviours is not necessarily a marking of a brilliant driver - just one that helps make one.

Your last point is a bit irrelevant. Yeah of course Mercedes and Schumacher are the ones making the decisions, so what? Doesn't stop me from having my opinion and I'm simply asking do you think its better to risk Schumacher or take on fresher talent? You don't have to be Mercedes to have an opinion on that.

Source

He has a point, No?

His build up to his championships weren't due to his skills. They were due to his team's development. Benetton weren't title contenders until they had Tom Walkinshaw Racing orgainsing them and bringing in people like Ross Brawn. Schumacher would have likely won the title in 1992 if he had been at Williams. Hell, he probably would have been a title contender in 1991 given the chance.
Same with Ferrari, he actually won races in 1996 with them, he had to wait till 2000 though while Ferrari sorted out their terribly unreliable V10 and again brought in the right people (Brawn, Todt, Byrne).

Schumacher was fast from the start of his career, he was fast before that even, in sportscars with Sauber.

Lets twist that thinking around and consider this - would the Schumacher have won in 1994 if 2010 was 1991? I don't think so.

One thing is certain - all concerned are going to look very silly if Schumacher doesn't improve next year.

 

[Dinofly]

I can't believe that Kubica, wich is undoubtably one of the best in the circus, way better than alonso too, can be the second driver in a team.

 

[Pupik]

Granted, I am no racing driver, but having watched Michael Schumacher from his first start in F1, he just looks like he isn't trying as hard as he was in the beginning of the season. I mean, some of the mental spark appears to be lost. He was a top-6 or top-8 qualifier during the first half of the seasons, but it he's now struggling to break into Q3 for some of the events, whereas Nico Rosberg has been fairly steady. Maybe the excitement of re-joining the Formula One circus has worn off after its galactic weight is pressed once again upon a racer's shoulders.

Granted, the car is not a world-beater (it is a "50%-new" team, that's to be expected), so I also think the physical toll of the entire season might be wearing on him. Nico Rosberg as been faster in qualifying and put together more consistent race laps and better finishes than Schumacher (there have not been many races-of-attrition this year). I would basically concede that there are many drivers with a stronger will to win and likely, better fitness and reaction times. As Ardius has pointed out, he's dealt with all manner of FIA rule changes — pretty much to the point where he has raced in several different formulae — so there's no excuses in that department. As a die-hard F1 fan, and a bit of a Schumacher-apologist, I would really like to see how well he can perform next year: He's seen all the "new" circuits that he never raced at through 2006, and has a year of the latest buzz of Grand Prix racing under his belt. I'd rather see the best racers race together because I'm sure since he gives the others something to shoot for.

I just don't see Adrian Sutil going to Ferrari; he was impressive during the first third of the season, but then again, so was his teammate Liuzzi. Adrian hasn't shined much until this last race at Singapore, but Massa is doing a fine enough job (when he's allowed to do his job). Sutil is no longer a rookie, but he tends to make a few rookie mistakes: I'll allow for the notion that mid-pack of F1 has always been a bit of a dogfight; with even more points-paying positions, you get more battles to impress the top teams, and thus potentially more mistakes, wild risks, and eyes-closed overtaking moves from the drivers. The bottom dwellers just want to finish, or scrape in to the points in some events.

I don't think there's a fine enough talent out there (without an expiring contract) in F1 that will instantly make put more better finishes or wins into the points bank for Ferrari. Sure, I'd like to see a daredevil like Kobayashi get the nod, but he needs more experience: We all like seeing him wrest every ounce out of the Sauber, but unless there's a serious loophole in Peter's engine contract, I don't see it happening. The swagger and inconsistency in his driving is a little too much to seriously considering dropping a talent like Massa in favor of him. I see it as a tremendous gamble, as Ferrari typically wants its drivers to have a few years under their belts before donning a helmet in the name of the Prancing Horse.