TRD Man wrote:Fivebob makes a lot of sense, however I wouldn't be so dismissive of Schummacher as a 'great'. Particularly if you're comparing him to Senna.
Both were very similar particularly in their determination to win at all costs.
At first glance you could be forgiven for believing Senna to be the more technically proficient however let's remember that it is Schu's skill, knowledge, 'feel', his ability to build a cohesive team and his unrivalled workrate that is credited with turning Ferrari from an also ran into the championship winning team it was for so many years. That and seven world titles? If that doesn't rate him as amongst the greatest I'd love to see the criteria.
Is Hamilton a great driver? Of course he is. They're all great - whether they're likeable or not. They don't hand these titles out just for turning up. And to be the dominant driver in both his rookie and subsequent years, and the renowned 'man to beat', so early in his career, speaks volumes.
It's intriguing to read some younger members views on past era that they could not have witnessed due to their age. How many of you have ever heard of Ronnie Peterson? One of the most talented men ever to sit behind the wheel of an F1 car and my all time favorite.
You want to talk about greatness? This is greatness!
"... and for 1978 he returned to Lotus as a number two to Mario Andretti. Mario at first questioned this arrangement as he well new that Ronnie was no number two. As an indication of his character Ronnie accepted this position without malice; a far cry from the political intrigue that is Formula 1 today. Together they dominated the 1978 season in the Lotus 79 with Peterson scoring a pair of spectacular wins. Peterson acted the loyal number two but there were time when his brilliance could not be masked. He out qualified his teammate at Brands Hatch even though he was using hard compound tires, rather than the qualifiers which were held for Andretti, and a half tank of gas! After his victory at Zeltweg in Austria he trailed Andretti by only 9 points with 4 races remaining. It was well known that he would be with another team in 1979 and some suggested that he should just go for the championship with nothing to lose. Nothing except his word: "I'm going to McLaren next year", he said. "It's not announced yet, but Mario knows, Some of these people," he sighed, "who say I should forget our agreement now... I don't understand them. I had open eyes when I signed the contract, and I also gave my word. If I break it now, who will ever trust me again?" At the next race Andretti's car broke an exhaust and lost power yet Peterson followed him over the line. Peterson felt that his time would come next year, as he had been offered a number one position with McLaren."
Poor guy trusting Ron Dennis, we all know how well he treats people who are supposed to be the number 1
that doesnt prove a thing....
