Current Lewis Hamilton

A place to put all the posts from all the other threads primarily but love him or hate him, and even for the indifferent amongst us this is the place to discuss the marmite that is Lewis Hamilton, to learn a thing or two about his rise, talk about those controversial, genius or mad moments and something that i am bemused by, the recent articles that suggest something quite different to my perception of what's going on. Any experiences of meeting LH?

Brundle had to write a Lewis Hamilton article recently and in my tweets (which were probably ignored) I asked him to talk about LH the driver not LH the personality. It seems that you can't have one without the other.

So as a starter for ten, here is a fairly recent LH article. Posts should not be limited to this link but it can get some discussion going. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/formula_one/13755883.stm

The only banned topic as it is clearly ridiculous involves these four things "Glock" "2008" "Brazil" "conspiracy"

 

[Kewee]

Hamberg.....Before I respond to any of your questions I want to be 100% clear about one thing, I consider Lewis Hamilton to be a huge talent, one of the very best. In saying that, his off track behavior has caused McLaren problems on numerous occasions. Exactly the same could be said of Alonso, but as I said on a previous posting people mature, it's called growing up.
In answer to your questions. Considering McLaren took Hamilton under their wing in their Young Driver Development Program as a thirteen year old I consider the statement that they were responsible for guiding his career and giving him his big break a fact not an assumption. In saying that, Ron Dennis wouldn't have given him the opportunity had he not had the talent and McLaren didn't believe in him. Regarding his rookie season, it was Nigel Mansell who said he lucked into a fabulous car. I've been following this sport for 45 years and I can't think of another young driver who started his rookie season in the very best car on the grid. Having said that, he had to have the talent to get the best out of it and show his immense talent, which he did. There is no doubt at all however, if the McLaren had been a car with problems he wouldn't have been able to shine as the stand out driver he is. My comment regarding analytical and development skills is my own opinion. They are very rare skills and Schumacher at his peak and Alonso are the stand out drivers in this regard. Most engineers who have worked with Alonso, including Ferrari, consider him the best in the business in his ability to relay accurate technical information back to his engineers. Ron Dennis sung his praises in this regard also, before their falling out. I've said this before and I'll repeat it, when McLaren employed Alonso, the very best development driver at the time, they had the opportunity to bring Hamilton into the team as a test driver. A one year apprenticeship working alongside Alonso rather than fighting him on track would have probably been the most valuable year he could have spent in the sport, learning development skills from Fernando. They chose not to and I believe development skills remain Lewis's only weakness. Had he learn't those skills early in his F1 career his value to a team would be immeasurable.

 

[Mephistopheles]

Yes F1ang-o my point was there was a definite change in direction mid sentence from Whitmarsh. It probably means nothing but it was there none the less...

 

[Mephistopheles]

And just maybe he would not have made the misjudgement on the wing call last weekend Kewee being able to drive around a few set up problems doesn't exactly send good feedback development data to the team does it, as the team may think everything is fine with the car when it isn't.....

 

[Kewee]

Mephistopheles.....I thought that to but stayed silent through fear of assassination from others on this thread.

 

[racecub]

It comes as no surprise to me that Whitmarsh doesnt like hamilton, I've felt that for some time now and have said so many a time on here. I think it was particularly evident last year.I actually thought Whitmarsh handled the tweeting situation well, publically at least. But if he started saying on air that he dosnt like hamilton or doesn't care if he's upset, thats a poor show, how much more of this sentiment does he show in private.

 

[Mephistopheles]

I agree racecub it is a poor show almost Briatore-esque, in driver management skills....

 

[F1ang-o]

The jealousy, spitefulness & general nastiness that LH has received over his perceived......lucking into the McLaren in 2007 has been horrible to watch.....& who out of the wihingers would have turned down the opportunity..... If only they had the talent...

 

[Brogan]

Well said.

 

[Mephistopheles]

Not me that's for sure..

Sometimes before people comment on things they should ask themselves, "What would I have done in that situation?" and I'm guessing not a single person would have told Ron Dennis to go to hell.

I'm no angel (Well maybe a fallen one. ) And I have definitely been guilty of posting before I think, as the mods keep reminding me from time to time .....

 

[Hamberg]

So actually Mansell said he lucked into a car, you've still demonstrated a complete great lack of knowledge of Hamilton's younger years and you have no proof whatsoever that he doesn't know how to develop a car (oh and best in the industry, you forgetting Rosberg in that?). Kewee, you love Alonso, I don't think you hate anyone else, just to be clear.

And now I'm reading that being able to drive a car that isn't perfect is a disadvantage to the team. Amazing.

F1ang-o, with what I've read recently I think you have put it perfectly except I wouldn't just attribute that attitude to his lucking into a drive, him continuing to breathe seems to be evoking this reaction and my god the delight when he fucks up is really quite pathetic.

 

[Brogan]

<yoda>The hate is strong with this one</yoda>

 

[The Pits]

Well, Michael schumacher has a strong technical reputation, so it stands to reason the car has gone backwards.

Seriously, if he goes to Mercedes, good luck to him, hopefully he would perform better than Nico and Michael. If he stays at McLaren, good luck to him, and hopefully once this phase of the silly season is over we can all get back to normal, whatever that is.

And for the record, you do not get to win several races, let alone a world championship without:

a, serious talent
b, technical understanding
c, sheer determination
d, bloody hard work.

 

[Kewee]

Hamberg......I cant really add any more. My comments were fair and balanced. I sung both drivers praises, Hamilton's more than Alonso's, you obviously feel I didn't. If your unable to find an aspect of a driver to be critical of you obviously must feel they're perfect. In my view no one fits that description.

 

[Kewee]

Well, Michael schumacher has a strong technical reputation, so it stands to reason the car has gone backwards.

I sense a hint of sarcasm here. It may not have been aimed at me but if it was I stated Schumacher's skills AT HIS PEAK. I think it's fair to say he is only a shadow of his former self so it's probably fair to assume his development skills have probably fallen away to a degree also.

 

[Mephistopheles]

Hamberg calm down this doesn't sound like you at all.

To be honest it is usually you telling me to calm down...

 

[Quintessentially]

Presumably Kewee has seen Hamilton develop a car and assessed his shortcomings? Was it not just a few moons ago that Jenson (one of the most experienced on the grid) went public with the fact that he was going to copy Hamilton's setup in order to overcome his own issues. If developing and setting up a car (which go hand in hand) was his weakness, I'm sure Jenson would've looked elsewhere. Let's not forget Lewis played a critical role in turning around that dog of a McLaren to a race winner in 2009. And please, there is no need to keep bringing up Alonso in the discussion or tell people how long you’ve been watching the sport. I'd imagine most of the folks around here are well versed with F1 and its history.

 

[The Pits]

It was irony more than sarcasm, and not aimed at anyone, merely a comment for balance. And for the record, since his comeback, it has been on record that the mechanics in the team have praised his feedback, and technical skills.

As for Lewis, I am not aware of any comments in the public domain regarding his technical prowess, so I am not going to assume, I will add my main point again though, if he was to end up at mercedes, could he make the situation worse than it has been this year?

 

[Mephistopheles]

<yoda>The hate is strong with this one</yoda>

Surely that should be "Strong the hate this one has"

Learn your Yoda Brogan

 

[Kewee]

Wow people are so touchy on this thread. Aren't different opinions what a forum is all about. Just because Alonso's name gets mentioned there's no need for this....

 

[The Pits]

Mod Comment

different opinions are fine, and discussing them is the nature of a forum. Can we please have a little order here, and refrain from straying to the personal, or to quote yoda, deleted your post will be.

Thank you