- 22 Apr 14, 12:07#399980A few more thoughts on this compelling topic.
Firstly on the battle between Rosberg and Lewis. I've decided it probably isn't going to be such an epic one, and I'll give my reasons shortly. But firstly, I want to say I still think highly of Nico and rate him highly too. As a driver and person. But from the first four races I see Lewis as having a clear edge.Why?.....
He's beaten him in all but the Bahrain quali.....which he corrected immediately.
His advantage in time is quite significant, not marginal.
He held him back for ten laps despite being on the slower tyre.
He conserves fuel better.
He seems better on tyres.
He looks as though he has time in hand, Rosberg sometimes looks ragged trying to stay on terms.
Perhaps Lewis has been flattered by the large amount of wet running? But I think Rosberg is flattered by the superiority of that Mercedes car, and that superiority may hinder Lewis in his championship bid. The reason being, it is preventing other drivers getting between the two Merc drivers, so despite being 10 or so seconds slower than Lewis, Rosberg still gets second place, which puts Lewis at the mercy of DNF's and the double points idiocy. If that margin of superiority were cut by half, Lewis would still win comfortably but Rosberg may not always hold on to second. Lewis needs more drivers up there.
@Thetruth . I agreed with much of your post , except the bit about Seb being in the other Merc to give Lewis a run. I think Seb would struggle in that other Merc. It doesn't have the downforce he's used to, reportedly less than the current Red Bull car. So all that extra power may not be helpful to Seb. He needs a planted rear.
If Alonso were in that other Merc then I think we would see a Battle royal the like of Senna and Prost. I know Lewis beat Alonso in his rookie year, but they've both improved and matured since then... Lewis more so I think because he started from a lower starting point. Younger, rookie v older two time world champion. But I think that time round Alonso wasn't prepared for Lewis' speed,he expected to master him easily and it shook him when he couldn't do it. This time he knows what he's dealing with.
Finally. Much is frequently written about Lewis can't save tyres, can't save fuel, can't think through a race, isn't strategic. Well I'd say he's learnt to do all that and proved that he can. What can't be learnt is insane talent and feel for the car which he has in bucket loads. I'd say an ominous warning to competitors is Lewis' comment that this car feels like his second skin. He is so in tune with this car.
You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
Abe Lincoln
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. Abe Lincoln