Who is the best driver in Formula 1?

[MrCoffee]

At the moment, Im not sure. I havent watched F1 in a while without falling asleep or waking to find  the race was over. I personally do not like the current rule set and think alot of changes need to be made. Perhaps its too modern and has lost its classical sportsmen element and is not as much entertainment as it was before 1994. Alonso did have alot of talent, I thought I saw that or think I did. I would say Alonso, does he still drive? Some things I would like to see change.

definately reduce the current wheel base, current cars handle in unsportsmanlike manner, see below.
reduced aerodynamics, see above (most road cars dont have a wing)
slicks or racing type tires again. would like to see some passing and hero over taking maneuvers (mansell vs senna, whens the last time that happened. it cant because the cars will go into the grass).

new brake technology rules (brakes are almost perfected on current rules), see below (reduce rotor, component weight yet increase safety requirements for components, depending on material of construction)

enforce more strict rules on specific components focusing on weight reduction, yet increasing strength, reducing cost etc... get creative

different rule requirements for materials etc (tried tested vs cutting edge) ...

if they keep the technology as is, reduce the max weight, dimensions of the cars overall
maintain structural safety rules or increase crash test standard, see above
new rules for alternative fuels or engine types

I could go on and on but I would like to see F1 return to an entertainment value it once had yet continue in technological improvment.

etc... F1 has lost its entertainment value, for me. Nobody ever passes, Yawn.

[MrCoffee]

and its not that the drivers are less in quality. They dont have the same situations or rules to race with as drivers did in the past. my 2cnts.

[MrCoffee]

what all of this does in my opinion.

causes cars to increase distance in braking while the engineers think of better ways to design brakes and other components

reduce aerodynamics which slaves the cars to a performance envelope wich affects tire design and driver decisions

allows tires to change in design causing drivers to get brave again in overtaking or other maneuvers

reduces performance of various car systems by weight/rules/material choice creating more grey area in performance allowing drivers to race with each other again. check out NASCAR or NHRA.

[-tronski-]

NASCAR and F1 are based on the same principles - Aero, and race management

While I agree on are reduction on aero and the reintroduction of mechanical traction (ie. slicks in '09) - there is still plenty of racing in F1...

O/T Best driver prob currently Kimi, although Kubica, Hiedfeld, and Trulli are having a good year

 Tronsky

[SIK1]

I first started watching F1 in the late 70's when It was wild and wooly. The teams were not so restricted in what they produced. Anyone remember the 6 wheel Tyrrell?

I feel that instead of more rule they should go the other way. As far as the engine, brakes and aero, I think the teams should be given more latitude in those regards.

I think removing traction control was a good thing for F1. Let the drivers drive that car, not the computer. Remember the battles between Senna, and Prost they are legendary and they were very exciting, and they were both real car control drivers

This is F1 after all. It is suppose to be the pinnacle of auto racing.

As far as the best driver in F1 right now I would have to say Kimi.

[Nilsen]

Last fun driver was eddie irvine.

[Nilsen]

What i want in F1 is:

Smaller wings and slicks with better grip. This allows for the car behind to get closer to the one in front because airflow is less critial. This should lead to more overtaking.

[Gh0stFT]

last year Kimi won the Championship, so he is still the F1 World Champion,
and you have to be a damn good racer to win it.

As for the new rules, i doubt it will change something big. I watch F1 since 1989, they changed this
and that, removed this and added that, in the end every F1 pilot drives under the same
condition against the others in one saison, it doesent matter that much.
At the end of the Year the one with the most points is teh king !!

[Shuffler]

I have never watched a formula 1 race

[BlauK]

Shuffler, your loss

I also have to say , Kimi.
Naturally I can be accused of national bias, but still that is my imression pretty much because of his straight forward no hazzle attitude. He just concentrates on driving and that's it. He may be far from the "best driver" for a team if all the promotional etc issues are regarded. His voice breaks, he speaks broken english, he likes ot party and is likely to cause some embarrasments once in a while.
But just as a driver only, he rules.

[MiloMorai]

#1 - Fangio.

Nilsen, I agree, and there is too many little winglets.

[SIK1]

#1 - Fangio.

Nilsen, I agree, and there is too many little winglets.

Ah see, I thought MrCoffee was talking about current drivers. If it is all time then of course it is M. Shumacher. Seven driver titles, and five of those in a row.

[MrCoffee]

Ok, scratch some my comments on brakes etc... However its obvious that if modern F1 cars can stop in two seconds from 150mph. that doesnt leave much road for passing or sportsmanship like racing. They should also get rid of some of the elect gadets and communications that go on during the races. Definately reduce wheelbase some how and aerodynamics for more mechanical grip. the modern elect age of F1 has over shadowed the drivers performance.

[MrCoffee]

If it is all time then of course it is M. Shumacher. Seven driver titles, and five of those in a row.

Shumacher is exceptional and one of the best if not best with most titles. however keep in mind, the gay team/driver rules at ferrari where theyre not allowed to race each other. senna and prost were bitter rivals and I think the three of them are all in the same category of rare talent. Both senna or prost could have accomplished the same thing in the same situation, vice versa. edit: I'll add that mansell was also exceptional, perhaps better than many of the modern drivers today or recent years. 1 title (not counting indy) and many close ones because he had to contend with prost then senna.

[senna]

by a tivo then get a 25cc superkart. who cares  if you fall asleep you can watch it again.