Whew, breathe a sigh of relief as things seem to be falling into place after a tumultuous year and a half in F1. One thing for sure, it has all the makings of the most exciting season in a decade. Here are some initial impressions I have for the upcoming season as Michael is back w/Ross, Alonso at Ferrari, Hamilton at McLaren, Todt in, USF1 in, Kimi rallying, Mosley out, Briatore out, Dennis out, Toyota out, BMW & Renault not quite out, and Kubica... who knows for now - probably will be in but I'm predicting that he is the taking on the role of "in the wrong car at the wrong time" syndrome.
WHO I'M FAVORING AND WHY:
1. Hamilton at McLaren
Out of the 4 world champions on the grid, Lewis is the only one with the longest current running car-driver-manufacturer relationship. This will give him a head start at the beginning of the season. Also, the fact that Schumacher will be on the grid will fuel Lewis' commitment to his conscious dream of being a multi world champion. This will add reality to Hamilton's dream life. Schumacher represents the beginnings of Lewis' dream and sharing the grid will awaken a deep drive and focus for Lewis as wins will mean much more. What may happen as Lewis succeeds is that he could become disillusioned with the dream as being too easy and thus start making mistakes... again. Lewis' version of beating himself has to do with a fear that if he wins too easily, then the vision of that has defined his life could end and emptiness or lack of purpose would ensue. I think this terrifies Lewis on a deeper level. I still see Hamilton as one of the Princes in F1 - the other is Vettel... But Vettel stands on his own two feet more than Lewis. I favor Lewis early on, but for now I see his potency dropping off past mid-season. It will depend on what choices he awakens to; completing the dream and facing the emptiness of creating a new vision or staying in the struggle of the current.
"2 Kings, 2 Princes, some Half-Princes, and a Knight"
WHO I'M FAVORING AND WHY:
Out of the 4 world champions on the grid, Lewis is the only one with the longest current running car-driver-manufacturer relationship. This will give him a head start at the beginning of the season. Also, the fact that Schumacher will be on the grid will fuel Lewis' commitment to his conscious dream of being a multi world champion. This will add reality to Hamilton's dream life. Schumacher represents the beginnings of Lewis' dream and sharing the grid will awaken a deep drive and focus for Lewis as wins will mean much more. What may happen as Lewis succeeds is that he could become disillusioned with the dream as being too easy and thus start making mistakes... again. Lewis' version of beating himself has to do with a fear that if he wins too easily, then the vision of that has defined his life could end and emptiness or lack of purpose would ensue. I think this terrifies Lewis on a deeper level. I still see Hamilton as one of the Princes in F1 - the other is Vettel... But Vettel stands on his own two feet more than Lewis. I favor Lewis early on, but for now I see his potency dropping off past mid-season. It will depend on what choices he awakens to; completing the dream and facing the emptiness of creating a new vision or staying in the struggle of the current.
2.Tie: Alonso and Schumacher (2 Kings Battle for Reign)
Pluses and minuses for each in resurrecting the battle of 2006. Scoring this: +2 Schumi and Ross. +1 Alonso w/Ferrari and his passion to drive all-out.
-1 Alonso in a new car/new crew. -1 Schumi's age (except for wisdom),
+1 Alonso's age and finally getting to Ferrari where he can bring all the lessons he's learned since '06. -1 Alonso as Ferrari is basically dysfunctional and not as invincible as they play themselves to be. It will call on Alonso to lead in a whole new way like Schumi did (which I think he's capable of as a Leo). Alonso will have to go beyond to whip the team into shape and get rid of all the Ferrari BS and drama with a risk that his Leo ego will feed into that drama. This will be Alonso's biggest challenge but if he can pull it off, then the real power of Ferrari can be unleashed. Otherwise, Ferrari just sits on their asses and counts trophies and asks questions like: "Why didn't we win?" into the air for answers. -1 if Schumi gets divorced. +1 Schumi if he stays married...
-1 Alonso in a new car/new crew. -1 Schumi's age (except for wisdom),
+1 Alonso's age and finally getting to Ferrari where he can bring all the lessons he's learned since '06. -1 Alonso as Ferrari is basically dysfunctional and not as invincible as they play themselves to be. It will call on Alonso to lead in a whole new way like Schumi did (which I think he's capable of as a Leo). Alonso will have to go beyond to whip the team into shape and get rid of all the Ferrari BS and drama with a risk that his Leo ego will feed into that drama. This will be Alonso's biggest challenge but if he can pull it off, then the real power of Ferrari can be unleashed. Otherwise, Ferrari just sits on their asses and counts trophies and asks questions like: "Why didn't we win?" into the air for answers. -1 if Schumi gets divorced. +1 Schumi if he stays married...
3. Wild Card - Vettel! (Ecclestone Agrees - LINK)
Prince Sebastian could surprise all and snatch the lead early. But maintaining it will depend on the reliability of his car. When up against the fully functional big-guns of Mclaren, Ferrari and now Mercedes, will the Red Bull chassis be able to keep up with what Seb dishes out? Where skill is concerned, Vettel has it where it counts and is capable of being world champion. Vettel also possesses an uncanny knack of being able to exceed expectations. This is due to what I observe as an enlightened personality. He conveys a simplicity that other drivers don't, stands more on his own emotionally, has less drama in his life, and I say less ego as well. This gives him more energy to devote to his focus. Vettel will also be inspired like Hamilton will be - inspired by all these Titans racing at the same time.
On the other hand, I have yet to see the dark side of Vettel. Perhaps there isn't one? I see Vettel negotiating the fray early, adjusting to all the new on-track dynamics and affirming his sea-legs, perhaps snatching a win. Then he will take off after the championship towards the end.
Prince Sebastian could surprise all and snatch the lead early. But maintaining it will depend on the reliability of his car. When up against the fully functional big-guns of Mclaren, Ferrari and now Mercedes, will the Red Bull chassis be able to keep up with what Seb dishes out? Where skill is concerned, Vettel has it where it counts and is capable of being world champion. Vettel also possesses an uncanny knack of being able to exceed expectations. This is due to what I observe as an enlightened personality. He conveys a simplicity that other drivers don't, stands more on his own emotionally, has less drama in his life, and I say less ego as well. This gives him more energy to devote to his focus. Vettel will also be inspired like Hamilton will be - inspired by all these Titans racing at the same time.
On the other hand, I have yet to see the dark side of Vettel. Perhaps there isn't one? I see Vettel negotiating the fray early, adjusting to all the new on-track dynamics and affirming his sea-legs, perhaps snatching a win. Then he will take off after the championship towards the end.
4. Button and Massa (The Noble & The Half- Prince )
Button will not do as well at Mclaren (as mentioned in earlier post) and will be too much on his own to be able to fly as there's no Ross to nurture him. I think JB's motivations for the move to Mclaren are fueled by glamor, fame, comeuppance and $$. Also, he will be in a new car, and out of the other 3 World Champions, he takes the fewest risks and is the least adaptable. Massa - ah, poor Massa - will be very much Schumi-less at Ferrari for the first time and Felipe will be emotionally affected. Add to that, competing against Schumi, his mentor, Felipe could feel betrayed and also play as a huge distraction from his focus. Not to mention that nobody really knows (not even him) the affects of his injury...
5. The rest of the field: Top of that list will be Webber followed by Kubica. Relegated to the back with occasional acts of brilliance which will land Mark or Robert at the front - to then later crash into someone trying to win. I see the rest of the field as back markers and spoilers to a greater degree than in the past. In this way, some of those back markers could end up like rolling targets for those attempting to stay at the top. Watch out gents, this could be a determining factor in it all!
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