podpi
12-29-2003, 10:08 PM
I've been debating (in my mind) and with friends whether or not MS is going senile. I think it's clear that, as a racer, he's past his peak. I reckon he reached his peak in 2000. But lets take a look at 2003. I think he made more mistakes in 2003 than the rest of his career put together!
Australia: Went off the road twice damaging barge boards.
Malaysia: Crashed into Trulli at start (his fault). Really shocking move actually.
Brazil: Spun out completely.
Imola: He went off the road quite badly at high speed, but managed to scoop it up (Traction Control).
Now here were a couple of decent performances. Spain, Austria were great and should be with a car advantage. I don't think he could have done much better at Monaco, but did finish 3rd nonetheless. Now Canada he drove brilliantly! Even with "no brakes", they said, keeping the Williams drivers behind! However, recently it was revealed that both Williams drivers were experiencing more severe brake problems than Michael. Nonetheless I would call the performance decent.
Nurburgring: He was way done the pack during the race and then spun after understeering into Montoya (Montoya was ahead at the time and adequate space was left).
Silverstone: Barrichello comprehensively outraced Michael, including qualifying.
Germany: Regardless of his car's performance (which is partially the driver's responsibility (setup)), Michael was too far off the pace, he punctured his tire after going off the track to overtake Trulli. Also Barrichello outqualified Michael again.
Hungary: Outqualified by team mate again. Should have finished higher than 8th in a Ferrari, and perhaps improved his setup so the car was faster. Got overtaken by Ralph Schumacher of all people because he was too stimulated by the action in front of him.
Italy: This race I was really impressed with Michael. He did everything he could and I have a feeling he had a big part to play with the car's improvement in performance. Then I heard after the race that he was running a higher spec engine than Barrichello! Nonetheless, he drove well. His drive of the season, but not in Michael's top 20 drives of all time.
United States: Michael was behind Barrichello when Barrichello was taken out. Anyone in a Ferrari on Bridgestones could have won that race. Nothing special. In the dry he was (far) less than special.
Japan! Need I say more? His team mate won the race while Michael was taking his front wing off with Sato (that move has to be Michael's worst ever - at least I can see reason behind Jerez 97) and breaking the rules (pushing Ralph across the white line). Crazy... maybe even... senile?
Conclusion: Far more poor races than good... His worst season ever? Just makes you think what we can expect next season to be like :)
Australia: Went off the road twice damaging barge boards.
Malaysia: Crashed into Trulli at start (his fault). Really shocking move actually.
Brazil: Spun out completely.
Imola: He went off the road quite badly at high speed, but managed to scoop it up (Traction Control).
Now here were a couple of decent performances. Spain, Austria were great and should be with a car advantage. I don't think he could have done much better at Monaco, but did finish 3rd nonetheless. Now Canada he drove brilliantly! Even with "no brakes", they said, keeping the Williams drivers behind! However, recently it was revealed that both Williams drivers were experiencing more severe brake problems than Michael. Nonetheless I would call the performance decent.
Nurburgring: He was way done the pack during the race and then spun after understeering into Montoya (Montoya was ahead at the time and adequate space was left).
Silverstone: Barrichello comprehensively outraced Michael, including qualifying.
Germany: Regardless of his car's performance (which is partially the driver's responsibility (setup)), Michael was too far off the pace, he punctured his tire after going off the track to overtake Trulli. Also Barrichello outqualified Michael again.
Hungary: Outqualified by team mate again. Should have finished higher than 8th in a Ferrari, and perhaps improved his setup so the car was faster. Got overtaken by Ralph Schumacher of all people because he was too stimulated by the action in front of him.
Italy: This race I was really impressed with Michael. He did everything he could and I have a feeling he had a big part to play with the car's improvement in performance. Then I heard after the race that he was running a higher spec engine than Barrichello! Nonetheless, he drove well. His drive of the season, but not in Michael's top 20 drives of all time.
United States: Michael was behind Barrichello when Barrichello was taken out. Anyone in a Ferrari on Bridgestones could have won that race. Nothing special. In the dry he was (far) less than special.
Japan! Need I say more? His team mate won the race while Michael was taking his front wing off with Sato (that move has to be Michael's worst ever - at least I can see reason behind Jerez 97) and breaking the rules (pushing Ralph across the white line). Crazy... maybe even... senile?
Conclusion: Far more poor races than good... His worst season ever? Just makes you think what we can expect next season to be like :)