Have F1 drivers ever been completely ostracised by their contemporaries for something they have done on or off the track? I seem to recall Teo Fabi not being the most popular chap after the drivers strike in 1982. And then there are the better-known incidents such as Patrese at Monza in 1978.
Am I right in suggesting that this was a particularly disgraceful way to treat a driver, and a young one at that, in this manner?
Sam Smith
Nigel Roebuck
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When F1 drivers are ostracised…
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Mario Andretti vs Juan Pablo Montoya
How do you feel Juan Pablo Montoya’s modern achievement of having won races in F1, Indy/Champ Cars, NASCAR and at the Daytona 24 Hrs compares with those of other all-rounders such as Mario Andretti and Dan Gurney?
Jon Curry, UK. -
Button at Williams, Button at Honda
I’ve been a Williams fan since the demise of Team Lotus and wonder if Jenson Button had returned to the team, when Williams wanted him to, it would have been for the benefit of both parties?
I’ve just watched the Silverstone qualifying and, sad to say, remain unconvinced about Nico Rosberg although he clearly had car problems. Honda seem to be treading water despite promises about a bright future. What is your opinion?
David Stevenson -
More racing means more money
Although, 10 or so years ago, Bernie Ecclestone said he would, “Never, ever, ever, put on more than 16 World Championship Grands Prix in a season”, that has been ignored for a long time now, and in 2009 there will be 19 races on the Formula 1 schedule, followed by… Read more
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Kimi Räikkönen the new James Hunt?
My favourite driver is Kimi Räikkönen, and I often hear him compared to James Hunt in attitude. I know nothing of James Hunt as I was too young when he raced. Can you tell me a little about him and how/if he is similar to Kimi?
Michael Spitale, USA -
Modest ‘Captain Nice’
I just read Mark Donohue’s wonderful autobiography and was wondering if you had any memories or thoughts about him. His modesty seems overwhelming in his book, and some perspective on his career accomplishments and legacy would be appreciated.
Ben Berentson, USA -
Sorting the men from the boys
When the teams began testing without traction control, at the end of last year, most drivers were enthusiastic about the change, Lewis Hamilton and others commenting that being in sole control of the throttle, without the help of software, was extremely satisfying. Another who raved about the change was Rubens… Read more
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German Grand Prix, by Nigel Roebuck
July 21st, 2008 | Nigel Roebuck | 2 Comments
To some degree, it was a risky strategy, but in the end it worked out to perfection, and Lewis Hamilton won the German Grand Prix, thus becoming the first driver to win two on the trot in 2008.
“I’d have preferred it to be straightforward,” Hamilton smiled afterwards, “but it… Read more
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Grand Prix Special – Britain, by Nigel Roebuck
July 7th, 2008 | Nigel Roebuck | 3 Comments
As Lewis Hamilton went out for his final qualifying run at Silverstone, the message over the radio was firm: ‘Don’t over-drive!’
On his previous run he had done just that, and had run off the road, and into a spin. The lurid tail-out style was wonderful to watch, but Lewis… Read more -
Grand Prix Special - France, by Nigel Roebuck
June 23rd, 2008 | Nigel Roebuck | 14 Comments
The French Grand Prix produced a Ferrari 1-2, but not in the order we expected. Until a broken exhaust slowed him, Kimi Raikkonen was comfortably in command, but just after half-distance he found himself down on power, and was obliged to let Felipe Massa through.
“Disappointing, of course,” said Raikkonen.… Read more
It’s been Formula 1 all the way for Nigel – he started covering the sport in 1971. In the mid-1970s he worked for Graham Hill’s Embassy F1 team, before joining Autosport for whom he has written over 400 Grand Prix reports. Nigel joined Motor Sport full-time on Januray 1 2008. As well as reporting on F1 for national newspapers, he has written 19 books on motor racing. His insightful writing and candid interviews with the great names in racing have made him one of the recognised authorities on F1.
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