Vettel: Fast driver. Poor racer.

[Barrett M95]

Another example today of how difficult Seb finds overtaking other cars. It has been said many times, but probably the clearest example today of how Seb does not have very good wheel-to-wheel race craft. From pole, leading, he is unstoppable with speed and consistency but once again, in the pack, he doesn't have the aggresion of Lewis, the late-braking talent of Jenson or skill of Fernando.

It seems that there was no problem with his car other than a mild brake bias adjustment mid race, but that is nothing unusual and other drivers also have to deal with it. Post race interview revealed no issues.

Brilliant win from Lewis. I've not been a fan of his recently with his antics and comments, but no doubting the talent - that move round the outside of Fernando was one of the best all season.

So - Seb: Fast Driver, poor racer? Discuss...

 

[LE Greys]

Just an off day, I reckon. He's simply used to having the fastest car which uses its tyres more economically. Suddenly, he no longer has those advantages, and starts making mistakes. Not quite a Schumacher after all, perhaps (although Schumacher himself went off at almost the same place).

Of course, Hamilton had all the luck, made a good start, pitted at the right times and was still there at the end. Alonso did his best, but it just didn't quite work. Vettel did have a bit of luck when Massa's stop went wrong at the end.

Still, I expect Vettel to come back strongly in a week's time. Next races after that are at Spa and Monza, so should suit the powerful McLarens. There's a chance that Hamilton (most likely) will reel in Vettel after a while, but we'll have to wait and find out.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Vettel did in fact go down to as low as ninth after pit stops, but there must be something to be said for his driving ability in that he did gradually move up the placements towards the end of the race. That said, the efficiancy of the final pit stop by Red Bull for Vettel gained the extra position. But that is what teamwork is all about.

I must confess that Lewis Hamilton drove a very good race throughout and made an excelllant start in passing Webber as soon as the race had just started.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

He is certainly good at drivng fast round each circuit, in clean air, in a car that has been the class of the field so far this season, but imo he definately still lacks overtaking skills.

 

[Clip]

Its very true - he can only really race (!) if out in front - i cant remember he had a good race like alonso webber and hamilton had last weekend.


Mind you if your in pole you should win.

 

[Lampshade]

He's only really good when he's dominating; we saw he made a mistake in Canada when Button pushed him hard enough.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I think that Vettel has "cottoned on" to the idea that if he goes all out in the qualifying practice sessions, he stands a very good chance to be on the front row of the grid in nearly every race, with all the benefits that can bring.

Just see how many times that this has happened in the current race schedule.

 

[Donny Dave]

For me, Vettel is the best racer out there, as long as he on his own somewhere on the track....

Look at all the mistakes he's made when he's been chasing other drivers (and even under the safety car (I think that was Monaco 2008 where he mullered his team mate going into the tunnel)).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN94lq2sJ8I&feature=related - Spain 2008 - While that was not Vettel's fault, just listen to the stats that James Allen mentions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3-LB85xTbs&feature=related - Australia 2009 - Vettel is being overtaken and is far too aggressive in defending the position.

Also Turkey last year where he took himself out and nearly ended Webber's race as well, plus Spa last year where he did end Button's race (and title hopes).

 

[LE Greys]

For me, Vettel is the best racer out there, as long as he on his own somewhere on the track....

Look at all the mistakes he's made when he's been chasing other drivers (and even under the safety car (I think that was Monaco 2008 where he mullered his team mate going into the tunnel)).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN94lq2sJ8I&feature=related - Spain 2008 - While that was not Vettel's fault, just listen to the stats that James Allen mentions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3-LB85xTbs&feature=related - Australia 2009 - Vettel is being overtaken and is far too aggressive in defending the position.

Also Turkey last year where he took himself out and nearly ended Webber's race as well, plus Spa last year where he did end Button's race (and title hopes).

Quite a few drivers have done this, the "Let me through or I'll run you off the road" manoeuvre. Senna did it a few times too many, but he had the racing skills to make it stick and to defend a position very well (Monaco 1992 springs to mind). Vettel is no Senna, or not yet anyway. But then he still has a few years to hone his talents and learn how. He's still young enough to learn.

The second one's a bit strange, where they both recover, then forget to allow for damage and promptly run wide at the next corner. Kubica ended up in the wall, while Vettel could only get it back to the pits to retire.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

....The second one's a bit strange, where they both recover, then forget to allow for damage and promptly run wide at the next corner. Kubica ended up in the wall, while Vettel could only get it back to the pits to retire.

Remember that the drivers can't see their front wings at all. It is quite possible Kubica saw lots of bits of wing and that Vettel had lost his and made the assumption it was Vettels wing (which most of it was) and not his.

It is very easy to say "oh, they should have...." but then we have a life time to decide what they should have done, they had seconds!

 

[newbie babs]

I don`t think Vettel is a poor racer, far from it.

I think if he gets pole then he if he is that much faster he does not have to show his racing skill. If on the few occasions he gets overtaken then he shows skill in normally finishing on the podium.

There are many drivers that a poor drivers when overtaking or making stupid dangerous moves more than Vettel

 

[EM2]

The important thing to remember is that Vettel didn't HAVE to win today. A few more decent points finishes (his lead is more now than at any point during the season), and he'll be champion.