I haven't had much to say about Sebastian Vettel in my occasional ramblings on the 2011 F1 season. I guess it's because I've not found much to add to a success story so cut, dry, and free of scandal that thinking about it induces sleep. Just about the only really intriguing question arising from Vettel's 2011 walk took the form of fantastic manufacture by bored pundits promoting nonsensical doubt over the über-quick German's ability to fight, defend, overtake.
This is not to say that I've already forgotten 2010's intra-team squabbles at Red Bull, Istanbul, the fate later callously dealt to Mark Webber by the Austrian hierarchy, nor the sensational manner in which Vettel dominated the season's final two GP's to steal the 2010 title from Fernando Alonso's and Ferrari's late season charge. Nor have I forgotten Vettel's almost ridiculous shrill "thank you boys" over the radio as he took the chequered flag and became the youngest World Driving Champion in history.
2011 has been very different, and for those hoping to experience a repeat of 2010's down to the wire title contest, it has served as a reminder of the days when Schumacher redefined perfection with 5 titles in a row at Ferrari. It's been a great year nonetheless, but I for one hope that someone at Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, etc. can come up with a car as easy on tires and easy to pivot around a corner as Adrian Newey has at Red Bull. Otherwise Seb's record setting pace might continue at all of our expense.
2011 has also drawn strict contrast between Vettel and another driver who essentially entered the sport at the same time: Lewis Hamilton.
I've been fairly outspoken in my criticism of Hamilton, but I want to express understanding for the predicament in which he now resides. Given the manner in which the British media went completely overboard on his arrival into F1, it was impossible that his career would proceed with any degree of simplicity . . . simplicity that might manifest in and allow for the pure, cut, dry, and boring ascent realized by Vettel.
Both drivers in four years time have become World Champion. However as I sit typing the contrast between their immediate futures appears sharp. Vettel appears to have only begun, whereas Hamilton has become unraveled. Hamilton now languishes in virtual chaos . . . his aura penetrated by constant altercations with Felipe Massa and by being dominated by his soft spoken teammate Jenson Button.
I imagine Lewis is a good guy . . . I value his contribution to F1 and hope that the events of the past year make him stronger as opposed to taming his dynamic will to compete. I'm brave enough a critic to acknowledge that he is an exciting driver, and that F1 is better with him on his game than off.
Unfortunately, I suspect Lewis has suffered from sensationalism and poor management. It would be foolish to dismiss the youth factor here. Although I will freely admit that both of these men are far more mature than I was at their age, I can't ignore the differences in how their careers have unfolded. My guess is that Hamilton can not escape the distraction of ridiculous media hysterics on both sides of the pendulum. I think it is fair to admit that some . . . not all . . . but some motor sport media personalities still froth just a bit too much at the mouth when it comes to assessing the 2008 World Champion.
Consequently I've noticed more than one online reference this week that the Suzuka podium was populated by the moment's three best drivers in F1. I agree with that assertion. Who would've guessed some 18 months ago that Lewis Hamilton would not be one of those men?
Who also could have foreseen the depth and width of the chasm between the fates of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton scantly four years on from 2007?
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