Originally Posted by
F-e-r-r-nando
For 4 years the most significant thing he's done (results wise) is revive Kimi's career, after Alonso all but ended it. Check Alonso's Q & race & points results vs Kimi at Ferrari, then compare them to Seb vs Kimi at Ferrari. After doing that you should realize that Seb is not as special as his 4 gifted WDC's (ala Ham's current reign) would have you beleive.
Honest question, and you'd likely know the answer: does Seb work out? Looking at his upper body, I have my doubts.
Should Seb retire early, I guess Max would be the best choice for Ferrari's long term future. He's already better than Seb and will only get better. If you watch his last race closely you'll see how "crafty" he already is - i.e. the lap prior to his pass for the lead, he took the same corner on the inside but braking a bit earlier than he needed to, making CL think that he couldn't get the pass done on the inside. Hence, CL takes the same line on the next lap expecting the same result, while Max already knew he could go deeper before braking and push CL wide. Don't get me wrong, I love CL and it would not surprise me at all if one day I rate him higher than Max (I already rate him higher than Seb).
Other options? I'd love to see a Seb for DR swap between Ferrari and Renault. Dan would bring good energy to the team and help Ferrari media wise... and steward/FIA wise. It'd also be fun to see Seb vs the Hulk, but of course this isn't likely to happen.
Hamilton? Although I admit he's finally matured a bit over the past 2 or 3 years. He's making fewer stupid mistakes and seems to have found a nicer (more honest) personality. But NO WAY. IMO, Hamilton shouldn't even be allowed to own a Ferrari road car! Thing is, Hamilton was a McLaren project from 11 yrs old. Top shelf support to the point that, despite having great talent, he still knows less than most of us on this forum about how an F1 car actually functions. I couldn't handle hearing him continue to make so many stupid radio calls to the team, like: "I don't think my DRS is working" - "my tires seem shot and I think I have to pit", etc. etc... only to be told: "No Lewis, you actually set the fastest MPH through the speed trap last lap" - "No Lewis, we think these tyres should be good for another 32 laps". PLEASE, no ham in a Ferrari, ever.
So if Vet decides to go early, or even after the 2020 season, I'd say Max is who Ferrari should try to get. If they can't get him, a rested Alonso chomping at the bit for one more WDC would be my second choice. Regardless though, I feel great about CL and his ability to become Ferrari's #1 driver, in fact I kind of see him as that right now.
I actually like Seb's personality, but sadly when history is written I doubt he'll even be ranked above Nelson Piquet.
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