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[scotty]

Lewis Hamilton burst on the scene this season in a similar way to Jacques Villeneuve in 1996... but despite winning the title in his second season, Jacques did more or less nothing of note in F1 after that.

Do people think that might happen to Hamilton, given that he's most likely going to be at McLaren for the foreseeable future, and that they seem to be quite inconsistent when producing cars capable of challenging for the title? It's entirely possible that this season could be his best chance at the title for a fair few seasons....

[texasmr2]

I dont see that happening with Lewis pertaining to the JV comparison. JV had one last goal to achieve in his career and it was the WDC which he achieved and I saw his personal motivation decline after he won.

Lewis is also in the middle of negotiating a 5yr $120 million dollar contract with McLaren so RD's and McLaren's forseeable future is based on LH. Lewis is the 'real deal behind the wheel' and his future is just getting started and I hope he achieve's the goal's he has and what I think he is capable of.

[Ron Dennis]

Lewis has a great driver as a team mate and other cars (Ferrari's) that were beter than the one he is driving.

Jackie had Damon Hill as his team mate and NOTHING could touch the Williams/Renault at that time.

[raithrover]

Lewis is hungry, not only for a title but then to continue such form to be considered one of the best.

[cap-dude]

I personally don't know what happened Villeneuve.
But i do know Lewis won't settle for just one WDC.

[scotty]

But Williams came unstuck in 1998 and haven't made an excellent car since - you have to think that had an influence somewhere. What if that happens to McLaren? Hell, what if it happens to Ferrari? I'm just wildly speculating for dicussion's sake i guess.

There are quite a few interesting dynamics going into the next few seasons (going off topic but who cares) - Hamilton is still unproven with regard to his car development ability, i guess the acid test will be next season for him, when he's number one driver at McLaren.
I'm also not convinced that anyone at Ferrari can carry on from Schumacher (in the long term) as someone who can provide the input to make a brilliant car year in year out.
And then there is Alonso, who is probably the most complete driver in F1 at the moment (like him or not!) and will most likely be able to mount a challenge sooner or later, regardless of the team he's in (of course, i am posting here on the assumption that he is off to Renault or whoever).

[Charlie F1]

JV made a big mistake opting to race with BAR, I can't see LH doing that.

[Ron Dennis]

JV made a big mistake opting to race with BAR, I can't see LH doing that.

I agree, they dont exist anymore!

[Charlie F1]

I agree, they dont exist anymore!

I meant making that mistake, but I guess you knew that. I reackon JV was in the right place at the right time with williams, end of.

[texasmr2]

JV made a big mistake opting to race with BAR.

True he let the $$$ sign's cloud his judgement.

[deMuRe]

I'm sure the British camp in F1 isn't happy about a German being the most successful driver in F1 history. Lewis will have every bit of help and protection he needs to go on and become the greatest point scorer in F1 history.

His future is set and all he needs to do is remain quick, the press and fans will love him and get even more spurred on by Lewis Mania...

[Ron Dennis]

No one will overtake Schumacher in the record books and I for one dont want to see it happen - never again do i want to watch such one sided garbage as what we had when Schu was in the Ferrari. I dont care if the guy (Hamilton) was my brother - that kind of domination coupled with team orders was and is bad for the sport.

So long may his records stand - the bent chin german git!

[texasmr2]

I'm american and have no issue's with a german being the most successful driver in F1 history. Credit should be given were it's due regardless of one's nationality.

Lewis IS the driver, in the forseeable future, to atleast have the best chance to take away a few of MS's record's but thing's change very quickly in F1 so who's to say? JMF's record of 5 WDC's stood for 46yr's before MS broke it. Lewis's best opportunity will come when and if his deal with McLaren is 'signed, sealed and delivered' giving him stability to perfect himself as a team leader.

[deMuRe]

No one will overtake Schumacher in the record books and I for one dont want to see it happen - never again do i want to watch such one sided garbage as what we had when Schu was in the Ferrari. I dont care if the guy (Hamilton) was my brother - that kind of domination coupled with team orders was and is bad for the sport.

So long may his records stand - the bent chin german git!

I never had an issue with Team orders. It's just a different way of working.

It did get a little boring in 2002 and 2004 when he was lapping the entire field on cruise control, but you had to take your hat off to both Schumacher and Ferrari as they got the formula just right...

[Ron Dennis]

I'm american and have no issue's with a german being the most successful driver in F1 history. Credit should be given were it's due regardless of one's nationality.

Lewis IS the driver, in the forseeable future, to atleast have the best chance to take away a few of MS's record's but thing's change very quickly in F1 so who's to say? JMF's record of 5 WDC's stood for 46yr's before MS broke it. Lewis's best opportunity will come when and if his deal with McLaren is 'signed, sealed and delivered' giving him stability to perfect himself as a team leader.

the bent chin german git was a joke...

my point was that I do not want ANYONE to dominate the way the Schu did - it was boring TV