- 19 Apr 08, 13:03#40632
I'm no apologist for Michael Schumacher, but his work ethic was simply brilliant, and if Montoya put in even half of that effort he would still be in Formula One.
I can't agree with you about Senna. He was supremely fit, in fact, his resting heart rate was in the low forties, and he in fact started the whole culture of drivers having to physically and mental fit and putting in hours on the test track (as well as, it has to be said, the culture of aggressive driving that Schumacher, for instance, did). From my reading, Senna sometimes barely being able to stand was down to a medical condition rather than any lack of effort on his part.
Ayrton Senna: WDC 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
McLaren: WCC 1974, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2007
McLaren: WDC 1974, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2008
So you could argue Schumacher had the better qualities to become a champion. Yes. If thats what you want above all else.Juan didnt, he wanted to win races by being the fastest driver and he wouldnt cheat.
So it comes down to personal preference and i prefer the guy with the natuaral talent and a racing instinct who may forget a championship is at stake but puts the move on his competitor anyway.
I'm no apologist for Michael Schumacher, but his work ethic was simply brilliant, and if Montoya put in even half of that effort he would still be in Formula One.
Yes ayrton had the talent, not fit though and I dont know about his work ethic. He was more a Juan than a Schumacher though there were times when he treated his competitors a little contemptuously. Perhaps he was just the right mix of both.
Juan would have fared much better in a previous era when cars had to be controlled by the driver, F1 was less political and drivers werent nurse maided.
I can't agree with you about Senna. He was supremely fit, in fact, his resting heart rate was in the low forties, and he in fact started the whole culture of drivers having to physically and mental fit and putting in hours on the test track (as well as, it has to be said, the culture of aggressive driving that Schumacher, for instance, did). From my reading, Senna sometimes barely being able to stand was down to a medical condition rather than any lack of effort on his part.

Ayrton Senna: WDC 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
McLaren: WCC 1974, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2007
McLaren: WDC 1974, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2008