Stoking The Alonso and Hamilton Rivalry
There are many lessons to be learned from this season in Formula One. The first is that Fernando Alonso is still a master. The second is Ferrari needs a dominant driver given the fall of Kimi.
There are many strong points to F1 racing, but there are also many shortcomings. Critics are correct in asserting drivers are to passive and races can be boring with only a few passes even attempted much less made.
What would spice up Formula One? A good rivalry. One already exists between Ferrari and McLaren. The dust up over the spying last year only caused the animosity to fester even more. Still, angry manufacturers do not make for an emotional rivalry.
How great would a driver rivalry be? Look at last year. Alonso and Hamilton went at it so hard on the same team that they forgot about Kimi and let him win the title. It made for great entertainment and racing.
For much of this season, the rivalry has short circuited do to the poor performance of the Renault. That has changed recently and what has happened? Alonso and Hamilton have fired up the rivalry. Hopefully, they will meet on the track in the last few races as well.
This season has seen a switch for the manufacturers. The Ferrari is the superior car, but driver and team errors have been common. McLaren is a bit slower, but Hamilton has been a superior driver, particularly in the rain.
Take the current Ferrari team and add Alonso to it for 2009. He is a dominant personality, much like Shumi was before. It is hard to imagine the team having the same gaffs as this year. Alonso is also a superior wet driver, which makes up a shortfall.
Who would Alonso replace? The obvious answer is Raikkonen. I love Kimi, but he is done. He may have a contract for next year, but Ferrari would be crazy not to let him go. Do not be surprised if something does not come together in the offseason.
When it comes to Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, you simply cannot sit on the fence. You love one of them and think the other is a no good punk. Whatever your choice, a rivalry built around these two drivers would be epic.
The first race of the season comes up. On the front row we find our two combatants. Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren. Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari. Tell me you would not pay a pretty penny to see turn one of that race!
In the big picture, it is hard to imagine why Alonso would not end up at Ferrari. He clearly desires it and Ferrari must realize it has a driver problem. Let us hope the move happens so 2009 can be a season for the ages.
Filed under: Cars