For many people, Formula 1 's summer break is an opportunity to take stock. So it is for Damon Hill, who in the F1 Nation-podcast which drivers have impressed him the most in the first thirteen races of 2022.
Firstly, Hill acknowledges that he cannot ignore the current state of affairs. "I have to start by highlighting the two drivers who have provided themselves with the best title chances, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc," begins the 1996 world champion.
Hill on best F1 drivers in 2022
The front-runners' team-mates, Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz, drive 'less excellently, but not far from the leaders', according to Hill. Hill is particularly impressed with the Mercedes drivers, however. "George Russell's driving is extraordinarily consistent and fabulous, even though - and he would be the first to admit it himself - he still has a lot to learn," the former F1 driver continued.
The 61-year-old Briton also has nothing but praise for Lewis Hamilton. "The races at Silverstone, Le Castellet and the Hungaroring have shown the consistently high level at which Lewis Hamilton drives. With him I always have the impression he can go the extra mile when he sees an opportunity," Hill said.
So, he is impressed with the top six drivers. So are we.
"I have to grudgingly acknowledge Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. But Lewis.... holy moley! What a man. Sure, he started slowly, and initially acted like he'd rather be anywhere other than in an F1 cockpit, but over the last two races, he really showed his form, and legitimately drove to two second place finishes. Isn't that what everyone's idea of a real champion is?"
Absolutely and had Max suffered a DNF, reliability or team strategy mistakes like the 4 other drivers did, Lewis would have won on both occasions and the Brit media along with a segment of Hamilton fans would have hailed them as up there with his best victories in his career as miraculous.
Apparently this is not allowed, unless you're actually British, if that's the case the Home Office would like to speak to you
Wank wank, of course his going to say the British , this one key fault with F1 and needs to be addressed , remove the British media from it they always have to talk about there wank wank drivers , except lando his special
Lewis' performance so far this season is not noteworthy at all. At best it is mediocre. We know Lewis is a very good driver Damon, but his season has been lackluster and not worthy of praise. Lewis has been outdone by George Russell so far this year. Why does Damon Hill feel obligated to have to mention Lewis, especially with compliments he does not deserve? We know the answer. No need to worry. Max and Goerge are making sure the Lewis narrative is being marginalized quickly.
"he can go the extra mile when he sees an opportunity," What you mean Hill? He's not consistently taking points away from anyone. That little "sir" is only picking up scraps this season I think it's time for you to shut up and expire. I mean retire....
Hi LunarTic. I hope you're well. Thank you for your comments, we really enjoy reading your thoughts and opinions. However, this is a warning against naming calling towards Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff. If we see it again from your account, a ban will be applied. As stated in our message for everyone at GPblog, abusive, insulting and unreasonable language towards drivers/team members is not allowed. Including name calling. The same warning will be applied for users who name-call Max Verstappen and any other driver/team member on the grid.
Hi Matt, Noted. I respect your comment. Changes will be made on my side. The "sir" thing actually came in retaliation to a certain individual who likes to add a * whenever referring to Max as champion in 2021. I think I speak for everybody else that Max is the deserving champ and no need to calling it a "given title", "human error title" or noting his success with a bloody * when mentioning his 1st career win. Adding her little * is the same as name calling and provocation on it's own level. I won't name any users, but they know who they are
Yes he doesn't deserve this as he is the rightful champion for last year. He did great and deserved it. Still name calling is the worst kind. And you did it as well so stop searching for excuses. It's good that the moderators finally take some action. This forum without all the users spreading constant hate (you included, Vegan, Ice etc.) would actually be a great place to talk about F1 topics.
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