FIA President Jean Todt reckons the dominance of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton is greater than that of Ferrari and Michael Schumacher in F1.
Statistically, Todt is correct to state that the dominance of Mercedes and Hamilton is at a greater level as the duo have won seven and six titles, respectively, on the bounce since the 2014 F1 season, as opposed to six and five, respectively, for Ferrari and Schumacher.
But even if one looks away from the absolute title differences, the race results too shows dominance from Mercedes and Hamilton as they lead the wins, podiums and poles from their rivals, in the current era. Todt didn’t wish to put them down for it, though.
He was for their praise as speaking about Hamilton and Schumacher in general, Todt added about the two F1 outfit’s behind the scenes efforts too. “We are talking about different people, different ingredients,” he said. “The only thing we can really compare is seven [championships] against seven [championships]. On one side you have a very structured, organised German team, with very talented – and one extra talented – drivers.
“On the other side, you have an Italian team with a different mentality, and approach, which became well structured, well organised, and also [acquired] a great driver in Michael Schumacher. I feel, and I will be quoted with this I’m sure, that the dominance of Mercedes and Lewis is [greater] than that of Ferrari and Michael.
“And credit to [Mercedes], they are very reliable. Over the years, only in Sakhir – due to COVID-19 – that Lewis failed to score points in a race. It’s outstanding. [That is down to] reliability, and the driver not making a mistake. I’m very impressed by him, but I did not wait until 2020 to be impressed. He’s celebrating becoming a seven-time champion, so I’ve been impressed by him at least six times before.
“As I said, I’m also impressed by the continuity [of performance] that his team [Mercedes] have been able to secure in a sport where not only is it a sportsperson, it’s man and machine. It’s the best example of outstanding team spirit and teamwork. I must give credit to Lewis [as well]; every time he speaks about his success, he speaks about the team behind him. I think that explains why, [regarding] the records, some have been beaten, and some have been equaled,” summed up Todt.
The current dominance has been compared with that of Ferrari and Red Bull on multiple occasions but both met its end considering that engine did not play a major role then. With the current era, the hybrid power unit is the biggest difference, where Mercedes has just pulled away handsomely for its other rivals.
Meanwhile, adding on the second generation Schumacher, with Mick gearing up for his F1 debut with Haas, after winning the F2 title, Todt relayed the coming of the German youngster through the ranks. “I cannot really speak about the emotion,” he said. “I was prepared for that, in a way there may have been more emotion in seeing him win the F2 title.
“It was the last race, had been a big competition with a lot of young talents, so it’s a big achievement for Mick. But I knew that if he was doing well in Formula 2, he’d have the opportunity to drive in F1 – the only thing I’d really hoped for him. He’s shown [he is] stunning under pressure, as a very modest young boy. The only thing I hope is that Haas and Ferrari give him a good car with a good engine,” summed up Todt.
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