Perhaps the only thing more irritating than teams squabbling over the rules is appending the word "gate" to any word whenever a supposed "scandal" comes about. It is truly dreadful! Although it's recognised to be a valid use of the English language by most, so it comes down to interpretation of the rules of grammar! F1 is no different to anything else!

Is this a new rule? Or were Ferrari allowed to supply both FI and STR last year because they were manufacturing for one team and supplying two, whereas Merc would be supplying three because McLaren-Mercedes aren't a manufacterer as such?

Shows how much work Brawn GP need to do to accomodate that new Mercedes engine...

Haha, at least there's one positive to the ban on testing, frees up time for Nick to tie the knot!

Wahey!!!

They're probably hiding a really innovative wing design. Much as I'd like to see other teams consistently fighting for wins (BMW mainly), McLaren are just too good a team to drop the ball that badly. They've been listening to Sam Michaels about hiding parts from the rest of the teams.

Solution? Regular outings in exactly the same spec car as the one the main drivers will be in. No variables changed, no data collected.

Or maybe, just maybe, Bernie's investment won't lead to any favours? Seriously, can't anyone take good news for exactly what it is - good news? Maybe words are wasted arguing the point that Bernie actually did something good for the sport by bailing the team out.

So, provided Bruno signs up and he's any good, does that mean he's got a chance to move on to McLaren or is it only Force India who have that arrangement? I'm not too keen on the whole "B-Team" thing but it'll definitely help Honda and FI find new drivers. Join a backmarker team and if you impress enough people you just might end up in a McLaren...

So it's pretty much a Mercedes B-team now, great. I only hope the current drivers are given a fair chance and not just booted out when the next Mercedes driver fancies an F1 drive.

"The logical thing then from a marketing perspective" - oh dear. F1 cars really are becoming no more than mobile billboards. (you could argue they have been for ages)

Great, yet another way to somehow allege Ferrari are cheating. Some people really, really need to get a grip. Is it not blindingly obvious to anyone how juvenile the whole "they beat us therefore they cheated" argument is? You can twist and turn last year's events any way you want to justify your point, but in the end of the day it's your point itself that's lacking.

THussey - you're forgetting the appaling visibility, in those conditions such incidents are bound to happen. Heck, Vettel did pretty well to even be third in the first place. And I'm ready for the fallout - the whole incident was arguably Hamilton's fault anyway, the current "prince of the track", with his erratic driving under the safety car.

Heh, probably. Although their mechanical (as opposed to electrical) KERS is reasonably interesting...

I agree with Jameshunt1, part of the fun of it all was staying up throughout the night in anticipation. Last year I watched the previous season's review just before the Saturday session, it was great!

Go Seb!

Yeah I know, I'm stuck with terrestrial too. And a quick correction, there's only 1 arab a1 team - team lebanon. When i was growing up in lebanon (i'm a british/lebanese mutt) there was huge interest in f1 and to have an arab driver up there and more track in the arab world is excellent for the fans. Surely the more global the sport the better?

There are a few Arab A1 GP teams, and Basil Chaaban is currently in th Euro F3 series and gunning for a GP2 then F1 drive. Whether it'll happen though...

Again, that's a bit misleading as a headline. Anyway Hamilton's fans would hate the idea of him driving for Ferrari, who could they blame if things go wrong? It's much easier this way, "Hamilton is God, and if he doesn't win, it's because Ferrari cheated." Also Ferrari just aren't british enough, the union-jack waving dimwits would just turn the other way and start moaning about football and cricket or whatever they did before Hamilton arrived.

Yeah stormcat, because ALL "deep rooted" F1 fans are from Europe. It seems F1 is all about innovation, but not the tracks, those have to be left alone. Face it, F1 is a global sport with fans the world over. It's incredible how racist people still are these days. Well done Lewis on becoming the first black driver & champ, but an arab driver? not in my lifetime.

If this is true, despite what Merc says, then maybe Max's idea for the Cosworth engine was a pretty good one. There must be a rule against supplying a direct competitor...

I think his judgement is impaired by wearing that big old helmet during races. Armchair pundits: share your wisdom!

yeah, you guys know sooo much more about f1 than DC, he should just give up.

I wonder if any of the Force India drivers are earning that much money. Credit crunch? What credit crunch?

Yeah, everyone should just quit complaining. If something looks legally questionable and it may give an opposing team an advantage over you, you should just take it and shrug your shoulders saying "oh well".

I agree with F1_FREAK_666, Monaco is hugely over-rated. All it is is a bunch of rich folk closing off the city so they can show their yachts off. It's an annual reminder that some people just don't want F1 to be a sport "for the people".

Umm Bazrat, the reason the rules changed to begin with was because MS and Ferrari were beating the pulp out of the competition. Get it right. And will people please read the article? Bernie said "forget about medals", he wants to see a system where winning is rewarded more than it currently is. Which alot of people do agree with.

yeah, there isn't much point as alot of the cars' spec isn't final yet.

Now that would be worth watching. I think Hamilton would still win though, in their first year as team mates at least. Give Vettel more time to settle in and then we're talking...

Decent rant, but shock horror he actually has a point. And yes, we will forget medals, they're just a lousy implementation of a good idea.

Are go-faster stripes permitted? :P

But no KERS, good move GP2.

It's a matter of interpretation. "First we have to look at areas where we can cut the money" doesn't mean that that's the only thing they should do, otherwise it wouldn't have started with "first". What I got from his comments is that there's alot of money spent in F1 on all sorts of things, and when it comes to personnell there are other areas where costs can be cut - not just the driver. Makes sense to me. The issue is that drivers are the most high-profile member of any team, and alot of us seem to think it's "immoral" to earn huge amounts of money. Maybe the drivers are overpaid, but that doesn't mean that they're the only ones who are. We just seem to think so because they earn so much more than we do, and we simply don't know how much an engineer earns compares with the average salary for engineers in any other industry.

That's hardly a fair comparison with Massa. Massa was asked if salary cuts were a good idea, he didn't think they were. Heidfeld said that if necessary, then he'd drive for less. That's not the same thing. If someone asked Massa that if it were necessary for him to race for less, would he? And he said no, then you'd have a comparison. And let's not forget their respective positions within their teams. Massa finished the season as Ferrari's best driver, not the case with Heidfeld. What better way to secure a job than saying you'd do it for less?

but surely the team didn't favour one driver over another? that never happens!

Whatever anyone says about Massa v Hamilton, all I'll remember is the incredible spanking Hamilton got after saying "he wouldn't have got past" when he overtook Massa, then Massa's move on the starting grid of the next race. Classic. But then again in terms of championships it's 1-0 to Hamilton. For the time being.

Well if they can win a title in 2009, maybe even come second things should get easier.

The exhaust will probably fall off anyway.

and for post 3: sorry junior107 - Now I read that Toyota think the F60 has illegal features on it. I just thought you were a fanboy carrying on the FIArrari thing. I underestimated you sir!

And yet the timesheet says that it's a few seconds slower than a 2008 STR. Maybe he means that eventually they'll end up as fast as the 08 cars once they're more confident in pushing the cars to their limits. Either way, it certainly isn't the same as being "as quick as last year's"

Also, Junior107, have you any proof that Ferrari's exhaust system is illegal? Actually asking for proof is a bit much, how about a reason other than it looking a bit different from everyone else's?

It certainly is a leap of faith to suggest that Ferrari being Bernie's favourite team means they receive preferential treatment on the track. Saying that he'll "miss" Ferrari is not the same as saying that he'll do anything within his power to ensure they always win.

It's probably more about giving Buemi more mileage in an F1 car, any F1 car.

Oh Bernie...

I agree with spitfire21, really the teams should be teaming up with each other and arrange for one car to follow the other and determine how different it is. Hang on, did I actually suggest teams work together? How could I be so naiive? Maybe when the Red Bull and STR cars are ready for testing they'll partner up.

Although it hasn't been mentioned that Williams are in fact using a flywheel KERS system, which unless I'm wrong doesn't generate electricity. Maybe that's the way forward.

spacedmansplif - no real offense meant but you are the perfect anti-robson!

Just goes to show, love him or hate him Big Ron has had a huge impact on F1. I was never a fan of his, but that's mostly because he was incredibly bullish in getting his way, which is what you need to be successful anyway so he wins.

Or it could mean that they've just settled their differences. Could have even been general courtesy seeing as they were in the same place at the same time. But what fun is that? It's much easier to say that the team you love to hate is receiving FIA help.

sydjed - I thought the same, still nowhere near as ugly as the 2004 Williams BMW. The walrus nose on that thing was hideous!

And another, I wonder how many teams actually will run KERS at the beginning of the season...

I actually quite like the look of this one, then again the TF108 was my favorite looking car of '08 as well. Other than the disproportionate wings which everyone's going to be lumbered with, they've done a good job.

Haha, what a picture!

Actually Elvis I'm quite sure you're wrong there. I've commented on what, three articles or so? That's compared to near enough every single article on this site which has descended into Ferrari and McLaren fans going at it. It's getting old, if anyone needs to put a sock in it, I'm quite sure it isn't me.

Such wonderful people, "for the sake of Formula One", brings a tear to my eye.

I'm sure loads of bitter McLaren fans are quite happy to hear that. Although the new style F1 cars probably look better crashed...

over - The comparisons you made were on outright speed, but what Kubica has over and above speed is impeccable consistency and that might be enough to see him to his first title. But I may just be biased...

Speaking of investment, yes he's seen it at Honda, but that was with the manufacturer's massive backing. If they get bought by a private outfit and the 2009 car still isn't good enough, the amount available to invest in the 2010 car is going to be much, much less.

It's funny how McLaren fans are constantly going on about Massa spinning, and how it makes him a crap driver. Well if he is a terrible driver, and Lewis Almighty only managed to beat him by a point, doesn't that make Lewis a merely average driver? Oh wait I know why, FIARRARI!!!!!!1

Cebwll, "Typical ferrari the are afraid that they may beat them ", sorry, remind me who won the constructors' title last year? What reason have they to be afraid of a team whose ability is unknown when they're already at the top of the pack? Don't bother replying, I'll do it for you. "IF IT WEREN'T FOR FIARRARI THEY WOULDN'T HAVE WON!!!"

Yeah alfie, STR finished 6th, another 134 points and they would have beat Ferrari. They can't afford that close a finish again. Winning one race doesn't make a team contenders for the title.

kwhyte - They stopped with the F50, what was supposed to be the F60 ended up as the Enzo.

wow, that was unexpected.

spacedmansplif - Villeneuve did a much worse job. Finishing third isn't actually that bad.

10 points to the first McLaren fan to mention his spinning at silverstone...

seriously alfie, you can say "if" as many times as you like, it doesn't change the facts. Get over it.

It sure is fugly, but not as bad as the BMW. Actually if it weren't for the front and rear wings it'd look pretty good.

lexicon5 - Flava Flav? Funniest thing I've read in ages, well done to you! About the story though, saying your driver was mentally destroyed is grossly unfair. He's just trying to take even more credit for what Heikki achieved, which isn't much to be honest. It's just another contribution to the whole anti-Alonso/Renault bandwagon. Let's hope that next year 'Nando will have the car to show McLaren up.

I for one hope he's right. Great though Murray is, alot of the time ex-f1 drivers say all sorts of stuff to stay in the press...

summerss - the Cosworth engine isn't an option for next year, I think it's 2010 that they'll start building them.

F1_FREAK_666 - they were magic, red bin bags provided by the FIA!

That Spa overtake was legendary, don't think we'll see anything like it for years.

daveyboy33i - you said that we know for a fact Alonso has a weak personality. Although according to your logic, how can you comment on FA state of mind? do you live with him? train with him? see him on a personal level? i think the answer to all of the above is no! so therefore you are GUESSING what FA is like.

"When will the FIA stop meddling with our sport" - That has to be the funniest thing I've read in ages! F1 is by definition the FIA's sport, not "ours". And well done to Mika, finally someone who actually speaks his mind, and not recycled hash from the media.

I think what GavH said was more to the point. They aren't going to allow any other teams to see their race spec aerodynamics before they absolutely have to. Kind of like how car makers cover their test vehicles up with bin bags and gaffer tape. At least they aren't doint that!

I'd love to see the day that JS makes a comment that doesn't mirror public opinion. He obviously has a massive grudge against Moseley, and it's convenient to be able to slate both of the people running F1 in one fell swoop.

I didn't want to post any (marginally) negative comments on this article because well, Lewis had a very good year and deserves the recognition he's getting. But you must admit that oottoo has a point, it is disappointing that he moved to a tax haven. I know that pretty much everyone does it, doesn't make it ok.

Yeah, they also have a special deal with Bernie to supply the strippers at corporate functions. Just let it go, it's getting old.

Ah yes, advice from the king of "stepping up" himself...

I think there's a more pressing concern than KERS, or indeed the financial crisis at the moment. And that is the use of the term "FIArrari". We need to club together and stamp out this sort of behaviour. We get what you mean, you probably think it's quite clever. But it's really, really irritating. For the love of God (Lewis), stop it! Seriously it's unbelievable, even after Hamilton wins the championship, some people still insist on twisting every bit of Ferrari related news into some sort of conspiracy surrounding favoritism. I'm not saying it doesn't exist sometimes, but for Lewis' sake just deal with it!

Think I speak for everyone when I say I can't wait, I'm running out of things to do to fill the time. Well, perhaps if I got back to work at least I can get today taken care of...

That's a damn shame, but perfect tabloid fodder. 'Ealf 'n Safety GONE MAD!!!

Race how dare you! No one is supposed to agree with Bernie on this site! :P

The release of a new article linking Alonso to Ferrari is almost as regular and predictable as Ferrari and McLaren fans' arguments. It goes like this - Ferrari fan: you've only been watching F1 for a year - McLaren fan: I've been watching F1 for over 20 years and I buy loads of merchandise, therefore, I know more than you! Cheaters! FIArrari!

Yawn.

If they really do have enough funding to see them through to Melbourne, it's only logical that any potential buyers will be waiting until then to see if they've actually developed a car that works. Even I would and I'm hopeless at managing my money!

No luqman99, it doesn't mean he'd be a champion 8 times, it means he'd have a decent shot at fighting for the championship 8 times.

Pfft. Why on earth should there be a vote on it? The viewing public is hardly an expert on economics in F1. Of course Massa will want to hold on to his salary, but he's 100% right in saying the driver is one of the most important parts of the team (if not the most important). Just look at McLaren. They should reduce costs elsewhere.

Stella?

watchcam - I'd hate to imagine Porsche in F1, and we thought the BMW interim car was ugly, imagine what they'd come up with! They'd find a way to make it look like a distorted 911.

It's a damn shame that we'll be losing Honda, but completely understandable. The team had just gone downhill, with the lack of sponsors and results. To have a budget that big is insane. Imagine the results Torro Rosso could get with that kind of cash (that is provided they operate on a much smaller budget, i'm not sure what theirs is to be honest). In all fairness they probably weren't going to get any better, how much longer could the chiefs at Honda continue pumping vast amounts of money into a team that just can't cut it?

Jeez, comparing a 1.8T developed for F1 to a road going engine, very bright indeed. They could still get heaps of performance from that engine size, but why? Alonso summed it up perfectly when talking about the 2005 V10 monsters, that's what made F1 the best series around, having the highest level of tech and insane horsepower. I hope the plans don't go ahead. If it's in the name of making F1 "green" then that's even worse. Motor racing in any form is extremely non-green and always will be.

Until we hear someone who's actually STILL in the sport object to the medal system, we can only assume they're all in favour of it.

Actually one thing that annoyed me to no end with ITV was the lack of coverage of the post-race conference. That was the most irritating thing in the world. Might be selective memory but whenever Lewis was on the podium you'd hear what he had to say, but not much else.

It's already been said ten million times (maybe there should be or already is a petition) but bring back The Chain!!! And please, F1 is more than just Lewis. It was perfectly fine before he arrived, and will be perfectly fine when he leaves.

This is great news for some, who no doubt will be licking the stamp on both sides...

Get well soon Webman, and agree with bazil1968, the guy's luck is atrocious!

Well if all the cars are out at the same time, they'll need to find a solution to the "impeding" problem. How many penalties were dished out last year for that? A pole position point seems a great idea though...

How many of those huge front wings are going to get knocked off during races? Quite a few I think. But yeah the BMW is hideous, looks like it was left out in the sun too long.

Sounds a great idea, the first person to point to Spa and grumble "Hamilton would have won, actually" wins a PRIZE!

Is it just me who thinks the cars look awful? Maybe with time I'll get used to them or even come to appreciate them. The BMW kind of looks like it was left in direct sunlight too long and has melted.

It's mostly because they get asked really obvious questions.

Well if there's a more consistent driver than Kubica I've yet to see him. Provided BMW can deliver a better car, he's in with a shout. And now that's two drivers saying KERS could effect the heavier guys, perhaps there's something to it?

That last line is an open invitation everyone, get going!

lost-making?

Slightly off-topic, but does anyone know if drivers will be allowed to use their KERS boost off the starting line? I've no idea if the formation lap will provide enough energy to "charge" it up, but if they are allowed to use it off the line that would make things even more interesting (and risky)...

Quick question for AD, how exactly did Raikkonen deserve a penalty in Monaco? His car was aquaplaning, and he had absolutely no control over where it was headed. That is a racing incident if ever I've seen one. Road cars are near-impossible to control when they're sliding across the surface of a wet road, I've never driven an F1 car but I'd guess they're even more of a handful. It's all good and well claiming there's a bias in the stewarding process, but unless you invite our good friend Reason to the party, you end up looking a bit ill-informed. Even comparing it to Hamilton crashing into Raikkonen in the pit lane is ludicrous.

Well that's me told... Cheers Chylout, I didn't really know any of that stuff you just said!

I don't get it, Bernie said "There were a few people in Spain and that was probably beginning as a joke rather than anything abusive." He said "probably" and "beginning", he didn't say it WASN'T racist. And there is no such thing as a "racism-free environment", everyone belonging to a racial minority, myself included, knows that.

Talbie, you make the weakest argument known to man. By your logic, Hamilton didn't legitimately earn this year's title, it was gifted to him by Massa's engine giving out and his pit crew getting it wrong.

Fantastic quote from FIA_BIAS: "And heikki, why oh why does everyone slag him off, he was used to a renault and now he is in a mclaren, I mean, let the poor lad settle down, give him a chance!!" Does that also apply to Alonso in 2007 I wonder? (by the way, I'm not just assuming you dislike Alonso as much as the other Hamilton fans, it's a mere possibility...)

Why's Kimi made to look like an alcoholic? It's funny how some Hamilton fans use it against him, seeing as most of those are English and we don't exactly have a good reputation for drinking sensibly. Kimi had a terrible season, that happens to drivers sometimes, next year he should be back to his usual self. After all, Ferrari renewed his contract and they wouldn't have done that unless they had faith in him - and their opinion on his prospects kind of trumps ours.

Here we go again, brace yourself for the anti-Ferrari comments. He's not the first person to suggest more points for the race winner. Last time it was floated the idea had alot of support, it will make things more exciting at the front and give drivers an extra incentive to push for the win. I think it's a great idea. Not to say Hamilton didn't deserve his title, but surely winning more races should count for something if the points aren't tied at the end of the year?

That's no surprise to anyone, you can dislike Lewis all you want (i do a fair share of it) but no one would ever leave a team that they have such a massive debt to. Without McLaren he probably would have faded into obscurity, I'm usually extremely hesitant to attribute any anti-Hamilton feeling to race but as a youngster, people probably would have decided against signing him based on that. On the other hand it's extremely unlikely, but if McLaren put together a duff car he's stuck with them. Not for the first time, remember Jacques Villeneuve? Having the best car for a couple of seasons, he achieved similar results to Hamilton's before an uncompetitive car signalled the beginning of the end. It'd be a shame if that happens again as the title fight will be a duller place without Hamilton.

Replacing Barichello with Piquet Jr would be a terrible decision. That's just my opinion, they probably know better. But then again Nick Fry's decision-making record isn't exactly spotless...

WRC drivers are in a very unique situation, stick one in an F1 car and it won't be long till they're competitive. On the other hand an F1 driver competitive in a WRC car? That'll take some doing. In F1 it's wet or dry, rallying has much more varied surfaces each with their own demands. I used to follow the WRC quite closely in the Makinen and Sainz days, it was reasonably entertaining but I've lost touch nowadays.

I can't imagine how much that F1 LM is worth, definitely one of the most desirable cars in the world. Has to be papaya orange though, no other colour will do. But anyway, so far it looks like he won't let the money get to his head, for his sake it had better stay that way. As for smashing Schumacher's records, I'll start taking that kind of talk seriously when he's won at least 4 championships. With the new crop of talent coming through in F1, he's going to have a tough ride to those titles.

Agree that Hamilton did a good job to clinch the championship this year, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Next year is shaping up to be incredibly different, there should be much more competition at the top.

It's not a crime to be rich, all his fans have to hope for is that it doesn't get to his head. This also will not please the crowd who feel he's turned his back on his country by moving abroad and not "giving anything back" in terms of taxation, but it's his call.

Alonso has always said he had a problem with McLaren not Lewis, so I'm not surprised by this. Is it enough though to stop the English media referring to him as the "bitter Spaniard" or a crybaby? I doubt it.

Congratulations PF1! At last a fair and un-fanatical article. Hamilton was a deserving champion this year, the same could be said for Massa had he won. Roll on 2009, hopefully with an improved BMW Kubica can realise his championship potential. That's not to mention Renault, and I'd put money on Vettel making an impression. So long as RBR get the "normalised" Renault engine and Adrian Newey works his magic on the chassis, they could be one to watch.

Lewis deserved the championship, and it's fitting he won it by a single point as Massa has been a very worthy rival. But really, at McLaren they should keep their drivers better informed of the standings, this has to be like the fifth time you've heard Hamilton say that he didn't know who won...

Well taken Massa, you did your best. It would be so much better of this thread doesn't get flooded with comments calling Massa a cheat or saying he wouldn't have deserved the win, but we all know that isn't going to happen. Roll on 2009.

I did initially find that a bit fishy, but the rain came down harder on the last lap and his final lap time was around the same as Trulli's so nothing fishy there. Let's face it, this season and all the decisions involved has turned us into conspiracy theorists! Let's hope next year is alot more straightforward, it looks very promising to say the least.

Right ignore my last comment, Glock was on dry tyres and set a very similar lap time to Trulli who was also on drys. At the time it did seem a bit fishy. Either way, a deserved title for Hamilton. Also glad that Vettel got to announce his presence, one to watch in the future.

Well done Hamilton, a deserved championship. I just want to know what happened to Glock. Either way it was a thrilling race.

Hang on, Button isn't in Team F1 Racing Great Britain? How did they work that one out? How about Button joins DC, then Davidson takes his place alongside Priaulx?

Does EJ think he's already started as a commentator? He'd better tread carefully, there must still be time for the BBC to think "was he really the right choice?" then sack him.

I go on about this quite alot, but I think it takes more than a year to fully judge a driver. I'm sure McLaren see something in Kovy that we don't, they're not exactly short on money or prestige - drivers would be queuing up to get a race seat with them (well, except one...)

Jaggersbwn - I'm not making fun of you and I'm sure it was an inadvertant mistake, but it's funny to read a message asking someone to pay more attention to their "grammer"! Getting words in the right order is brilliant, but I'd place more importance on spelling them correctly!

We need to avoid knee-jerk reactions to this situation. It's not the content or idea of the website itself that's racist, but the comments of the users who posted. Unless the site is moderated as this one is, then racist comments cannot be attributed to the owners of the site unless they were given notice and due time to get rid of the comments then failed to. The site itself is puerile or just a bit of fun - depending which side of the fence you're on.

the_dude2 - What makes you think that the Middle Eastern races are solely about money? Do you not think that there's a whole community of fans out there who deserve to watch F1 every bit as much as you do? Funny how a post denouncing racism goes on to push a stereotype...

Unfortunately racism is a fact of life, I live with it every day. Reprehensible though it is, it's going to be difficult to stop. I guess all the authorities can do is eject the offending spectators from the venues. It is harsh though to deprive an entire country of two F1 races based on the actions of a minority.

As long as the internet exists, you're going to have idiots posting comments on articles and... ...oh, wait... that probably includes me!

Senna27 - that's definitely a reasonable angle on it. On the other hand there's alot to be said about Alonso having to adapt to a new team, and the fact that he was deeply uncomfortable within the team. That has to take it's toll on any driver. And a driver's performance is heavily dependant on getting the right behaviour out of the car, partly why it takes more than one year to know anything for certain. The argument could go on forever, with either side adding in things to consider, and we'll probably never know the answer. So let's just sit back and enjoy the racing!

We're going to miss you David! A true gent and one of the greatest drivers never to win the championship. That was definitely NOT a dig at him, by the way.

This whole Alonso being childish is getting tiresome. Everyone seems to be basing that on last year alone, which seems pretty unfair. But then again it's understandable as alot of McLewis' fans only started watching F1 last year. Just remember that there was life before Lewis, and Alonso wasn't seen as a child and a bad team player then.

You may have a point, but I'm not convinced that one driver can be "better than" another based on a single year. Sometimes drivers aren't always at their best, look at Ferrari - Massa's ahead of Raikkonen but he definitely isn't the better of the two. And with all that was going on at McLewis last year, it was understandable that Alonso would be very agitated and not driving the best he could. Might sound like excuse-making, but if you look a bit closer there may be some truth to it.

Again we hear about Hamilton having "beaten" Alonso last year. Don't you think it takes more than one season to prove who's a better driver? Here's a question, last year Raikkonen finished ahead of Massa, this year Massa's well ahead of Raikkonen. Of the two, who's the better driver? The argument that beating your team-mate for one year makes you a better driver is flawed at best.

Has no one considered the possibility that Massa's spins in Silverstone were caused by damage from when he slid off track in free practice? (and that was caused by an oil slick courtesy of Alonso's Renault, not incompetence) His car was smashed up pretty badly and repairs aren't always perfect.

Unfortunately Rochester this place does seem more like a tabloid sometimes. Journalists sometimes refer to tabloids as the "red-tops". Scoll up.

Well that's the thing, Kovy was flung out of Renault after a single season - any young driver eyeing a Renault seat should view it as a one-year drive whatever the contract says. Renault need to stick with a driver and develop him. On the other side of the coin, maybe they were right to get rid of Kovy and getting rid of Piquet may also prove to be right - Kovy hasn't exactly had the best year in the world.

Of course Montoya's going to look at it that way, he wouldn't think twice about pushing someone off the track. But that's not taking anything away from the guy, he was a much needed breath of fresh air for F1. If people think some of Hamilton's moves were brash and overly optimistic, they need to have a look at some videos of the Piesman, he was something else. How cool was it when in a press conference Schumacher said he didn't see Montoya trying to overtake and Montoya replied that he had to be "either stupid or blind" not to have seen him? We need more of that!

I guess the facts speak for themselves. Alonso has two world championshps to his name, Hamilton has 17 18ths of a championship. If you can factor that one to make it into tenths you're a more patient man than I! But yeah Stream's right, it's more than likely going to be an anti-climax. I don't even think Flav knows yet, knowing him he would have blurted it out by now.

Wow, I didn't think Brundle had it in him, bravo. But then again he has said every now and then that Alonso is the most complete package on the grid. Which strikes me as a bit odd because at times this year he has been extremely critical of Alonso, maybe it was more out of disappointment that he wasn't driving to his full potential. Nonetheless, it would be interesting to see what Hamilton fans make of this.

Pants.

I'm finding it a bit difficult to make up my mind on this year's championship. As rcparsons said both contenders have driven well this year, but then again it's hard to look at the amount of mistakes they've both been guilty of and not be dismayed that they really are the best the sport has to offer. I reckon the standard has definitely dropped a little this year, I'll leave the reasons behind that up to you. No doubt the FIA is going to be cited as the main culprit. They'd both be worthy champions in their own way, but obviously for diffrent reasons. It's to Hamilton's advantage that his performances have been more spectacular to watch (while not necessarily better) so no matter what the outcome of the championship is, he'll stand out more than anyone else when we look back at '08 in the years to come.

Oh yeah, Jody Schekter, forgot about him. Job done.

Instead of everyone saying "please McLaren, don't give the stewards an excuse to penalise you", how about "please McLaren, don't break the rules again"? Just a thought...

Agreed with RichardW, but we're just going to have to put up with it. It's the endless and endlessly boring cycle of journos asking a driver "what are your goals for this race?" which is akin to asking a member of the general public whether they plan to do much breathing next sunday.

I've got a better idea, we should turn F1 into a thinly veiled popularity contest. How about that? If you actually read all the comments on here, that seems to be the best solution. If you would like Lewis Hamilton to win, please call 0845 ...

Hang on a second, someone in the Mail speculated that maybe the FIA don't want Brundle around, so PF1 run a story and editorial based on some hack's speculation, and people seem to believe it? Am I missing something here?

As much as it seems other drivers might take Lewis out, I doubt they'd risk getting black flagged or worse yet banned from the 08 championship as Schumacher was. There must be some kind of financial penalty to pay and these days that's where it'll hurt them most. Furthermore any rational team boss wouldn't want to have a driver on their team who'd put so much at risk to settle a personal vendetta. Then again Flav isn't exactly rational...

Agree with Ferrari27 - especially seeing as Alonso already has two in the bag. Although the thing about this great sport is you never know what's going to happen next so it's difficult to predict such things. With an on-form BMW...

hahaha, nice one monercy! It's probably just rumour though, but still entertaining. I wonder what's next, his own brand of reverse parking sensors that can also be mounted to the front of your car? If it catches on, perhaps in time we'll all be drinking Raikkonen-branded vodka. I'd pay for that!

Too early to say really, let's wait a week and see if he wins this year to begin with. But I highly doubt Massa can win multiple championships. Maybe one or two but nowhere near seven.

Don'tcha?