Obviously, this is something that is quite hard to predict. F1 is changing all the time and we don't know which drivers will win more world championships and which drivers will simply be one world championship wonders. We do, however, know their personalities and, more often than not, it is the personality of the driver that captivates audiences and wins them fans, not just how many championships or races they win. A driver may be successful in terms of winning but there needs to be a genuine public interest in and almost love for them in order for a driver to be remembered as a legend.
Vettel's picks were Alonso and Hamilton but I don't think he gave this as much thought as I'm giving it. He also said that it is "a long list at the moment" suggesting that he feels he does need more time to evaluate his decision. Well, Mr Vettel, I am here to help.
I don't think Sebastian was ever going to give himself as an answer to this question he was asked at the Goodwood Festival of Speed! So is he in the running? Most definitely, in my opinion. Firstly, he's broken so many world records it's impossible for me to list them all. The ones that stand out are; youngest driver to win a Grand Prix, youngest ever world champion, youngest ever double world champion, most pole positions in a season... The list goes on... But let's just ignore his success for a second. Vettel is a charismatic and popular young driver who isn't afraid of showing off his sense of humour personality. There's no doubt that this is something he'll be remembered for. Nobody wants drivers to be all about F1 and never show us their real self. Vettel is famed for being funny in public and on his TV appearances. That's why I think this, coupled with his amazing success as a driver, means he will be regarded as a great of the sport. And he definitely has more wins and championships in him yet...
Hamilton is also active on Twitter just less so than Alonso. The thing that stand out for me, when I think of Lewis, is the celebrity lifestyle; the famous girlfriend, the A-List friends and the red carpet events etc. It is fair to say that he enjoys this more than the other drivers and has made no secret of that fact. Last year he was even criticised for it and many blamed this lifestyle for the difficult 2011 season he had. This may alienate F1 fans rather than impress them even if it does mean he is the most recognised driver on the grid. He probably does enjoy the most column space but it is the Formula 1 fans that determine who is remembered as a great not the tabloid newspapers reporting about the latest parties and premieres. Hamilton seems like a more focused and relaxed driver this year but I don't think it is fair to say that he let himself get distracted by being a 'celebrity'. It is possible for drivers to juggle F1 and fame; Ayrton Senna was incredibly famous and adored in his day but achieved great success. We will see more from Hamilton in terms of wins and possibly even championships.
That's only 3 drivers on the current grid covered and, as Sebastian said, the list is much longer and more competitive. The likes of Jenson Button and even younger drivers who still have so much more to show all have the potential of being remembered as F1 legends. I think Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton are definitely the stand-out drivers from the modern era, Schumacher seems like he's already reached legend status for obvious reasons. who can be true greats. I will add more posts on this theme in the weeks to come looking at other modern drivers who can, one day, become legends.
Aqsa, @aqsasformula
(Image 1, 2, 3, 4)
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