Dunlay wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 16:42
Just_a_fan wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 16:35
Dunlay wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 16:29
If Mercedes were to credit Lewis for their resurgence in the same manner they did with Schumacher, it would undeniably recognize his impact. However, it seems unlikely given the stark contrast: Unlike Schumacher, Lewis has at times brought public embarrassment to the team and its machinery, with Toto involved.
Schumacher was embarrassed by Rosberg three years in a row. But that's quietly forgotten. Did Schumacher help to develop the title winning cars? No. No he did not.
I respect your fan perspective. But I am speaking from what I have read from team personnel. Wouldn't it be more authentic to believe them, than a fan with zero insider knowledge? Yes, Schumacher was beaten by Rosberg, same way George beat Lewis in 2022 and potentially, this year too. Does that really mean anything? If only because Schumacher was beaten by Rosberg his contributions be neglected, then so should Lewis', even if team comes out and lauds Lewis for his guidance and help in rebuilding the team. No?
Lewis is helping the team by trying things out, just as every driver helps the team when they try things out that might not lead to their own immediate success. Will next year's Merc benefit from the data generated by, for example, Lewis's choice of set up in the China race? Yes, to some small extent it will. Just as the Mercs in 2013 benefitted from data generated by Michael in 2012. Is it fair to say that Lewis is developing the 2025 Merc? No, it is not just as it isn't fair to say that Michael developed the title-winning hybrids that Lewis and Nico drove to such success.
My original comment was a joke but the idea of jokes seems to be a bit tricky for some to grasp when they're too busy casting shade on the team or one of its drivers in this thread.
If you are more fortunate than others, build a larger table not a taller fence.