Wonder if we'll ever get to see Alonso battling at the front again, time ticks on. 10 years this year since he clinched that second drivers title. His Last victory almost 3 years ago now.
It would have seemed quite unlikely on the eve of Brazil 2012 that the next 6 races would contain the last ever wins of Kimi, Jenson and Fernando. It now seems very likely.
I think Kimi is done come the end of this season, Button is highly unlikely to carry on unless something special turns up, and Alonso can probably swindle himself one last chance, perhaps to Red Bull? Makes you wonder who is next to fall off the end of the F1 world. Hamilton is somewhat of a PR dream, if treading a thin line, surely he could angle a move post Mercedes? Vettel seems the type to be both fast and a master of team control, surely he's safe. Yet they both may soon be F1 past...
Agreed, very sombre indeed. It's time for the drivers of the early 00's to pack it in me thinks. Sad really.
All good times must come to an end though, Button alone has been around for 16 years(!). The next breed is on its way and soon these 'old-timers' will be forgotten when the next rivalries are formed when the new lot take their place at the front of the grid. Hamilton & Vettel should be about for a bit longer, hopefully will see them both at the front again for a battle. Circle of life and all that.
On the topic of rivalries, have we really had any in the last decade to rival the likes of Schumacher-Hakkinen, Schumacher-Hill, then back to Prost-Senna, etc? Hamilton and Alonso got a bit spicy when they were teammates, I guess Vettel-Webber would be included if it was a bit less clear cut between them, but it's been a little tame until Hamilton-Rosberg. Perhaps the next generation will be able to capture some of that old drama, I fancy Verstappen to have a fall out with someone.
The new generation just doesn't look as exciting to me. Doesn't seem to be the same depth of talent coming through. Though this may have more to do with drivers starting before they're ready and not being able to make the same impact the likes of Vettel and Hamilton did, Perez for example has developed in to a very good driver over the last 12-18 months, I'd actually like to see him get Raikkonen's seat for next season, if he drives like he did last season he'll be the most deserving of it. Hopefully Red Bull will partner Ricciardo and Verstappen next season. And hopefully they'll ban team radio so we don't have to listen to Verstappen's tantrums when he's getting his arse handed to him every weekend.
Funny, but perhaps not the most PC, Instagram post from America: (Click to see the original comment unfortunately)
Hill is sporting the flip-topped goggles look, that's a level beyond the coolness any sized visor crack can possibly achieve
I tend to discount the inter-team rivalries as they are always a bit orchestrated by their own teams. You are right though, there hasn't been any real rivalries where two drivers from opposing teams have consistently been locking horns at the front. Still time for Vettel/Hamilton if Ferrari get it together.
Most were one season wonder battles, there has been little that has been sustained over several seasons. Massa and Hamilton just kept crashing into each other!
