Which Formula One driver would you like to share a pint with?

Michael Bowen suggested this would make an interesting subject(in a comment on the post "The power of Kimi") and I agree. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top. To make it worthwhile, let's have at least one reason behind your choice. There are two categories - current Formula One drivers, and drivers from the past. (You never know we may even get some statistical analysis from IDR at the end if enough of you have a go). Of course in Europe, America or South America, it is unlikely to be a pint...

To get the ball rolling here are my choices:

Current drivers
My choice would be Kimi. When I met him in Barcelona during pre-season testing, I was amazed by his general easy-going warmth and humour. The guy may not be the biggest intellectual on the grid but you can tell he would be a laugh and a half to have a drink with(and I would imagine one pint would certainly not be enough).

Driver from the past
There will only ever be one James Hunt. My wife adored him so did millions of Britons. A vulnerable individual in many ways from what I can tell but with a wild and rebellious streak. A night in the pub with him would certainly have been character-forming. (Interesting that Kimi chose to call himself "James Hunt" when entering that skiddoo race in the pre-season last year).

Pic of James Hunt by Michael P. Whelan via flickr

Comments

[Peter B.]

Any brasilian, indeed. Kimi would be a good choice.

The last ones: Hamilton and Alonso. That would be dead boring.
A pity Danica hasn't arrived yet

regards

[Javier]

That´s funny. There is the same poll every year in Spain. Which famous person would you like to have a "caña" with (caña is a small glass used to have beer, maybe some of you know it)
Fernando? No, he does not like hanging around, so it would probably be a boring night. Maybe a pizza and computer games suits him better.
So, among the current drivers Kimi would be defenitely my pick too.
For the same reasons you told us.
He does not seem to care too much and take life as it is and enjoy it.
Past drivers?
My memory does not help in this case. James Hunt is famous for his way of life.
Oh man, Ed goreman and a spanish poster agreeing, something must be going wrong.

[F1-Insider]

Which driver would I like to have a drink with, now that’s a question and a half isn’t it?
Being an avid F1 supporter for many years drivers seem to fall into two camps, that is those I would love to share a drink with because of my respect for their driving and skill and on the other hand the drivers that would be great company outside of formula one.
In the old days the drivers like moss, Graham Hill and Clark raced in an age where they were mates on and off the track, these guys operated to a code long forgotten in the modern age so drinking with these guys would be like a step back in time in more ways than one.
The, more modern formula 1 drivers where I am in awe of in terms of their skill include Senna, Schumi, Prost and Lauda would make really good company for discussing the ins and outs of formula one, tactics and so on, these guys would enlighten those that don’t know too much about the workings of formula 1.
That leaves the chaps I would really like to have a drink with, without doubt the one chap who I would have most fun with would be, the playboy himself, James Hunt, now that guy knew how to enjoy himself. Strange as it seems I also believe Kimi would be a good laugh away from formula 1 with a few beers in him (those that know the Finns will know as a nation they can be somewhat reserved but loosen up after a few beers – been there done that).

So my vote goes to:

James Hunt for fun,
Graham Hill and Jim Clark for an insight into the way the world used to be and
Senna for his pure genius behind the wheel of a formula 1 car

With the above written after some thought it really demonstrates to me how the current drivers are lacking what the older ones had, to much corporate influence maybe, after all who of the modern crop have a personality?

[IDR]

Great idea! Congrats Michael!

Here I go:

Actual Driver:

I would like to share a cup of milk with F Alonso.
I would prefer a pint or a cup of wine but I’m afraid Fernando doesn’t like at all.

Should be quite interesting for me to have the opportunity to take from him his views about last year, what went wrong and his point of view.
On the other hand, I would like to know from him how he sees his future in F1. (I will have thousands of questions but I don’t want to annoy all of you)

To be honest my preferred option should be joining Fernando and Flavio in a restaurant to have dinner, let Fernando explain everything I want (having his “white pasta dish” with milk), while Flavio and myself are having a wonderful dinner with an excellent whine (The Fat Duck, should be a nice choice, depending on who has to pay the bill!).

At the end, let Fernando go to bed, and continue with Flavio talking about the other part of the Game. All bloody things they have to achieve and all “corporate blue collars guys” the have to convince, taking out from his pockets enormous, almost indecent, amount of money to keep the circus alive.

Past Driver:

Very difficult indeed to chose only one, but that’s the game, then, my choice is Nigel Mansel, the Lion’s heart!

I admire him a lot, and he gave me wonderful moments up to the time he putted not only the courage but his head also for winning at least one Championship.

And I would have the opportunity of learning some golf also.

[stelmara]

Ed

Do I choose on the basis of being a fan or on the basis of having fun? If it’s fun then anyone who has watched F1 over the years would pick JAMES HUNT though I know I would have one heck of a hangover the next day.
Of the modern drivers not one compares to Hunt (or any of the personalities of the past, what does that say about modern F1?) though I like wine and I reckon (this will surprise many) that away from F1 that JARNO TRULLI would be great company and to have the pleasure of drinking wine with him with the knowledge he has would be great though I suspect a lot more cultured than my night with James Hunt.

[Gary M]

For the past F1 driver there is no choice, though it is unlikely to be a pint we would be drinking.

Eddie "Magic" Irvine, on his yacht in Monaco Harbour, drinking copious amounts of expensive Champagne accompanied by 9 of the most beautiful bikini clad girls you ever saw in your life.

Yup, think that will just about do it!

Of the current crop it would be Rubens, I bet he is a good laugh on a night out and would have some brilliant tales to tell.

[Demian]

Current driver: Jarno Trulli. He looks like a nice guy. Italians are (mostly) funny and clever people, so you have the laugh guaranteed. He has lots of experience, and more than one anecdote to tell you, so you surely won't get bored. And he's almost my age.

Driver from the past: Juan Manuel Fangio. A truly gentleman, inside and outside of the track. Wise and skilled. What more can I say? I'll probably assault the guy with a million+ questions. He's my idol, and he's a fellow countryman :)

[javiervivaespania]

Definitively with Magic. But I would love to have Marc Gené around, just a drinking tester, so he could help us chose the best ales, ha, ha. He is real cool!!! He is one of the few F1 drivers who has a University degree and he speaks 5 languages, including japanese.

[Darren]

The previous poster made me think - if you're looking at people who aren't drivers, then a night on the town with Flavio is certainly going to open your eyes.

From the current crop, I've always liked DC's sense of humour - slight arrogance, slight self-deprecation. And from former drivers, I think it would have to be Montoya for the same reasons x10.

[Helen Rowlands]

Goodness what a question...

Current driver - I just don't know. I think one of the younger guys like Robert Kubica would be really interesting to discuss what their strategy has been to get them to this point and then move on. Be interesting to monitor their progress against strategy.

Past driver - James Hunt would be fantastic company, as would Sterling Moss so perhaps I should toss a coin? Either way I think I'd win.

Really, really though, I think I might choose Murray Walker. I know. Obviously not a driver past or present, but such enthusiasm for the sport, for every sport actually, and such an interesting life. I think I'd choose Murray every time.

[Dale]

It has to be James (the shunt) Hunt what a blast that would be and the stories he would tell and the beautiful women that would be with us, now that would be some night, a night to remember.
Of the modern era Montoya he is the last man in F1 that always spoke his mind and knew how to enjoy himself, a great loss to F1, lets start a crusade to bring him back, that would mix up the pack.
Nest of all though just has to be pervey Mosley can you imagine the fun we would have!!!! (that was a joke folks as I am not into S&M, made me laugh).

[Jose M. Doval]

David Coulthard... or his girlfriend if he's not able to come, and Nigel Mansell in La Manga after a round of golf

[A Parker]

Depends what you want from “a pint with someone”. If you want a drunken boy’s night out, it seems Kimi would fit the bill. If you want a night hearing a driver droning on about how wonderful he is and how hard done by he is, then Alonso’s your man. If you want a giggle, Heikki’s the one. If you want to dance to cool music, not end up in a drunken heap, and have a lovely romantic, special evening, I’d choose Lewey every time.

[Alex Rostov]

Current driver: Rubens Barrichello. I think it would be a good company with Rubens, he is experienced and saw different times of Formula 1. I think he is good guy.
Driver from the past: Ayrton Senna. Becouse he was genius, not only on track but in everyday life either.

[Patrick]

Paul Belmondo :)

and...

The Kimster (in his local bar in Finland...you should see the place :)

[Verbal]

I'd thoroughly enjoy a pint with the Erve (Eddie Irvine) and the Kimster (Kimi Rikkonane)...not most peoples choice but fantastic I think :) bring it on

[LUCAS Figueiredo]

From today... I guess Kimi is the only choice... Do the others drink? They look either boring or arrogant ...

From the past?
Nelson Piquet (Sr.) for sure! To talk about Mansel and others...

It is a pity that most of you cannot understand Portuguese... the guy is a machine gun...

[Jonah]

Not James Hunt, my liver wouldn't survive. Of the current lot aged DC and young Vettel look the most likely candidates for a laugh. Alonso's brittle temperament would make the evening a nightmare, Hamilton's need to impress would be almost as bad.

From yesterday's racers Damon Hill, Niki Lauda and Jackie Stewart would all be fun - I suspect Lauda would be hysterically funny in private.

[IDR]

@ ED

“You never know we may even get some statistical analysis from IDR at the end if enough of you have a go”

It seems to me you are being little lazy…

But as I have available a brand new sophisticated Box-Jenkins based prediction program in my powerful MacBook Pro, I can give you in advance the statistical analysis results.

The winner is:

Wang Deng Jones

Mixed British-Chinese driver, 9 Times WDC, running on a “super fashion” China Mobile-Chery-Mercedes F1 hydrogen propelled.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso III (100% Asturias blood in his veins) is the new promise of the year. There are hundred of millions of truly F1 fans putting their best wishes on him to see dethroned Wang and his unbeatable Hong Kong based team.

FA III is running a promising Thane Janata Sahakari Bank-Tata-Renault F1 turbo nuclear fission engine.

(Ups! I’m afraid that my program was running a predicion for year 2080, not 2008!)

[Dean Rodrigues]

as people have already said, it really all comes down to whether you mean "a pint" in the literal sense - seeing away a few bevs and seeing where the night takes you; or "a pint" in the analogical sense - simply meaning someone to meet.

In terms of having a few pints and hitting town, I reckon Kimi would be great - especially if his quietness cracks after a few pints. Equally, I reckon Jenson would be good fun, or Jarno Trulli. But just for the potential to go banzai, it'd have to be Kimi.

Unfortunately I'm too young to know Hunt... in fact I'm too young even to remember Senna, so my choice of past drivers is somewhat limited. But I think Gary M has got it bang on - a night with "Swervin' Irvine" and his gals would go down a treat.

If we're talking about the "pint" as an analogy for a general meeting... I actually think I'd pick Fernando (oooh, controversial!). I think meeting him would, one way or another, settle my dislike of him as a person. I'd either come out of the evening vindicated, or with my tail between my legs.

Past driver on this basis would be Michael Schumacher. He was, and still is, my idol - the only reason I care so much about F1 today is because of him. If nothing else, it would be to say thank you.

[DBT]

Sterling Moss.

Current drivers? Can I just pick another blast from the past in Jackie Stewart!

Ok then, Barrichello.

[Nick]

Past driver: Jean Alesi. A man of great F1 experience who I believe would be able to talk around the subject with great passion as well as knowledge. Also he owns his own vinyard and it is a pleasure to drink wine with someone for whom that is a passion.

Current: I saw a profile of Jarno Trulli on ITV one time and he came across as someone that I would just get on with easily in a relaxed sort of fashion. Also, he owns his own vinyard...

[Aaron James]

Which driver? Probably Kimi, I play Ice Hockey so that would give him something to talk about.

To be honest I think most of the current generation of drivers are boring as batshit really.

Could you imagine a dinner party of even seventeen years ago? Schumacher, Mansell, Senna, Prost?

Gosh what a night _that_ would be.

[Tom]

Tricky to narrow it down as few of us have any idea what these guys are really like - especially after a drink. But, on the basis that he has won virtually everything (except Le Mans) and has come out with some of the most insightful and interesting comments ever about racing, I'd like a pint with Mario Andretti.

If he was busy that night, then probably Alex Zanardi. What a guy!

Of the current crop, its hard to think of anyone with an outstanding character. But Heiki comes across on the TV as a bright light so I'll have a stella with him.

Cheers!

[Paul B]

Which Formula One driver would you like to share a pint with?

SHARE a pint? Come, on! With the money these guys are earning I would have thought they could stretch to a pint EACH, even at London prices.

[cvt]

I can still remember the smell of the damn t-shirt Hunt wore for days, reeking of stale cannabis.

[sean]

First off, the title of this one amuses me or at least the RSS feed version does, it reads "Which Formula One driver would you like to sha...". I may be infantile but I did nearly fall off the chair laughing.

To answer the question, of the current crop of drivers, I would choose Rubens, the reason being a sneaking suspicion he knows how to party!

Drivers from the past would be a two horse race for me. Narrowly pipped to 2nd would be Stirling Moss because he always seems a thoroughly likeable chap, however John Surtees gets my vote for his unique (and likely to remain so) feat of being the only man to win world championships on both 2 and 4 wheels. For the chance to meet him, I'd buy the drinks!

[Felipe]

A. Parker, it wasn't a question about which current drivers you would like to have sex with. It's who you would like to go for a pint with?

[Anon]

Current: Robert

Past: Schumacher (feel like I'm cheating by taking someone so recent).

[Matt]

The problem here is that I suspect that the people who know the most interesting stuff in F1 aren't the drivers themselves. If you could guarantee inebriation on the part of the part of the drinking partner, Bernie Ecclestone would have to be the obvious choice - just think of the questions you could ask... For drivers, I think I'd have to go with Mario Andretti.

[Henkka]

About the former racers I do not, unfortunately, have any good idea; maybe Michael for being as pedantic as I am sometimes....

About the current ones, it's Kimi.

It's the eve of 1st of May which is one of the very few "carneval" days of the year in Finland, so let me be just a little more informal as usually...

Some of the media sources in Finland (maybe not the most reliable ones) suggest that Kimi likes to spend his free time in bars in the middle of nowhere singing Karaoke.

I'm in a field that has an impact on the World very much comparable to that of F1 (but luckily not as popular), and I have performed some Karaoke, too, so I feel it could be a very relaxing experience to have a pint (or two) with Kimi.

So I'm suggesting that if Kimi should win this poll, Ed could arrange a private Karaoke party in some of the most deserted Finnish bars for the people who voted for Kimi (including Ed). I'm sure Ed would have the resources to make this happen...

[graham fudger]

It's all so corporate now ... and the media attention seems to grate on them more these days than it ever did before...

Still, I think the British drivers maintain their charm

Damon / Nigel / James / Jackie - to name but a few.

[Stelmara]

Good to see several others have voted for JARNO TRULLI. Nick I too saw the ITV clip with him showing off his home and vinyard. The man certainly knows how to live away from F1 and never gets bad press for doing things he shouldn't.
Funny bloke though as on a hot lap he is an amazingly fast driver (bit like Webber) but can't seem to last a full race pace, probably thinking about his great life at home with a nice glass of his own red.
When at Renault he was a genuine mate to Alonso but was comprehensibly beaten by him over the season (possibly due to Flavio's favouritism of Alonso.
Good bloke in any case.

[Mark]

From the current crop - DC, because he would tell it like it is and would funny while doing it.

From the past, Graham Hill because he was a great recountour and probably knew where all the dirty linen was stored!

[Verbal]

Nick - Dito on Jean Alesi, nice chap

[A Parker]

Felipe, okay, I'd like to have a pint with Lewis too, or orange juice or coke ... as a precursor ...

[Verbal]

P.S - is Andretti now in F1 ? ...I must have missed him on th Spanish grid

[Felipe Leite]

Current driver: Kimi. You have already given plenty of reasons, but honestly: is there anybody else actually worth sharing a pint or two? I thought about Webber and Fisichella, but it would not be even close to the fun I would have drinking with Kimi.

From the past: Nelson Piquet. I like his sense of humour and he certainly would have lots of good stories to tell.

[Jordi]

Driver fom the past?
Airton Senna or Emerson Fitipaldi.

Current driver?
David Coulthard.

[IDR]

Following Ed suggestion, I have summarised the preferences of all posters. (Up to Jordi) But only with one condition, this statistic doesn’t deserve a full thread. Has been so easy to take it, and not very sophisticated, just counting the names every comment had.

In this case, I cannot account any vote from Paul B. It seems he is much more worry about how much beer he should share with the driver in order to talk to him. I understand. The prices in London has to be taken seriously.

On the other hand, I have been thinking for a while what to do with CVT comment. Finally I decided trying to help him to forget the horrible smell (“reeking of stale cannabis”) of Hunt’s t-shirt, and I have deducted 1 vote to James. (Only with the permission of Ed’s wife, of course)

The winners:

CURRENT DRIVERS: (TOP LIST more than 1 vote)

1 THE KIMSTER (leading by far this ranking)
2 David Coulthard
3 Fernando Alonso
3 Jarno Trulli
3 Rubens Barrichello
6 Heikki Kovalainen
6 Robert Kubica
8 Juan Pablo Montoya

DRIVERS FROM THE PAST (TOP LIST)

1 JAMES HUNT
2 Michael Schumacher
2 Nigel Mansell
2 Ayrton Senna
5 Eddie Irvine
5 Jackie Stewart
7 Graham Hill
7 Sterling Moss
7 Mario Andretti
7 Damon Hill
7 Nelson Piquet Sr.

You see, Ed, the media power. You choose the winners, don’t you?

But the real winners are wine, beer, girls! Almost everybody wants to share a pint just for fun, not to talk seriously about F1.

To be honest, there are some exceptions to be considered:

Dean Rodrigues who would like to seat down (no weapons allowed) in front of F Alonso and try to understand why he doesn’t like Fernando.

Our friend Henkka who would like to go so far away with Kimi for a Karaoke competition (serious thing) I offer you my referee services.

Or A Parker, interested on spending a “Lovely romantic special evening” with Lewis. I’m still asking myself if the first initial of his nickname correspond to Anne or to Anthony. (No problem at all, we all live in an open society)

That’s all. Now Ed you should follow Henkka suggestion and organize a “walk about” for all posters who have voted for Kimi… (and myself for doing the hard work)

May I suggest “Absolute Ice hotel?” (Is not in Finland but not too far)

I can ask for a full Karaoke set for Henkka and Kimi. Could be quite interesting to hear kimi´s performance after some bottles of Vodka!

[Michael Bowen]

My current driver to have a pint with would be a tough decision between Kimi and DC....the first because of his out-of-F1 antics that make him sound like he'd be funnier than heck in a dry kind of way, and DC because I've always found him a knowledgable and interesting commentator.

As for past drivers, for me I'd have to flip a coin between Nigel Mansell (who I always enjoyed watching drive), Jackie Stewart (who was the driver that drew me into watching F1), and Niki Lauda (whose sheer guts, determination and insights I've always admired).

Now, if it wasn't a "pint" but was rather a dinner with some class in a nice restaurant, then I think I'd trust Fernando's company to be best suited to that setting....he's always struck me as someone with a fine palate who would appreciate fine dining (which is, in my experience, more true of those from France, Italy or Spain than elsewhere)...but I could be wrong on that based on what others have written here....but FA has never struck me as a "pizza" sort (which someone above suggested) in the way that Kimi or DC does.

If we were asked about non-driver's, my easy choice would be Paul Stoddart. Oh, the stories....

[elcrowley]

James Hunt of course. Sex, alcohol, party,.... You must be crazy if don't share a pint with him!!!

[Keith]

David Coulthard looks like a smart cookie, he'd be my first choice. Followed by his team mate Mark Webber - at his pub of course!

Of the front runners, it would be interesting to speak to Hamilton to get an idea of how genuine he is. Raikkonen strikes me as being a bit puerile (the "I was having a s***" comment on TV springs to mind). Kovalainen seems a decent bloke though.

[colin grayson]

no contest .....graham hill at the black cat at monaco
make sure you have clean underwear , you won't get out without getting de-bagged
and if any of the old lotus mechanics are about ...I want my collection of team caps back!!!!!

[MIRIAM]

Definetly with Alonso. What else can l say...l find him very interesting and there is much more to him than first meets the eye, so he suits me fine. And if doesn't want a pint, that's fine by me, l'll have whatever he has; milk, bring on the MILK!

[javiervivaespania]

Like the last time I was censored (see my last post at Kimi makes it look easy at Montmelo; 26Gs for Heikki), I pay back with a little piece of Javiervivaespania's poetry:

Title: A perfect pint of poetry

I do not know what pint of ginger ale

to choose to jump into my Ginger Rogers

and step on her shoes

Sorry darling, I am too fast

cause I love the speed of Magic

the speed of sound

which is not enough to reach you

Come, Magic, we shall have fun around a pint of milk

The milky way is up there

crying sinking bubbles on us, for we cannot go faster than light

The light of Ginger, the light of Astaire, are the breaking sound of Alonso

[Johnny P-)]

A pint or a couple with Bruce McLaren: an almost amateur one man band: mechanic, engineer, entrepreneur and driver. Wouldn't it be amazing?

A current driver... Fernando. Not a pint this time. We both would rather prefer to challenge him pouring a couple of cider bottles along with a "tortilla" and "Cabrales" at any good "lagar" in Asturias. A smart character, and lots of questions awaiting answer from him.

Best regards!

[Michel Angstadt]

Aside from Fernando Alonso among the current drivers, my choice from past drivers would be Alain Prost. He drove at a time when talent was plentiful on the grid, os so it seems for those who tend to think that things were better in the good old days, he clashed with quite a few drivers, and he ranks third in number of world championships and second in number of races won.
Maybe if he had been killed in an accident he might be more popular, but I think he was one of the worthiest drivers ever. Another driver I wouldn't mind meeting is Carlos Alberto Reutemann, who came very close to becoming world champion around 1979 (year up, year down) but missed it in the end. Perhaps his team was racing him at the time--I'm not sure about the facts.

[jeff]

From the past Niki Lauda to get the lowdown on Enzo and Luca de Montezemelo. Current Coulthard his near death air crash and spectacular recent crashes will be mixed with wry humour to contrast with Niki's Pythonesque wit.Oh and they have both seen Mosley from different decades -Team owner and Fuhrer.Niki must have something on Bernie too!!!

[Johnny P-)]

Ooops!!!

I chose McLaren and Alonso (not ironically), but for the same reasons I would abandon Bruce if I could get to enjoy a bottle of Remelluri reserve and a terrine of foie with Milka Duno (I expect she likes the menu), from Indycar Series.

Who? Why? She's a very special woman: she deserves success from her own effort upon so many men around. Also from being a Naval engineer, holding four master degrees, she must for sure be one of the most interesting persons to meet from the racing Universe:

http://www.indycar.com/drivers/driver.php?driver_id=336

Best regards.

[Rich in Boston]

I agree with you about Kimi but all the other drivers seem to be pretty tightly wound. JPM would have been fun, I think.

So I'll pick Norbert Haug. Now there's a party animal!

[Bobo]

Current crop:
1. Lewis Hamilton - nobody else seems to wants the poor dear!
2. Jarno Trulli - at his vineyard, preferably
3. Heikki Kovalainen - a dram for his sore head
4. Takuma Sato - some saké?
5. Sebastien Bourdais - geek chic and French food

Oldies:
1. James Hunt - his voice alone
2. Martin Brundle - shrewd operator with forthright views
3. Ayrton Senna - my first F1 hero
4. Juan Manuel Fangio - man's a legend
5. Ukyo Crasharama - why did Katayama crash so much?

[Carleton Twitchell]

Without a doubt , Peter Collins . He was ,almost Britains first World Champion.In 1956 he relinquished his Lancia D50 during a race to team leader the great Juan Fangio and eventually came in third ..the championship gone. They say he had a father/ son relationship with Enzo after that and died crashing ahead of his "Mon Ami Mate " Mike Hawthorn in 57 .He was 27.
I'd always admired his style,class and sportmanship and eventually visited his grave near Kidderminster in the 90s. It was very moving and a tear or two was shed. The church has a stained glass window with chequered flags to commemorate the man and the racer. For me he was one of the best who valued loyalties and camaraderie above winning. I'd be delighted and honoured to buy him a pint of the best.Cheers, Mon Ami Mate!

[teamwork-toronto-ON]

From the past Bruce McLaren - sitting outside his home land in New Zealand.
From the present, JV - at the roof of the Newtown restaurant!

[greta]

Excellent question.

Current driver would be Rubens because he's the only driver currently on the grid that raced against Senna (on May 1 my thoughts turn to him) and I'd ask him about that.

Driver from the past - Gerhard Berger because he has a sense of humour sorely lacking from the drivers of today. Yawn.....

[Franc]

I think it would have to be Kimi. He is a lot more human than what the public sees. He still hangs out with his mates in Finland plus he has that dry Finnish laconic wit like Mika. The Finns also do not have the big egos that other drivers have. Sebastian Vettel might be a second choice but is he old enough to drink? ;-)

[Richard Williams]

I did share a drink with James Hunt once and he was exactly as the world remembers him - brilliant fun. Of the other drivers, it'd have to be Alan Jones, my great hero. I'm told he liked a tinny before qualifying...

As for today's drivers, I couldn't care less. Automatons all of them.

[Bojan]

Whatever we'd be drinking, I would chose to spent time with pairs of them. Maybe because I'm too lazy and I expect they would lead a very interesting conversation without much input from my side, me just calmly sipping my drink(s) and listening to them.

Here are some of my preferred choices:

1. Alonso, Schumacher, Senna and Fangio in any combination.

2. Although Prost might also work well within the first group, I'd prefer to match him with either Piquet Sr., Lauda, G. Villeneuve, Berger, Damon Hill or maybe the best choice - Jo Ramirez (not a driver but an extremely interesting and knowledgable man). Sorry, I see no place for the current guys here.

3. For a colourful wild night out I'd choose to have a real party with a whole bunch of them: Kimi, Innes Ireland, Hunt (only if he came with Lord Hesketh), Berger, Piquet Sr., Barichello, Coulthard, Irvine, Jones, Arnoux, Laffite, G. Villeneuve, Regazzoni, H-J Stuck, and all other cheerful lads which do not come to my memory at this moment.

However, Senna remains by far on the top of my list - even of we drank water only.

[graham fudger]

Do you think any of them would be interested in meeting me at the Torture Garden's International Fetish Ball in Brixton Hill tomorow night ?

The Torture Garden is a cutting edge 'club' for people with diverse personal interests - catering especially for the extroverts among us ( a good looking and interesting bunch on the whole )

As advertised in this week's Time Out ( page 138 ) Saturday night's theme includes a War Zone, complete with armoured checkpoint, border guards and interrogations. ( is that defiance in the face of public censure or are they pushing the boundries of taste in the name of art ? - personally, I'm not sure )

Maybe some of Max's 7 to 1 supporters would like to join me at the bar for a G and T ... say 11.00 pm ?

We can all go and get frisked at midnight ...

[Jack]

Wow, most of the drivers have been named but three spring to mind, the best driver to never have won a GP, Chris Amon, the two other guys from the opposite side of the world, Bruce McLaren and his team mate Denny Hulme, those guys drove every thing and won.

The dry sardonic wit of Dunny Hulme and the crisp one liners of Chris Amon or the equal of Colin Chapman, Bruse MC Laren... wait that's another candidate, Colin Chapman, ..

now, there would be one or two tales to tell there.

[Max Mosely]

Could I join your interesting discussion ?
Er, I think it would have to be Ron Dennis. If he pays then I will apologise.

[graham fudger]

Re: Fetish Ball at the Torture Garden this weekend - I was thinking of putting on my best bib and tucker and going along as a very important man ...

... would anybody like to come along as my lawyer ?

[Ed Gorman]

Crumbs: the rate this is going IDR(our reluctant statistician) is going to have to do it all over again! Ho ho

[Alix]

So BIG James Hunt !!

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=wqtA0rnqssQ

Anybody remember the old press conferences...

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=XtlNxwu43g8
Mika and Eddie Irvine...

For today´s drivers despite of beeing myself a Alonso fan , I´d rather choose Flavio for some fun ...
If I have to choose one for sure that will be Kimi:

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=ycjhflTHJ3Q

He is the most "human" driver these days...

[IDR]

@ED

Are you calling all your Friends & Family to post a comment here, uh?

I have backed up the previous one...

[IDR]

@BOBO

Sorry mate, but Lewis is just quite busy in his honeymoon with A Parker.

Trully, sorry again but his vineyard is almost empty. Too many people here have already chosen him, and all of them are just drunk. Trulli is desperately trying to save some bottles.

Hekki, busy too. If you visit the thread “Kimi makes it look easy at Montmelo; 26Gs for Heikki”, you will found Heikki and his girlfriend trying seriously to escape from a “Thematic lunch” organized by our friend “D” dressed as Suleyman the Magnificent!

Takuma Sato and Sebastian Bourdaix… Both are at the hospital (nothing serious). They had a car crash after having dinner together yesterday night in the Buddha Bar of Paris. (Too much sushi and sake before the “mojitos” on the third floor)

May I recommend you next time to post your comment earlier?

[Gareth]

By all accounts if you tried to "share" a pint with Kimi you'd probably end up just as thirsty as when you started.

[Colin]

Current: Kimi. Because I'm persuaded by Ed's comments that he must be a whole more intersting than his public persona. Otherwise, none of them. They all seem bland!
Past: Niki Lauda. A remarkable guy whose achievements I admire enormously. He could always be relied on for an interesting, contrarian and often controversial view of just about everything. After 40 years of following F1, no-one else with the possible exception of James Hunt would fascinate me as much. What a pair: great rivals and good friends so I'm going to cheat and invite them both! Perfect.

[Ron D (Woking)]

Present: Fernando.
Reason: Advice.

Past: Ayrton.
Reason: He'd still speak to me.

PS. I was in no way involved in the outrageous invasion of privacy that my dear and respected friend Max Mosley suffered recently. And nobody associated with me in any way had better tell me that they were, either. Especially if they were.

That said, if ever I do find out who did it, they'll get free beer from me and Norbert for the rest of their lives.

[Ron's solicitor]

Present: Alonso.
Reason: To remind him of the gagging clause in his severance agreement.

Past: Michael Andretti
Reason: Future availability of son.

[Martin W (Woking)]

Present: Kimi.
Reason: 2009 availability.

Past: Alain Prost.
Reason: Are you available for Istanbul next week?

[box_player]

Stirling Moss, for the stories at least, would be my first choice. Mario Andretti is another charming raconteur. Among today's drivers? I think I'm too old . . .

[D]

Ah - the Fifth of the Greatest Questions in Formula One is back before us.

(The First being, who was the greatest driver of them all?

The Second being - since, with ever advancing technology, to debate the greatest car of all time would be silly - who was the greatest constructor of all time?

The Third being, which is, or was, the greatest circuit of them all?

And the Fourth being, what was the greatest race of all time?

Well, before we start tackling this, we have to establish the ground rules properly.

The crucial ones that arise here are in the second part: “The Driver from the Past.”

Some complicated dilemmas to be ironed out before we address that one head on.

Ed has resolved one of them by nominating James Hunt: so clearly our choice is not limited to those who are extant; the whole range of the record books is open to us.

But that, of course, prompts the biggie: is our drinking companion to be plucked from his grave, perfectly preserved, to travel at the speed of light, ageing not a day, until he is deposited in the chair across from us with a healthy thirst? What would he know of all that has happened in motor racing since his demise, as he scans the prices on the wall in amazement and sees the pit-babes with whom he once frolicked now grey-haired and matronly?

Or, is it to be we who shall be whisked back to the days of our youth, or before we were born, to share his company? Do our memories get a system reset as we travel through time or are we allowed to tell him of sequential gearboxes, driver aids and Max Mosley’s globally exposed buttocks?

And then, to what purpose should we apply our precious time in his company? To learning things, to reminiscing with an old friend or to partying?

Not for me the third. If I want to get legless and paint the town I can do it with anyone; I don’t need to squander a magic wish, to do that.

Well, let’s top toying with the tardis for a moment and dispose of the the first part, the easy part, of the question we are posed by Michael Bowen and Ed.

Current Formula One drivers.

I’d like to hold a wide-ranging conversation with someone who has been on the scene for quite a few years, understands where motor racing fits into a life that encompasses a broad range of interests and who has seen Formula One from the wider perspective of being in the middle of it rather than the rarified and more narrowly focussed experience of life at the front of the grid. (Though my chosen one has made some remarkably high appearances on the latter.)

I would like to sink my beer cold, with * JARNO TRULLI * at the "Robinson Crusoe Beach Bar "of the "Lido delle Sirene" after a refreshing swim in the Adriatic, before being driven by him in a Lamborghini Miura, along the roads that formed the famous circuit at Pescara, to the vineyard that he jointly owns in Alanno - there to spend the afternoon in long, informative, eclectic and jovial discussion at the Podere Castorani over a bottle or two of his superb “Jarno” Rosso Colline Pescaresi, a Montepulciano d”Abruzzo, of which he is rightly proud.

Drivers from the Past.

Well, I’d certainly pass on James Hunt. I won’t offend our kind host and the admiring Mrs. G by dispelling the deeply cherished image they have of him though rose (rosé?) tinted glasses. We all have our heroes and I probably wouldn’t like to be given a frank assessment of the social shortcomings of Horatio Nelson by someone who knew him personally. But at least the dashing Admiral didn’t hammer on endlessly about the failings of Riccardo Patrese whenever somebody left the port decanter too accessibly within reach of his good arm.

So, whom to choose in his stead, to savour his time-travelling pint?

There are so, so many with whom I would like to share that moment of magic; and for so, so many different reasons. To pick any one of the conventionally celebrated wizards of the wheel, however, would be to belittle, by omission, his peers. This I cannot do.

My choice, therefore, is one which pushes the rules of homologation to the limit of permissibility with a degree of lateral thinking that would get a nod of approval from the great man himself.

Conjure up for me, please *ANTHONY COLIN BRUCE CHAPMAN, O.B.E.*

Yes, I know what you’re all thinking - but he does indeed qualify for this, even if he didn’t qualify for the grande epreuve that bestows upon him his eligibility for my choice here.

“Chunky”, you see, was entered in a works Vanwall VW3, bearing the number 26, for the French Grand Prix at Reims in 1956. And such was this remarkable man’s prowess as a driver in his own right, he qualified it 5th, ahead of Mike Hawthorn in a similar car! Sadly, however, he then discovered the woeful limits of its rear brakes and stuffed it quite spectacularly into the scenery at Thillois, leaving him without a set of wheels for the race itself.

(By way of proof, I refer you not only to the record books but to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVn2FLjrlNk )

What remains is which of us should do the HG Wells thing and defy the laws of physics to effect the reunion.

Much - very much - as it would appeal to me to be wafted back to the “Pub Lotus” in 1967 and find my beloved Elan S3 SE still parked outside it (for I still have its spare key…) I opt to bring him forward, instead.

I wish to down my half-litre of chilled bière at the Café Grand Prix in Monaco on 25 May, after a leisurely walk down the pit-lane with the Guv’nor while he studies minutely every detail of the assembled machinery.

I would then like to sit down for lunch at a table for two on the balcony of a room at the Hôtel de Paris that overlooks Casino Square and watch the race with the man who built Formula One cars with four-wheel-drive, with jet engines, and with twin chassis, when he wasn’t busy producing Lotus-Cortinas, Elans and an Indianapolis 500 winner.

And then, between courses, after he’s had a few moments to contemplate and process all that he’s just seen, I’ll watch him sketch out on the back of his napkin a car that would leave the Ferrari, the McLaren, the BMW and the Renault in its dust.

Oh yes, what wouldn’t I give to have another beer with Colin Chapman.

(Well, you did ask, Ed...!)

[A. Davidson (Leafield)]

Present: Rubens Barrichello
Reason: Question about his retirement plans.

Past: Aguri Suzuki.
Reason: To discuss outstanding wages.

[cvt]

I am surprised no one has mentioned Jean-Louis Schlesser.

[Sato San (Leafield)]

Present: Alex Wurtz
Reason: To discuss job-sharing

Past: Aguri Suzuki
Reason: To discuss monies owed and my friends in the Yakuza.

[Dale]

Ed
Off message but please don't allow the times to fall into Mosley's scheme to deflect the scandal from his perversions and unsuitability of being the president of the FIA to his teams plot to involve McLaren and in particular Ron Dennis.
Ed
You would do us all a fantastic surface if you could shed light on the innate dislike pervert Mosley has of Ron Dennis as we all know it exists but few I imagine know the reasons behind (excuse the pun) it.
I am very disappointed that F1 is staying silent on this as they all know what is going on between Mosley and Dennis and allowing Mosley's team to make these accusations towards Mclaren ae unacceptable and further bring the FIA into disrepute (not that the FIA give a dam about that)!

[IDR]

Please, please stop posting!

Now, the party is over, (I hope)

Not too bad at all, 169 pints to share with!

I’m pretty sure Guiness or Heineken, or San Miguel, will be quite happy in promoting this event.

Anyhow, there is some poster, that will probably have a long way home after sharing all the pints he whish to.

Our friend BOJAN has accounted 24 drivers!

Don’t forget to take a B12 vitamin injection, just in case… thanks god that you asked only for water for your last driver!

Ok lets, see how things have changed from my previous balance:

The new TOP LIST (only those drivers with more than one vote)

CURRENT BABIES
1) Kimi Raikonen 26%
2) Fernando Alonso 15%
3) David Coulthard 13%
4) Rubens Barrichello 8%
5) Jarno Trulli 7%
6) Heikki Kovalainen 6%
7) Juan Pablo Montoya 4%
7) Lewis Hamilton 4%
9) Robert Kubica 3%
9) Sebastian Vettel 3%

THE TRULY HEROES
1) James Hunt 13%
2) Ayrton Senna 8%
3) Eddie Irvine 6%
3) Michael Shumacher 6%
3) Nigel Mansell 6%
6) Alain Prost 4%
6) Jackie Stewart 4%
6) Niki Lauda 4%
9) Bruce McLaren 3%
9) Graham Hill 3%
9) Juan Manuel Fangio 3%
9) Nelson Piquet 3%
9) Sterling Moss 3%
10) Alan Jones 2%
10) Damon Hill 2%
10) Gerhard Berger 2%
10) Mario Andretti 2%

The former leaders have resisted quite well the new wave of bloggers.

For the classics ones , a lot of new names have appeared (some of them unknown at least for me, I'm not so old!)

F Alonso is the runner up who has gained more votes. But I would say something to those bloggers who have voted for him:

Forget about cider, cabrales cheese or even tortilla if it is made with chorizo or other special ingredient. (Sorry JOHNNY-P)

Forget about a great dinner with Alonso. (MICHAEL BOWEN, look for another driver, recommended) The man is so estrange with the meal.

Then I would recommend give the privilege to MIRIAM who is conscious of F Alonso limitations and have asked just for a cup of milk.

FRANC, if you want to share a pint with Sebastian Vettel, be sure that is in a Country allowing spirits under 21. (He is just 20 years old, up to the next July 3rd.)

And for those who have voted for Kimi, I think you should take in consideration the clever advise of GARETH: “if you tried to "share" a pint with Kimi you'd probably end up just as thirsty as when you started.”

One last thing,

Nobody has voted for sharing a pint with ED!!!

I know he is not a driver, but even Max Moseley has been mentioned, (as a joke, but at least mentioned)

Well I think is because we all know what you think, (we read this blog).

In any case, if you want to join Flavio and myself for the dinner at The Fat Duck with Fernando, you’re welcome.

[Jordi]

Please Ed, allow me to post of topic.

There is an unresolved issue from last year that created most controversy in this blog and in F1 in general with dramatic consequences. I'm referring to the everlasting dispute about who was right: Alonso complaining about what he felt lack of support from McLaren, or Ron Dennis clamming equality policy.

Time puts things into perspective and perhaps now is a good time to look back and make a better assessment of what happened.

My opinion:
This year all the British media is calling Hamilton the Team Leader (ITV mentioned at least 5 times last weekend) but more surprisingly even McLaren is referring to Hamilton as their Team Leader.

Does this prove that Fernando was right?

i.e:
"Lewis is now an absolutely proven product. He can lead a team and he can be the talisman that can take us to a championship," the country's Autosport Web site (www.autosport.com) quoted McLaren's chief executive Martin Whitmarsh as saying on Thursday.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/motorSportsNews/idUKL0631906620071206

[Anon]

Um, IDR, I wanna change my vote from Schumacher to Fangio.

Just kidding, just kidding.=)

I'm surprised that everyone is saying Fernando does not drnk-do we know this for sure?

[Karmen]

I will take Kimi and Bruce McLaren.

Kimi to have fun, and Bruce to learn about F1 and life.

[Peter Mills]

The current drivers aren't so enticing but of all of them I think Mark Webber would be the most entertaining. And second of all Coulthard or Barrichello, as I bet they'd have some stories to tell.

Of the ex-F1ers it's too hard to choose! Probably Montoya, how could that not be fun? Mind you, Mika Hakkinen has such a dry sense of humour that he'd be great too.

Driver to avoid: Chris Amon, he'd drink me under the table and I wouldn't remember any of it. Apparently he used to have a couple of glasses of red before jumping in the Ferrari for a race!

[colin grayson]

where have you been jordi , that quote was from 2007 !!

and why didn't you comment on what it didn't need to say ....he won't be given preference over the other driver ; axiomatic at ML my dear jordi

but for marketing reasons you need an 'image' figure , one who captures attention for the team ; yes , I know FA got a lot of publicity for the team last year ...pity it was all bad

[IDR]

@ANON

After having 169 pints, everybody could change his
vote every time they want. I’m not in condition of making any more changes!

The Fernando Alonso thing is true. I remember an interview of his “lover” A Lobato, asking him for what he liked to drink and to eat. I was really impressed how simple is this man and not only for the food or drink. I wonder myself how Fernando is going to expend his fortune! I hope Raquel could find some incentives.

@JORDI

I was personally quite happy because in this thread one cannot find any one comment about the boring, absolutely boring thing about LH/RD/FA until you post your comment.

May I kindly ask you to retire it? (You can send a kick note to Ed for this)

As there is practically impossible to find a thread in witch Spanish/British battle is not mentioned, at least the rest of the bloggers not interested in talking every time about the same thing, will be able, from time to time to return back to this thread and relax a little bit.

[Oliver]

Current drivers: Sebastian Vettel. I'd like to tell him that the secret is to remain on track.

Drivers from the past: Eddie Irvine. Although I'm sure I wouldn't remember what we did that night, I can't imagine any other driver sharing a pint with me! On the other hand, I think Irvine would share a pint with anybody who invited him...

[jordi]

@ IDR

I’m really sorry to have broken the aesthetics of this thread, but you need to know that life is not always perfect and sometimes those imperfections are what makes life more exciting.

Can I suggest to accept things as they are, instead of trying to change them.

I really enjoy reading your post, and even if sometimes I don’t like what you have to say, I would never dare to ask you to retire it. With all my respect IDR, you are not the moderator.

I asked Ed to let me post off topic, and he allowed me to do so.

Please feel free to ignore my post, no offence will be taken.

I feel that the Alonso / Dennis issue is an unresolved one, which had massive repercussions in the media and in F1 last year. I think that with the perspective that time puts on things, now would be a good time to look back on it. But Hey! Its just my opinion.

I also understand that people may be tired of this subject and they may not want to write about it, that’s call freedom, same freedom I have to write and same freedom Ed has to publish what ever he thinks its appropriate.

Regards

[IDR]

@JORDI

Thanks for your comment. In fact I'm not trying to become a policeman for keeping the threads as much pure as possible.

As you comment, this is Ed's Blog and all of us are invited because his courtesy, this is the reason why I KINDLY asked you to do that.

I’m an Alonso fan. I have already written in this blog what is my view on last year issue, but I did it last year. That was on topic, and there was a WDC to fight for.

The last three threads: one of them written by a journalist talking about his experience as a non privileged visitor at Montmeló, or the following one just related to Kimi, and this one talking about the personal preferences of current and past drivers.

I’m still asking myself what the hell in these three posts (just an example), if you go to the end, the people is there just talking about:

Racism in Spain or Great Britain, R Denis or Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso

That is so boring even for me that I’m an Alonso Fan. So boring Jordi. Please move on!

I have read most of your comments, and when you comment other things, is a pleasure to read.

Just please move on.

[Anon]

I know I'm one of those people still '07 mode (like I admit in a recent thread), IDR. I'm sorry if that bugs you and I try not to talk about the past but I just have to respond to some comments which I believe ust don't hold up.

Regards

[Jordi]

To IDR

Do this, say that, retire this, move up, stop, move on... You really do sound like a Policeman.

[IDR]

Sorry Jordi, that was not my intention, then I kindly ask Ed's to retire my previous comment.

[Jordi]

IDR, I know you mean well. No need to apologize.

[box_player]

Has anyone noticed how few people here who have chosen Moss can spell his first name correctly? Sad.