So is this Scott Speed's last season in F1?

Question

He hasn't done anything to merit a long stay in F1, apart from showing a few flashes of speed on occasion. He has the raw talent, but lacks the work ethic and focus. There are many equally talented, but HARDER WORKING and MORE FOCUSED drivers waiting in the wings to take his place.

What do American F1 fans think of Scott Speed? Are you dissapointed the first American F1 driver since Michael Andretti is a slacker who isn't focused enough. Atleast Andretti had an excuse - His teammate was the great Ayrton Senna and he was also commuting from the USA.

Answer 1

As Nelson Piquet jr put it: "he's got a cool name and he's the right nationality". Pretty much sums up how he got his drive and how he's kept it so far.
I don't think commuting from the USA can be used as an excuse for Andretti, all the South Americans move to Europe permanently in order to have a shot at making it in F1, often to the detriment of their marriages (Piquet snr and Senna both divorced to make their career work). Maybe he wasn't committed enough either.

Answer 2

Evaluating Scott Speed is a little difficult. On one hand, you do have these rumors citing lack of focus and commitment... however, there are also people inside the sport that know him that think such opinions are crazy and that he is among the most dedicated drivers there are.

It seems likely to me that the truth is probably somewhere between the two, with there being some room for improvement, but also there simply being something of a style clash between Speed and the people running STR (best evidenced by times we've seen when they radio to him speaking Italian). Scott has shown some impressive speed for the car, but whenever he has, it is almost always in practice and is then followed by bad luck in the race. Though the best drivers in the sport are people that are able to make their own luck more often than not.

What does this mean for his future? If he remains with STR will depend on what happens through the remainder of this season. If he scores more often and performs better than Luizzi, he will almost certainly have the opportunity to remain. If he falls off, then he will be gone. But if he remains relatively the same, it will probably come down to what direction the team wishes to take, with the possibility of moving to two new drivers being very real.

Losing a seat at Torro Rosso though would not signal an end to an F1 career. Given that he would remain the most viable American driver, one of the teams would likely offer a test seat at the very least in hopes that he might do well and offer an "in" towards marketing in the US.

Answer 3

It replaced right into an excellent race, i've got accompanied Scott velocity even earlier his undesirable season interior the worst equipment conceivable in F1.. he's clever arising by ARCA, vehicles, national, then ultimately sprint Cup....seem out Rowdy Busch, this guy could make you seem lame.. he's a rebellion and alittle insane, yet he has expertise and mightcontinual, i like him...he would be Wild Thang #2 as quickly as he hits sprint Cup some day.. Congrats Scott on an excellent win.. bypass Dale Jr & Hms

Answer 4

ABSOLUTELY. Toro Rosso is already talking to Sebastien Bourdais about replacing Speed. Bourdais is qualified to replace Speed with 3 CCWS Championships and a possible fourth on the way (they are all in a row, he'll be the only driver in CCWS/CART history to do that). Bourdais is running Le Mans this weekending, which should help his creditals with STR. He'll also have a MAJOR career deciding test with STR at Spa-Francorchamps during the Belgian Grand Prix. If he does well, he'll be a shoe in to replace Speed. Also, I've read that if Liuzzi isn't careful, he could be gone too. I've read that Gerhard Berger wants long time friend Bruno Senna to possible fill a seat at STR if one is open.

Answer 5

Probably. He hsan't done anything really spectacular. STR will want to replace him with someone who's better. But its hard to judge his performance as he doesn't have a team-mate who can be a good yardstick.

It's been rumoured that Bourdais or Bruno Senna will take his seat next year. But I don't think Bourdais will want to switch to F1. I think STR should give their former test driver now in Champ Cars- Neel Jani a shot. He does quite well in A1 GP, you know.

Answer 6

He's out qualified and out raced Liuzzi most times.
He's finished ahead of Coulthard.
He has a crap car.

I don't see Liuzzi or Webber exactly burning up the tracks either. Coulthard barely holds his own.

And is certainly harder working and more focused than Raikkonen.

I think Berger want's Scott gone BECAUSE he's an American, and resents that Red Bull forced Scott onto him. Talk is that he wants Bourdais in Scott's place.

Answer 7

One American's opinion: The fact that an American or German or Pole is driving the car is irrelevant to me. I watch F1 for the competition and technology. I am fine with whoever wins or runs well as long as they are not cheating.

Answer 8

I know Speed drives a piece of junk car, but I think he's one level beyond his ability. Or commitment, as the case may be. Personally, I think he's just resume-padding so he can move on to IRL or CART or NASCRAP and make better money on home ground.

Answer 9

Whatever talent level he has, I believe Scott Speed would see more success in Champcar or IRL. Formula 1 is all about having a good car.

Answer 10

As an American I would say yes he is in an embarrasment. Needs to be a little more dedicated.

Mario did not just commute either. He raced on both sides. Big difference is that Mario also won.