Exposing the F1 myth

A reader asks, Dear AutoRacing1.com, If F1 drivers are supposed to be the best in the world how come drivers like Mika Häkkinen and Heinz Herald Frentzen have not gone to the German DTM Series and cleaned house? In fact they are backmarkers most races. David Kennedy

Dear David, F1 drivers are as good as their equipment. It's a complete fallacy that they are the best drivers in the world. In fact, some of them who have come into Champ Car have stunk up the place with horrible performances. As we have stated in the past, a driver who drove rear-engined cars all their life many times has disappointing results switching to front-engine race cars, and vice-versa. This is why front-engine dirt track drivers do so well in front-engine stock cars, yet go to Indy Cars and perform horribly. Meanwhile we have seen many a Champ Car/Indy Car driver try NASCAR (rear engine to front engine switch) and perform horrible.

F1 drivers are good rear engine race car drivers, but it's hard to compare the different forms of racing and say who is the 'best.' It takes a special driver to excel at both rear and front engine race cars. Mark C.