The booing of Vettel & is Vettel a great?

[Mr V]

Now, i'm sure that there are more than a few of you on here that are rather enjoying seeing Vettel booed and jeered on virtually every podium, but just wondered what your thoughts on the matter are?

It would appear that its got to the stage where its making the back pages of the papers.

Now, I've been giving it some thought, and as a Seb fan, i'm not saying that the "fans" showing their displeasure is unjustified, but it's the intensity that surprises me. Yes, he disobeyed team orders, cheated as a good friend of mine keeps reminding me, but if we compare it to....

Senna cheating his way to a title by taking Prost off in Suzuka 1990.

Schumacher cheating his way to a titl by taking Hill off in Adelaide 1994

Schumacher trying to cheat his way to a title in Jerez 1997

All actions that haven't resulted in the same amount of dissatisfifation shown by the fans at the circuits that Vettel receives.

Just wondering if its now gone too far or if you can see it ending soon?

[Peat]

I find it incredibly disappointing.

I would have thought that, as a community, we were 'above' that sort of thing.

But, i guess if you turn the show into Super Mario Kart to attract the pondlife dollar, you have to deal with the consequences.

[Aysedasi]

I've said as much as I feel I need to say about it elsewhere.

[SpikerJack]

In Italy the difference is:

1) You drive for ferrari----> GOD
2) You don't drive for ferrari------> Boooooo

That's it. Not so difficult.. Schumacher was hated before he came to Ferrari, same thing for Alonso after the Mclaren scandal.. When they came to Ferrari the crowd just went mad for them..

[Gingers4Justice]

As far as I'm aware this is nothing new. My parents went to the Italian GP in 1990 and the fans threw bottles at Senna's car and some of them even left when the Ferraris retired.

It's disappointing, yes. But if you're going to have an event with tens or hundreds of thousands of people, no matter where you hold it and no matter what the event there will be some who spoil it for you in some way.

[White flag man]

Fanatical supporters booing the opposition! Surely not, whatever next!!
It happens in all sports, get real.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by White flag man

Fanatical supporters booing the opposition! Surely not, whatever next!!
It happens in all sports, get real.

Non Ferrari drivers will always get booed, sure, but this, same as Silverstone, when Vettel retired and Montreal, where he won has reached different levels is the point I was making.

[Spritle]

As a Ferrari fan, I find it despicable and totally classless. Most sports fans I know, or at least the ones I choose to associate with, congratulate & compliment the victor no matter how hard it is to swallow.

At the end of the race Alonso stood there and waited for Seb to get out of the car so he could shake his hand and offer his congratulations on a well deserved victory. That behaviour should have carried over to the fans & haters who seemed to be more wrapped up in “it should have been, (insert favourite driver here) who won the race” than applauding the winner.

This Seb hatred seems to be growing amongst those who grasp for straws when picking a DOTR by choosing ANYBODY who had a few good laps whilst overwhelming choosing Seb’s team as the TOTR. How does that work? Oh I get it, “Seb has no talent, it’s all about Newey, the car and the team, he led from pole, he was unchallenged, any git could drive the RB9 to victory, team orders, it's bad for the sport, bla, bla, bla…”

…unless of course it was (insert favourite driver here) driving another car in the identical circumstances, then it would have been “a brilliant drive in that dog of a car, DOTR, amazing”…utter rubbish.

It is too bad people let their jealousy get in the way of what Vettel has accomplished in such a short time even if they don’t like it, instead of shedding tears or anger for what could have been or should have been, (their thoughts, not mine) for (insert favourite driver here).

I root for Ferrari every race and get extremely disappointed when things don’t go “our” way, but I appreciate, admire and applaud success when it doesn’t come at the expense of someone else’s extreme misfortune. Getting beat fairly & squarely is hardly a reason to loathe and boo someone. It is the behaviour of a jealous poor sport. I sincerely hope the FIA brings the post-race interviews back indoors with no audience. The boo-birds don’t deserve an opportunity to show their lack of class.

Congratulations Seb from this Tifosi on a fine race and superb victory. Hopefully we’ll get you next race!

[KaiserSose]

Originally Posted by Spritle

As a Ferrari fan, I find it despicable and totally classless. Most sports fans I know, or at least the ones I choose to associate with, congratulate & compliment the victor no matter how hard it is to swallow.

At the end of the race Alonso stood there and waited for Seb to get out of the car so he could shake his hand and offer his congratulations on a well deserved victory. That behaviour should have carried over to the fans & haters who seemed to be more wrapped up in “it should have been, (insert favourite driver here) who won the race” than applauding the winner.

This Seb hatred seems to be growing amongst those who grasp for straws when picking a DOTR by choosing ANYBODY who had a few good laps whilst overwhelming choosing Seb’s team as the TOTR. How does that work? Oh I get it, “Seb has no talent, it’s all about Newey, the car and the team, he led from pole, he was unchallenged, any git could drive the RB9 to victory, team orders, it's bad for the sport, bla, bla, bla…”

…unless of course it was (insert favourite driver here) driving another car in the identical circumstances, then it would have been “a brilliant drive in that dog of a car, DOTR, amazing”…utter rubbish.

It is too bad people let their jealousy get in the way of what Vettel has accomplished in such a short time even if they don’t like it, instead of shedding tears or anger for what could have been or should have been, (their thoughts, not mine) for (insert favourite driver here).

I root for Ferrari every race and get extremely disappointed when things don’t go “our” way, but I appreciate, admire and applaud success when it doesn’t come at the expense of someone else’s extreme misfortune. Getting beat fairly & squarely is hardly a reason to loathe and boo someone. It is the behaviour of a jealous poor sport. I sincerely hope the FIA brings the post-race interviews back indoors with no audience. The boo-birds don’t deserve an opportunity to show their lack of class.

Congratulations Seb from this Tifosi on a fine race and superb victory. Hopefully we’ll get you next race!

Bravo.

[davyboy]

+ 1

[F1Pete]

Out of all the cheaters of the past I rate Schumacher on the bottom of my list (bottom being my most disliked driver). He didn't just run drivers off the the track (to add HHF in Montreal when coming out of the pits, which is why they changed the configuration and also to add the helmet scandal and illegal traction control software, blame everyone else, etc.), but with that being said he never got booed like SV.

I think people don't like the in-your-face victory antics, the sometimes whining on the radio, the swearing on the podium, the Webber inciident, the finger, just his bratty immature(ish) persona etc. So, I am guessing it is all the little irritable things collectively adding up along with hearing it all the time when he wins has contributed to the boos. I am sure if he was a little more reserved and professional, people would see him in a different way. Well, anything like he is now. Maybe the victory screams on the radio after every race is getting on everyone's nerves?

I liked SV early on, seemed like a nice guy (he still is don't get me wrong), but I feel sick and tired just like everyone else. I am not speaking for everyone else, but don't hit at me for saying it.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by F1Pete

I think people don't like the in-your-face victory antics, the sometimes whining on the radio, the swearing on the podium, the Webber inciident, the finger, just his bratty immature(ish) persona etc. So, I am guessing it is all the little irritable things collectively adding up along with hearing it all the time when he wins has contributed to the boos. I am sure if he was a little more reserved and professional, people would see him in a different way. Well, anything like he is now. Maybe the victory screams on the radio after every race is getting on everyone's nerves?

I liked SV early on, seemed like a nice guy (he still is don't get me wrong), but I feel sick and tired just like everyone else. I am not speaking for everyone else, but don't hit at me for saying it.

I will hit at you for saying it !

You're happy for the guy to be booed because of his 'in your face victory antics', his 'victory screams on the radio' and his 'bratty immature(ish) persona'. Is he the only racing driver that's ever done any of these things ? What the hell is he supposed to do... stay silent, do nothing or just stop winning ? Maybe he ought to apologise for existing ?

[Paradise City]

There's an intensity and sense of high drama with Shumacher and Senna that doesn't appear with Vettel. Vettel seems a frivolous and easy-going character in comparison. That's likely unfair but that is what comes across I think and I think it rubs people the wrong way. Nothing to be done; just the way it is.

Tifosi booed Hunt back in the day. So I wouldn't necessarily read too much into it either.

[MGDavid]

F1pete says it all, nothing to add.

[stripedcat]

It fits in with the "pantomime villain" label that people can give to Vettel. Before him, Alonso got pegged with it because of the year at McLaren, and before that Schumi got pegged with it. Rightly or wrongly. It is just easy for some people to hate someone because of perception, even though the facts might actually counter that perception.

[MarkG]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

F1pete says it all, nothing to add.

I agree.
Although I will add, that maybe Vettel's unpopularity is because many people don't quite see Vettel as the best there is, and his irritating finger-boy act is seen as him telling everyone he's the best, whereas the reality is he is a top driver lucky enough to have the best car by far these last few years. Yes, he has put Webber in the shade a few times, but Webber is not in the "alien" class of F1 driver. Maybe the finger-boy peculiarity is an insecurity thing because in fact, Webber runs him closer than is comfortable, even though the car is biased to Vettel's style. Webber's record of points against Vettel would be markedly different without his bad luck, and his infuriating inability to make good starts.

I don't particularly like Vettel, but I will admit he is a top driver who gets the best out of a great car, and I'm not comfortable with the booing. I may like him one day if he shows the same results in a lesser car.

[Spritle]

Originally Posted by Paradise City

Tifosi booed Hunt back in the day. So I wouldn't necessarily read too much into it either.

Actually, I plan to boo Chris Hemsworth, (as Hunt) when I go to see Rush in a few weeks.

[numbersix]

Going back to the original post.

Some Tifosi boo anything that's not red. It's a national pastime but I noticed Alonzo looking very uncomfortable for Vettel and so did I. It's not right.

We in the UK weren't exactly kind to him when he went DNF at Silverstone and there was, at best, little enthusiasm shown to him when he appeared at the show afterwards - which I thought was brave of him.

Do 'some' people not like him because they don't respect his achievements? Or is it something else?

I think there has been a sea change in human behavior brought about by the internet where every blog, chat site, FaceBook page, news pages and YouTube have a 'comments' box where a minority of chimps hiding behind avatars write comments that range from disgraceful to disgusting.

Is this "freedom to be outrageous just because they can" now part of everyday life? I regret to say Yes.

[bella]

Originally Posted by numbersix

I think there has been a sea change in human behavior brought about by the internet where every blog, chat site, FaceBook page, news pages and YouTube have a 'comments' box where a minority of chimps hiding behind avatars write comments that range from disgraceful to disgusting.

Is this "freedom to be outrageous just because they can" now part of everyday life. I regret to say Yes.

i'd have to agree with that.

also, the majority of people (and that minority of chimps) get their information from loads of different sources. back in the day when we all read autosport and newspapers, we all got the same information from the same, trusted, well considered and informed sources. now, we'll listen to anybody with a twitter account. our fangirl and fanboy couch opinions now arrive in the same format and context as a journalist at the circuit. people can be who they want to be, and say what they want to say and generally people will take that at face value, even if they're not being entirely honest themselves.

curse and a blessing, i suppose

[JeremySmith]

Originally Posted by numbersix

Going back to the original post.

Some Tifosi boo anything that's not red. It's a national pastime but I noticed Alonzo looking very uncomfortable for Vettel and so did I. It's not right.

We in the UK weren't exactly kind to him when he went DNF at Silverstone and there was, at best, little enthusiasm shown to him when he appeared at the show afterwards - which I thought was brave of him.

Do 'some' people not like him because they don't respect his achievements? Or is it something else?

I think there has been a sea change in human behavior brought about by the internet where every blog, chat site, FaceBook page, news pages and YouTube have a 'comments' box where a minority of chimps hiding behind avatars write comments that range from disgraceful to disgusting.

Is this "freedom to be outrageous just because they can" now part of everyday life? I regret to say Yes.

Excellent post...thank you for that !

[50-SIX]

I think the difference with Clark is he had a fully respected team mate, and was probably conisidered by his peers as the fastest.

Vettel doesn't have that. I don't think he needs to move to a new team to prove his worth. That just doesn't make sense for him. What would solve the problem is if he had a known quantity as a team mate. A match up with Kimi would have been good, a match up with Alonso would have been great. Unfortunately neither of these happened, so we will have the same arguments coming up going forward.

Personally, I think he is the real deal. And he probably won't care who thinks he's a great or not. He will probably just lean on his multiple WDC trophies and let the hoards debate the if's, but's and maybe's. As the old saying goes, if my aunty had balls, she would be my uncle. Well she doesn't and Vettel is still probably going to win 4 on the bounce.

I don't know why, but I feel the need to state that I'm in no way a Vettel supporter. I just think we should tip our hats when someone is obviously driving at the top of his game, in a good car, and cleaning up. What more can he do?

[Teretonga]

Originally Posted by 50-SIX

I think the difference with Clark is he had a fully respected team mate, and was probably conisidered by his peers as the fastest.

Vettel doesn't have that. I don't think he needs to move to a new team to prove his worth. That just doesn't make sense for him. What would solve the problem is if he had a known quantity as a team mate. A match up with Kimi would have been good, a match up with Alonso would have been great. Unfortunately neither of these happened, so we will have the same arguments coming up going forward.

Personally, I think he is the real deal. And he probably won't care who thinks he's a great or not. He will probably just lean on his multiple WDC trophies and let the hoards debate the if's, but's and maybe's. As the old saying goes, if my aunty had balls, she would be my uncle. Well she doesn't and Vettel is still probably going to win 4 on the bounce.

I don't know why, but I feel the need to state that I'm in no way a Vettel supporter. I just think we should tip our hats when someone is obviously driving at the top of his game, in a good car, and cleaning up. What more can he do?

Actually Clark had Mike Spence, Peter Arundell and Trevor Taylor as team mates during the 1.5 litre era and none of them were in the same class as him nor most of his really talented opposition (Hill, Gurney, Brabham, McLaren, Ginther, Stewart, Surtees). In the three litre era 66/67 he drove a 2 litre Lotus 33 most of the 66 year and early 67. And the 49 was not that strong or reliable in that first year. He died less than a year after the 49's first GP.

[Tiny]

NO , he is not great!
Just as Schumi is not great.
The results they have ARE GREAT thou.

Both are very good but they both has that little something that makes no sense , that feeling that they are cheeting ore just do not care.

Someone thats great i truly beloved and even liked by the opponents.

[Knowlesy]

Originally Posted by Tiny

NO , he is not great!
Just as Schumi is not great.
The results they have ARE GREAT thou.

Both are very good but they both has that little something that makes no sense , that feeling that they are cheeting ore just do not care.

Someone thats great i truly beloved and even liked by the opponents.

I agree to a certain extent, although Vettel has not yet plumbed the depths of Schumacher (or Senna) and probably never will!

Your last line is interesting though, F1 has become so monetised and serious that it is truly hard to remember a champion, indeed any driver, who was truly liked by opponents. Has there been any since the 80's? Damon Hill perhaps? I get the impression they barely even glance at each other nowadays should they accidentally find themselves in the same room as one another.

[Gingers4Justice]

If he wasn't winning he might even be proclaimed as a boyish breath of fresh air. It would be interesting to see how everyone would feel about Raikkonen's persona if he dominated like Vettel.