F1 » Lauda clarifies Hamilton 'no charisma' comments

I don't see why Lauda should have to clarify anything. If what he said was taken out of context, that's the fault of the journalist. This is only a story because Lauda dared to critisise Hamilton, and it's a slow news day.

Lauda raises a good point - drivers in the 70's faced death each time they were on the track. I guess that would put out a bit more of a carefree attitude to life.

Regarding the last paragraph, what about Guy Edwards and the other couple of driver that also helped pull you out and save your life Niki, at least worthy of a mention I would think?!

i think that the drivers of today do lack a certain charisma,in the past you could get a good interview with the drivers and some of them were quite funny,nigel mansell springs to mind...but the crop of drivers today have'nt got a sense of humour,i mean when was the last time kimi or kubica made you roll about laughing ?????

How about Brazil 2006 when Kimi said he "was having a ****"?! That made me laugh! But seriously, I know what you mean, most of todays drivers are just corporate robots

That day in Germany was 33 years ago surely?

Fuji
Louise Goodman-'Do you feel you could have done anything more to avoid contact with Massa?'
Sebastian Bourdais- 'Yea sure, I could have rolled out the red carpet and escorted him around the corner, I'll know for next time though!'
That interview still makes me laugh!
Ok so maybe Kimi (cept for China 08 of course) and Kubica don't have much charisma but drivers such as Hamilton, Massa, Bourdais, etc. do!
And surely it's a good thing we don't have F1 drivers dying on the track every year?!

OK, Lauda is a living legend, and the Nurburgring gillparty made him for it. Even his charisma comes from this horrible day and his recovery bravado after the crash, racing in Monza, pulling out of the Fuji race, losing agains Hunt and winning in 1977 again. The charisma was his fate. True enough: it is easier to build up a charisma fighting against the death than fighting against just the other guys on the track. If anybody of the current field has a charisma then Lewis is defintely among them: his antree in 2007 and his World Champion year were great. Sure, winning with one of the best car of the field could be easy. Still, I would prefer Lewis rather than his girlfriend.

What about some of DC's on air interviews with fruity language? They were entertaining enough!

Last driver with character: JP Montoya... his mistake, to join Macca!

Who really cares if he did say he lacked charisma - the majority of drivers do lack charisma these days as they are geared to being perfect for the media. They are schooled in how to perform infront of a camera so it doesnt reflect badly on the team or the sponsors. The majority of them are so focused on that they forget they are supposed to be at the pinnacle of motor racing and are expected to be playboys

Bordais as was said early is always good for a comment, DC was never shy nor was Montoya and for all that Kimi can be exceptionally dour he can come out with some belters he just doesnt like cameras in his face.