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Friday, December 28 Users sound off on Heidfeld ESPN.com We asked users if Nick Heidfeld is under rated and here's what users had to say about him, his past season and his future prospects:
Nick is an outstadning driver and will be racing for a top team by 2004. If he puts up another great year he may find himself replacing the lackluster #2 at Ferrari. With Kimi sneaking off to McLaren when all thought he would go to Ferrari I think a reversal would not be a surprise. Michael P. Dublin, Ohio
Nick keeps fantasizing that he's Michael Schumacher in a slow car, but he's not. It's clear that he's got the ability to set the car up for a race, but not the pure talent to pick it up and carry it to victory like Montoya or Raikonnen. He's the perfect teammate, but little else. Paul Fogel Kansas City, Mo.
I think he should have had the job that Kimi got with McLaren, he has shown a better points average, and finished better in the season than Raikkonen. Eddie Irvine even saw that, so best of luck to him, and had I been Ron Dennis, I would have picked him to take the slot made open by Hakkinen. Harold B. Seattle, Wash.
Heidfeld is an extremely talented young driver. I think Ron Dennis should have hired him over Kimi because he outqualified his teamate more often than not. Although the strength of the Sauber helped, you can't deny his ability by claiming the car is making him look good. Next year, Sauber will slide because they fired designer Sergio Rinland at the beginning of last season. If Heidfeld continues to shine without a good car, we'll know how good he really is. Michael Everson Portland, Ore.
I found it quite odd that Nick Heidfeld did not get the nod from McLaren when Mika Hakkinen decided to take his hiatus. He qualified better than Raikkonen on most occasions, and has lots of promise. F1 is a game of politics and money, and it looks like Nick Heidfeld concentrated too much on driving well. I predict he will be taking over for Raikkonen before long, McLaren still have Heidfeld under contract. Jerry Olcsvary Princeton, N.J.
I think Nick is a consistent driver given that his machine does not fail him. He is good at setting up his car but he lacks flair and risk taking during the race for a top team to notice him. Look what Montoya did with Schumy-- overtaking him and not letting down. Now it looks like Williams is more keen to retaining his services than Ralf who's always complaining. I guess the reason why Nick lost out to Kimi is because Mika's opinion and close ties with Ron weighs heavier than that of Norbert.
In addition, Kimi took the unusual road to F1 and he finished races and scored points. This is what the bosses at F1 took notice of. Nick took it the usual way -- testing, driving then finishing -- and as usual everyone expected him to score points. But in my opinion McLaren will continue to invest in Nick. Remember Mercedes has been pushing for a German driver.
Heidfeld clearly has shown A class talent with a B class team. It's only a shame that 6 drivers and 3 teams (Ferrari, McLaren, Williams) hold all the cards in F1. It would be interesting to see Nick in a top car - he at least deserves a shot at F1 glory. Sadly, with the current logistics of the sport, we might never witness this kid's true potential. Expect another fine season from the German in 2002. Patrick Heber East Lansing, Mich.
I wish the best possible to Nick, he's a promising driver and it will be nice to see him win. He has some good chances of scoring podiums and may even bring nice surprises to us. Erico Calixto de Sousa Lima Brasilia, Brazil  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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