It's a pointless discussion anyway- we'll never know an answer unless they all race in the same car...

What do you mean, it's a pointless discussion? I mean, Formula 1 has never had drivers in the same car, and we'll never see a test of drivers competing in the same cars, so why not imagine something new? Driver's talent needs to be more of an issue than their cars, I think - preferably, if ever possible, a 50/50 between man and machine.

Oh dear, it's happened again! Another Pirelli blunder strikes as Nico Rosberg had a 200mph tyre blow out today!

Button to win next season mark my words ;)

No way.

It will be Vettel, Alonso and Raikkonen up front.

I may well be wrong to say that Formula 1 is being marginalised now. More people in the UK were watching F1 on the BBC this year than last.

The 2013 season viewing total on the BBC was 27.8 million, an increase by 1.2 million from last year.

Highlights seem to be watched a lot, too. BBC's German Grand Prix highlights were watched by 7.7 million people.

So the ratings, although never accurate, may well prove my past thoughts wrong. Would not be surprised if they drop, though.

MotoGP's ratings rounded about 2 million on the BBC.

The BBC have 5 more seasons remaining before whether they keep their contract to half of the races live or not. Doubt they will at the moment but fingers crossed.

PS I like how the overwhelmingly majority of you appreciate Formula 1.

I really don't think Button will be world champion again, to be honest. His drive is too often as inconsistent as his car.

He's going to be a 4 times world champion!!!

LOL, you seem to be hoping for everything about Button. Sadly, he's nearly 34, and he hasn't got much room left, I'm afraid.

Hope McLaren will be back, though!

Pirelli are a joke, Mercedes had red bull wrapped up until they had to change tyres mid season and from then on
Vettel won every race, Bernie ecclestome needs to go.

Are you serious???

That championship was Alonso's guaranteed until they changed the tyres. The changes favoured teams who were harder on the tyres (i.e. Red Bull and Mercedes) and ruined the chances of teams like Ferrari and Lotus.

Overheating became less of an issue, therefore hugely benefiting Mercedes in particular who overheated their tyres regularly. And instead getting heat into the tyres became the big problem, with teams like Lotus and Ferrari suffering. These teams were effectively punished for setting their cars up correctly for the tyres given at the start of the season.

I agree that the tyre changes handed the championship to Red Bull but they also benefited Mercedes and allowed them to steal second from Ferrari.

Bit late but don't think anyone has referenced it yet but...

Anyone for double points for the last race? LOL it's even more ridiculous when you consider that Abu Dhabi is back as the last race for the 2014 season aswell.

Also Pirelli get too much flak. It's the job the FIA are asking them to do.

Anyway guys just watch the GP2 feeder series, much better than F1.

Why is Abu Dhabi the last race

Money I bet!!

Maybe, but I also guess a lot of it is to do with time zones, local time of year, i.e. winter, summer etc and how that maps to the Eurozone to ensure we can have as many people watching at the best reasonable times as possible.

I actually like Abu Dhabi as a season finale. Like the day-night effect.

Unfortunately, Bernie Ecclestone wants these appalling rules and regulations. Pirelli have the contract, and Bernie has a very close friendship with Christian Horner. The tyre changes since the British GP disaster allowed Vettel and Red Bull to gain an unfair advantage. Consequently, this is why I'm saying it's putting people off. I think it's marginalising the sport. FIA and Bernie will look back one day and think they've made a big mistake...

This is the big daddy of motor sport. We really don't need these diabolical rules and regulations than ruin racing. It's clearly a step too far. Bernie will never be forgiven for asking FIA to force regulations that benefit his friends. It's sad, but it's true.

I may well just give other motor sports a try. At the moment I'm leaning towards Moto GP, which I am actually looking forward to after seeing the excitement of the British Motorcycle Grand Prix. It's not on BBC any more, sadly, but I'll be able to watch it on BT Sport. The World Endurance Championship is great, too (Mark Webber will be there, I believe!) - that's the class with the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, shown 100% live on British EuroSport. The LMP1 cars are fast! I love 'em!

The good news is, Bernie is in trouble, isn't he?

Edited at 13:27 Mon 23/12/13 (GMT)

Edited at 13:28 Mon 23/12/13 (GMT)

Nah, friends in high places, I bet nothing will come of it.... may a small apology, a small fine and a 10 place grid penalty

I was thinking more of a drive through penalty myself! Getting a KFC a long the way :P

Maybe we're talking about different things. I was saying, it's pretty pointless to argue about who's the best driver, when there will never be a true test of driving ability. They'll always be tied to their car's performance. So the discussion is all speculation and will never be solved. Fairly unsatisfying I think.

I agree mate, because of the vast difference in car, the best driver can never be evaluated. Maybe next year will show some new greats.

Hamilton winner of next seasons world championship

*Button :P

If Vettel is on form by the first race, I can almost guarantee he will dominate again.

Button needs a superior car if he's to be a multiple world champion, but that's too unlikely. Red Bull have the minds to make a masterful car and they're lined up to beat Ferrari in CC wins. The sport has Red Bull, Vettel, Bernie and money written all over it at the moment.

Wish Schumi a speedy recovery from his skiing accident in France.