Nigel Mansell and British F1 Drivers

Well, Nigel Mansell has done it again! Not content with shaving off his moustache (to draw attention to his fetching eyebrows no doubt), but he has yet again threatened a return to Formula 1, this time with the Jordan Peugeot team.

I must admit that while the rumour mill was churning out its usual, I was pessimistic. Then, when I learned that he was actually testing then my heart began to sink. "Surely not?", I thought. Why would Jordan pay a fortune for Mansell who (appears) to be past his prime, when they could retain Martin Brundle, who would no doubt be am ideal person to introduce one Ralf Schumacher to the sport of Formula 1?

Then the (alleged?) details of Mansell's pay package were released, and the sceptical part of me at least was calmed by the fact that it didn't appear that old Nigel was in it for the money. A 'performance related' pay scale makes a lot of sense in a sport like Formula 1 (IMHO of course).

However, now it's all academic, as Nigel has decided to stick with his golf. What is perhaps more disappointing is that it appears that the closest Martin Brundle will come to an F1 car next season is as a commentator, having been replaced in the Jordan team.

It would appear that next year the only British driver in a competitive car will be our Damon. I have always been a bit of Johnny Herbert fan, but he can't be expected to do much in a Sauber. So, all hopes rest with Damon. Let's hope he can deliver the goods, and at least prove that he can do well in a less than competitive car which nobody expects to perform, certainly not to the extent of the Williams Renault. Let's hope Damon can prove them all wrong!

Last updated: 09 January 2001