CTD.COM POLL // FAVORITE '08 F1 DRIVER?

We thought we could conduct a little poll. No, not a click here and vote, but be sure and leave a mailing address and date of birth kind of poll. We were just hoping to hear from the collective, your thoughts on who stood out most during the 2008 Formula One season.

Now, if you had asked us this question four or five months ago, the consensus in the CTD office would have probably leaned in favor of Lewis Hamilton. His age, natural ability and star power combined for one hell of a Formula One driver, or so we thought. But funny how things change. As we watched the drama unfold in Brazil, we couldn’t help but feel a bit sympathetic for Felipe Massa. The comeback alone should’ve garnered him our top spot, not to mention his nearly perfect pole to checkered win at the Brazilian GP.

A few mistakes withstanding, Massa showed great character, composure and skill, as he took the spotlight away from his 2007 F1 champ teammate, and made a run for the crown. But those mistakes, they were the key. The mishap in Shanghai, the engine failure, all of which lead to his eventual demise. A Formula One champion is nothing without his team. So, our hat is off to Lewis for becoming the (luckiest) 2008 F1 champ, but if we had to pick a favorite, someone who exemplified all that we love about F1, someone that surprised, that showed true skill and brought a little humility back to a sport sometimes overwhelmed with ‘show,’ we’d pick Fernando Alonso. Your thoughts? // 11.23.2008