Niki Lauda: Fernando Alonso will be Champion

Former F1 World Champion Niki Lauda believes that the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso will become World Champion, after impressing the Austrian the most so far during this unique Formula 1 season. Lauda also believes that many of the speculated driver changes will not happen, and that Lewis Hamilton will remain a McLaren driver for 2013.

Niki Lauda was the Formula 1 World Champion in 1975, 1977 and 1984, with his last Championship crown coming two years after making a return to the sport in 1982. Just like the former Ferrari and McLaren driver, a certain Kimi Raikkonen has enjoyed a relatively successful comeback season, with many still predicting the Finn to become the World Champion this season.

With the 2012 season being one of the most competitive and unpredictable season’s in the history of the sport, Niki Lauda firmly believes Fernando Alonso is a class act amongst the legendary driver line-up this season. For the first time ever, seven World Champions have lined-up on the grid together, however it is the Spaniard that represents Niki Lauda’s ideal of a Champion of F1.

“Fernando Alonso - because he is making all the right moves.” Explained Niki Lauda, when asked which of the Championship Contenders most epitomizes his ideal of a Champion, in an interview with Formula1.com. “He is fast and he is getting the car over the finish line. He is aggressive when needed. He is Mr Right, right now. He will score the most points. He will be champion if he carries on like he has done up until now. Why should he change?”

However, Niki Lauda still believes the other seven mathematical Championship contenders could spark a surprise. With the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen in the mix, it’s unquestionable that anything can happen in this highly unique season of Formula 1. Although these drivers still remain mathematically able to become World Champion, Niki Lauda believes it’s only possible if a certain Ferrari driver stops ‘racing’.

“Theoretically and mathematically yes.” Continued Niki Lauda, when asked whether he thinks all seven drivers are still Contenders. “But the big question is whether Alonso will stop racing. If so, then the others might get into a position where they can catch up. But why should he stop? I say that he will carry on racing the way he has done so far and then the list of those who count themselves still in the running is dramatically reduced.”

Although Fernando Alonso has obviously greatly impressed Niki Lauda this season, F1 returnee Kimi Raikkonen has also caught the eye of the former triple-World Champion. Niki Lauda himself mastered a return to the sport in 1982, and by 1984 was crowned World Champion with McLaren. When asked whether Kimi Raikkonen could become F1’s first ever ‘win-less’ Champion, the 63-year-old Austrian was optimistic and open-minded about the possibility.

“Why not? The fascinating thing with Kimi is that he came back and didn’t need any warm-up time.” Said Niki Lauda, “It’s as if he had never been away. Fantastic. Kimi came back as if he hadn’t been away for two years. He was fighting immediately at the top. You cannot ask for more.”

With regards to F1’s “Silly Season”, Niki Lauda is adamant that none of the alleged driver changes will actually happen. Amid reports that Lewis Hamilton is off to Mercedes, Lauda firmly believes Kimi Raikkonen will remain with Lotus, Hamilton will remain with McLaren and Massa will remain with Ferrari. However, Lauda has admitted he has no idea what is happening at Mercedes, where Michael Schumacher’s future within the sport is currently uncertain.

Whether or not these driver switches will come to fruition remains to be seen, with many of the drivers involved focused solely on enjoying a competitive end to the 2012 season. It’s been a topsy-turvy season, and could well spark a few more surprises as the paddock moves swiftly on to the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

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