Formula One is defending controversial algorithm-based fastest driver ranking as a fascinating exercise that stands up to scrutiny, despite some social media scorn.
Bruno Senna behind the wheel of the 1988 McLaren MP4/4 raced by his late uncle, three time world champion, Ayrton Senna. Photo: Photosport
The sport published a top 20 list earlier this week having analysed 40 years' worth of data.
The late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna was declared the fastest based on single-lap performance when compared to team mates, with Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton second and third.
The top 10 also included lesser lights Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli.
"What we set out to do here was just to try and identify who we thought was the fastest driver -- a driver who has demonstrated his speed over one lap and not necessarily his racing prowess or his results," Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn said.
"There's been one or two surprises but when you delve into it, there's a certain amount of sense," added Brawn.
Brawn said any ranking would always be controversial because there was no definitive way to compare eras with different cars and tracks.
"We've extrapolated this and we're quite proud of it and I think it stands scrutiny and it's controversial and we will get lots of debate around it and maybe we will refine it," he said.
"I don't think people are laughing at it. I think it's caused plenty of debate. I think once you understand the methodology then people will start to understand."
-Reuters
