4 ms·

I agree. It’s only impressive if their memory in other areas is at least average. If it’s just a matter of using all of your resources in one limited field then

I agree. It’s only impressive if their memory in other areas is at least average. If it’s just a matter of using all of your resources in one limited field then it’s far from impressive. Most people have a less singular focus, and it would be more helpful to compare total performance rather than comparing this one area.

prmph 8y ago
The point is that such feats of memory do not necessarily have anything to do with the skill itself: a great F1 driver is a great F1 driver, irrespective of how well he/she remembers races; so why do such feats of recall come along for the ride (pun unintended)?
- codyb 8y ago
  I'm not so sure that's true. I have a feeling when you're flying down the road at 200mph remembering every last detail of that course is particularly important. Similarly with basketball or any other highly curated group of individuals performing a skill.
- maxxxxx 8y ago
  Driving is only a part of racing. Giving feedback to the team is at least as important so they can set up the car and develop it. I remember reading an interview with a driver who had tested a car together with Ayrton Senna (who became a superstar later). When the team asked him how the car was he gave a few pointers whereas Senna could describe every part of the car in every turn in detail. Guess who is the more valuable driver for the team? Good drivers have more sensors than others and they can record more data.
  - coliveira 8y ago
    There are two points there: one is the capacity to remember what happened. The other one, however, is the ability to convey this information to engineers. I believe people like Senna are superior not as much on recalling information, but on communicating this information to engineers. A driver with less communication abilities would be far less valuable to the team.
    - maxxxxx 8y ago
      I would say the top guys have both. They can process a lot of information and convey it later. Schumacher had the reputation to drive at the limit while still discussing race strategy with this team.

prmph 8y ago

The point is that such feats of memory do not necessarily have anything to do with the skill itself: a great F1 driver is a great F1 driver, irrespective of how well he/she remembers races; so why do such feats of recall come along for the ride (pun unintended)?

codyb 8y ago
I'm not so sure that's true. I have a feeling when you're flying down the road at 200mph remembering every last detail of that course is particularly important. Similarly with basketball or any other highly curated group of individuals performing a skill.
maxxxxx 8y ago
Driving is only a part of racing. Giving feedback to the team is at least as important so they can set up the car and develop it. I remember reading an interview with a driver who had tested a car together with Ayrton Senna (who became a superstar later). When the team asked him how the car was he gave a few pointers whereas Senna could describe every part of the car in every turn in detail. Guess who is the more valuable driver for the team? Good drivers have more sensors than others and they can record more data.
- coliveira 8y ago
  There are two points there: one is the capacity to remember what happened. The other one, however, is the ability to convey this information to engineers. I believe people like Senna are superior not as much on recalling information, but on communicating this information to engineers. A driver with less communication abilities would be far less valuable to the team.
  - maxxxxx 8y ago
    I would say the top guys have both. They can process a lot of information and convey it later. Schumacher had the reputation to drive at the limit while still discussing race strategy with this team.