PARIS, Dec 15 (AFP) - In March, Michael Schumacher was written off as a has-been about to be burned by the youthful fires of Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jenson Button.
Just five months later, huge helpings of humble pie were on the menu for the critics as the German wrapped up his fifth world title in succession and seventh in all.
Not for the first time, and probably not for the last, it was Ferrari's year.
Schumacher, who won the opening race in Australia, wrapped up the title with a second place finish at Spa in August and went on to win a record 13 of the 18 races with teammate Rubens Barrichello taking two more - in Italy and the first F1 visit to China.
Only Jarno Trulli, with a fortunate victory in Monaco, Raikkonen in Belgium and Montoya, in his last race for Williams before moving to be Raikkonen's partner at McLaren, taking the flag in Brazil managed to create the smallest of dents in the armour of the Italian giants.
The season opener in Melbourne was the blueprint for what was to follow with the 35-year-old Schumacher winning his fourth Australian Grand Prix in five years ahead of Barrichello by 13.6 seconds.
"I don't think it is hard at all, at least from my point of view, to be motivated," Schumacher said in Melbourne.
"I'm in the best team that's around, we have a fantastic atmosphere, it's Ferrari and I have nothing to win any more, to some degree - but I just love the sport."
It was that attitude that was to carry him on to further wins in Malaysia, Bahrain, San Marino, Spain, the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, Canada, the United States, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary and Japan.
That dominance also gave Ferrari their sixth consecutive constructors' title.
Worryingly for his rivals, Schumacher shows no sign of quitting and has his sights already on an eighth title in 2005.
"Michael has nothing to prove but he drives for pleasure," said Ferrari boss Jean Todt.
"He does the job which is his passion, to drive for a team that he loves and he is loved by the team, so I think it's an enjoyable experience which he has no wish to end.
"He's still young, he's very motivated, he's very fit and I repeat, he feels good, so he's in an environment which brings him joy, serenity, the feelings that he enjoys, so there's no reason for him to finish."
But not everyone pops open the champagne when the scarlet red Ferrari crosses the line.
Worried that Ferrari dominance has become one big turn-off for viewers and spectators, the powers-that-be have been forced to redraw the rules and rethink its values.
In 2004 there was as much manoeuvering in the paddock as there was on the track with heated discussions on changing the structure of qualifying or altering the regulations on engines or trying to find a compromise on generous enough finance to keep the small teams in business.
But still Ferrari, with their seemingly endless budgets and resources, continued to defy any attempts at levelling out the playing field although Button in his BAR did his bit to make the championship competitive.
A career breakthrough in Malaysia in March secured Button's first ever podium, and he went on to claim nine more top-three finishes, with four second places in San Marino, Germany, Monaco and China.
And he said he will give his all for BAR in 2005 despite being forced to stay with the team against his wishes having been blocked from joining Williams by F1's Contracts Recognition Board.
At the other end of the grid, the smaller teams continued to battle for their share of the spoils with Minardi and Jordan struggling valiantly onwards.
However, Jaguar eventually gave up on ever catching the likes of Ferrari, BAR, Williams and McLaren.
They were bought out by Red Bull who will be a new name on the circuit next year as will be Turkey which takes its place for the first time on the calendar in an extended 19-race programme which will, after much debate, feature a British and French Grand Prix.

12/15/2004 01:00 GMT - AFP