AA - point is that excessive emotions can spurt you on for one special win.. or a single moment of greatness (e.g. JPM or JV overtaking MS from outside, or MS winning a GP after his mother's unfortunate death)
However, if emotions are getting to a driver on a 'consistent' basis and that he is sad for no reason whatsever.. Imho nothing can be more dangerous. It's said that F1 drivers have nerves of steel and their emotional strength is exemplary. Such look at Michael... he is a role-model for younger drivers in that he NEVER lets the emotions get better of him except maybe a few moments of madness per season
. Michael is emotionally very strong and his mental, physical and emotional strength is a major reason for his success in f1.
Remember in the post-race Imola, a certain Juan Pablo whining about what MS did to him while he calmly sat and listened. He made JPM look like %$#@. I hope JPM can learn somethng from the master. No wonder in italy they call him the 'Iron man'.. cold blooded warrior.