I am starting to develop the opinion that it is as much (or more) about the car than it is about the driver.

I saw some interview with a team owner who talked about how much money is spent on research and development. He mentioned the cost developing different components (engine, transmission, aerodynamic testing, etc) and then discussed scouting new drivers. He finished up by stating that, after all, the driver is just another component for the car. I'm sure that he was being a bit facetious, but there is some truth there. On the other hand, when somebody like Shumacher wins year after year in different cars, I think there must be some skill there (skill compared to the other F1 drivers, not compared to the average soccer mom in a minivan).