Podiums Planned For McLaren

When the MP4-28 was unveiled back at the end of January, it seemed unthinkable that McLaren could face such a dreadful season. With just 65 points after eleven races, 2013 marks McLaren's worst season since 1980, as they currently sit a precarious P5 in the standings, with Force India only marginally behind. However, Martin Whitmarsh has stated his intentions and objectives for the team in the closing stages of the campaign and that is to score podiums. On recent form, that may not be out of the question.

Belgian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

It may not have been a classic race, but the 2013 Belgian Grand Prix was undoubtedly an interesting one where strategy, the weather forecast and Sebastian Vettel dominated proceedings. The German exhibited a faultless cruise to victory, after an incredible start which saw him claim a three second advantage within the opening three laps. Lewis Hamilton had no answer to what was a 2011-esque performance from Vettel. Fernando Alonso managed to seize P2 away from a disappointed Hamilton, despite the Brit's tactical attainment of DRS - The Ferrari was too strong in a straight line. Neither driver posed any threat to the Championship leader.

Belgian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

With the Summer Shutdown officially over, Formula One returns to action this weekend, as the tour arrives at the challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The historic 4.32 mile track has played host to classic races and unforgettable moments over the years. In recent memory, the circuit marked Micheal Schumacher's sublime debut in 1990, as well as the German's first career victory in 1992. Who could forget the chaotic start to proceedings in 1998, where the race was red flagged in the wake of a colossal twelve car pile up. Spa is a place where unpredictability thrives, whether it be the weather or the outcome, we are always perched on the edge of our seat.

Red Bull Decline Raikkonen

After weeks of speculation, Red Bull appear to have drawn a step closer to deciding Mark Webber's replacement for 2014 and beyond. Since the Aussie announced his pending retirement prior to the British Grand Prix, the team have been frantically calculating who would be the best partner to Sebastian Vettel in the years to come. While many drivers had been suggested as possible candidates, the team stated that either Daniel Ricciardo or Kimi Raikkonen would claim the precious seat. However, a recent statement from Kimi Raikkonen's management suggested that Red Bull talks broke down three weeks ago; The Finn is no longer in the running for the seat. Consequently, it now looks as though Daniel Ricciardo is about to gain his big break, however, it is not quite that straightforward.

Mid-Season Review: Esteban Gutierrez

The penultimate article in this summer break series sees the young Mexican, Esteban Gutierrez, thrust under the microscope. Sauber's hotly debated appointment of the twenty-two year old may have been of benefit to their financial restraints, yet Esteban has failed to demonstrate his potential in what has been a thoroughly disappointing start to his Formula One career. Here is my review of his season to date...

Mid-Season Review: Pastor Maldonado

Next in this series of posts is the 28 year-old Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado. Since making his debut in the sport in 2011, Maldonado has developed into a consistent performer and while his early season issues were not a reflection of this, his fortunes have certainly taken a favorable turn in recent races. Williams may be a team suffering from an insufficient and ineffective development programme in 2013, but both Pastor and Valtteri are certainly performing admirably. Here's the review of Pastor's season so far.

Mid-Season Review: Valtteri Bottas

The fifth Mid-Season Review and we have now reached the midfield scrap - what a titanic battle it always proves to be. With Force India and Toro Rosso punching above their weight, the once dominant Williams team have staggered through a turbulent start to their 2013 campaign, claiming only one point from ten races. While Valtteri Bottas is yet to score in his rookie season, the Finn will have taken plenty of positives into the Summer break.

Mid-Season Review: Charles Pic

After a long break, the Mid-Season Review's have returned, with Charles Pic at the center of attention. The Frenchman commenced only his second season in Formula One working at Caterham, following a successful first campaign at rivals Marussia. Pic has had a consistent but innocuous season so far, and will need to improve if he wants to attract the attention of the elite teams.

Mid-Season Review: Giedo Van Der Garde

After evaluating the Marussia pairing, attention now turns to the Caterham duo in the intense duel for the illusive tenth place in the constructors championship. Dutch rookie, Giedo Van Der Garde, has been under pressure throughout the season as his teammate Charles Pic has consistently topped his performances on both Saturday's and Sunday's. While Giedo's position is under threat, recent demonstrations of pace may have prompted a reevaluation of his progress by the team. Here's my take on his season so far.

Mid-Season Review: Jules Bianchi

The second Mid-Season Review regards the young Frenchman Jules Bianchi. Following his disappointment at missing out on the Force India seat, Jules snapped up the opportunity to drive alongside Max Chilton at Marussia, as Luiz Razia lost his conditional placement due to financial complications. Fortunately for the team, their late replacement has so far proved a vital asset in the team's fierce battle against Caterham. Here is an evaluation of Bianchi's season so far...

Mid-Season Review: Max Chilton

Well, Formula One 2013 has been exhilarating from the very start, but now we enter the dreaded Summer Shutdown where the on-track action takes somewhat of a sabbatical while everyone catches their breath. As of today, there are 22 days until Friday Practice in Belgium and coincidentally 22 drivers currently competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. Instead of posting the all too common team by team analysis, I have decided to assess each and every driver, with a mid-season report posted on a daily basis. It is certainly going to be a hectic month and hopefully full of entertaining content. First up, its Max Chilton under the spotlight.