Friday 29 November 2013

Maldonado Heading To Lotus

The chips are beginning to fall in the driver market as Lotus have finally confirmed that Pastor Maldonado will partner returnee Romain Grosjean in 2014. The announcement concerning Kimi Raikkonen's replacement at Enstone has been eagerly anticipated ever since the Finn declared his departure back in October. However, the news of Maldonado's arrival has angered many fans as the pay driver debate rumbles on. Nico Hulkenberg has undoubtedly been beaten to the seat by Maldonado's pocket, yet the Venezuelan's appointment is not as dire a forecast for the future as some may perceive.

Thursday 28 November 2013

Brawn Departs From Mercedes

After months of speculation, it was today confirmed that Ross Brawn and Mercedes have parted company, with immediate effect. Brawn's exit was somewhat of an inevitability; the Brit has been disillusioned by the change in management structure at Mercedes and the relationship broke down in conjunction with Paddy Lowe's switch to the team from McLaren. It was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. However, what lies ahead for one of Formula One's highly regarded team personnel?
 

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Expect Old-School Lewis in 2014

Lewis Hamilton has experienced the season in 2013 which many predicted for his first year with Mercedes. He managed to claim his first victory with the Brackley outfit in Hungary, yet has been unable to perform at the level which led to stunning campaigns in 2007 and his title winning season in 2008. However, Hamilton has declared that he is about to head into a winter dictated by a strict training regime - the like of which he has not undertaken since the winter prior to the 2007 season. Lewis is determined to make 2014 a major success.

Monday 25 November 2013

Brazilian Grand Prix: Race Anaysis

The 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix was never set to live up to the thrilling climax from 2012, yet the final race of this season was undoubtedly a special occasion for many reasons. Sebastian Vettel claimed his ninth consecutive win and his thirteenth of the season; equalling the respective records set by Ascari and Schumacher. It was an impressive drive once again, but it was teammate Mark Webber who stole the show. His final race ended with a well deserved podium in P2 making it yet another Red Bull 1-2, capping off another magical season for them.

Saturday 23 November 2013

Brazilian Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

It was echoes of qualifying back in March for the Australian Grand Prix, as rain delays caused chaos once again in Brazil. While Q3 was delayed due to heavy rain, the session did eventually resume and Sebastian Vettel once again rose to the top of the pile, claiming his 45th career Pole in sublime fashion. His massive margin of 0.7 seconds to Nico Rosberg in P2 was truly remarkable - His margin of 1.1 seconds to Mark Webber in P4, even more-so. A ninth consecutive victory is on the cards, yet rain at Interlagos can spring the biggest of surprises.

Brazilian Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

Day one of the final race weekend of the season was a damp affair, as the infamous Interlagos rain restricted running throughout the field. Fortunately, teams did eventually venture out in both sessions, as fears of a wet Saturday or Sunday meant that track time with the wet and intermediate tyres could prove valuable. Nico Rosberg seemed to be the driver most at ease in the conditions, as he topped the timesheet in both FP1 and FP2. Mercedes look strong in the inclement conditions, but Red Bull are never far behind.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Perez Disinterested In Backmarker Drive

Following his late and frankly harsh dismissal by McLaren, Sergio Perez will be one of a number of talented drivers without a job come next Monday. It is a travesty, yet Sergio may struggle to find a seat in Formula One at all, considering the awkward timing of McLaren's announcement. While a move to a midfield team could be a possibility, (with a return to Sauber being suggested), Sergio has stated that he would not be interested in joining one of the lower constructors for 2014.

Monday 18 November 2013

US Grand Prix: Race Analysis

COTA in Austin may well be one of the best modern circuits in the world, yet the 2013 US Grand Prix was undoubtedly short of action. Regardless, there were some interesting battles up and down the field behind Sebastian Vettel, who waltzed to his eighth successive win. The victory sees him seal the record of the most consecutive wins within one calendar year. If Vettel can triumph in the season finale next week, he will equal two more records. Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean equalled his best result in Formula One by finishing in second after withstanding considerable pressure from Mark Webber throughout the final stint.


Saturday 16 November 2013

US Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

Qualifying for the second US Grand Prix to be held at the stunning COTA saw Red Bull dominate proceedings, with Sebastian Vettel pipping teammate Webber to a well deserved Pole Position. The remarkable fact was that Vettel pulled back a seemingly unassailable deficit of 0.4 seconds after a poor first and second sector to steal P1 with a flawless end to the lap. Best of the rest was Romain Grosjean in P3, while the Mercedes were disappointed and puzzled after an unexpectedly poor session.

Friday 15 November 2013

US Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

After what was an unmistakably slow start to proceedings in Austin, Friday fans were delivered two very interesting sessions. While Sebastian Vettel unsurprisingly led the way with the fastest time of the day, the star of the show was Raikkonen's able replacement, Heikki Kovalainen. The Finn quickly adapted an excellent understanding of the car and finished in a highly commendable P5 on the timesheet in FP2. Meanwhile, Daniil Kvyat put his newly acquired superlicence to good use as he made his practice debut for Toro Rosso in FP1, finishing just 0.2 seconds behind the Red Bull bound Ricciardo.

Sunday 10 November 2013

Raikkonen Checks Out Of Lotus

The Kimi Raikkonen and Lotus relationship has been steadily deteriorating in recent weeks. As Raikkonen is heading to Ferrari next season, he has not been shy in condemning the team for their poor finances, which have led to him not being paid. However, lack of payment is not the reason why Raikkonen's management team have announced that he will not race in the final two rounds of the season - instead, the Finn will undergo surgery on Thursday to cure the trapped nerve in his back which almost ruled him out of the Singapore Grand Prix back in early October.

Saturday 9 November 2013

Driver Continuity Key At Marussia

Despite the possibility of becoming the first rookie in Formula One history to finish every race in his debut season, Max Chilton's chance of retaining his Marussia seat for another season is somewhat of a mystery. The team have already re-signed Jules Bianchi, following is impressive consistency and high level of performance this season and the delay in discovering Max Chilton's future has initiated speculation. However, Marussia sporting director Graeme Lowdon says there is a "strong argument" to retain Max Chilton for next season, as the team seemingly want continuity of drivers in what is a transition year for the sport.

Friday 1 November 2013

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

Sebastian Vettel could be difficult to beat once again this weekend, as he demonstrated fantastic short and long run performance throughout today. The newly re-crowned champion finished only P3 in the first session, yet proved his performance advantage in FP2 as he led another Red Bull 1-2 at the top of the timesheet. Lotus could prove to be Red Bull's biggest challengers this weekend, as Romain Grosjean set the pace in FP1 before Kimi Raikkonen posted impressive long run times in the second session.