Jerez Test: Day 4

The fourth and final day in Jerez was filled with first's. Fernando Alonso became the first driver to exceed a century of laps in just one day as he clocked 115, closely followed by Kevin Magnussen on 110, despite him having his first accident in a Formula One car. Nico Rosberg became the first man to complete a full race simulation run and Felipe Massa topped the timesheet for the first time behind the wheel of a Williams. Caterham became the first Renault powered team to rack up more than 50 laps in a day, while Red Bull's woes showed no signs of relenting as they could only manage another seven laps before the team put an end to the misery and began the pack-up before lunch.

Check out Sky Sports F1's image gallery for day four at Jerez

Jerez Test: Day 1

The 2014 season finally got the green light today as the first pre-season test in Jerez commenced this morning. With Force India, Mercedes and reigning champions Red Bull unveiling their 2014 challengers in the minutes leading up to the start of the session, the pit-lane was a hive of activity from early on in the morning. Unfortunately from a spectator perspective, running was limited today as teams are still adding the finishing touches to their machinery. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton was the first man out onto the track in the morning, yet suffered a front wing failure midway through the day which sent him heavily into the barriers. That was the end of Mercedes' running. Kimi Raikkonen finished at the top of the frankly redundant timesheet.

Check out the Sky Sports F1 photo gallery

2013 Team Reviews: Mercedes

2013 for Mercedes has been tale of trials and tribulations, but the sprinkling of success has softened the blow of the damaging tyre-test gate and the brake down of relationships in the team's hierarchy. With Ross Brawn departing the team, you could suggest that the future could look bleak for the team from Brackley, however, with the likes of Paddy Lowe, Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton successfully integrating themselves into the team over the course of 2013, this coming season could be even better than the last. The three victories in 2013 somewhat made up for the turmoil faced off the circuit.

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?
 

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.

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.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

We predicted excitement and the tenth round of an exhilarating 2013 World Championship certainly delivered, with Lewis Hamilton claiming his first win for Mercedes and his fourth at the Hungaroring circuit. Following his surprise pole on Saturday, Hamilton suggested that to win would take a miracle yet for the Brit it was a textbook performance; Possibly the best of Hamilton's fruitful career so far. Kimi Raikkonen pulled off a stunning two stop strategy to claim P2, with pre-race favorite Sebastian Vettel being compromised by what seemed like endless issues, finishing only P3, despite mounting an attack on the vulnerable Finn during the final stages.
Lewis' maiden victory was a drive which featured everything a World Champion requires. Speed, controlled aggression and a little bit of luck. The race hinged on the three stop strategy which the majority were forced into completing. With Red Bull and Ferrari taking this option, Hamilton simply had to avoid the two stop traffic which would inevitably be a factor and the Brit executed the pivotal overtakes with ease. After the first stop, he managed to pass Jenson Button and extend his advantage over Sebastian Vettel to twelve seconds, while the German could not pass the immovable McLaren. This lead was crucial and was never relinquished by Hamilton.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

Three weeks without F1 is always a painful experience however, as the paddock arrives in Hungary anticipation for the latest installment of the 2013 season reaches a crescendo. Following the YDT at Silverstone, the Pirelli tyre concerns seem to have abated yet now attention turns to mastering and understanding the new compounds. In terms of the complex battles within both championships, can anyone catch Sebastian Vettel? Can McLaren overturn the deficit to Force India? Can Lotus maintain momentum following their impressive double podium in Germany?

Community Talk: Can Mercedes Challenge?

After an exceedingly long absence, Community Talk has returned to the blog as promised. This time around, I asked the community for their opinions on the current situation at Mercedes, who lie second in the Constructors Championship. With Red Bull threatening to run away with their fourth consecutive title, can Mercedes challenge Red Bull in the second half of this season. Here are your opinions;

German Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

So soon after the controversy which gripped the British crowd at Silverstone, Formula One arrives in Germany, with all eyes firmly on Pirelli. The tyre manufactures have been under fire since the delaminations during the British Grand Prix and are now concluding preparations to the new Kevlar-belted tyres which make an appearance this weekend. Hopefully these more expensive construction tyres will provide exciting, but above all safe racing. Perhaps we can stop talking about tyres and focus on the ever improving battle between Mercedes and Red Bull, as the resurgent Silver Arrows look to impress on home soil.

Pirelli have frantically prepared the Kevlar-belted tyres which will feature this weekend.
(c) Sky Sports

Rosberg Ready To Continue Merc Resurgence

Undoubtedly, everyone at Brackley will have been encouraged by the team's race performances in recent times. They appear to have reduced the offset gap between their dominant qualifying pace and their previously underwhelming race pace. It has taken several races, yet the W04 is now capable of challenging the Red Bull's on both Saturday and Sunday.
In today's press conference, Nico Rosberg insisted that it is "too early" to begin considering the German as a true championship contender, despite the undeniable pace of the W04 in its current guise. With a 50 point deficit to current championship leader Sebastian Vettel, this is an unsurprising analysis. However, with consistent results outperforming that of his fellow countryman, Rosberg could well be in the running during the final stages of the year. "Short-term I just want to annoy Sebastian and Red Bull race-to-race by being ahead of them," he said. "That's the most important thing, to be ahead of them and other teams and try to win more races. That's what we're focused on at the moment."
In response to being suggested as a title contender, Nico claimed; "It's too early to say that. We're really focusing on getting our momentum, keeping it going and concentrating on one race to the next to get the most out of them - just as we have done in the last couple of races. Then we will see in a few races time."
He concluded; "It's a really nice time in my career. It's new; I've never had a car as quick as this one is now and never been able to go out in qualifying knowing I can fight for a position right at the front. And now the car is getting better and better so the chances are higher on Sunday that I can keep my qualifying position. It's very motivating."
To boost the Mercedes charge, the team have brought an intriguing new front wing this weekend, which features many redesigned elements. It features a fully detached top flap, as well as an additional tier, (fifth element). Moreover, the wing has smaller IR sensors which are attached to the cascade wiglet. This should be more efficient at channeling air into the turning vein and suspension elements, creating more front downforce. Many of these features have been adopted from Ferrari's front wing which first appeared at Silverstone. Other developments for Mercedes this weekend include modified brake ducts, new rear suspension elements and an improved floor. They are certainly looking to maintain momentum in the development race, especially now that they have the talents of Paddy Lowe in their arsenal.

The new Mercedes front wing, featuring a fifth tier and a fully detached top flap
(c) Sky Sports

Alonso Hopes For A Vast Improvement

In contrast to 2012, Ferrari have been a reasonably consistent team in this campaign. However, Fernando Alonso has failed to match the efforts of Red Bull and Vettel. Despite this, Fernando maintains a strong position in the title race, as Sebastian Vettel's closest challenger, yet a dismal British Grand Prix meant that he was unable to capitalize fully on the Red Bull tribulations.
"We need to answer what is our real performance," Alonso acknowledged. "We have been very good this year apart from the Silverstone weekend where we were not competitive, not good enough to fight with the top guys. So I am curious to see if it was only one race or whether we lost performance somewhere,"
Mercedes have arrived on home soil as the team to beat and Fernando has recognised that to challenge Sebastian's current control of the championship, he will need to beat the Silver Arrows - which is a tricky task in itself. Alonso noted, "They are very strong. They have proven that they are extremely quick. Before it was qualifying, now they are also very quick in the race. I have no doubts that they will fight until the end. Nico and Hamilton will be tough contenders."

Drivers Content With Pirelli Changes

With safety being a major concern for the drivers as they departed Silverstone, Pirelli realized that action had to be taken quickly. Most of the drivers have stated their satisfaction with Pirelli's immediate response to their fears, after initial threats of a German GP driver boycott were quickly quelled in the wake of the British Grand Prix. However, many remain unclear on how the Kevlar-belted tyres will affect the pecking order, with teams such as Lotus and Force India thriving on the high degradation tyres. 

British Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

It was a super Saturday at the uncharacteristically sunny Silverstone, as Qualifying saw Lewis Hamilton claim his second Pole Position at the circuit, while Nico Rosberg made it another Mercedes front row lockout. Hamilton rightly stole the headlines with a spectacular lap of 1:29.607; He was the only man to set a time below the 1:30's so far this weekend. Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel will be pleased to see his championship rivals faltering, as Fernando Alonso could only manage P10, while Kimi Raikkonen is placed just two positions ahead. However, it was a SILVER day at SILVERstone!

British Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

Friday at Silverstone perfectly encapsulated the British Summer. "Flaming June" seems to be reserved for Sunday, as overcast conditions ruled the day. FP1 was a total washout and while conditions improved for FP2, drivers still had to be weary of rouge puddles which were an ever-present danger. Despite this, Nico Rosberg set the fastest time of the day, with a lap on par with last year's benchmark set in the dry FP3 session. Mercedes once again look very strong over the single lap, yet Red Bull also impressed in typical fashion. 

Mercedes Claim YDT Penalty Pain

With Ferrari and Red Bull downplaying the importance of the Young Drivers Test, Ross Brawn has emphasized that Mercedes' exclusion from the test is more of a disadvantage than was first perceived. The supposedly lenient sanction was dealt to Mercedes by the FIA following their role within the 'Test-Gate' saga, while several teams deemed the penalty to be merely cosmetic; They claimed that Mercedes still possessed an unfair advantage.
In many regards, both Ferrari and Red Bull have a right to feel frustrated. While the YDT is an important date on the calender, the event is more poignant to the drivers as oppose to the teams. Over the three days, teams will experiment with alternative packages, yet they will not be able to evaluate changes with great detail as the young drivers do not have the experience required to supply succinct feedback.

Red Bull Test Threat

A disgruntled Red Bull Racing have supposedly threatened to rebel against the FIA, following Mercedes' lenient sanction from the 'Test Gate' saga. Reports released yesterday suggested that the team were threatening to run their own private test, while withdrawing from the Young Driver's Test, in a direct challenge to the authority of the FIA.
According to newspapers released yesterday morning, both Ferrari and Red Bull were considering a boycott of the upcoming Young Drivers Test at Silverstone, after they were both displeased at the minor penalty which Mercedes were given for their part in Pirelli's tyre test. Apparently, the two teams spoke with Bernie Ecclestone, highlighting their grievances and suggesting that 'they would take the risk of a reprimand - the punishment meted out to Mercedes - for the benefit of three days of testing.'

Tyre Test Gate: The Verdict

Following a tense day in front of the International Tribunal, both Mercedes and Pirelli anxiously prepared to discover their fate. Day 1 went as well as could be expected for Mercedes, while Pirelli had suffered a reputation damaging affair. The verdict brought results which had been somewhat anticipated - Mercedes have been excluded from the forthcoming Young Drivers Test at Silverstone and Pirelli have been reprimanded for instigating a test which contravened the regulations. However, many will feel that the penalty does not reflect the severity of the crime.

Williams Confirm Merc Deal

Williams have today confirmed that they will be following the same route as Force India in terms of 2014 engine supplier, as the British team announce they will team up with Mercedes. Despite this, Williams will continue to make their own transmission units, which is anticipated to be a cost cutting measure and one which they currently employ.
After just two years with Renault, Williams have consequently parted company with the French suppliers. Mercedes have been billed as the strongest of all the engine suppliers, however, Williams will have to be cautious when applying their own transmission units to an engine which components and characteristics may be unknown to the team.

Pirelli Delay Amended Compound

Crisis has befallen tyre manufacturers Pirelli, over the past few weeks. After an 82 pit-stop race in Barcelona, they had been strongly criticized for their high degradation compound. Consequently, Pirelli announced that they would be restructuring all dry weather compounds, to make the tyres more durable. While the initial plan was to have the tyres ready for the Canadian Grand Prix, Pirelli have altered the forecast, stating that the new compounds will only be available in practice as they look to further amend them ahead of the British Grand Prix.

Monaco Grand Prix: Race Analysis

After claiming his third successive pole position, Nico Rosberg finally converted pole into victory around he streets of Monaco. It was a highly eventful race, with several major talking points, one of which is sure to rumble on. The secret tyre test instigated by Pirelli has supposedly benefited Mercedes, contravening the sporting regulations. Consequently, Red Bull are leading the appeal against Mercedes' positive result on the streets of Monte-Carlo.
Tyre testing aside, Nico Rosberg dominated the weekend from start to finish. The German never relinquished his lead in the race, throughout all 78 laps, following on from his timesheet topping times in FP1, FP2, FP3 and his stunning pole lap in qualifying. Vettel and Red Bull were hotly tipped for success on Sunday, yet Vettel never really challenged Rosberg, who was able to control the pace.

Monaco Grand Prix: Thursday Analysis

As Formula One made its poignant arrival to the streets of Monte-Carlo, Nico Rosberg once again underlined Mercedes spectacular single lap performance by topping both the FP1 and FP2 sessions. Lewis Hamilton reiterated the strengths of the W04, maintaining within close proximity of his teammate throughout the day. What remains a mystery however, is Red Bull. While the team are famous for sandbagging in the early stages of a weekend, both Vettel and Webber visibly struggled throughout today, which raises question marks regarding the overall speed of the RB9.

Mercedes Initiate Kubica Rescue

Following a life threatening accident in 2011, Robert Kubica has experienced a pain staking process on his road to recovery. While a return to Formula One has seemed unlikely, Mercedes have announced their desire to facilitate Kubica's return to the sport in the future. Toto Wolff suggests that the team would love to "help" the Polish star, whose past successes include his victory in the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.