Renault Running Hot

After such a dismal Jerez test for the Renault powered cars, suggestions are surfacing as to what the causes of the issues are. It seems as though the Renault engine has required more cooling than the likes of the Mercedes or Ferrari equivalents which has caused significant issues for both Red Bull and Toro Rosso. The plot thickened on the final day, when the Renault powered Caterham managed to record 30 laps without engine issues. So, how have Caterham minimized the problems?

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Image Credit: p_c_w (via flickr)

Jerez Test: Day 2

After less than 100 laps were completed yesterday, Wednesday at Jerez were far more productive for the majority of the teams. After a light shower just prior to the start of running, Pirelli decided that this morning would be the ideal opportunity to schedule wet weather running and so the circuit was soaked and the wet tyres emerged from their blankets. On a dry surface, the afternoon saw most teams jump into their programme, with Nico Rosberg recording 97 laps for the day, despite missing the entire morning as the team looked to investigate the technical issues which halted their running yesterday. Meanwhile, it was a dismal day for Caterham, Toro Rosso and Red Bull as the Renault powertrain is coming under scrutiny...

Check out Sky Sports F1's gallery featuring the best images of the day...

Vettel Not Afraid Of Ferrari

The talk of this winter has been the sure-to-be-explosive partnership between Ferrari's returning champion Kimi Raikkonen and long term servant Fernando Alonso. The strength of the line-up has already led to many analysts suggesting Ferrari constructors title success in 2014, with many suggesting that the signing of Raikkonen is a last ditched attempt from the Scuderia to reclaim the title which they last won in 2007. The last roll of the dice before the chosen one, Sebastian Vettel, arrives at Maranello? Regardless, Sebastian Vettel is unfazed by the partnership or the possibility of driving alongside either of them in the future.

Sebastian Vettel is very much open to driving alongside either Ferrari driver in the future

2013 Team Reviews: Red Bull

The Team Review series draws to a close, but not before the World Champions, Infiniti Red Bull Racing are placed under the microscope. 2013 was an incredible year for the Milton Keynes based team, as the now four time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, notched up 13 victories, wrapping up the title in India and claiming an unprecedented nine consecutive wins. With long-time servant of the team Mark Webber announcing his retirement and a dramatic team orders fiasco, 2013 was a year to remember for the Red Bull juggernaut.

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.

Check out Sky Sports F1's photo gallery for the Brazilian Grand Prix

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.

Indian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Was it ever in doubt? Sebastian Vettel claimed his fourth consecutive World Drivers Title today in sublime style, as he dominated the Indian Grand Prix for a third successive year. Vettel managed to convert the compromised strategy of starting on the option tyre to great effect, as he scythed his way through the field after his initial stop on lap two. The victory could have easily been a 1-2 finish for the team but for an unfortunate alternator failure on Mark Webber's car which curtailed his progress in the closing stages. However, Red Bull still managed to wrap up the constructors title in what was a near perfect occasion for the team.

Korean Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

Following a promising Friday, the paddock anticipated an interesting qualifying session, with both Red Bull's facing close competition from the Mercedes duo for Pole Position. However, it was a familiar figure in P1, as Sebastian Vettel claimed his third Pole Position in a row, edging out Lewis Hamilton, as the pair lock-out the front row once again. Mark Webber posted an impressive time good enough for P3, yet will only start P13, after his "taxi" incident in Singapore. Romain Grosjean will consequently start in P3 instead.

Singapore Grand Prix: Race Analysis

The sixth Singapore Grand Prix encapsulated all of the positive aspects of the previous night races, making for a fine spectacle. However, audiences were engrossed by the fierce, strategic duel for second place, as P1 was never in doubt for a truly dominant Sebastian Vettel. In what has been acclaimed as his greatest ever performance, the German demolished the competition, running at a pace which was at times, a whole two seconds faster than his nearest challengers. Fernando Alonso made another scintillating start, en route to yet another P2, while Kimi Raikkonen fought through the pain barrier to clinch a well earned P3. Vettel was in a different league.

Singapore Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

As the sun set in Singapore, Formula One took to the city streets and it was business as usual for an in form Red Bull team, as Sebastian Vettel posted the fastest time of the day - an impressive 1:44.249. The time set in the second session was a full 0.6 seconds faster than teammate Webber, who in turn, finished a further 0.5 seconds clear of Nico Rosberg in P3. Moreover, Vettel's long run performance matched the grandeur of the short runs, as the German posted a long line of daunting times. The stint which Sebastian demonstrated suggested that Red Bull have the biggest advantage over the competition that they have had all season. Now, the question remains - can anyone challenge the Vettel and Red Bull dominance?

Singapore Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

As the frenetic final few flyaway's commence, Formula One arrives in Singapore after a fantastic European season, to complete the Asian leg of the championship. Heading into this weekend, Sebastian Vettel holds a commanding 53 point advantage over Fernando Alonso in the standings and will be looking to extend this on Sunday. If the form guide is to be examined, Vettel will undoubtedly be favourite for victory, after claiming P1 in 2011 and 2012. So, the question is, can anyone spoil the German's night, or will it be three on the spin in Singapore for Sebastian.

Italian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Despite the early threat of inclement weather, Sebastian Vettel was able to command the race from a comfortable P1, to claim his third victory at the infamous Italian Grand Prix. Even the power of the Tifosi was not enough to overhaul Vettel's dominance, as Fernando Alonso could only finish second, after enjoying a race long battle with Mark Webber. Further back, it was a thoroughly disappointing day for the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Paul Di Resta as their luck failed to change following their less than impressive qualifying displays.

Italian Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

Friday in Italy was undoubtedly a scrappy affair, as drivers looked to explore the track limits at the limit of adhesion. While the likes of Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen all suffered off track excursions, Sebastian Vettel displayed ominous pace at the head of the field. The German's personal best effort of 1:24.453 was a clear 0.6 seconds faster than his nearest challenger Mark Webber. Pre-weekend predictions of Red Bull domination have not been quelled following the dominant short and long run pace exhibited by the triple World Champion.

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.

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.

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: Friday Analysis

The tenth round of the season got underway in scintillating style this morning, with teams embarking on packed schedules as they looked to examine the latest incarnations of Pirelli tyres. Consequently, teams and fans learnt a lot from both FP1 and FP2, with the most poignant discovery being the sheer dominance of the RB9. While the Hungaroring is a circuit which typically plays to Red Bull's strengths, both Vettel and Webber showed outstanding long and short run performance, sending out an ominous message to their rivals. Lotus appear to be the only team who can hold a candle to Red Bull this weekend. 

Young Drivers Test: Day 3

The third and final day of the Young Drivers Test was certainly an interesting one. Championship leader Sebastian Vettel was on show this afternoon and made the most of his time on track, claiming the top spot on the timesheet. Meanwhile, Williams development driver Susie Wolff stole the headlines as she took part in her first timed Formula One test; the first women to achieve this since 1992.

German Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Sebastian Vettel victories are often categorized as the boring affairs, where the German claims a comfortable lights to flag win. However, his 30th career victory was a hard fought tussle as Sebastian faced relentless pressure from the fast charging Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean throughout the race. Nevertheless, an exuberant Sebastian has finally broken his record of never having won on home soil. In addition, he has now also broken his duct of having never won a Grand Prix in the month of July. A fantastic day for Germany and a near perfect day for a resurgent Lotus team.
The German managed to lead into turn one, fending off a fast charging Mark Webber who attempted to aggressively take the lead following a sublime start. Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen battled their way into contention. Grosjean managed to close Vettel's lead before a safety car for Jules Bianchi's stricken Marussia brought Kimi Raikkonen into contention.

British Grand Prix: Race Analysis

The British fans were today treated to an enthralling British Grand Prix, packed with controversy, strategy and on track action. Safe to say, it was an explosive race. Lewis Hamilton led Sebastian Vettel early on before he became one of four drivers to experience frightening tyre blowouts which shook the paddock. Teams frantically looked for explanations to prevent the issues and Pirelli frantically examined the suspect rubber. Meanwhile, it was Nico Rosberg who took his third career win despite being moments away from a similar blowout himself as a hole formed on the tread of his left rear tyre, right before his scheduled pit stop. A day of fine margins, but Rosberg came away with a fine result.