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?
 

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.

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.

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.

Can Women Succeed In F1?

Susie Wolff, Danica Patrick, and Alice Powell, are all becoming household names; the leading lights of women in motorsport. In the 21st century it seems naive to discredit women's ability to master any discipline, as a  rapidly increasing number of sports open to both genders simply keeps increasing. Consequently, it is understandably baffling to have heard Sir Stirling Moss' recent statements, in which he discredited the opportunity for women to tame a Formula One car. Will there ever be a woman who can challenge for a World Championship? Moss apparently thinks not.
Whenever a legend of the sport makes a statement, the entire community listens intently. Sir Stirling Moss' recent comments have proved very controversial and have divided opinion. According to the Brit, women lack "the mental aptitude to race hard, wheel to wheel" in Formula One. A statement which the likes of Susie Wolff and Alice Powell will hope to prove incorrect.