Ok everyone, time to get out your helmets and wheels from the shed, the Formula 1 season is back - and could it be the tightest season yet?
Title teir: Red Bull, (long gap) Mercedes, Mclaren, Ferrari, Lotus
This year I feel there are 5 teams with a fighting chance to get the title but ultimately, the constructors will probably go to Red Bull as they are the only team with two, proven world class drivers. Ferrari are let down by their one sided approach, favouring Alonso over Massa and making it increasingly difficult for the Brazilian to avoid the mid-grid teams. Mclaren are taking a risk picking up a relative newcomer to the sport and this season could be a transitional period, giving them time to develop the car and Perez time to settle in at his new team; Button will be hoping for a good base to attack the title though. Mercedes were really struggling last year, despite having major resources of money and a good mix of a talented young driver and an experienced old head behind the wheel, they will be hoping that Hamilton can change their fortunes and move them away from the mid-grid teams and closer to the title - maybe not this year though. Lotus were a real surprise last year, they fought really well last year with Kimi marking a very successful comeback season with a win, they were slightly let down by the youthful Grosjean's inability to control his car though.
Middle of the pack tier: Force India, Saber, Williams, Toro Rosso
This group of teams will be looking to cut some of the gap to the big teams like Lotus have done over the past few seasons. Leading the way is Force India with masses of wealth and two very talented young drivers in Di Resta and the returning Sutil. Next is Sauber who punched way above their weight last year but with two new drivers at the helm it could be a disappointing year. Williams had one exceptional result last year but were too inconsistent to really make a name for themselves, this year they will hope to give Maldonado and his new partner Bottas, a more reliable car, Toro Rosso were really showing some pace towards the conclusion of last season, but their early season form was poor, expect them to be more regular points scorers this year.
Back Row: Caterham, Marussia
Caterham are really trying to catch up with the rest of the pack and after HRT's pull out, it leaves just two teams scrapping it out to not come last. Caterham have chucked out their drivers from last year and it is a risk, instead going for youth in Pic and Van Der Garde, their car should be good enough to beat the Marussia's though. Marussia have also got two new drivers, Chilton and Bianchi, they will hope their drivers can settle in fast without the safety net of HRT behind them.
So, I feel Red Bull will pick up the constructors but something's telling me Vettel might not get it all his own way.
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ReplyDeleteYou make the start of the season sound even more mouth watering.
ReplyDeleteThanks