With the new season getting underway this weekend, I figured now is a good time to get caught up with the recent developments and take a look at what's been happening since the last checkered flag fell in 2009.
Here's how the grid will look in Bahrain:
Team by team prospects for the Formula One season starting in Bahrain on March 14 (listed in championship order from last season):
MERCEDES (formerly BRAWN GP)
Michael Schumacher (Germany) / Nico Rosberg (Germany)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The return of seven-times champion Schumacher, who retired from Ferrari in 2006, is the big story along with Jenson Button's departure to McLaren. Schumacher, winner of 91 races, showed in testing that he still has the pace, although the Mercedes has not looked the fastest car. Rosberg, son of former champion Keke, has yet to win a race after four seasons with Williams but is now well placed. With Ross Brawn in charge, the resources of Mercedes and the presence of Schumacher, the team should again be contenders for both titles but it may be a race or two before they are fully up to speed.
I say : Schumacher is the biggest question mark this season. He's got the potential to dominate or totally blow it, since he's been out of the cockpit for a few years. Yes, he's arguably the greatest driver ever, but remember what happened when Michael Jordan un-retired? If he's not in the top eight finishers consistantly.I would consider his season a disappointment. Let's hope he can cash those checks his ego is writing.
Rosberg was a decent driver last year, and he's surrounded by a better team all around - Ross Brawn, Mercedes, the winning Brawn engineers. He's not expected to outperform Schumi, but if he wants to keep his ride, he'll have to stay close behind.
RED BULL
Mark Webber (Australia) / Sebastian Vettel (Germany)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The only top team with an unchanged line-up, Red Bull won the last three races of 2009 and are a good bet to pick up where they left off. They look to be on a par with Ferrari after quick times in testing, but will need better reliability than last year. Given Adrian Newey's brilliance as chief designer, expect them to be title contenders again. Webber has overcome last year's leg injury and, with his contract expiring, is determined to succeed. Vettel was runner-up last year and will want to remind Schumacher who is currently the top-ranked German.
I say : Vettel has shown in the last two seasons that he is going to be a contender and top driver for years to come. And he and Webber were arguably the most consistant team in 2009, exepically coming down the end of the calendar where there was questions as to who would pull away in the points. But Webber is an elder in the field and needs to not only succeed on the grid, but dominate his teammate to keep from being relegated to second fiddle. Though if Vettel keeps his pace from last year, that won't happen. But none of that will matter if they dont have the flood of mechanical and engine issues that potentially robbed them of the top spots last year solved.
MCLAREN
Jenson Button (Britain) / Lewis Hamilton (Britain)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The arrival of Button makes McLaren the first team to start a season with the last two title-holders in their line-up and the first since 1989 with two champions. That could be a recipe for friction, as well as possibly opening the door for someone else in the title race if they take points off each other. Both should have a car capable of winning races, and have been assured of equal treatment, and if they do their stuff then McLaren may end the year as constructors' champions for the first time since 1998. The car has been strong and reliable in testing but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
I say : The tension between champions is going to be a non-issue once Hambone blasts out a couple of wins. It won't be the same as between Alonso and Hamilton a few years back - McLaren knows how to steer through rough water now, but I expect the media to make more of it than is real, until it's clear that the team has a dominant driver.
Button had the season of his life last year, and though he limped to victory with a soft second half, he drove brilliantly in Brazil, meaning there still may be a spark left in the tank. He has to prove he's not a fluke, but I feel the best he can do is stay competitive and help the team, not repeat.
FERRARI
Fernando Alonso (Spain) / Felipe Massa (Brazil)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : New arrival Alonso and Ferrari look an irresistible combination. At Renault, he beat Ferrari and Schumacher to the title in 2005 and 2006 and will be many people's favourite to add a third crown. Ominously, the Spaniard said last month the Ferrari F10 was the best car he has driven and the team were hiding their true potential. Massa is returning from the life-threatening head injury he suffered in Hungary last July and is determined to show he is as competitive as ever. Ferrari have been working on this car intensively since mid-2009 and have looked very quick in testing.
I say : Fuck Alonso, fuck Massa, and fuck Ferrari.
The team that forced Kimi Räikkönen out to make from for Alonso is certainly not my friend. And now they are one of the fiercest teams out there. Alonso could be the most consistant driver in the field, and now that he's not driving a shitty Renault, he's even more dangerous. Plus Massa was a top driver before he got spring-blasted in the head last year - if he can incredibly prove he's regained his form, these two will be the team to beat. If there will be any teammate rivalry drama in F1, expect to see it here.
SAUBER
Pedro de la Rosa (Spain) / Kamui Kobayashi (Japan)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The car, designed before former owners BMW quit the scene, has looked competitive in testing although pre-season appearances can be deceptive. Budget and resources could be a problem but the pairing of drivers looks solid. De la Rosa is a veteran with years of experience as McLaren's tester while rookie Kobayashi won plenty of admirers with his performance as a stand-in for Toyota at the end of last year. Should be mid-table, but the podium may be out of reach.
I say : The BMW team was almost off the grid but became resurected as Sauber, and I'm sure they're hoping the have a Honda > Brawn type success story. Smart pairing of drivers and experience, even though I don't know much about de la Rosa. But Kobayashi - that's a crazy motherfucker! His race in Brazil subbing for Toyota was insane and made me get behind that kid. He's a wildcard, and that's what I like from a young driver. They could be a fun team to watch.
WILLIAMS
Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) / Nico Hulkenberg (Germany)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The former world champions have not won a race since 2004 and will need everything to fall into place if they are to break out of the midfield this year. Barrichello brings plenty of experience as a race winner, which will help highly-rated rookie Hulkenberg who has had an impressive few months in testing. A question mark hangs over the Cosworth engine, although the last pre-season test in Barcelona went well.
I say : If there's any issues here, it's going to come from the constructors, not the drivers. Williams did a straight swap with Mercedes (Brawn) and got the better of the deal. Barrichello was Button's main competition for the title most of the year, but he's not a threat this go round. Williams isn't a top competitor, not with the other big teamsout there.
Hulkenberg has a chance to break in big, but if the field didn't have so many team and driver changes in the off-season, making a mark in his debut would be a lot easier, and carry less expectation. He's got to fight to out perform last year's rookies, who may not have as much skill, but have the experience.
RENAULT
Robert Kubica (Poland) / Vitaly Petrov (Russia)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Much has changed since the days when Renault were the team to beat. The car has lacked grip in testing but the team should have improvements for Bahrain. Luxembourg-based businessman Gerard Lopez is now calling the shots, while Eric Boullier has taken over as principal in the post-Flavio Briatore era. Kubica is the prize asset, a talented and determined driver who will push the team hard. Petrov is Russia's first F1 driver but faces a steep learning curve. Renault are racing under a suspended permanent ban after last year's race-fixing furore.
I say : If Renault can just finish their races and not draw attention to themselves then this year is a victory. Inconsistant cars and Roman Grosjean capped a year of controversy and dismal performance - not even Alonso could make the team shine. But even with all the changes, I'm not hot on the team. Kubica has spent more time crashing out and trailing in the last year than winning, so perhaps he is a good fit for them. And Petrov who? Like I said, if they can just finish...
FORCE INDIA
Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italy) / Adrian Sutil (Germany)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Force India showed last season that they are up-and-coming, taking their first pole, points and podium finish. The Mercedes engine is strong and the cooperation agreement with McLaren is also an advantage. Despite owner Vijay Mallya's millions, budgets remain tight. Liuzzi is quick and eager to show he deserves his place while Sutil is approaching a watershed after staying on for a fourth successive season. He needs to deliver solid results. The car has looked consistent in testing.
I say : Sutil is superior to Liuzzi, but that's like saying a punch in the arm is superior to a slap in the face. Force India a a surprising pair of top three finishes last season, but the most they can expect to be this season is better than the upstarts. And perhaps not even that...
TORO ROSSO
Jaime Alguersuari (Spain) / Sebastian Buemi (Switzerland)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Ferrari-powered and running their own car after previously sharing designs with sister team Red Bull. The extraordinary high of winning at Monza in 2008 has gone and Toro Rosso struggled last season. There is nothing to suggest this year will be much different, although Alguersuari, who turns 20 this month, at least knows most of the circuits now. Buemi, still only 21, is almost an older statesman in comparison.
I say : They're a young team, but not particularly a good one. They dumped one driver (Sébastien Bourdais) last year and didn't make much of an improvement - the quesiton is, have their fledgling drivers matured and learned to be competitive or will they be dragging down the Red Bull racing name?
LOTUS F1
Heikki Kovalainen (Finland) / Jarno Trulli (Italy)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The Malaysian-backed team could turn out to be the best of the newcomers, reviving one of the sport's greatest and most successful marques after a 16-year absence, but they still look miles off the pace. They were five seconds slower than McLaren in Barcelona. Technical head Mike Gascoyne is an astute and fierce competitor who has been around the block a few times and both drivers are past winners with plenty of experience. A new aero package due by May should help to narrow the gap.
I say : It's a new team but old racers. The "Trulli Train" was one of the lowlights of last years, as he consistantly found his way to the middle of the pack and jammed up the course. Perhaps a new ride will make him improve, or at the very least, not get stuck. Back of the field is okay too. And having something to prove is Kovalainen, who zeroed out with McClaren. The Lotus namesake is high profile, but they are untested, so what would normally be a real marquee spot is just a team with two backup drivers who need some points to show they can be a threat.
VIRGIN RACING
Timo Glock (Germany) / Lucas di Grassi (Brazil)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Has one of the smallest budgets in the sport and a car designed exclusively on computers rather than in wind tunnels. Pre-season testing has been problematic, particularly with the hydraulic system, and the car has been more than five seconds off the pace. Team boss John Booth is well-versed in the world of motorsport after working with drivers such as Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen at his Manor F3 team. Designer Nick Wirth is promising regular updates and is confident his strategy is the right one. There are plenty of doubters among his rivals.
I say : Glock showed some skills last year, but never clearly distanced himself from the back half of racers. Like Trulli and Kubica, he has a chance to perform well with a new team - and I like him the most of the three, but at best be may just lead the middle. Teammate di Grassi is another GP2 graduate, but he doesn't look any different than the Toro Rosso boys and other rookies who are still cutting their teeth in F1.
HISPANIA (formerly CAMPOS META)
Bruno Senna (Brazil) / Karun Chandhok (India)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Just turning up in Bahrain will be a success for Campos, who have struggled to stay afloat. The team, now run by former Spyker and Force India boss Colin Kolles, have not taken part in any pre-season tests due to a lack of finance. Senna, nephew of late triple champion Ayrton, was a runner-up in the GP2 support series.
I say : The Senna name is a burden but certainly got Bruno his place. He's alleged to be better than his uncle, but short of winning (and not dying), it will be a lot to live up to. Had he won a berth in a proven car, his reputation and ability could have made him a dark horse, but Hispania looks like more of a race spoiler than a winner...so far. Chandhok, who should have gone with Force India for the cred, is certainly not going to be better than Senna, but how good is he anyway?
Here's how the grid will look in Bahrain:
Team by team prospects for the Formula One season starting in Bahrain on March 14 (listed in championship order from last season):
MERCEDES (formerly BRAWN GP)Michael Schumacher (Germany) / Nico Rosberg (Germany)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The return of seven-times champion Schumacher, who retired from Ferrari in 2006, is the big story along with Jenson Button's departure to McLaren. Schumacher, winner of 91 races, showed in testing that he still has the pace, although the Mercedes has not looked the fastest car. Rosberg, son of former champion Keke, has yet to win a race after four seasons with Williams but is now well placed. With Ross Brawn in charge, the resources of Mercedes and the presence of Schumacher, the team should again be contenders for both titles but it may be a race or two before they are fully up to speed.
I say : Schumacher is the biggest question mark this season. He's got the potential to dominate or totally blow it, since he's been out of the cockpit for a few years. Yes, he's arguably the greatest driver ever, but remember what happened when Michael Jordan un-retired? If he's not in the top eight finishers consistantly.I would consider his season a disappointment. Let's hope he can cash those checks his ego is writing.
Rosberg was a decent driver last year, and he's surrounded by a better team all around - Ross Brawn, Mercedes, the winning Brawn engineers. He's not expected to outperform Schumi, but if he wants to keep his ride, he'll have to stay close behind.
RED BULLMark Webber (Australia) / Sebastian Vettel (Germany)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The only top team with an unchanged line-up, Red Bull won the last three races of 2009 and are a good bet to pick up where they left off. They look to be on a par with Ferrari after quick times in testing, but will need better reliability than last year. Given Adrian Newey's brilliance as chief designer, expect them to be title contenders again. Webber has overcome last year's leg injury and, with his contract expiring, is determined to succeed. Vettel was runner-up last year and will want to remind Schumacher who is currently the top-ranked German.
I say : Vettel has shown in the last two seasons that he is going to be a contender and top driver for years to come. And he and Webber were arguably the most consistant team in 2009, exepically coming down the end of the calendar where there was questions as to who would pull away in the points. But Webber is an elder in the field and needs to not only succeed on the grid, but dominate his teammate to keep from being relegated to second fiddle. Though if Vettel keeps his pace from last year, that won't happen. But none of that will matter if they dont have the flood of mechanical and engine issues that potentially robbed them of the top spots last year solved.
MCLARENJenson Button (Britain) / Lewis Hamilton (Britain)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The arrival of Button makes McLaren the first team to start a season with the last two title-holders in their line-up and the first since 1989 with two champions. That could be a recipe for friction, as well as possibly opening the door for someone else in the title race if they take points off each other. Both should have a car capable of winning races, and have been assured of equal treatment, and if they do their stuff then McLaren may end the year as constructors' champions for the first time since 1998. The car has been strong and reliable in testing but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
I say : The tension between champions is going to be a non-issue once Hambone blasts out a couple of wins. It won't be the same as between Alonso and Hamilton a few years back - McLaren knows how to steer through rough water now, but I expect the media to make more of it than is real, until it's clear that the team has a dominant driver.
Button had the season of his life last year, and though he limped to victory with a soft second half, he drove brilliantly in Brazil, meaning there still may be a spark left in the tank. He has to prove he's not a fluke, but I feel the best he can do is stay competitive and help the team, not repeat.
FERRARIFernando Alonso (Spain) / Felipe Massa (Brazil)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : New arrival Alonso and Ferrari look an irresistible combination. At Renault, he beat Ferrari and Schumacher to the title in 2005 and 2006 and will be many people's favourite to add a third crown. Ominously, the Spaniard said last month the Ferrari F10 was the best car he has driven and the team were hiding their true potential. Massa is returning from the life-threatening head injury he suffered in Hungary last July and is determined to show he is as competitive as ever. Ferrari have been working on this car intensively since mid-2009 and have looked very quick in testing.
I say : Fuck Alonso, fuck Massa, and fuck Ferrari.
The team that forced Kimi Räikkönen out to make from for Alonso is certainly not my friend. And now they are one of the fiercest teams out there. Alonso could be the most consistant driver in the field, and now that he's not driving a shitty Renault, he's even more dangerous. Plus Massa was a top driver before he got spring-blasted in the head last year - if he can incredibly prove he's regained his form, these two will be the team to beat. If there will be any teammate rivalry drama in F1, expect to see it here.
SAUBERPedro de la Rosa (Spain) / Kamui Kobayashi (Japan)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The car, designed before former owners BMW quit the scene, has looked competitive in testing although pre-season appearances can be deceptive. Budget and resources could be a problem but the pairing of drivers looks solid. De la Rosa is a veteran with years of experience as McLaren's tester while rookie Kobayashi won plenty of admirers with his performance as a stand-in for Toyota at the end of last year. Should be mid-table, but the podium may be out of reach.
I say : The BMW team was almost off the grid but became resurected as Sauber, and I'm sure they're hoping the have a Honda > Brawn type success story. Smart pairing of drivers and experience, even though I don't know much about de la Rosa. But Kobayashi - that's a crazy motherfucker! His race in Brazil subbing for Toyota was insane and made me get behind that kid. He's a wildcard, and that's what I like from a young driver. They could be a fun team to watch.
WILLIAMSRubens Barrichello (Brazil) / Nico Hulkenberg (Germany)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The former world champions have not won a race since 2004 and will need everything to fall into place if they are to break out of the midfield this year. Barrichello brings plenty of experience as a race winner, which will help highly-rated rookie Hulkenberg who has had an impressive few months in testing. A question mark hangs over the Cosworth engine, although the last pre-season test in Barcelona went well.
I say : If there's any issues here, it's going to come from the constructors, not the drivers. Williams did a straight swap with Mercedes (Brawn) and got the better of the deal. Barrichello was Button's main competition for the title most of the year, but he's not a threat this go round. Williams isn't a top competitor, not with the other big teamsout there.
Hulkenberg has a chance to break in big, but if the field didn't have so many team and driver changes in the off-season, making a mark in his debut would be a lot easier, and carry less expectation. He's got to fight to out perform last year's rookies, who may not have as much skill, but have the experience.
RENAULTRobert Kubica (Poland) / Vitaly Petrov (Russia)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Much has changed since the days when Renault were the team to beat. The car has lacked grip in testing but the team should have improvements for Bahrain. Luxembourg-based businessman Gerard Lopez is now calling the shots, while Eric Boullier has taken over as principal in the post-Flavio Briatore era. Kubica is the prize asset, a talented and determined driver who will push the team hard. Petrov is Russia's first F1 driver but faces a steep learning curve. Renault are racing under a suspended permanent ban after last year's race-fixing furore.
I say : If Renault can just finish their races and not draw attention to themselves then this year is a victory. Inconsistant cars and Roman Grosjean capped a year of controversy and dismal performance - not even Alonso could make the team shine. But even with all the changes, I'm not hot on the team. Kubica has spent more time crashing out and trailing in the last year than winning, so perhaps he is a good fit for them. And Petrov who? Like I said, if they can just finish...
FORCE INDIAVitantonio Liuzzi (Italy) / Adrian Sutil (Germany)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Force India showed last season that they are up-and-coming, taking their first pole, points and podium finish. The Mercedes engine is strong and the cooperation agreement with McLaren is also an advantage. Despite owner Vijay Mallya's millions, budgets remain tight. Liuzzi is quick and eager to show he deserves his place while Sutil is approaching a watershed after staying on for a fourth successive season. He needs to deliver solid results. The car has looked consistent in testing.
I say : Sutil is superior to Liuzzi, but that's like saying a punch in the arm is superior to a slap in the face. Force India a a surprising pair of top three finishes last season, but the most they can expect to be this season is better than the upstarts. And perhaps not even that...
TORO ROSSOJaime Alguersuari (Spain) / Sebastian Buemi (Switzerland)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Ferrari-powered and running their own car after previously sharing designs with sister team Red Bull. The extraordinary high of winning at Monza in 2008 has gone and Toro Rosso struggled last season. There is nothing to suggest this year will be much different, although Alguersuari, who turns 20 this month, at least knows most of the circuits now. Buemi, still only 21, is almost an older statesman in comparison.
I say : They're a young team, but not particularly a good one. They dumped one driver (Sébastien Bourdais) last year and didn't make much of an improvement - the quesiton is, have their fledgling drivers matured and learned to be competitive or will they be dragging down the Red Bull racing name?
LOTUS F1Heikki Kovalainen (Finland) / Jarno Trulli (Italy)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : The Malaysian-backed team could turn out to be the best of the newcomers, reviving one of the sport's greatest and most successful marques after a 16-year absence, but they still look miles off the pace. They were five seconds slower than McLaren in Barcelona. Technical head Mike Gascoyne is an astute and fierce competitor who has been around the block a few times and both drivers are past winners with plenty of experience. A new aero package due by May should help to narrow the gap.
I say : It's a new team but old racers. The "Trulli Train" was one of the lowlights of last years, as he consistantly found his way to the middle of the pack and jammed up the course. Perhaps a new ride will make him improve, or at the very least, not get stuck. Back of the field is okay too. And having something to prove is Kovalainen, who zeroed out with McClaren. The Lotus namesake is high profile, but they are untested, so what would normally be a real marquee spot is just a team with two backup drivers who need some points to show they can be a threat.
VIRGIN RACINGTimo Glock (Germany) / Lucas di Grassi (Brazil)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Has one of the smallest budgets in the sport and a car designed exclusively on computers rather than in wind tunnels. Pre-season testing has been problematic, particularly with the hydraulic system, and the car has been more than five seconds off the pace. Team boss John Booth is well-versed in the world of motorsport after working with drivers such as Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen at his Manor F3 team. Designer Nick Wirth is promising regular updates and is confident his strategy is the right one. There are plenty of doubters among his rivals.
I say : Glock showed some skills last year, but never clearly distanced himself from the back half of racers. Like Trulli and Kubica, he has a chance to perform well with a new team - and I like him the most of the three, but at best be may just lead the middle. Teammate di Grassi is another GP2 graduate, but he doesn't look any different than the Toro Rosso boys and other rookies who are still cutting their teeth in F1.
HISPANIA (formerly CAMPOS META)Bruno Senna (Brazil) / Karun Chandhok (India)
Y!UK Motor Sports says : Just turning up in Bahrain will be a success for Campos, who have struggled to stay afloat. The team, now run by former Spyker and Force India boss Colin Kolles, have not taken part in any pre-season tests due to a lack of finance. Senna, nephew of late triple champion Ayrton, was a runner-up in the GP2 support series.
I say : The Senna name is a burden but certainly got Bruno his place. He's alleged to be better than his uncle, but short of winning (and not dying), it will be a lot to live up to. Had he won a berth in a proven car, his reputation and ability could have made him a dark horse, but Hispania looks like more of a race spoiler than a winner...so far. Chandhok, who should have gone with Force India for the cred, is certainly not going to be better than Senna, but how good is he anyway?
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