No better time to start a Formula 1 blog than at the beginning of a brand new season. Especially when there's so much to discuss ahead of what could be one of the more interesting years in this sport.
To cut it relatively short for the average Joe, this year we get a decent pack of no less than six world champions on the grid. A little note: there have never been more than five world champions on the same race track up until now. This already serves as a good enough promise that the season we look forward to is far from an ordinary one.
In my preview, we will take a quick look at the champions, followed by some technical regulations explained in detail, as well as a full weather report and a more in-depth analysis of the season opener's Albert Park race track.
1. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes AMG Petronas)
First and foremost, the name everyone is familiar with (unless you've been hiding in a cave for the past two decades): Michael Schumacher (Benetton, Ferrari, Mercedes GP). Seven world championships behind him, and he's still back for more. Impressive drives, obvious sense of speed, godlike reflexes, and the behavior of a child once up on that podium. No matter how many times good ol' Schumi had won a race, he'd still celebrate as if it had been his very first grand prix victory. Return in 2010 an impressive decision, yet highly controversial, especially looking at his performance since his dramatic return, constantly outperformed by his team mate, Nico Rosberg. Decided to stay in the sport, with the same team, in 2012, which could well be his "hero or zero" year.
(+) Currently most experienced driver on the grid
(+) Obvious motivation to keep pushing
(+) Rare displays of old form (Canada, 2011)
(-) So far unable to adapt to current regulations, especially Pirelli tires.
(-) Pressure to prove he's worthy of staying obviously affects his racing
2012 chances: The new Mercedes looks much stronger than its predecessor and winter testing race simulations show the team could well be in contention for at least podiums, if not wins. Qualifying pace unknown, as the team have refused to run relatively light-fueled laps.
2. Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus F1 Team)
Speaking of returnees and veterans, here's a rather interesting character: Kimi Raikkonen (Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus). Having joined the sport in 2001, as Mika Hakkinen's protege, Raikkonen wasn't hesitant in displaying his obvious talent. Exactly 11 years ago, half an hour before his debut race, Kimi was found sound asleep in Sauber's trailer in the paddock of Melbourne. One and a half hour later, the Finn blew some jaws off as he finished 6th on his very first race. Continued extremely solid runs at McLaren, won his only world championship at Ferrari in 2007. Absent for two years from F1, having been replaced by Alonso at Ferrari in 2009, the Finn went on to pursue rallying, as well as temporary probation in Nascar. Returned to the sport, for team Lotus, alongside Frenchman Romain Grosjean.
(+) Incredible speed - holds second place for most fastest laps in a season behind Schumacher
(+) Cold temperament - prevents outside events from affecting his racing (hence the nickname, "Ice Man")
(+) Ability to quickly adapt to setup changes on the car
(-) Questionable motivation since 2007
(-) Questionable performance upon return, although testing times suggest otherwise.
2012 chances: The Lotus E20 looks to be a solid car, as Kimi and Romain have dominated the timesheets during winter testing, albeit a major setback in Barcelona due to a chassis failure. Times in testing should never be taken too seriously, but team's body language looks positive, and Lotus could be looking to fight for podiums early in the season.
3. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
Having gained entry in the sport in the form of McLaren in 2007, Hamilton quickly shaped up to be champion material, winning his first world title in 2008, at the very last race, and on the very last corner ahead of Ferrari's Felipe Massa. Performance hindered McLaren of 2009 meant little success, while 2010 proved to be another solid year, despite late missed opportunity of second world title. 2011 saw Hamilton in his worst form, with outside events of his life clearly having an impact on his performance. Occasional crashes and inconsistency saw him defeated by ever-improving team mate, Jenson Button. In 2012, he'll be looking for a different mental state and challenging for another world title.
(+) Solid qualifying form suggesting spectacular sense of speed
(+) Extremely talented, immediately fighting for world championship on debut season
(+) When on form, extremely consistent and fast
(-) Recklessness, with a short history of bizarre crashes
(-) Outside events seem to frequently affect his racing
4. Jenson Button (McLaren)
Entering Formula 1 in 2000, Button proved to be worthy of a drive leading the unreliable Williams to various points finishes. After several podium finishes, he scored his first win with BAR Honda, in 2006, at Hungary. Decision to stick with worsening Honda F1 Team, with the team reshuffled by Ferrari mastermind Ross Brawn, eventually pays off. Honda gets renamed to Brawn GP in 2009, as the team starts a shocking early dominating campaign with Button winning the first six races of the season. Despite loss of performance later on, Button still manages to clinch his first world title in Brazil. Having moved to McLaren in 2010, Button was faced with various warnings of facing Hamilton as a teammate. Warnings are quickly shrugged off in 2011, as he consistently defeated Hamilton throughout the season, proving to be Vettel's closest rival. Revitalized form and pace suggests he could well be heading to his second world title in 2012.
(+) Subtle, yet strong speed, in the form of Alain Prost
(+) Incredible sense of managing his car and nursing its tires
(+) Masterfully handling changing weather conditions
(-) Qualifying form often hinders potentially better results
(-) Sometimes inconsistent performance
2012 chances: McLaren look strong on race simulations, as observed during winter testing. Low fuel runs remain to be completed on Saturday, but early performance shows the team is slightly behind, if not on the same pace as title-favorites, Red Bull. Race wins are the obvious target.
5. Fernando Alonso (Scuderia Ferrari)
Spanish superstar, Fernando Alonso, impressed many with his debut drive in the weak Minardi in 2001. His second year saw him score podiums with Renault under the reign of Flavio Briatore. Ended Schumacher's dominating campaign in 2005 with a superb championship win, closely followed by another world title in 2006. Decision to move to McLaren in 2007 seemed rather dubious, as the team was favoring Hamilton in that period. His stay lasted only one year, followed by a move for two years at the weakening Renault team. Signed for Ferrari in 2010 to replace Raikkonen, with form suggesting an on-head battle for title glory, only to be left disappointed, having missed out on the championship win at the very last race in Abu Dhabi. 2011 Ferrari is no match for the dominating Red Bull and Vettel, with Alonso finishing only 4th in the standings. Looking to win his third title in 2012 seems to be his main target, but can Ferrari provide him with this opportunity this time around?
(+) Strong and aggressive race pace
(+) Ability to push a rather weak car often beyond its actual limits
(+) Stunning qualifying form on several occasions
(-) Actual performance hindered by Ferrari's recently slow pace
(-) Often too aggressive and over the line
2012 chances: The radically different Ferrari seemed to struggle during testing, with ongoing complaints regarding traction and tire degradation. Team suggested podium finish in Melbourne unlikely, but Ferrari have the necessary financial resources to quickly turn things around.
6. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
Currently youngest double world champion, Sebastian Vettel, started his career with a bang. Won his first ever race with rare points-contender Toro Rosso, on a rainy Monza track in 2008, with a superb drive, that immediately secured his slot at Red Bull in 2009. That year, he seemed to be in a fight for world championship with Button and Barrichello, but ultimately fell short of the task, finishing only as runner-up. 2010 form much improved, performance often hindered by Red Bull's reliability troubles. Nevertheless, becomes youngest ever world champion with thrilling and most important drive in Abu Dhabi. 2011 seems him dominate the entire season, moving from pole to pole, and from win to win, suggesting a performance similar to Schumacher during his dominating campaign. Vettel is looking to become third youngest world champion in 2012, entering a rather small club of champions with three back-to-back titles.
(+) Incredible qualifying performance in 2011
(+) Early lead in races meant he was rather unstoppable when starting on pole
(+) Consistency and solid race pace
(-) Still young, and bound to make plenty mistakes if not given an astonishing car
(-) If failing to start on pole, race pace seems rather compromised for a win to happen
2012 chances: One would be a fool to believe Red Bull are not title favorites. Masked pace in testing suggests team are confident regarding performance, albeit some suspension failures on last day in Barcelona, with true form to be revealed on qualifying on Saturday.
Top things to look out for in Melbourne this weekend:
- Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's performance with the RB8
- Mark Webber's obvious attempt at a win at his home race
- Raikkonen's return in Formula 1
- Ferrari's initial pace, considering worries regarding performance
- Button/Hamilton and Rosberg/Schumacher in-team battles
- Lotus' expected surprise pace
To Be Continued...
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