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Martin Brundle expecting “total calamity” for F1 in 2014

Formula One driver turned commentator Martin Brundle has warned that F1 will experience “total calamity” in the early part of the 2014 season.

F1 will adopt new 1.6-litre turbo-charged engines next year, while teams will also need to make greater use of energy recovery systems.

“I’m expecting total calamity in the early stages of 2014 and it remains to be seen if that’s entertaining or confusing, but I have no doubt that these brilliant engineers and designers will master the issues sooner than later” Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports F1 column.

He did however agree with Jenson Button that certain revisions in the new 2014 regulations and technical changes like those to aerodynamics could dent Red Bull’s supremacy and make for a more level playing field.

Button recently said that he’s expecting the 2014 cars to be more difficult to drive due to increased torque and less downforce, something he doesn’t seem to excited about but he expressed his views that we should be looking at a more level playing field next season.

“I agree with Jenson Button, big changes can only hurt Red Bull given they have such an advantage, but no doubt the usual suspects with the biggest resource will get there first. I’m hoping that we won’t have a three-tier Ferrari – Renault – Mercedes championship in whichever order for both power and efficiency, but it’s possible,” Brundle wrote.

Brundle added that teams have a lot of work ahead of them saying, “I’ve asked my trusted sources in the paddock and they just roll their eyes and throw their arms up in the air. There’s a huge amount of work to do in a very short space of time.”

The Briton seemed most concerned about a crisis in the sport around the current financial state some teams are finding themselves in. He added that, “The midfield driver market should settle down in the next week or so,” just prior to the confirmations that Pastor Maldonado will move to Lotus in 2014 and Nico Hulkenberg will head to Force India.

Brundle added, “I’ve never seen anything like it frankly, and it doesn’t bode well when the only team – Lotus – to consistently take the fight to Red Bull can’t afford to chose its own driver line-up and take the best available.”“My alarm bells are going off for the general health of F1 and it needs urgent action, if not then a crisis, before it’s back on track,” Brundle said in closing.

Photo Credit: By greenmashup (Martin Brundle) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

December 5, 2013
FIA confirms 2014 F1 Calendar

The FIA has confirmed the 2014 F1 Calendar.

There will be 19 races in the 2014 F1 season with the proposed races in New Jersey and Mexico being dropped and the Korean Grand Prix also not featuring on the 2014 F1 Calendar. The Indian Grand Prix has also been dropped from the calendar.

The Austrian Grand Prix will make a come back in 2014 at the Red Bull Ring after not featuring on the F1 calendar since 2003

Abu Dhabi will play host to the final grand prix on the calendar, an honor that was previously held by the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Below is the complete schedule for the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship

December 4, 2013
A message from Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg for his fans

Gather around Nico Hulkenberg and Sahara Force India Fans! Here is a special little video message from 2014 Sahara Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg. Hulkenberg agreed to a multi-year contract with the team and will be joining them when Formula One returns next year.

December 4, 2013
Q&A with Mark Webber – on motorsport, adventure and life after Formula One

One would think it would be very difficult to fill the void for drivers who leave the fast-paced life of Formula One, but true to character it seems that won’t be the case for Mark Webber.

Following his final F1 race in Brazil, the 37-year-old Australian looks ahead to the next chapter of his racing career.

Q: How does it feel to leave the F1 paddock?
Mark Webber: It’ll be a relief in some ways for that chapter to be finally over. F1 has been my environment for so long now but it’s time for a new challenge which I’m looking forward to. I’m not planning to revisit the F1 paddock too soon but on the two or three occasions I might do each year, I’m sure it’ll be in a more relaxed frame of mind.

Q: How do you feel about the next chapter of your racing career?
Mark Webber: I’m very excited about it. The first year will be different of course, different schedule, different type of racing, different people but at this time of my career it’s a perfect balance between adrenaline and working hard with a fantastic brand such as Porsche.

Q: Outside of F1, one of your big passions has been adventure and fitness – will you be doing some more of that?
Mark Webber: Well, the Tasmania Challenge is where I really got into adventure and fitness back in 2003. That’s still going strong and this year’s race starts on Wednesday. I won’t be there this time, because of team commitments but adventure is a key part of what I am and so I hope we can continue to grow that event, and maybe others, in the future.

Q: How involved have you been with this year’s event?
Mark Webber: I always like to keep tabs on how plans are developing through the year and I’ve talked over the course with the event guys down there. It takes a route around North Western Tasmania and sounds awesome so I’m gutted I won’t be able to give it a go. It’s a beautiful part of Tasmania and I’m actually very jealous of the guys who are going to get to race out there!

Q: The Challenge has been the main driver for your Foundation – what plans do you have for that in future?
Mark Webber: So far we’ve raised over AUD$1.5m through the five Challenges we’ve run so far. In the last few years we’ve been supporting the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal and children’s charity Whitelion, and the funds have helped both charities make some real progress.

Q: You are also mentoring young New Zealand racer Mitch Evans – who incidentally is going to be competing in the Challenge this year. How do you think he’ll do?
Mark Webber: In the Challenge, or in his career? I think he’ll have a good time in the Challenge, but I’ve warned him it’s pretty tough. To race in GP2, though, you have to be pretty fit so he should do ok. In terms of his future, we’ll have to see but he’s going the right way about things and he’s knocking on the F1 door now. Next year could be a pretty big year for him.

Q: How intense will your racing calendar be now, and how much time will you get to do more adventure stuff?
Mark Webber: I don’t know how the first year will go out so it’s a case of wait and see. But, I do have an eye on a few events which I don’t have the motivation to do just yet but I’m sure I will once I have more time on my hand! I’m looking forward to not having to rush to do things and trying to squeeze them in between my race schedule, and having the opportunity to do some great things with people I enjoy spending time with in the adventure racing arena.

Q: And finally, what will you miss about F1?
Mark Webber: Driving the cars at some of the world’s most amazing circuits and the level of precision involved. But of course I’ll be looking to take a lot of that with me to Porsche.

December 4, 2013
Hulkenberg Returns to Force India for 2014

Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed at Force India for the 2014 season on a multi year deal.

Hulkenberg raced with the Silverstone based team in the 2011 and 2012 season and now returns to Force India after a season at Sauber. The announcement comes just a few days after Lotus announced that Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado will drive for them in 2014. Hulkenberg was the front runner for the Lotus team, but after the Quantum deal that was on the verge of being completed didn’t materialize, Lotus had to go with Maldonado and the money that he brings in.

“I am happy to come back to Sahara Force India. The team is aiming high for next year and I believe that the experience I have gained over the years will help us achieve those goals,” said Hulkenberg.

“I genuinely believe we can have a competitive package in 2014. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the Mercedes engine as well, so I think there is a lot to be excited about for next year.”

“I know this team and I can see their determination; it’s a great bunch of people and we all share the same hunger for success.”

Force India Team Principal, Vijay Mallya expressed his delight at having Hulkenberg back at Force India.

“Having Nico in our line-up is a real statement of intent and a huge boost for everyone associated with the team. We have high hopes and expectations for 2014 and by signing Nico we have put ourselves in the best position to achieve those objectives and enjoy what could be our most competitive season yet,” said Mallya

Force India are still to confirm who their second driver will be. Many people are saying that Sergio Perez is a strong contender for that seat. Kudos to Vijay Mallya for taking on a driver who is clearly a good driver and not choosing a driver based on how much money he is able to bring to a team.

December 3, 2013
Updated F1 2014 driver line-up

Following Lotus’ announcement that Pastor Maldonado will race alongside Romain Grosjean and the news that Nico Hulkenberg will drive for Force India next season, 16 drivers have now been announced for the 2014 season, with six more seats up for grabs.

In terms of the 2014 driver line-up only one team – Mercedes – have confirmed that they will be retaining both of their drivers. Red Bull, Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, Williams and Toro Rosso have all replaced one of their drivers.

We have two teams – Sauber and Caterham – who still need to announce any drivers, and the sixth and final ‘available’ seat is at Marussia, alongside Jules Bianchi.

We have two rookies included in the 2014 driver line-up so far – Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen who will replace Sergio Perez at McLaren and Russia’s Daniil Kvyat who’ll take over Daniel Ricciardo’s seat at Toro Rosso.

The current 2014 driver line-up stands as follows:

Red Bull Racing
Sebastian Vettel
Daniel Ricciardo

Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton
Nico Rosberg

Ferrari
Fernando Alonso
Kimi Raikkonen

Lotus
Romain Grosjean
Pastor Maldonado

McLaren
Jenson Button
Kevin Magnussen

Force India
Nico Hulkenberg
TBC

Sauber
TBC
TBC

Toro Rosso
Jean-Eric Vergne
Daniil Kvyat

Williams
Felipe Massa
Valtteri Bottas

Marussia
Jules Bianchi
TBC

Caterham
TBC
TBC

December 3, 2013
Pirelli to test 2014 tyres in December

Pirelli will be testing its 2014 tyres later this month and the three top teams will be providing their 2013 cars for the tests.

There had been some objections from certain teams when rumours surfaced that McLaren had McLaren had put its hand up to run its 2013 car for Pirelli at a December test in Bahrain. “It would be unfortunate,” Mercedes’ Ross Brawn said recently, “if one team had the benefit of running a (2014) tyre to the exclusion of all the others.”

Now, Italy’s Autosprint and La Gazzetta dello Sport are both reporting that the 2013-car test in Bahrain which will be held between 17 and 19 December, will be attended by three teams. However, it seems that McLaren will not be among these three teams.

The three teams who finished in first, second and third places in the 2013 Constructors’ championship have apparently been chosen – Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari.

Autosprint reported that Lotus, who finished fourth overall in 2013, was also invited, but declined for financial reasons. McLaren finished fifth, but were not invited.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that all tyre data collected during the Bahrain Pirelli test would be made available to all of the other teams, who according to regulations are also allowed to send observers to Bahrain.

Alberto Antonini, Autosprint correspondent has also reported that the teams who were not invited are not happy at all since they’ve been effectively locked out of the Pirelli test which would hand a very early advantage to the 2013 frontrunners.

December 3, 2013
Video: BBC F1 2013 Season In Review [HD]

The BBC’s awesome end of season credits following the final race of the 2013 F1 season. A quick look at the F1 2013 Season in Review with awesome imagery and highlights from the year. Thanks to the BBC F1 team for this awesome video! We think it rocks!

December 3, 2013
Maldonado and Grosjean Confirmed for Lotus for 2014

Former Williams F1 driver Pastor Maldonado will drive alongside Romain Grosjean for Lotus F1 in 2014.

Maldonado has been working on a deal with the Enstone based team since announcing his departure from Williams, and has been very bullish about his chances at Lotus. On Friday 29 November, the announcement was made that Maldonado will join Lotus for the 2014 season.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Lotus F1 Team for 2014. It’s no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula 1 career and Lotus F1 Team offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season,” said Maldonado.

It was no secret that money was tight at Lotus and although preferring Nico Hulkenberg, they decided to go with Maldonado who comes a substantial amount of cash which will be very welcome at Lotus.

Team Principal for Lotus, Eric Boullier seems confident that Maldonado will be able to deliver the results for Lotus in 2014. “It is clear that Pastor has pace and potential – demonstrated by his 2010 GP2 Series title success and then through strong races throughout his career at Williams F1 Team – and we are convinced that we will be able to provide the correct environment to enable him to flourish regularly on track,” said Boullier.

On the same day, Lotus also confirmed that Romain Grosjean will be retained for another season. Grosjean has been very impressive with his performances this season and has really stepped up his game after Kimi Raikkonen announced that he will leave Lotus at the end of the season for Ferrari.

“I am very happy to have official confirmation that I will be continuing to drive for Lotus F1 Team next season. This past year has been tremendously satisfying for me. We have worked well together, and I know everyone at Enstone is motivated to continue the fight for every last point available,” said Grosjean

With the two Lotus seats off the market. the focus turns to Force India and Sauber. Word going around is that Nico Hulkenberg will return to Force India taking the place of Paul Di Resta and Sergio Perez will take Adrian Sutil’s seat. Di Resta is rumored to make a move to Indy Car next season. Adrian Sutil on the other hand will move over to Sauber with the little backing that he has and it is believed that they will retain Esteban Gutierrez.

Although not yet confirmed by Sauber, Force India, or any of the drivers, we believe that is how things will play out. But this is the formula 1 silly season. Crazier things have, and can happen.

December 2, 2013
OFFICIAL: Ross Brawn to Leave Mercedes at the end of the Year

Ross Brawn has confirmed that he will leave the Brackley based outfit at the end of year.

After much speculation, Brawn who has enjoyed success with Benetton, Ferrari and his own racing team Brawn Racing, has decided to call it a day at Mercedes as he feels that its the perfect time for him to leave with the new 2014 regulations coming into play from next year. “The most important consideration in my decision to step down from the role as team principal was to ensure that the timing was right for the team in order to ensure its future success,” said Brawn.

Brawn will be succeeded by Paddy Lowe who will take over the technical responsibility of the team and Toto Wolff who will run the commercial side of the team.

Non-executive chairman of Mercedes, Niki Lauda thanked Brawn for his contribution to the team:

“First of all and most importantly, we must say thank you to Ross. When you consider the step that has been made from finishing fifth in 2012 to the second place that we have secured this season, he has been the architect of this success. He put the plans in place to recruit key people since early 2011, and the performance this season shows that the team is on the right track.

“We have had long discussions with Ross about how he could continue with the team but it is a basic fact that you cannot hold somebody back when they have chosen to move on,” said Niki Lauda after months of discussions to try and keep Brawn in the team.

There is still no word on what he will do in the future. There are a number of possibility for Brawn at the moment. He could move to either Ferrari, Williams or McLaren. It’s an open market for him at the moment. There is also talk of a possible role for him at the FIA. His final day at Mercedes will be on 31 December 2013. It will make things quite tricky for him to move to a new team in such a short space of time.

It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

November 28, 2013