It’s so close we can practically smell the fumes: Formula One is back.
With the opening race of a very different looking season now just days away, here are some of the key issues we’ll be keeping an eye on this year.
1. McLaren and Honda – a match made in…?
There can be no doubt top of the agenda heading into the 2015 season is the reunion of McLaren with Japanese giant Honda, more than 20 years after the duo last conquered the F1 world, winning four successive drivers’ and constructors’ titles from 1988-1991. Honda are a year behind the other power-unit manufacturers in Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, so have a lot of catching up to do. The early signs are dubious, so unlike in ’88 there will be no straight-out-of-the-box success. Expect a slow burn towards potential glory, which will test the patience of new superstar driver Fernando Alonso.
2. Speaking of Alonso…
The Spaniard will be absent from the Australian Grand Prix following his crash in the second test in Barcelona, but once he’s back he will demand the spotlight for more reason than one. First, he’s back at McLaren just over seven years after it appeared as if he had burned every bridge possible for a return. At the end of an explosive 2007 incorporating the “spygate” saga and his apparent demands for number one status over then rookie team-mate Lewis Hamilton, Alonso departed McLaren seemingly never to be seen again. But the phrase “time heals” could not be more apt, with Alonso and McLaren boss Ron Dennis reconciled. Furthermore, the events surrounding Alonso’s crash in testing remain mysterious, and there has even been speculation he may not race again. One way or another, he’s going to dominate a lot of headlines.
3. So what about Alonso’s replacement at Ferrari?
Ah yes, a man with twice as many titles as Alonso – Sebastian Vettel. Opting to leave the comfort of Red Bull after many years under their “wings” – so to speak – for a Ferrari team now 33 races without a win, one of the longest droughts in their history, is a gamble. The Scuderia have, however, undertaken major personnel changes from top to bottom of the organisation to return to winning ways, which may take some time to bear fruit. Certainly Vettel appeared stale at Red Bull last year, in particular in a car far from his liking due to the raft of regulation changes. The switch to Ferrari may be the breath of fresh air he and they are in desperate need of.
4. All change at Toro Rosso
It was the Red Bull “B team” where Vettel first came to prominence, in particular his memorable win from pole of the 2008 Italian Grand Prix, which still remains the team’s only success. The marque has provided many a driver an opportunity, none more notable than 17-year-old Max Verstappen who will become the youngest in F1 history in Melbourne when the race gets under way. His arrival at such a tender age caused such a stir last year – he was still only 16 at the time – it forced the FIA to revamp the age and entry rules for young up-and-comers. Verstappen is undoubtedly in the spotlight, but he has the talent – otherwise Red Bull would not have fast tracked him so soon.
5. So who are going to be the backmarkers this year then?
With no Caterham or Marussia after both teams went into administration last year, for a while it appeared that dubious distinction would fall on the shoulders of Sauber, who ended last season without a point for the first time in their history, and Toro Rosso. But while Caterham are all but dead and buried, Marussia have emerged from administration after taking on fresh financial support and are to rise like a phoenix from the ashes as Manor F1 Team. They will not rise too far mind as the car has yet to turn a wheel in anger, missing all the tests, such has been the 11th-hour rescue bid. The plucky minnows will undoubtedly be bringing up the rear at virtually every race.
6. And the likely champion?
Hard to look too far beyond either reigning champion Lewis Hamilton or team-mate Nico Rosberg as the Mercedes went for reliability over pace in testing as the former proved to be the one minor blemish of an otherwise dominant 2014, and they again look strong. While their rivals have managed to gain some concessions with regard to the development in-season of the power unit – as it had previously been outlawed – it will be a major surprise if anyone can hold a candle to the Brackley-based team. Williams might edge closer and Red Bull will again be knocking on the door, but it has to be Mercedes to repeat their feat of last season.
Source: SNAPPA
