Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

What a year it has been, for both me and Formula 1. 

This is just a quick post to say Happy New Year to you JLF1 blog readers and visitors. It has been a fantastic year for the blog, with lots of competitions, things to get you involved in and features. I have also interviewed loads of people in the F1 fraternity and written lots of opinion pieces which hopefully you have enjoyed. All of that would not have happened had it not been for the awesome support you guys have given me and your involvement in the blog. I really do appreciate it.

On track F1 has seen one of the most exciting seasons in its history, with a close battle for the title and some fantastic races that have had drama and excitement. Sebastian Vettel took the crown but there were some other worthy champions on the grid too.

I wish you readers all the best for 2013, Happy New Year and Bring it on!

Button feeling confident for 2013

Jenson Button is confident that McLaren will eliminate the issues that affected his title challenge in 2012.

The Brit is looking forward to his fourth season with the team, revealing his confidence in the Woking squad for 2013 and the possibility of challenging for his second title.

F1 Race Stars: The Review

Sometimes Formula 1 games can get just that little bit too serious, so why not have a fun F1 game that can be enjoyed by everyone?

Codemasters have answered that question with F1 Race Stars, a Mario Kart style game for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. It is fun and colourful, with cartoon drivers and exaggerated tracks that bring a new element to the world of F1.

Social Media in F1

Formula 1 and Social Media have not always had the best relationship and it has taken time to develop, but over the years the bond between them has not only grown but also strengthened as the world gets more reliant on technology.

This article features some of my favourite images of the F1 2012 season.

It is something that has become the norm in everyday life, they get informed by it, they meet new people on it, and they learn new things. That is why Formula 1 has embraced it so well, or not in some cases.

Merry Christmas

Here is a quick message to say Merry Christmas to you JLF1 Blog readers. 

2012 has been a fantastic Formula 1 season, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reporting and writing about it. Thank you all for your support and continued visiting of the blog, I really appreciate it and hope I have informed and interested you with my blog posts.

I would like to wish you all a very merry festive season and a happy new year, enjoy the celebration.

Bring on 2013!

Nico Rosberg: The man in the other Mercedes

Here's a really good guest post on Nico Rosberg by Ollie Harden, enjoy!

(c) Sutton Images

The former world champion, tearing the velcro of his comfort zone; diving into the deep end of a pond of underachievement; leaping into the yearning arms of Ross Brawn; his eyes set on dragging the sleeping oaf of a giant to distinguished glory.

It is a rubber-laid road. 

F1 on your TV

Both BBC and Sky have revealed their F1 2013 plans, including which races to cover and some fresh faces on our screen.

The BBC have revealed the 10 live races they will broadcast, along with their replacement for popular presenter Jake Humphrey.

Force India aim for fifth

Force India will not be satisfied with their F1 2013 season unless they have the fifth fastest car.

The Silverstone based team are looking for a strong start to 2013, something they did not do in 2012. They had a car that was good enough for the odd points finish early on, but the team really want to start the year on the right foot.

Interview: Josh Webster

Josh Webster is one of Britain's most promising prospects for a future in Formula 1. Others obviously also agree with me, the Suffolk lad being chosen as one of six nominee's for the prestigious Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award. 

He has had an electric few seasons in the Formula Renault BARC series, and impressed during karting. A late starter in the lower ranks (in Formula 1's terms), he is looking to progress up the ranks and one day aspires to race in motor racing's pinnacle, Formula 1.

I talked to Josh about his future prospects and his past career in racing.

Hulkenberg visits Sauber HQ

Nico Hulkenberg has visited the Sauber F1 Team's base in Hinwil ahead of his switch to the team for 2013.

The German got in to the Christmas spirit with a conversation with Santa, discussing the Sauber C31 car. Here's the video, check it out to see a lighter side to Sauber's personality.

(c) Sauber F1 Team

Chilton completes Marussia 2013 line up

Marussia have finalised their 2013 line up with the signing of British driver Max Chilton.

The 21-year-old will replace Charles Pic at the Banbury squad and will race alongside the experienced Timo Glock. Chilton finished fourth in the 2012 GP2 championship and took up the role of reserve driver at the team from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards.

F1 2012 Performance Grid - Part 2

The 2012 season has without a doubt been the best and most exciting of the nine I have watched, so choosing my driver ranking was always going to be difficult. Some drivers excelled at a few races, but failed to consistently impress me. Meanwhile others were simply “okay” all the way through, resulting in a lower spot.

Formula 1 is a tough old world. Some drivers simply did not impress me as much as the previous 12, seen here. Here’s part 2 of my F1 2012 Performance Grid, running down positions 13 to 25. Do you agree? Tweet me @JackLeslieF1, comment on the Facebook post or comment on the article itself below.

Lotus retain Grosjean for 2013

After victory in the Race of Champion's, Romain Grosjean has received yet more good news.

The Lotus F1 Team confirmed that the Frenchman will stay with the former Renault squad for 2013, after a fast yet erratic return to the sport.

Grosjean wins Race of Champions

Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean has won the Race of Champions event, held in Bangkok Thailand.

The Frenchman was competing in his second Race of Champion's. The motorsport event took place in the Rajamangala Stadium, on a circuit with two parallel tracks and a crossover bridge. The four lap race means when the cars cross the line for the second time they have completed a full circuit.

F1 Gift Guide

Everyone is always telling me that I'm so difficult to buy for purely based on the fact that the only thing I want is F1 stuff. However, there are loads of great F1 gifts out there. So I have compiled a guide to help you find some great gifts for yourself or an F1 fan.

(c) Unlap

Thinking about that gave me an idea, how about creating a gift guide with some great F1 gifts. Lots of Formula 1 Gifts have caught my eye, so why don't I share them? I also want to help you guys find some awesome gifts and hopefully make searching for them a bit easier. If your too late for Christmas, why not get them for yourself or a birthday? I hope my guide helps you find some good deals and products.

F1 2012 Performance Grid - Part 1

2012 has seen one of the most competitive fields in Formula 1’s history. We have witnessed exciting races, drivers through the field, some questionable driving and a closely fought championship that went down to the wire. All the drivers have had high’s, lows and shown their potential.

This is my Part 1 of my Performance Grid for the 2012 F1 season, rounding out my review of possibly the best season in the sport’s history, if not one of the best. Remember this is my opinion of each drivers pace, potential and 2012 season as a whole. Do you agree or disagree? Who would your top 12 be? Share your opinions with me on Twitter @JackLeslieF1, the blog’s Facebook page or comment below.

MoneySupermarket: Grand Prix Driver of the Year

The 2012 season has been a special one, with 6 world champions fighting it out for victory.  For MoneySupermarket.com 's review they contacted me and a few other bloggers to help shape their Performance Grid. Check out the conclusion below.

Click "read more" to see the full Grid.

Ecclestone Predicts 19 Races in 2013

Bernie Ecclestone has predicted that the 2013 Formula 1 Season will contain 19 races, in comparison to the 20 race calendar of 2012. 

The New Jersey Grand Prix has been postponed to 2014, dropping the race number to 19 after the European Grand Prix in Valencia was dropped. Ecclestone has said that a return to Turkey is the only realistic race to fill the gap. 

Hulkenberg excited by team switch

Nico Hulkenberg has revealed that he is excited by the team switch from Force India to Sauber for 2013.

(c) Octane Photographic

The German had a successful 2012 season, with rumours circulating mid-season about a possible move to Ferrari or McLaren.

Button ready to lead McLaren

Jenson Button has no doubt that he is ready to lead McLaren in 2013. 

(c) Octane Photographic

This follows the exit of team mate Lewis Hamilton, promoting Button to the team leader role. Hamilton leaves the team after six years of racing. During the period of being team mates, Lewis has won 10 times compared to Jenson's eight and has finished higher in the standings twice.

F1 2012 In Pictures

F1 fans have witnessed a stunning 2012 season, and at a click of a button those talented photographers perched around the race tracks have caught those magical and dramatic moments.

Here's the F1 2012 season in pictures. All images in this article are sourced from and copyright to Sky Sports F1 unless specified otherwise.

Sky F1 Wins Top F1 Broadcaster

Sky Sports F1 revealed their brand new channel to the nation in March 2012. I was invited to the press day and after seeing some of the features and hearing about their plans I knew it would be a success.

Image source: Sky Sports F1

Well after a fantastic 2012 season it seems others agreed too. Bernie Ecclestone presented the channel with the award for 'Best TV Broadcast Award for Outstanding Coverage' at the FIA prize giving ceremony in Istanbul, where the World Championship presentations were also made.

Marussia confident 2013 car is on schedule

Marussia are confident that their 2013 machine is on schedule, according to team principal Graeme Lowdon.

(c) Octane Photographic

The team previously struggled to get their machinery ready for the round of testing before the season starts. In 2012 they debuted the MR-01 at the final pre-season test in Barcelona, using the 2011 car for the first test and missing out on the second one.

Hamilton not ruling out McLaren reunion

Lewis Hamilton has admitted he could return to McLaren after his stint at Mercedes.

(c) Octane Photographic

The Brit has raced for the Woking based team since 2007, but signed a three year deal at Mercedes earlier in the year.

F1 2013 Rule and Calendar Changes Announced

The F1 2013 Calendar has changed slightly to accommodate another race.

(c) Octane Photographic

Race numbers went down to 19 after the New Jersey Grand Prix was postponed, but now the FIA are looking at adding another European race.

Autosport Awards 2012 winners

The Grosvenor House Hotel played host to the most prestigious Autosport Awards.

(c) Autosport

Motor sport's finest were out in force as awards were given out for fantastic driving and commitments to the sport. Here's a list of the winners and a bit about them.

Button Talks Hamilton, Perez and a British GP Win

The F1 2012 season ended on a high for Jenson Button, with a win at the season finale in Brazil. Earlier in the week a friend of mine, Melissa Nathoo (@Melissa Nathoo) interviewed him for ITN. The interview took place at a Santander event at the Bluewater Shopping Centre. 

Jenson discusses Lewis Hamilton, his new team mate Sergio Perez and what he will be up to over the winter break. Also spot a question I asked Melissa to ask, whether he would prefer winning another championship or a British Grand Prix win.

(c) ITN

Interviewer: Melissa Nathoo

F1 2012 Season Review - Part 2

(c) Octane Photographic

After a thrilling first part to the F1 2012 season, the second half was by no means a disappointment in comparison. In fact it was quite the opposite, with the title climax and a number of exciting and drama filled races meaning the thrill lasted all the way to the final flying chequered flag.


The second half of the season saw the cream really rise to the top. Gone were the unpredictable winners, yes we saw some surprises but the best drivers really emerged as consistent race winners and front runners. Here’s part 2 of my F1 2012 season review.

Check out Part 1 here.

Buyer not found for HRT

HRT have failed to find a buyer in time to apply for the 2013 F1 season.

(c) Octane Photographic

The deadline to pay the 2013 entry fee was Friday 30th November at 12pm. That date has now passed and it looks like we will be down to 11 teams racing for glory next season.

F1 2012 Season Review - Part 1

What a season it has been. We have seen drama, elation, domination and speculation. We have witnessed stunning driving, poor driving and frankly bizarre driving. It has truly been a season to remember, so how about a re-cap?

(c) Octane Photographic

This year has been the best season that I have ever seen. Yes, it has been up and down. We have seen so many different winners, podium finishers and memorable moments. And now it is all over.  Here’s part 1 of my Formula 1 2012 season review, from Australia to Germany.