Are Lotus still leading the social media race?

Last year I conducted a poll here on this very blog asking the fans which team they thought had embraced social media with open arms and used it to its full capacity. I also did plenty of research and wrote an article of my own, the conclusion? Lotus were 'bossing it' (as one fan so aptly put it on Twitter) in terms of fan interaction and insight, but are they still out front? 

The answer, in short, is yes but a number of teams are catching them up. Read on to see why.

Mercedes power for Williams in 2014

The engine market has been buzzing with activity since the new engine regulations for 2014 were announced. We have already seen the likes of McLaren and Toro Rosso make the switch (although the former is for 2015) and now Williams have announced that they will be driven by the Mercedes powerplant from next season onwards.

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The team are looking for this to be a "long term" partnership and will see the termination of their current tie-up with Renault after they rekindled their iconic relationship for the 2012 season. 

Pirelli delay tweaked tyre debut

Pirelli have revealed that their tweaked 2013 compound tyres will make their track debut at the next round of the season in Canada, but they will not be raced on.

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Instead, the re-structured rubber will make its race debut at the British Grand Prix which takes place at the end of July.

Highlights of the Indy 500

I don't get to watch IndyCar all that often, I'm usually busy or it's on a channel inaccessible to me So the highlights videos that are posted by IndyCar on their YouTube channel are extremely helpful. The iconic Indy 500 took place over the weekend, here are highlights of the race which was won by experienced IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan. 

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I would also recommend checking out their other and more 'behind-the-scenes' videos as you really get to see the drivers true personalities come out, something we sometimes don't see in Formula 1.

Massa's Monaco Grand Prix crash due to suspension failure

Ferrari have revealed that Felipe Massa's hefty Ste Devote crash during Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix was due to suspension failure.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The Brazilian had crashed in near identical fashion on Saturday's free practice session but that was put down to driver error. Massa was taken to the local hospital after complaining of neck pain but was released later in the day.

Raikkonen's final Monaco Grand Prix laps

"You can't overtake in Monaco," is what most seem to say, but Kimi Raikkonen certainly proved them wrong in last weekends race by passing three cars in just two laps. The stunning moves were made on fresher tyres but meant he finished 10th, collecting one single point and upping his consecutive point-scoring tally to 23 (one off record holder Schumacher).

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Maldonado thankful for escaping high speed Monaco crash unscathed

Williams F1 Driver Pastor Maldonado has shared his relief at emerging from a high speed Monaco Grand Prix crash unharmed.

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The Venezuelan made contact with the Marussia of Max Chilton on the run to the tight Tabac corner, becoming airborne. When his Williams FW35 eventually touched down, it headed straight for the barrier and at quite a speed.

Toro Rosso make Renault engine switch for 2014

Toro Rosso has announced that they will switch to Renault engines for the 2014 season.

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The Italian team are currently powered by Ferrari engines, a deal which started in 2007. For next season they will switch to the French firm as the sport switches to 1.6 litre Turbo power plants.

Pirelli threaten to make F1 exit

Formula 1's current tyre supplier, Pirelli, has issues a warning that time is running out to sign a contract to continue supplying the sport with tyres beyond this season.

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The Italian firm has come under fire recently for producing tyres with too high degradation and wear, causing teams like Red Bull and Mercedes to struggle with maintenance of the crucial rubber.

2013 Monaco Grand Prix Weekend Report

Glitz, glamour and glory. Three words that are used far too often when describing the Monaco Grand Prix, but three words that perfectly fit the iconic event.

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The Circuit de Monaco is one that requires commitment, confidence and coordination of the highest level. The 78 lap race is most definitely a challenge and there is always an excitable buzz around the race weekend. The usual mix-up of the schedule, practice on Thursday and a rest-day on Friday, and the stunning location make it the most unique race of the season amongst so many other things.

2013 Monaco Grand Prix, Wednesday Snap Shot

Only in Monaco. Thursday witnesses the start of the on track action in the principality as Friday is a "rest day" for the teams and it frees up the public roads for use.

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

So that brings all the usual Thursday action around the paddock and pit lane forward, hence why for one year only we have a special "Wednesday Snap Shot." As it's the most prestigious race on the calendar, even busier schedules are coupled with stunning back drops and plenty of media attention.

JLF1 Blog & Grand Prix Merchandise 250,000 View Competition

Hitting 250,000 hits is something that I never thought would happen. That’s why, to celebrate http://jackleslief1.blogspot.com  reaching that very milestone, I’m hosting a competition to say thank you for the support, for visiting the site and reading my work. Hopefully long may it continue!

The competition is in partnership with Grand Prix Merchandise, a long-time partner of the blog who stock some of the latest Formula 1 team merchandise at very respectable prices. As the Formula 1 2013 season continues in fine fashion and the British Grand Prix closes in, the JLF1 Blog and GPM have joined forces to host a very special competition. 

The Prize? None other than the official 2013 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Cap that is currently retailing at £27.95. Octane Photographic will also give the winner a printed A3 picture of their favourite F1 driver. There is no question to answer, just go to the competition page (linked here) and fill in the contact form. All terms & conditions and more information on the competition can also be found there. It will be open from Tuesday 21st May to Tuesday 28th May.

Pic Hopeful of Strong Showing In-front of French Fans

With no French Grand Prix and four of their drivers on the Formula 1 grid, it's no wonder that the French fans flock to Monaco to watch their heroes in action.

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The principality is the closest race to France and Caterham driver Charles Pic is hopeful that the team can put on a good showing for the visiting fans.

2013 Monaco Grand Prix Preview

Monaco. One of the most popular races on the Formula 1 calendar, if not the most popular. It's unique glamour, glitz and stunning backdrop make it the most talked about the highly anticipated race on the calendar.

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The Circuit de Monaco is not one for the faint-hearted. You have to be 100% committed, you need full concentration and control to succeed around the twisty streets of the principality. That's why its often one of the most dramatic weekends of the season.

McLaren to Mercedes Switch Confirmed for Paddy Lowe

Mercedes continue to strengthen their senior management with the confirmation that Paddy Lowe will join the team in June.

 

(c) Sky Sports F1

Lowe, who previously held the technical director role at McLaren, was given early release from his contract and will join Ross Brawn and Toto Wolff at the Mercedes team as their Executive Director (Technical).

Maldonado: From Hero to Zero in Just Two Weeks

12 months ago, Williams F1 Team driver Pastor Maldonado was soaring on a high. He was a hero back home in Venezuela after he crossed the line at the Circuit de Catalunya to register his first, and so far only, Formula 1 victory.
 

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It was a stunning and controlled drive at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix which proved many critics wrong. However the previously described "erratic" and inconsistent Pastor of old returned just two weeks later at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Button Expecting "Small Steps" Forward in Monaco

Jenson Button has said that he expects McLaren to make "small steps" forward during next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

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The Brit is confident that they can move forward, but he has downplayed the thought of jumping higher up the order. He had his worst qualifying performance of the season in Spain, lining up 14th on the grid, but he was happy with his race pace and the strategy call by the team.

Hulkenberg Confident Sauber can Return to Form

Nico Hulkenberg has shared his confidence that the Sauber F1 Team can put on a strong showing at the next race weekend in Monaco.

(c) Sauber F1 Team

So far in 2013, the switch to Sauber has proved underwhelming and the C32 has proved to be unable to challenge at the front of the midfield pack like his former team Force India are doing. However he feels that the dynamics of the tight, twisty Monaco circuit and the return of the soft tyre compound can see them return to form.

Honda Announce Rekindling of McLaren Partnership

It had been rumoured for some time and earlier in the week; reports suggested it would be a Thursday announced. That day arrived and predictions were correct as it was announced that Honda would return to Formula 1 in 2015 as the official engine supplier for McLaren.

 

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The Japanese manufacturer has not been active in the sport since 2008. After two unsuccessful years they decided to pull the plug on the operation, handing ownership over to 2009 champions Brawn GP in a last minute deal. Now their former Brackley base houses the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Pirelli's Problematic Predicament - The Conclusion

It was always going to be problematic. Pirelli could have taken two very differing paths. They could have kept the likes of Ferrari and Lotus happy by keeping the tyres as they were, or they could have responded to critics and complaints by re-structuring their 2013 range.

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Today the Italian firm announced the conclusion to their difficult predicament, they caved from the pressure and decided to go with the latter route. The changes will come into place in two rounds time at the Canadian Grand Prix, meaning the current Pirelli rubber will bow out in style at the sixth round of the season in Monaco.

Behind the Scenes at the MTC

The McLaren Technology Centre is a building that has you in awe, and that's only the pictures. So you can imagine how jealous I was when Luke Smith, Editor-in-chief of RichlandF1 (my boss), got the chance to visit the iconic building. Check out his behind the scenes look at the MTC in this exclusive guest blog.

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Writing about Formula One certainly has its highs and lows. There are the late nights where you’re wrangling with a team over an article, knowing you’re not going to get paid for it anyway, and questioning just where you’ll find the money to pay the website bill. Luckily, moments such as these are beautifully juxtaposed by the dizzying highs, one of which I experienced on Tuesday on a visit to McLaren’s HQ: the hallowed MTC.

Lotus Feel Tyre Changes Would be Unfair

The Lotus F1 Team has said that they feel it would be unfair for Pirelli to make changes to their tyre compounds after the latest spat of complaints.

(c) Lotus F1 Team

A number of teams have voiced their frustration at the more fragile and less durable 2013 Pirelli tyre range due to their struggles understanding and working with the them.

Mercedes Drop Like a Stone in Spain

Both Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 drivers have shared their disappointment and disbelief at falling back from their front row grid slots, to such a degree that Lewis Hamilton was actually lapped during the Spanish Grand Prix.

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Rosberg and Hamilton locked out the front row in Qualifying but were left with no answer to the stronger race pace of Ferrari and Red Bull.

F1 2013 Driver Salaries Revealed

Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo has published the annual list of F1 driver salaries.

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The report reveals that Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton share the top spot as the sports highest earners, with both drivers earning around €20 million per year. The latter is currently earning €4 million more per year at Mercedes in comparison to his salary when racing for McLaren

2013 Spanish Grand Prix Weekend Review

The European season kicked off in the usual way, returning to the Circuit de Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix.

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

Returning to the well-used track gave teams the perfect opportunity to access their progress; they last tested there back in early March. It is a crucial weekend for teams to kick start the development race and start the European stint on the right foot.

2013 Spanish Grand Prix, Thursday Snap Shot

Formula 1 returns to Europe after a busy (for the teams) and relaxing (for the drivers) bit of time away from the race weekend scene. 

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

Thursday at the track is always a busy time. Drivers have numerous media and sponsor commitments as well as meetings with their engineers, track walks, filming and even some time to catch up with the other drivers. There is also the usual driver press conference too.

Chester in, Allison out at Lotus

Lotus has today announced the promotion of current engineering director Nick Chester to replace the departing James Allison.

(c) Lotus F1 Team

Allison's departure comes as a shock to some after he led them to victory at the opening round of the season in Australia, however this rumour has been suggested for some time and the talented former University of Cambridge graduate certainly has a long line of teams interested in signing him.

Di Resta looking for big points haul in Spain

Paul Di Resta is looking forward to Formula 1's return to Europe and is eyeing up a big points haul in Spain.

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

The Scot finished fourth last time out in Bahrain and is feeling confident that the VJM06 will go well at the Circuit de Catalunya. His team-mate Adrian Sutil also has a good feeling going in to the race weekend and is looking to stay out of trouble.

Hamilton Man's Up

Lewis Hamilton has spoken about the additional freedom that he now has at Mercedes, allowing him to be his "own man."

(c) Mercedes AMG F1 Team

The 2008 world champion raced for McLaren between 2007 and 2012, a stint spanning six seasons. However he felt that the team were too restricting and controlling on his life, he wanted more freedom and that is something that he is now relishing in. 

2013 Spanish Grand Prix Preview

The Circuit de Catalunya is like a home from home for the Formula 1 teams and drivers, they will spend 11 days on track this season (the most of any F1 circuit). 

(c) Sky Sports F1

The sport's return to Spain also signals the start of the European season. The motor homes will return, the paddock will be a hive of activity and the fans will certainly be out in force.

Chatting to Peter Windsor - Part 3

My chat with highly respected Formula 1 journalist Peter Windsor was so interesting that I simply had to split it into three parts. In this final segment the F1 Racing Magazine columnist shared his views on Pirelli, Hamilton and the battle at the back of the pack.

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Part 1 focused on Peter’s brand new web-show “The Racer’sEdge” as he moves on from previous success with “The Flying Lap.” Part 2 then moved on to some of the main stories of the 2013 season so far, including his thoughts on Mark Webber, Adrian Sutil’s return and a potential move to Ferrari for Nico Hulkenberg.

One Year Rewind - Shock Win for Maldonado

There is no denying that last year's Spanish Grand Prix weekend was a shock. And for a number of reasons, both good and bad. Here's a quick one year rewind to re-live that memorable race weekend, both on and off track.

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The weekend started with the Friday practice sessions. As you would expect, there were plenty of upgrades and updates to test, making it a very busy day for the teams and drivers.

Spanish Grand Prix a "good benchmark" says Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton has said that the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix will be a "good benchmark" for the Mercedes team to access their progress.

(c) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

The Brackley based squad topped the time sheets during winter testing at the Circuit de Catalunya and Hamilton is interested to see how far they have come.

Button vs Hamilton, Who Comes Out on Top?

Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton made up one of the best driver line-ups on the grid between 2010 and 2012. The two battled fiercely for the "best British driver" tag during their three season stint as team-mates, but who came out on top?

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes & Mercedes AMG Petronas

Looking at their overall career statistics, this cool and well made infographic by http://team-sport.co.uk/ details the two drivers hugely successful careers, including their Top Gear laps and what former drivers have to say about them.

Perez Settling in Well At McLaren

McLaren's Sergio Perez has said that he is settling in well with his new surroundings.

(c) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

The Mexican moved from the considerably smaller team, replacing Lewis Hamilton at the iconic outfit. He has so far scored on two occasions with a best finish of sixth place at the last round in Bahrain.

Powell Post - Volume 3

Here's the third volume of Alice Powell's JLF1 Blog series, detailing what has been a fantastic start to her campaign in the F3 Cup. The year is looking very bright for Alice, keep up with all the goings-on with Powell Post, exclusively to this blog.

Hello JLF1 Blog readers, I hope all is well!

A lot has happened since my last Powell Post...I've had two race weekends, done plenty of coaching and several interviews!!