Formula 1 enters a new era in 2014 as the rule book receives a major transformation. This season is definitely a walk into the unknown.
Last year's championship was no competition for the recent thrillers of 2010 and 2012 – where the titles went down to the wire – but we did witness an incredible display of dominance from Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel. Will this year’s changes help to mix up the order?
Early signs indicate that the answer is well and truly ‘yes’, and I really hope that is the case, but it is just so difficult to predict anything this season. I’m definitely expecting the unexpected.
We are currently witnessing arguably the biggest regulations shake-up in the history of the sport. There are new V6 Turbo hybrid power-units, cuts to downforce and double points to name just a few. More on those later.
I personally can’t wait for the season to kick-start in Australia, it is an exciting time for Formula 1 and I’m really intrigued to see how the new rules affect the racing, how the new drivers fare and which teams emerge as real frontrunners.
Here is my preview of the 2014 Formula 1 season, which is the 65th in the sport’s long and illustrious history.
The Tracks
Elsewhere, Austria has made a return – I have always liked the Red Bull Ring (previously the A1 Ring) – and there have been some alterations to the schedule. Of course, Hockenheim returns as the German Grand Prix continues to alternate with the Nurburgring, Bahrain has moved to the third slot on the schedule and Abu Dhabi has rather disappointingly, in my view, taken over from Brazil to host the season finale.
The Teams and Drivers
Like the rule book, the grid for this season has enjoyed a considerable re-shuffle with seven driver moves, one returnee and three rookies. In fact, just Mercedes and Marussia have kept their 2013 line-up for this year.
Daniel Ricciardo moves to reigning champions Red Bull Racing, with countryman Mark Webber moving to the World Endurance Championship with Porsche. I’m a fan of the Aussie and I’m interested to see how he compares to Sebastian Vettel. The RB10 has proved to be very unreliable in testing but can the team turn it around?
Mercedes has retained its incredibly strong line-up of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, and I expect the two to push each other on track once again. The W05 has also looked fast in testing. Ferrari has dropped Felipe Massa in favour of Kimi Raikkonen, joining Fernando Alonso to create - I think – the strongest driver pairing on the grid.
Next up is Lotus. Romain Grosjean has remained with the Enstone-based outfit, which had a tough 2013, and he looks on form. Pastor Maldonado and his Venezuelan financial backing have joined him. While he is a rather erratic driver, he has plenty of speed and I believe is a rough diamond.
McLaren obviously had a difficult time last year but they have learned their lesson and will definitely come back stronger. Judging on testing, MP4-29 looks good and seems reliable, with Mercedes power for the final time. The experienced Jenson Button will be joined by exciting rookie Kevin Magnussen in season.
Force India has gained Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez for 2014 – a line-up that I think is full of promise. The VJM07 certainly isn’t a looker but it has shown flashes of speed in testing. Sauber has retained Gutierrez and partnered him with Adrian Sutil, who brings experience and speed.
Toro Rosso has a promising youngster to partner Jean-Eric Vergne: Russia's Daniil Kvyat. I’m expecting plenty of the 2013 GP3 champion. The rather odd looking STR9 has struggled with reliability in testing, partly due to the difficult Renault power-unit. Massa has found a new home at Williams, alongside Valtteri Bottas. The team looks on the up with a strong line-up, new sponsors and new team members.
2013 rookies Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton remain at Marussia. Both have plenty to prove: the former to keep up his impressive form from last year, and the latter to take the fight to his team-mate. Kamui Kobayashi has returned to F1 with Caterham, with Marcus Ericsson making the step up from GP2.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the inter-team battles progress this year; some could be extremely close while others may be more one-sided. For more information, check out my 2014 F1 page.
The Rule Changes
Where do I start? F1 enters a new era in 2014 with plenty of uncharted territory. Here is a brief look at some of the major modifications to both the Sporting and Technical Regulations. I’ll start off with all the techy stuff.
The cars may look rather odd this year, but the biggest change is under the hood. F1 engines will be turbocharged for the first time since 1988, with 1.6 litre V6 power-units limited to 15,000rpm replacing the previous 2.4 litre V8s.
We can no longer call them ‘engines’ as they also include the new Energy Recovery System (MGU-K and MGU-H), which will give a 166bhp boost for 33 seconds per lap. There is also a new 8-speed semi-automatic gearbox, with ratios being nominated prior to the season (with one chance to change them). Braking has also changed with a new brake-by-wire system, which many drivers struggled with in testing.
The use of exhaust gases to create downforce from the diffuser is now a thing of the past with the switch to one single exhaust pipe that exits under the rear wing. One of the biggest challenges in 2014 will be managing fuel, as each driver will be limited to 100kg per race.
Minimum weight has increased to 691kg due to the heavier power-units and tyres. Noses look extremely odd this year due to the height being lowered to 185mm above the reference plane. The front wing has also been narrowed, as has the rear wing flap to lower downforce.
On the sporting side, the most controversial rule is double points. Twice as many points will be awarded at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. There will be a pole trophy for the driver with the most pole positions, and each driver will now have a permanent number for the remainder of their career.
Meanwhile four drivers will be able to take part in first practice for a team, meaning a reserve could complete running for the first half an hour before the race driver takes over. In-season testing will return with four two-day events. Drivers will now be given points on their superlicense and if they reach 12 points in one year, they will receive a one race ban.
There are a range of new penalties, including those handed out due to engine changes. The new power-unit will be made up of six parts and teams will be limited to five of each element, which they will then be able to swap around or alternatively change the whole thing.
There are so, so many changes to the regulations this year. Those are just some of the major ones. See my Sporting and Technical Regulation guides for more information.
The Tests
The winter testing schedule has also changed, with just one of the three 2014 tests taking place in Europe. The Jerez circuit in southern Spain hosted the first four-day event, before teams headed to Bahrain for the final two tests.
The opening test in Jerez was more of a shakedown for the teams, who brought base cars and aimed to solve as many reliability problems as possible. Lotus was the only team to not take part in the opening four-day event and a number of teams unveiled their cars in the pitlane or during the test itself.
With teams focusing on problem solving, lap times were irrelevant but we did start to see a clear divide in the field. The Mercedes-powered runners looked reliable with fewer mechanical glitches and plenty of mileage covered. The factory team looked to have the early edge, with McLaren and Williams following close behind.
Elsewhere, Ferrari had a strong test and Sauber suffered a number of technical difficulties. Both Sutil and Gutierrez struggled with the new brake-by-wire system which caused a handful of off-track excursions. Marussia, the third and final Ferrari-powered team, had to delay the launch of its MR03 after a problem was discovered at the factory and only managed limited running on the final two days.
It was a disastrous test for Renault after all three of its customer teams struggled with reliability issues, mainly due to overheating and packaging problems. Caterham had a slightly more promising time, as did Toro Rosso, but reigning champions Red Bull had a disastrous test.
After a few weeks’ break, the F1 paddock headed to Bahrain for the second test. Reliability was still top of the list for all teams, particularly Lotus who debuted its E22, and results continued to be mixed. Mercedes, Force India, McLaren and Williams all gained plenty of data and information, leaving them in a strong position, as did Ferrari.
Sauber had a better test but still struggled with problems, as did Marussia. Renault-powered teams continued to prop up the lap counts and the timesheets as the Red Bull woes continued. Toro Rosso and Caterham had a better time, while the first test with the E22 was plagued by engine issues.
Teams remained in Bahrain for the third and final test, with many bringing performance upgrades and completing race and qualifying simulations. The pace was turned up a notch for some, but not all. It was a slightly more promising test for Red Bull but the car was far from running at full speed.
Mercedes and Williams continued to look strong and gained even more mileage, as did Force India. McLaren struggled with some reliability issues and there were more red flag appearances, some caused by teams completing fuel system checks. Ferrari looks there or thereabouts and Sauber managed to make up for a terrible day three with over 150 laps on the final day.
We know who is reliable and who isn’t, but it remains very difficult to pin-point a potential pecking order. I’m expecting the Mercedes-powered runners to dominate the early stages, with Ferrari in the mix, but I don’t know which of those teams will hit the front.
2014’s winter testing has been one of the most unpredictable in recent years. Over the last few seasons, rule changes have been relatively minor so the running order has remained relatively stable. However, that looks set to change. And I can't wait.
Some will argue that the sport didn't need changing, but I think the rule modifications are refreshing. They may be more expensive, but I believe it will really shake-up the order and help create a more exciting season. Bring it on.
What are your predictions for 2014? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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| © Octane Photographic |
Early signs indicate that the answer is well and truly ‘yes’, and I really hope that is the case, but it is just so difficult to predict anything this season. I’m definitely expecting the unexpected.
We are currently witnessing arguably the biggest regulations shake-up in the history of the sport. There are new V6 Turbo hybrid power-units, cuts to downforce and double points to name just a few. More on those later.
I personally can’t wait for the season to kick-start in Australia, it is an exciting time for Formula 1 and I’m really intrigued to see how the new rules affect the racing, how the new drivers fare and which teams emerge as real frontrunners.
Here is my preview of the 2014 Formula 1 season, which is the 65th in the sport’s long and illustrious history.
 |
| © Red Bull/Getty Images |
- March 16 Australia (Melbourne)
- March 30 Malaysia (Sepang)
- April 6 Bahrain (Sakhir)
- April 20 China (Shanghai)
- May 11 Spain (Barcelona)
- May 25 Monaco
- June 8 Canada (Montreal)
- June 22 Austria (Spielberg)
- July 6 Great Britain (Silverstone)
- July 20 Germany (Hockenheim)
- July 27 Hungary (Budapest)
- August 24 Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
- September 7 Italy (Monza)
- September 21 Singapore
- October 5 Japan (Suzuka)
- October 12 Russia (Sochi)
- November 2 USA (Austin)
- November 9 Brazil (Interlagos)
- November 23 Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
Elsewhere, Austria has made a return – I have always liked the Red Bull Ring (previously the A1 Ring) – and there have been some alterations to the schedule. Of course, Hockenheim returns as the German Grand Prix continues to alternate with the Nurburgring, Bahrain has moved to the third slot on the schedule and Abu Dhabi has rather disappointingly, in my view, taken over from Brazil to host the season finale.
The Teams and Drivers
Like the rule book, the grid for this season has enjoyed a considerable re-shuffle with seven driver moves, one returnee and three rookies. In fact, just Mercedes and Marussia have kept their 2013 line-up for this year.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Mercedes has retained its incredibly strong line-up of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, and I expect the two to push each other on track once again. The W05 has also looked fast in testing. Ferrari has dropped Felipe Massa in favour of Kimi Raikkonen, joining Fernando Alonso to create - I think – the strongest driver pairing on the grid.
Next up is Lotus. Romain Grosjean has remained with the Enstone-based outfit, which had a tough 2013, and he looks on form. Pastor Maldonado and his Venezuelan financial backing have joined him. While he is a rather erratic driver, he has plenty of speed and I believe is a rough diamond.
McLaren obviously had a difficult time last year but they have learned their lesson and will definitely come back stronger. Judging on testing, MP4-29 looks good and seems reliable, with Mercedes power for the final time. The experienced Jenson Button will be joined by exciting rookie Kevin Magnussen in season.
Force India has gained Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez for 2014 – a line-up that I think is full of promise. The VJM07 certainly isn’t a looker but it has shown flashes of speed in testing. Sauber has retained Gutierrez and partnered him with Adrian Sutil, who brings experience and speed.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Toro Rosso has a promising youngster to partner Jean-Eric Vergne: Russia's Daniil Kvyat. I’m expecting plenty of the 2013 GP3 champion. The rather odd looking STR9 has struggled with reliability in testing, partly due to the difficult Renault power-unit. Massa has found a new home at Williams, alongside Valtteri Bottas. The team looks on the up with a strong line-up, new sponsors and new team members.
2013 rookies Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton remain at Marussia. Both have plenty to prove: the former to keep up his impressive form from last year, and the latter to take the fight to his team-mate. Kamui Kobayashi has returned to F1 with Caterham, with Marcus Ericsson making the step up from GP2.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the inter-team battles progress this year; some could be extremely close while others may be more one-sided. For more information, check out my 2014 F1 page.
The Rule Changes
Where do I start? F1 enters a new era in 2014 with plenty of uncharted territory. Here is a brief look at some of the major modifications to both the Sporting and Technical Regulations. I’ll start off with all the techy stuff.
The cars may look rather odd this year, but the biggest change is under the hood. F1 engines will be turbocharged for the first time since 1988, with 1.6 litre V6 power-units limited to 15,000rpm replacing the previous 2.4 litre V8s.
We can no longer call them ‘engines’ as they also include the new Energy Recovery System (MGU-K and MGU-H), which will give a 166bhp boost for 33 seconds per lap. There is also a new 8-speed semi-automatic gearbox, with ratios being nominated prior to the season (with one chance to change them). Braking has also changed with a new brake-by-wire system, which many drivers struggled with in testing.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Minimum weight has increased to 691kg due to the heavier power-units and tyres. Noses look extremely odd this year due to the height being lowered to 185mm above the reference plane. The front wing has also been narrowed, as has the rear wing flap to lower downforce.
On the sporting side, the most controversial rule is double points. Twice as many points will be awarded at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. There will be a pole trophy for the driver with the most pole positions, and each driver will now have a permanent number for the remainder of their career.
Meanwhile four drivers will be able to take part in first practice for a team, meaning a reserve could complete running for the first half an hour before the race driver takes over. In-season testing will return with four two-day events. Drivers will now be given points on their superlicense and if they reach 12 points in one year, they will receive a one race ban.
There are a range of new penalties, including those handed out due to engine changes. The new power-unit will be made up of six parts and teams will be limited to five of each element, which they will then be able to swap around or alternatively change the whole thing.
There are so, so many changes to the regulations this year. Those are just some of the major ones. See my Sporting and Technical Regulation guides for more information.
The Tests
The winter testing schedule has also changed, with just one of the three 2014 tests taking place in Europe. The Jerez circuit in southern Spain hosted the first four-day event, before teams headed to Bahrain for the final two tests.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
With teams focusing on problem solving, lap times were irrelevant but we did start to see a clear divide in the field. The Mercedes-powered runners looked reliable with fewer mechanical glitches and plenty of mileage covered. The factory team looked to have the early edge, with McLaren and Williams following close behind.
Elsewhere, Ferrari had a strong test and Sauber suffered a number of technical difficulties. Both Sutil and Gutierrez struggled with the new brake-by-wire system which caused a handful of off-track excursions. Marussia, the third and final Ferrari-powered team, had to delay the launch of its MR03 after a problem was discovered at the factory and only managed limited running on the final two days.
It was a disastrous test for Renault after all three of its customer teams struggled with reliability issues, mainly due to overheating and packaging problems. Caterham had a slightly more promising time, as did Toro Rosso, but reigning champions Red Bull had a disastrous test.
After a few weeks’ break, the F1 paddock headed to Bahrain for the second test. Reliability was still top of the list for all teams, particularly Lotus who debuted its E22, and results continued to be mixed. Mercedes, Force India, McLaren and Williams all gained plenty of data and information, leaving them in a strong position, as did Ferrari.
Sauber had a better test but still struggled with problems, as did Marussia. Renault-powered teams continued to prop up the lap counts and the timesheets as the Red Bull woes continued. Toro Rosso and Caterham had a better time, while the first test with the E22 was plagued by engine issues.
 |
| © Ferrari |
Mercedes and Williams continued to look strong and gained even more mileage, as did Force India. McLaren struggled with some reliability issues and there were more red flag appearances, some caused by teams completing fuel system checks. Ferrari looks there or thereabouts and Sauber managed to make up for a terrible day three with over 150 laps on the final day.
We know who is reliable and who isn’t, but it remains very difficult to pin-point a potential pecking order. I’m expecting the Mercedes-powered runners to dominate the early stages, with Ferrari in the mix, but I don’t know which of those teams will hit the front.
2014’s winter testing has been one of the most unpredictable in recent years. Over the last few seasons, rule changes have been relatively minor so the running order has remained relatively stable. However, that looks set to change. And I can't wait.
Some will argue that the sport didn't need changing, but I think the rule modifications are refreshing. They may be more expensive, but I believe it will really shake-up the order and help create a more exciting season. Bring it on.
What are your predictions for 2014? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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