Don’t worry F1 fans. The winter break is almost over and the start of the 2015 season is just around the corner.
Last year’s championship was dominated by Mercedes, but produced some thrilling on-track action. With evolutionary changes to the regulations, can anyone step up and take the fight to the Silver Arrows?
Despite few modifications to the rules compared to 2014, there has been plenty of movement up and down the grid, as well as a race in Mexico returning to the calendar.
I can’t wait for the new season to kick off in Australia. It is always an exciting time for Formula 1, with so many unanswered questions despite 12 days of testing in Jerez and Barcelona.
Here is my preview of the 66th season in Formula 1’s long and illustrious history, taking a look at the tracks, regulation changes, teams and drivers.
The Tracks
March 13-15 Australia (Melbourne)
March 27-29 Malaysia (Sepang)
April 10-12 China (Shanghai)
April 17-19 Bahrain (Sakhir)
May 8-10 Spain (Barcelona)
May 21-24 Monaco
June 5-7 Canada (Montreal)
June 19-21 Austria (Spielberg)
July 3-5 Great Britain (Silverstone)
July 17-19 Germany (TBA)
July 24-26 Hungary (Budapest)
August 21-23 Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
September 4-6 Italy (Monza)
September 18-20 Singapore
September 25-27 Japan (Suzuka)
October 9-11 Russia (Sochi)
October 23-25 USA (Austin)
October 31-November 1 Mexico (Mexico City)
November 13-15 Brazil (Interlagos)
November 27-29 Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
The F1 calendar is back up to 20 races for the 2015 season. There have been a few tweaks and modifications, but nothing too major. China has returned to its former position as the third race of the year, while there is still a question mark over whether the German Grand Prix will take place and, if so, where.
Like previous seasons, the summer break will take place between the Hungarian and Belgian GPs. Mexico returns to the F1 schedule for the first time since 1992, taking place at the revamped Autódromo Hermanos RodrÃguez in Mexico City.
The Rule Changes
F1 entered a new era in 2014, with considerable changes to the sporting and technical regulations. This year has been far less revolutionary, with few modifications to the rules. A Virtual Safety Car (VSC) system has been introduced, while the double points rule has been ditched.
Drivers will be banned from making dramatic helmet design changes during the season. Meanwhile tweaks have been made to the power unit change penalty system, red flag procedures and safety car periods.
The cars look much better in 2015 thanks to changes to the nose regulations. Each driver will be restricted to four power units this season, one less than last year, and developing them during the season will be allowed.
To read about the regulation changes in more detail, go here.
The Teams and Drivers
There has been a considerable re-shuffle of the F1 grid for 2015. Mercedes is one of four teams to have retained last year’s line-up. Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg look set to fight once again for the drivers’ title. It should be another close and exciting battle, with the Brackley-based outfit showing strong pace and reliability in testing.
Following its spell of domination, Red Bull Racing slipped to second place in 2014. With Sebastian Vettel switching to Ferrari, Daniel Ricciardo – who was one of the stand-out drivers of last season – has stepped up to the lead spot. He will partner Daniil Kvyat, who performed well in his debut F1 campaign for Toro Rosso.
Williams is another team to have continuity in its driver line-up for 2015. Felipe Massa will continue to bring experience to the Grove-based outfit, while Valtteri Bottas impressed immensely last year, scoring several podiums. Williams has made a hugely popular return to the front and will be hoping the positive momentum continues into this season.
2014 was Ferrari’s first win-less F1 campaign since 1993. The team has gone through a transformation over the past six months or so, with a raft of staff changes, a new team principal (Maurizio Arrivabene) and the signing of four-time champion Vettel to partner Kimi Raikkonen. The SF15-T has looked quick in testing, but we will have to wait until Australia to find out if Ferrari have really bounced back from its recent tough stint.
McLaren also enters 2015 as a very different team. Honda has returned to F1 as a power unit supplier for the Woking-based outfit, and Fernando Alonso re-joins McLaren to race alongside Jenson Button. The Spaniard will be replaced by Kevin Magnussen in Australia as he recovers from a testing crash. Honda has struggled over the winter, meaning the start of the season looks set to be a difficult one.
Delays meant Force India’s VJM08 only hit the track on day two of the final winter test. However, it proved to be reliable straight away and the team managed to recover well. Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez remain at the Silverstone-based squad, as it looks to continue moving up the grid.
Signing two rookies for the 2015 season was a risk, but it could just pay off for Toro Rosso. Max Verstappen – who will become the youngest ever F1 driver when he races in Melbourne – and Carlos Sainz Jr clearly have plenty of potential and it will be interesting to see how both drivers fare. The STR10 has completed plenty of mileage, but it is – as always – very difficult to predict the pecking order before the first race. Lotus is the fourth and final team to retain its 2014 driver line-up.
Following last year’s disastrous season, the team has switched to Mercedes power. Despite a tough season, Romain Grosjean’s reputation as one to watch for the future remains, while Pastor Maldonado has so far failed to live up to the “rough diamond” claim I made this time last year. The E23 seems to be a considerable step forward, so can Lotus return to the front of the pack?
Sauber has an all-new line-up for 2015, signing Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson. The former finished third in GP2 last year, while also completing reserve driver duties for Williams, while Ericsson makes the switch from Caterham after a quiet debut season. Sauber failed to score a point in 2014 thanks to the terrible C33 and will be desperate to move up the grid this year.
Manor Marussia’s story is truly incredible. After entering administration towards the end of last year, it looked like the end of the road. However, the team has managed to secure new financial backing and will return to F1 in 2015. It will start the season with a revised version of its 2014 car to meet the new regulations, with Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi driving. Whilst it is a wonderful twist, there is a long and tough road ahead for Manor Marussia.
The Tests
All three winter tests took place in Europe. The Circuito de Jerez hosted the first event, which was attended by eight teams. The focus for many was on reliability and system checks, as the new cars debuted on track.
Mercedes completed by far the most laps, picking up from where it left off in 2014. Rosberg and Hamilton suffered very few problems and were able to complete both short and long runs, proving the W06’s reliability from the very start. Ferrari’s Raikkonen and Vettel set the fastest lap times of the test, with the SF15-T looking much better on track compared to last year’s car. It also proved to be reliable, as did the Sauber.
Toro Rosso managed to complete plenty of running with its rookie line-up, while Williams had a quiet four days. The Lotus E23 broke cover on day two of the test, following a few delays getting it to Jerez. However, Grosjean and Maldonado were both pleased with their first impressions of the car.
Red Bull suffered several power unit issues, which limited the team’s running. McLaren Honda struggled to even string a few laps together, with problems meaning just 79 laps were completed. A tough start.
The second four-day event took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a familiar track for the F1 circus. Mercedes continued to top the lap count table and feature near the front on the timesheets. Red Bull enjoyed a much more productive test, while Toro Rosso’s two young drivers gained plenty of mileage.
Susie Wolff made her test debut at the wheel of the Williams FW37. However, her sole day of running came to an abrupt end after she collided with Nasr. Whilst lap times at winter tests are irrelevant, Lotus still showed positive progress. Sauber looked to be running lower on fuel than most, while Ferrari was pleased with its running.
Force India was absent from the first test, and delays meant it ran the VJM07 from 2014 in Barcelona. Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein was scheduled for two days of running, but Hamilton fell ill on the opening day of the test. Wehrlein was forced to switch to Mercedes for the afternoon session.
McLaren continued to struggle with reliability issues and a crash for Alonso on the final day brought the test to an early close. He was taken to hospital and spent three days there recovering, before returning home. He was forced to sit out of the final test and was replaced by Kevin Magnussen.
The team enjoyed a slightly more positive final test in Barcelona, but it still failed to hit the 200-lap mark. Sauber, Ferrari and Toro Rosso completed the most laps. Mercedes finally hit the front, showing the potential we all expected. Williams also upped the pace, while Force India finally revealed its 2015 car.
So, what can we take from the three tests? Well, Mercedes still looks to be the team to beat. Ferrari, Williams and Red Bull are all looking strong, but still some way off last year’s champions. The midfield battle should be close between Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso, while the speed of the McLaren remains to be seen.
It should be another exciting and action-packed season. Who will emerge victorious in Australia? We don’t have to wait long to find out. Excited? I am. Bring it on. What are your predictions for 2015? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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| © Octane Photographic |
Despite few modifications to the rules compared to 2014, there has been plenty of movement up and down the grid, as well as a race in Mexico returning to the calendar.
I can’t wait for the new season to kick off in Australia. It is always an exciting time for Formula 1, with so many unanswered questions despite 12 days of testing in Jerez and Barcelona.
Here is my preview of the 66th season in Formula 1’s long and illustrious history, taking a look at the tracks, regulation changes, teams and drivers.
The Tracks
March 13-15 Australia (Melbourne)
March 27-29 Malaysia (Sepang)
April 10-12 China (Shanghai)
April 17-19 Bahrain (Sakhir)
May 8-10 Spain (Barcelona)
May 21-24 Monaco
June 5-7 Canada (Montreal)
June 19-21 Austria (Spielberg)
July 3-5 Great Britain (Silverstone)
July 17-19 Germany (TBA)
July 24-26 Hungary (Budapest)
August 21-23 Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
September 4-6 Italy (Monza)
September 18-20 Singapore
September 25-27 Japan (Suzuka)
October 9-11 Russia (Sochi)
October 23-25 USA (Austin)
October 31-November 1 Mexico (Mexico City)
November 13-15 Brazil (Interlagos)
November 27-29 Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
The F1 calendar is back up to 20 races for the 2015 season. There have been a few tweaks and modifications, but nothing too major. China has returned to its former position as the third race of the year, while there is still a question mark over whether the German Grand Prix will take place and, if so, where.
Like previous seasons, the summer break will take place between the Hungarian and Belgian GPs. Mexico returns to the F1 schedule for the first time since 1992, taking place at the revamped Autódromo Hermanos RodrÃguez in Mexico City.
The Rule Changes
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
F1 entered a new era in 2014, with considerable changes to the sporting and technical regulations. This year has been far less revolutionary, with few modifications to the rules. A Virtual Safety Car (VSC) system has been introduced, while the double points rule has been ditched.
Drivers will be banned from making dramatic helmet design changes during the season. Meanwhile tweaks have been made to the power unit change penalty system, red flag procedures and safety car periods.
The cars look much better in 2015 thanks to changes to the nose regulations. Each driver will be restricted to four power units this season, one less than last year, and developing them during the season will be allowed.
To read about the regulation changes in more detail, go here.
The Teams and Drivers
There has been a considerable re-shuffle of the F1 grid for 2015. Mercedes is one of four teams to have retained last year’s line-up. Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg look set to fight once again for the drivers’ title. It should be another close and exciting battle, with the Brackley-based outfit showing strong pace and reliability in testing.
Following its spell of domination, Red Bull Racing slipped to second place in 2014. With Sebastian Vettel switching to Ferrari, Daniel Ricciardo – who was one of the stand-out drivers of last season – has stepped up to the lead spot. He will partner Daniil Kvyat, who performed well in his debut F1 campaign for Toro Rosso.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Williams is another team to have continuity in its driver line-up for 2015. Felipe Massa will continue to bring experience to the Grove-based outfit, while Valtteri Bottas impressed immensely last year, scoring several podiums. Williams has made a hugely popular return to the front and will be hoping the positive momentum continues into this season.
2014 was Ferrari’s first win-less F1 campaign since 1993. The team has gone through a transformation over the past six months or so, with a raft of staff changes, a new team principal (Maurizio Arrivabene) and the signing of four-time champion Vettel to partner Kimi Raikkonen. The SF15-T has looked quick in testing, but we will have to wait until Australia to find out if Ferrari have really bounced back from its recent tough stint.
McLaren also enters 2015 as a very different team. Honda has returned to F1 as a power unit supplier for the Woking-based outfit, and Fernando Alonso re-joins McLaren to race alongside Jenson Button. The Spaniard will be replaced by Kevin Magnussen in Australia as he recovers from a testing crash. Honda has struggled over the winter, meaning the start of the season looks set to be a difficult one.
Delays meant Force India’s VJM08 only hit the track on day two of the final winter test. However, it proved to be reliable straight away and the team managed to recover well. Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez remain at the Silverstone-based squad, as it looks to continue moving up the grid.
Signing two rookies for the 2015 season was a risk, but it could just pay off for Toro Rosso. Max Verstappen – who will become the youngest ever F1 driver when he races in Melbourne – and Carlos Sainz Jr clearly have plenty of potential and it will be interesting to see how both drivers fare. The STR10 has completed plenty of mileage, but it is – as always – very difficult to predict the pecking order before the first race. Lotus is the fourth and final team to retain its 2014 driver line-up.
Following last year’s disastrous season, the team has switched to Mercedes power. Despite a tough season, Romain Grosjean’s reputation as one to watch for the future remains, while Pastor Maldonado has so far failed to live up to the “rough diamond” claim I made this time last year. The E23 seems to be a considerable step forward, so can Lotus return to the front of the pack?
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Sauber has an all-new line-up for 2015, signing Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson. The former finished third in GP2 last year, while also completing reserve driver duties for Williams, while Ericsson makes the switch from Caterham after a quiet debut season. Sauber failed to score a point in 2014 thanks to the terrible C33 and will be desperate to move up the grid this year.
Manor Marussia’s story is truly incredible. After entering administration towards the end of last year, it looked like the end of the road. However, the team has managed to secure new financial backing and will return to F1 in 2015. It will start the season with a revised version of its 2014 car to meet the new regulations, with Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi driving. Whilst it is a wonderful twist, there is a long and tough road ahead for Manor Marussia.
The Tests
All three winter tests took place in Europe. The Circuito de Jerez hosted the first event, which was attended by eight teams. The focus for many was on reliability and system checks, as the new cars debuted on track.
Mercedes completed by far the most laps, picking up from where it left off in 2014. Rosberg and Hamilton suffered very few problems and were able to complete both short and long runs, proving the W06’s reliability from the very start. Ferrari’s Raikkonen and Vettel set the fastest lap times of the test, with the SF15-T looking much better on track compared to last year’s car. It also proved to be reliable, as did the Sauber.
Toro Rosso managed to complete plenty of running with its rookie line-up, while Williams had a quiet four days. The Lotus E23 broke cover on day two of the test, following a few delays getting it to Jerez. However, Grosjean and Maldonado were both pleased with their first impressions of the car.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Red Bull suffered several power unit issues, which limited the team’s running. McLaren Honda struggled to even string a few laps together, with problems meaning just 79 laps were completed. A tough start.
The second four-day event took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a familiar track for the F1 circus. Mercedes continued to top the lap count table and feature near the front on the timesheets. Red Bull enjoyed a much more productive test, while Toro Rosso’s two young drivers gained plenty of mileage.
Susie Wolff made her test debut at the wheel of the Williams FW37. However, her sole day of running came to an abrupt end after she collided with Nasr. Whilst lap times at winter tests are irrelevant, Lotus still showed positive progress. Sauber looked to be running lower on fuel than most, while Ferrari was pleased with its running.
Force India was absent from the first test, and delays meant it ran the VJM07 from 2014 in Barcelona. Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein was scheduled for two days of running, but Hamilton fell ill on the opening day of the test. Wehrlein was forced to switch to Mercedes for the afternoon session.
McLaren continued to struggle with reliability issues and a crash for Alonso on the final day brought the test to an early close. He was taken to hospital and spent three days there recovering, before returning home. He was forced to sit out of the final test and was replaced by Kevin Magnussen.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
The team enjoyed a slightly more positive final test in Barcelona, but it still failed to hit the 200-lap mark. Sauber, Ferrari and Toro Rosso completed the most laps. Mercedes finally hit the front, showing the potential we all expected. Williams also upped the pace, while Force India finally revealed its 2015 car.
So, what can we take from the three tests? Well, Mercedes still looks to be the team to beat. Ferrari, Williams and Red Bull are all looking strong, but still some way off last year’s champions. The midfield battle should be close between Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso, while the speed of the McLaren remains to be seen.
It should be another exciting and action-packed season. Who will emerge victorious in Australia? We don’t have to wait long to find out. Excited? I am. Bring it on. What are your predictions for 2015? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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