The F1 2015 season was a mixed bag, with some action-packed and exciting races mixed in with a few dull events.
With the winter break now underway, it is now time to reflect on the year’s racing. Here is the story of the 2015 season.
Australia
Mercedes looked strong and reliable throughout winter testing, so it was no surprise that the team dominated practice, qualifying and the race at the Albert Park Circuit – an unusual layout that usually fails to show the true pecking order.
Lewis Hamilton secured pole position from Nico Rosberg and Felipe Massa – who was 1.5 seconds off first place. The reigning world champion led the way into Turn 1, but there was chaos behind after Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Nasr and Pastor Maldonado collided. Following a brief stint behind the Safety Car, the Australian Grand Prix resumed.
The Mercedes duo scampered off into the distance, with Rosberg keeping his team-mate within his sights through the pit stops. Hamilton eventually won by 1.3 seconds, with Rosberg in second, Sebastian Vettel third and Felipe Massa fourth.
Malaysia
Mercedes topped the timesheets in practice, but in the warmer temperatures at the Sepang International Circuit, Ferrari were much closer. Hamilton scored his second consecutive pole position but both Mercedes cars pitted during an early Safety Car, with Vettel taking the lead.
He dropped to third when he pitted on lap 17 but soon returned to the front of the field. His final stop on lap 37 followed a stunning second stint and he went on the claim a euphoric first win for Ferrari. Hamilton was 8.5 seconds further back and Rosberg completed the podium.
China
Many hoped and expected Ferrari’s improved form to continue in China, but it was a return to business as usual at the front. Hamilton and Rosberg locked out the front row, with the Englishman dominating the third round of the season.
However, his winning margin was just seven tenths of a second, after a late Safety Car to recover Max Verstappen’s broken down Toro Rosso on the pit straight meant the field was released at the end of the final lap. Vettel was third, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas.
Bahrain
Racing under the lights once again, the Bahrain Grand Prix failed to match 2014’s thriller, but we still witnessed some good action. Hamilton was on pole once again and led throughout, claiming another win. Both Vettel and Raikkonen enjoyed clean battles with Rosberg through the first stint.
Raikkonen was on an alternative strategy and proved to be a threat to the Silver Arrows in the closing stages, catching and passing Rosberg with just a handful of laps to go. However, he ran out of time to fight for the win. As the fireworks lit up the night sky, Ricciardo’s engine gave way in spectacular fashion as he exited the final corner on the last lap.
Spain
Strategy was key at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Rosberg completing a two-stop race to finish well clear of his team-mate, who suffered a bad start. From there, it was damage limitation and Hamilton was switched to a three-stopper.
There was no way he could challenge Rosberg. Sebastian Vettel kept with Hamilton for the opening half of the race but dropped back in the closing stages. There were some good battles in the midfield, while it was a difficult day for pit stops – Fernando Alonso and Romain Grosjean both overshot their marks.
Monaco
F1’s most iconic and prestigious race threw up one of the most shocking moments of the season, with Hamilton pitting during a late Safety Car period and falling behind both Rosberg and Vettel. It was a misjudgment from the Englishman and Mercedes, costing him what had looked set to be a clear and easy win.
Hamilton had dominated the race before Verstappen’s huge Turn 1 crash brought out the Safety Car. It mixed up the result, gifting Rosberg his third consecutive victory in Monaco. The characteristics suited Red Bull, with Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo fourth and fifth. Jenson Button scored McLaren’s first points with eighth.
Canada
The sport then moved on to the popular Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Unsurprisingly Hamilton and Rosberg locked out the front row, with the long straights suiting Mercedes – despite Ferrari making good strides with engine power. The top two quickly raced off into the lead, with Raikkonen and Bottas taking up chasing.
However, the Ferrari driver lost the final podium position when he spun at the hairpin on lap 27. Rosberg cut Hamilton’s lead on several occasions, but his challenge eventually faded. The British driver won by 2.2 seconds, with Rosberg and Bottas second and third.
Austria
Qualifying at the Red Bull Ring ended in drama, with both Hamilton and Rosberg going off on their final laps. The former took pole position yet again, but a slow start saw his team-mate move into the lead. The early stages were dominated by a Safety Car, following a heavy crash for Raikkonen and Alonso.
When the racing resumed, Rosberg opened up a small lead, but Hamilton was always close behind. A five-second time penalty dented Hamilton’s hopes of a victory. Rosberg took the chequered flag in first place to win. Massa was a fine third, just holding off Vettel.
Britain
Next up was the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Mercedes took first and second in qualifying, but it was the two Williams drivers leading into the first corner after quick starts for Massa and Bottas. Early incidents led to the Safety Car being deployed.
Hamilton returned to the lead after the first pit stops, while Rosberg moved ahead of the Williams duo when light rain arrived. He started closing in on his team-mate but lost a considerable amount of time through the next round of stops, as drivers switched to intermediates. Hamilton went on to score his third home win, with Vettel finishing behind Rosberg in third after a perfectly timed stop.
Hungary
The atmosphere was sombre over the Hungarian GP weekend following the sad death of Jules Bianchi. The Hungaroring put on quite a show, with Hamilton and Rosberg finishing sixth and eighth after contact, penalties and punctures.
Vettel and Raikkonen took the lead on the opening lap, with the former putting in a faultless drive to claim his second victory of 2015. Raikkonen retired, promoting Kvyat and Ricciardo to second and third. Verstappen was an impressive fourth and Alonso was a surprise fifth for McLaren.
Belgium
Hamilton and Rosberg may have claimed another one-two finish in Belgium, but all eyes were on Romain Grosjean as he picked up his first podium of the year. It was a welcome result for Lotus after a difficult season.
He was chasing down Vettel late on when the German picked up a puncture as he tried to complete a one-stop race. Kvyat was fourth for Red Bull, with Sergio Perez in fifth despite challenging for the lead on lap one after a strong start. Massa, Raikkonen and Verstappen were next up.
Italy
F1 returned to the historic Monza circuit in September, with Hamilton scoring his second ever Grand Slam in F1. He started on pole position, set the fastest lap, led every lap and won the race by 25 seconds. He extended his lead in the championship after Rosberg retired with engine failure.
Hamilton’s win was threatened by an investigation after his left-rear tyre was found to be 0.3psi below the required level but no further action was taken. Vettel and Massa were second and third.
Singapore
It was all change in qualifying at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, with Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Raikkonen and Kvyat locking out the front two rows. Hamilton and Rosberg struggled, qualifying fifth and sixth. Vettel went on to secure his third win of the season, a stunning, faultless drive.
Ricciardo and Raikkonen completed the top three, with Rosberg recovering to fourth. Hamilton retired after a loss of power. It was the second race weekend to be interrupted by an intruder, after a fan managed to get onto the track, causing a Safety Car.
Japan
The Suzuka circuit hosted round 14 of the season. The inter-team Mercedes battle really stepped up a gear after Hamilton forced Rosberg, who started on pole position, wide at Turn 2. He raced off into the distance, winning by 19 seconds.
Rosberg dropped to fourth but recovered to finish in the runner-up spot. Vettel was third, ahead of Raikkonen and Bottas. Unusually Red Bull struggled. Kvyat, after a huge shunt in Q3, finished 13th and Ricciardo was 15th. Alexander Rossi took the chequered flag in 18th, his second outing for Manor.
Russia
F1 raced in Russia for only the second time. Carlos Sainz Jr suffered a big crash in third practice but after a brief stint in hospital, he was cleared to race. Hamilton went on to win once again, extending his championship lead. Rosberg retired on lap seven with a throttle issue.
However, Mercedes was still able to claim the constructors’ title. Vettel was second and Perez was third, moving ahead of Raikkonen and Bottas after the two collided on the final lap.
United States
Hamilton wrapped up the drivers’ championship in Austin, Texas, with three rounds remaining on the F1 2015 calendar. He moved into the lead after a late mistake by Rosberg, with Mercedes scoring another one-two. It was enough for Hamilton to take the title.
It was a chaotic weekend, with rain shaking up the schedule. Qualifying was delayed and postponed to Sunday morning. The race took place in wet but drying conditions, producing a mixed-up result. Vettel was third, ahead of Verstappen, Perez, Jenson Button, Sainz Jr and Pastor Maldonado.
Mexico
F1 returned to Mexico for the first time since 1992. The re-vamped Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was packed full of passionate fans throughout the weekend, with the majority cheering in home hero Perez. Rosberg dominated the weekend, enjoying a turn of form.
Hamilton finished just 1.9 seconds behind, but he couldn’t get close enough to challenge his team-mate. Rosberg and Hamilton were joined on the podium by Bottas, despite the Finn’s collision with Raikkonen. Kvyat and Ricciardo completed the top five, while Vettel crashed out.
Brazil
The Interlagos circuit typically produces exciting racing but that was sadly not the case in 2015. Rosberg scored his second consecutive win by just under eight seconds, after Hamilton’s fight back faded in the closing stages.
Vettel was third and Raikkonen was fourth. Bottas rounded out the top five and was the final driver on the lead lap. Massa originally finished eighth in front of his home crowd but he was disqualified for a tyre infringement.
Abu Dhabi
The year concluded at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Rosberg was on pole once again as his strong form continued. The two-time championship runner-up went on to win the race by over eight seconds, after Hamilton’s alternative strategy failed.
Raikkonen was third after a good end to the year, with Vettel fourth. The four-time champion was eliminated from qualifying in Q1 after a misjudgement but he recovered well, finishing ahead of Perez and Ricciardo. It was a low-key end to a fairly unforgettable season.
Which race was your favourite of 2015? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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| © Octane Photographic |
Australia
Mercedes looked strong and reliable throughout winter testing, so it was no surprise that the team dominated practice, qualifying and the race at the Albert Park Circuit – an unusual layout that usually fails to show the true pecking order.
 |
| © Octane Photographic |
Lewis Hamilton secured pole position from Nico Rosberg and Felipe Massa – who was 1.5 seconds off first place. The reigning world champion led the way into Turn 1, but there was chaos behind after Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Nasr and Pastor Maldonado collided. Following a brief stint behind the Safety Car, the Australian Grand Prix resumed.
The Mercedes duo scampered off into the distance, with Rosberg keeping his team-mate within his sights through the pit stops. Hamilton eventually won by 1.3 seconds, with Rosberg in second, Sebastian Vettel third and Felipe Massa fourth.
Malaysia
Mercedes topped the timesheets in practice, but in the warmer temperatures at the Sepang International Circuit, Ferrari were much closer. Hamilton scored his second consecutive pole position but both Mercedes cars pitted during an early Safety Car, with Vettel taking the lead.
He dropped to third when he pitted on lap 17 but soon returned to the front of the field. His final stop on lap 37 followed a stunning second stint and he went on the claim a euphoric first win for Ferrari. Hamilton was 8.5 seconds further back and Rosberg completed the podium.
China
Many hoped and expected Ferrari’s improved form to continue in China, but it was a return to business as usual at the front. Hamilton and Rosberg locked out the front row, with the Englishman dominating the third round of the season.
However, his winning margin was just seven tenths of a second, after a late Safety Car to recover Max Verstappen’s broken down Toro Rosso on the pit straight meant the field was released at the end of the final lap. Vettel was third, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas.
Bahrain
Racing under the lights once again, the Bahrain Grand Prix failed to match 2014’s thriller, but we still witnessed some good action. Hamilton was on pole once again and led throughout, claiming another win. Both Vettel and Raikkonen enjoyed clean battles with Rosberg through the first stint.
Raikkonen was on an alternative strategy and proved to be a threat to the Silver Arrows in the closing stages, catching and passing Rosberg with just a handful of laps to go. However, he ran out of time to fight for the win. As the fireworks lit up the night sky, Ricciardo’s engine gave way in spectacular fashion as he exited the final corner on the last lap.
Spain
Strategy was key at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Rosberg completing a two-stop race to finish well clear of his team-mate, who suffered a bad start. From there, it was damage limitation and Hamilton was switched to a three-stopper.
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| © Octane Photographic |
There was no way he could challenge Rosberg. Sebastian Vettel kept with Hamilton for the opening half of the race but dropped back in the closing stages. There were some good battles in the midfield, while it was a difficult day for pit stops – Fernando Alonso and Romain Grosjean both overshot their marks.
Monaco
F1’s most iconic and prestigious race threw up one of the most shocking moments of the season, with Hamilton pitting during a late Safety Car period and falling behind both Rosberg and Vettel. It was a misjudgment from the Englishman and Mercedes, costing him what had looked set to be a clear and easy win.
Hamilton had dominated the race before Verstappen’s huge Turn 1 crash brought out the Safety Car. It mixed up the result, gifting Rosberg his third consecutive victory in Monaco. The characteristics suited Red Bull, with Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo fourth and fifth. Jenson Button scored McLaren’s first points with eighth.
Canada
The sport then moved on to the popular Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Unsurprisingly Hamilton and Rosberg locked out the front row, with the long straights suiting Mercedes – despite Ferrari making good strides with engine power. The top two quickly raced off into the lead, with Raikkonen and Bottas taking up chasing.
However, the Ferrari driver lost the final podium position when he spun at the hairpin on lap 27. Rosberg cut Hamilton’s lead on several occasions, but his challenge eventually faded. The British driver won by 2.2 seconds, with Rosberg and Bottas second and third.
Austria
Qualifying at the Red Bull Ring ended in drama, with both Hamilton and Rosberg going off on their final laps. The former took pole position yet again, but a slow start saw his team-mate move into the lead. The early stages were dominated by a Safety Car, following a heavy crash for Raikkonen and Alonso.
When the racing resumed, Rosberg opened up a small lead, but Hamilton was always close behind. A five-second time penalty dented Hamilton’s hopes of a victory. Rosberg took the chequered flag in first place to win. Massa was a fine third, just holding off Vettel.
Britain
Next up was the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Mercedes took first and second in qualifying, but it was the two Williams drivers leading into the first corner after quick starts for Massa and Bottas. Early incidents led to the Safety Car being deployed.
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| © Octane Photographic |
Hamilton returned to the lead after the first pit stops, while Rosberg moved ahead of the Williams duo when light rain arrived. He started closing in on his team-mate but lost a considerable amount of time through the next round of stops, as drivers switched to intermediates. Hamilton went on to score his third home win, with Vettel finishing behind Rosberg in third after a perfectly timed stop.
Hungary
The atmosphere was sombre over the Hungarian GP weekend following the sad death of Jules Bianchi. The Hungaroring put on quite a show, with Hamilton and Rosberg finishing sixth and eighth after contact, penalties and punctures.
Vettel and Raikkonen took the lead on the opening lap, with the former putting in a faultless drive to claim his second victory of 2015. Raikkonen retired, promoting Kvyat and Ricciardo to second and third. Verstappen was an impressive fourth and Alonso was a surprise fifth for McLaren.
Belgium
Hamilton and Rosberg may have claimed another one-two finish in Belgium, but all eyes were on Romain Grosjean as he picked up his first podium of the year. It was a welcome result for Lotus after a difficult season.
He was chasing down Vettel late on when the German picked up a puncture as he tried to complete a one-stop race. Kvyat was fourth for Red Bull, with Sergio Perez in fifth despite challenging for the lead on lap one after a strong start. Massa, Raikkonen and Verstappen were next up.
Italy
F1 returned to the historic Monza circuit in September, with Hamilton scoring his second ever Grand Slam in F1. He started on pole position, set the fastest lap, led every lap and won the race by 25 seconds. He extended his lead in the championship after Rosberg retired with engine failure.
Hamilton’s win was threatened by an investigation after his left-rear tyre was found to be 0.3psi below the required level but no further action was taken. Vettel and Massa were second and third.
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| © Octane Photographic |
Singapore
It was all change in qualifying at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, with Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Raikkonen and Kvyat locking out the front two rows. Hamilton and Rosberg struggled, qualifying fifth and sixth. Vettel went on to secure his third win of the season, a stunning, faultless drive.
Ricciardo and Raikkonen completed the top three, with Rosberg recovering to fourth. Hamilton retired after a loss of power. It was the second race weekend to be interrupted by an intruder, after a fan managed to get onto the track, causing a Safety Car.
Japan
The Suzuka circuit hosted round 14 of the season. The inter-team Mercedes battle really stepped up a gear after Hamilton forced Rosberg, who started on pole position, wide at Turn 2. He raced off into the distance, winning by 19 seconds.
Rosberg dropped to fourth but recovered to finish in the runner-up spot. Vettel was third, ahead of Raikkonen and Bottas. Unusually Red Bull struggled. Kvyat, after a huge shunt in Q3, finished 13th and Ricciardo was 15th. Alexander Rossi took the chequered flag in 18th, his second outing for Manor.
Russia
F1 raced in Russia for only the second time. Carlos Sainz Jr suffered a big crash in third practice but after a brief stint in hospital, he was cleared to race. Hamilton went on to win once again, extending his championship lead. Rosberg retired on lap seven with a throttle issue.
However, Mercedes was still able to claim the constructors’ title. Vettel was second and Perez was third, moving ahead of Raikkonen and Bottas after the two collided on the final lap.
United States
Hamilton wrapped up the drivers’ championship in Austin, Texas, with three rounds remaining on the F1 2015 calendar. He moved into the lead after a late mistake by Rosberg, with Mercedes scoring another one-two. It was enough for Hamilton to take the title.
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| © Octane Photographic |
It was a chaotic weekend, with rain shaking up the schedule. Qualifying was delayed and postponed to Sunday morning. The race took place in wet but drying conditions, producing a mixed-up result. Vettel was third, ahead of Verstappen, Perez, Jenson Button, Sainz Jr and Pastor Maldonado.
Mexico
F1 returned to Mexico for the first time since 1992. The re-vamped Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was packed full of passionate fans throughout the weekend, with the majority cheering in home hero Perez. Rosberg dominated the weekend, enjoying a turn of form.
Hamilton finished just 1.9 seconds behind, but he couldn’t get close enough to challenge his team-mate. Rosberg and Hamilton were joined on the podium by Bottas, despite the Finn’s collision with Raikkonen. Kvyat and Ricciardo completed the top five, while Vettel crashed out.
Brazil
The Interlagos circuit typically produces exciting racing but that was sadly not the case in 2015. Rosberg scored his second consecutive win by just under eight seconds, after Hamilton’s fight back faded in the closing stages.
Vettel was third and Raikkonen was fourth. Bottas rounded out the top five and was the final driver on the lead lap. Massa originally finished eighth in front of his home crowd but he was disqualified for a tyre infringement.
Abu Dhabi
The year concluded at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Rosberg was on pole once again as his strong form continued. The two-time championship runner-up went on to win the race by over eight seconds, after Hamilton’s alternative strategy failed.
Raikkonen was third after a good end to the year, with Vettel fourth. The four-time champion was eliminated from qualifying in Q1 after a misjudgement but he recovered well, finishing ahead of Perez and Ricciardo. It was a low-key end to a fairly unforgettable season.
Which race was your favourite of 2015? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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