Let the games begin
AT THE start of the 2014 Formula One World Championship, there was uncertainty. Questions were raised about where the sport was headed with a new and daring hybrid-turbo formula.
Now Mercedes boasts the shiny trophies in its display cabinet with both the drivers’ and constructors’ world championships, after Lewis Hamilton won the title ahead of his team-mate Nico Rosberg.
The new 20-race season begins in Melbourne, Australia this weekend with new faces, driver changes, and rule tweaks.
McLaren-Honda has already experienced a major setback. During the Barcelona pre-season testing in February, double world champion Fernando Alonso crashed into a wall at over 200km/h, suffering a head injury that will see him out of action for this weeknd’s race. Kevin Magnussen will substitute for the Spaniard alongside F1 veteran Jenson Button in the other Honda-powered McLaren.
Another major change in driver line-up is Sebastian Vettel’s decision to join the Ferrari outfit alongside Kimi Raikonnen for the 2015 season.
Red Bull recognised the racing talent behind the helmet of Daniil Kvyat as he took up a step from Toro Rosso to race alongside the smiling Aussie, Daniel Ricciardo.
At Toro Rosso 17-year-old Max Verstappen becomes F1’s youngest-ever driver, paired with Carlos Sainz Jr, and both are sons of prominent racing personalities.
Sauber also revived its driver line-up with the acquisition of former Caterham driver, Marcus Ericsson and newcomer Felipe Nasr, who also brings with him financial backing from Banco do Brasil.
True to form, the new season also brings with it new rules.
Among other rule changes, a 10second stop and go penalty will now be issued to drivers for unsafe re- leases in the pits. Each driver is also restricted to a maximum of four power units per season compared to last year’s five units, with a grid penalty to be imposed if the limit is exceeded.Gone are the ugly 2014 “anteater” and “twin-tusk” nose cones, as new rules dictate that the nose layouts of the different teams will look more uniform. Drivers are also being restricted on how many helmet changes they are allowed per season as to make them more recognisable for the millions watching. The double points system employed at the final race of the 2014 championship is also a thing of the past. Turn to page 12 for the team-byteam prospects and the 2015 Grand Prix calendar.