Formula 1: The Season So Far

At first glance it seems like a pretty one-sided affair; with Sebastian Vettel appearing to have secured his second successive drivers championship (and Red Bull too).

However, over the last few races, the competition has really started to heat up, and the teams head into the summer break in the knowledge that the Red Bulls are, finally, beatable.

Indeed, it is the McLarens who have benefited the most, and taken advantage; although they've made it hard on themselves, with a missing wheel nut for Jenson, and a drive-through penalty for Lewis.

The circuits have offered up there excitement, and the weather has had an impact too.  In fact, the television audiences have been tremendous over the last few weeks.

I'm not going to go into all the facts and figures; this website does it so much better; with stats on almost every aspect of every team and their drivers.

We also know that next year the sport fans will have to choose Sky, to watch every race; due to the BBC relinquishing some of their rights.  In a way, this is understandable, if not frustrating; especially given how popular the sport has become.  However, they do have to manage their budget, and whilst the majority of fans aren't happy; I'm sure Sky will put their stamp on it.  At least, I hope they do.

So, now the teams are in a forced shut-down for 2 weeks, and will then be hard at work preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix, at Spa.

I love watching F1 - this season especially; and I'm looking forward to part two.

The Drivers and Teams

Tomorrow is qualifying.  The waiting is almost over.  So, who are the teams and the drivers.  This is a quick glance at each.

Click on the link of each driver (where available) for a full biography.  The links go to one of the best F1 websites I've ever seen - F1 Fanatic. There is so much information about everything Formula 1; it's definitely the place to find out more.


Red Bull Racing
1. Sebastian Vettel
2. Mark Webber

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
3. Lewis Hamilton
4. Jenson Button

Scuderia Ferrari
5. Fernando Alonso
6. Felipe Massa

Mercedes Grand Prix
7. Michael Schumacher
8. Nico Rosberg

Renault F1 Team
9. Nick Heidfeld
10. Vitaly Petrov

Williams-Cosworth
11. Rubens Barrichello
12. Pastor Maldonado

Force India
14. Adrian Sutil
15. Paul di Resta

Sauber-Ferrari
16. Kamui Kobayashi
17. Sergio Perez

Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferraro
18. Sebastien Buemi
19. Jaime Alguersuari

Lotus-Renualt
20. Jarno Trulli
21. Heikki Kovalainen

HRT-Cosworth
22. Narain Karthikeyan
23. Vitantonio Liuzzi

Virgin Racing-Cosworth
24. Timo Glock
25. Jerome d'Ambrosio


So there you go.  24 drivers; the biggest number ever on a Formula 1 grid.  Some 'old' names, with Rubens Barrichello the stalwart of the pack!! There are some new names too; Pastor Maldonado, Paul di Resta (another Brit) and Jerome d'Ambrosio all joining for their first season.

One name missing is Robert Kubica, who suffered a terrible rally accident and is still recuperating.  The Renault team will miss him, and everyone wishes him a speedy recovery.

It really promises to be an exciting season; and I'll be providing my own, brief, updates as the season progresses.

The Countdown Continues

Is this cheating?

Mmm.. I think it might be; but it's the easiest way to portray the excitement that is Formula 1.

What do you mean, you're not excited?  How dare you!!

It's just 4 days until qualifying, in Melbourne, and the first time we really see which cars have been showing all during the recent practice sessions.

Here, then, is the preview from the BBC



Bring. It. On!

Five Days

Oh my goodness! It's almost time.
The excitement has been building for months.
They've been practising, revising and practising some more.

On Friday, there will be two more practise sessions; and on Saturday, qualifying for the first grid of the 2011 Formula One season will take place.

Even before the racing gets under way, there has been so much happening.

The political events in Bahrain eventually led to the first race being postponed; and now it's likely to be cancelled from the calendar altogether, this year.

The teams have new rules to digest, learn and incorporate into their strategies.  Pirelli, the tyre maker, have taken over from Bridgestone; and not everyone is happy with the durability.  Some drivers believe they will lead to more pit-stops.  Others, who have a softer driving style, may benefit from this, and make their tyres last longer.

The rear wing, on the car, is now adjustable by the driver, mid race.  Under certain conditions, they can alter the angle and increase downforce (the energy that 'sticks' the car to the road) which will make them go faster and be able to over-take.  There are some pretty stringent rules for this; and I look forward to seeing how they will be enforced!!

KERS; the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, has been re-introduced after being banned last year.  For the uninitiated; this means that the energy produced through breaking is stored and can be used to provide a power boost.  It's a small boost; but will be enough to either pull away a lead; or from the start-line; make a faster getaway!!!

The recent practise sessions have shown some remarkable differences in performance; and Ferrari and Red Bull certainly seem to have the better all-round package.  However, this time Mercedes did well too.  McLaren didn't run the car as long as other teams; leading to speculation that they have lots of work to do.  Personally; I think they'll be quite happy; and as always, there will be modifications across the board, by all teams as the season progresses.

So; during this week; I'll introduce the teams and their drivers; as they make their way to Melbourne, next Sunday.

It promises to be an exciting season.  Do you support a Formula 1 team?  Who do you hope will take the chequered flag this year?