During the long winter months, the tortuous summer break and even the weekends between races, F1 fans will look for news from the fastest sport in the world. Luckily for us, this year has provided us with plenty to discuss, including some drastic changes in driver line-ups.
At the rear of the grid, we still have our unknowns. Marussia have confirmed retaining Jules Bianchi after an impressive showing in 2013, earning the title of ‘Rookie of the Year’, but no news yet on a teammate. Does Brit, Max Chilton, merit another chance? The last we heard from Sporting Director, Graeme Lowdon, we were to expect an announcement in December… Graeme, you tease!
As for Caterham, even more uncertainty with no drivers officially confirmed for 2014. Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde failed to make much of an impact, disappointing results leading to the team dropping to last place in the constructors’ championship and missing out on all the funding (and pride) that tenth place offers. Will we see either of these young faces next year, or will Caterham return to their old flame, the more experienced Heikki Kovalainen?
In the midfield, we have a new face in the form of GP3 graduate, Daniil Kvyat. One of only two confirmed rookies for 2014, the Russian teenager will have a lot to prove following this surprise signing by Toro Rosso. Kvyat fills Daniel Ricciardo’s vacant seat as the Australian replaces his fellow countryman in the almighty Red Bull. As much as an unexpected rookie is an exciting prospect, I can’t help waiting with baited breath to see what Daniel can do to take the fight to Vettel.
All familiar faces in the rest of the midfield, but all-new combinations. Felipe Massa says arrivederci to Ferrari and joins Valtteri Bottas at Williams. Sauber thought better of putting 18 year-old Sergey Sirotkin in the car full-time, opting instead to retain Esteban Gutierrez and to poach Adrian Sutil from Force India. Speaking of which, it’s all change there as well. Paul Di Resta will be bitterly disappointed to find himself jobless as yet for 2014, with Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg donning the green and orange next season. Will Hulkenberg ever be able to break his habit of sideways moves and make it into a top team? Glück Nico!
Towards the sharp end of the grid (or so McLaren would like to hope), we find our other rookie: Kevin Magnussen. Aside from being the son of former F1 driver, Jan Magnussen, he’s a relative unknown. The last time McLaren took a chance on an unproven youngster, it rather paid off – could the same happen for the young Dane? Perhaps under the wing of Jenson Button – now the most experienced British F1 driver of all time with 247 race starts – he can flourish…
Lotus have gone for a rather explosive line-up for 2014, partnering a rejuvenated Romain Grosjean with the feisty Venezuelan, Pastor Maldonado. Mercedes are so far the only team to keep their driver line-up consistent, sticking with old karting buddies Rosberg and Hamilton. So aside from the aforementioned Aussie-swap at Red Bull, that just leaves the Prancing Horses. McLaren bosses might warn that one team isn’t big enough for two world champions (*cough* 2007), but Ferrari are risking it. They welcome their most recent champion, Kimi Raikkonen back to Maranello to join always-the-bridesmaid Fernando Alonso. Is this the strongest pairing on the grid or will it end in fireworks?
