McLaren Memories - A Biography of Bruce McLaren - Eoin Young

This book had been nestling on my shelves, but had been awaiting my full attention. I am glad that I gave it a read. Biographies are always more satisfying, and linger longer in the memory, if the reader comes away with a significantly greater appreciation for the subject than beforehand. This was the case for me with this book about the life of the New Zealand racing driver Bruce McLaren.

The book is based on the recollections of the author, a long-time friend and associate of Bruce, but equally importantly it draws heavily on the driver's own words and writings. There is no in-depth analysis of his character, although indications of his innermost feelings and concerns emerge in the various quotes and reminiscences.

There is some valuable material about his childhood, and struggles against adversity, and those first steps to immersion in the spheres of engineering and racing. Insight is also gained concerning the burgeoning of his ambitions, once he arrived in Europe.

To me, the middle sections of the book were the most illuminating and enthralling, evoking as they did the atmosphere and flavour of racing in the late Fifties and Sixties. McLaren's laconic and dry humour is a delight. The schedule which the drivers and teams of those days coped with is, looking back, extraordinary, and one gains a sense of the improvisation which was vital, in organisation and logistics. The haphazard, frenetic and breathless state of things seemed also part of the fun and the stimulation.

Overall, McLaren Memories greatly augmented my knowledge and understanding of the man's achievements and abilities.  It is not a massively penetrating examination or appraisal of its subject's psyche and motivations, but it is an entertaining and endearing portrait of a popular and successful figure, who had a short but eventful life.

Ayrton Senna

In the summer of 1983, I was slowly becoming obsessed with Formula 1 racing, having had my imagination well and truly captured by the exploits of Gilles Villeneuve a couple of years before. I vividly recall reading the various motor sport magazines around that time, and learning about a remarkable young Brazilian, who in those days raced under the name Ayrton Senna da Silva. Soon enough this precocious talent found his way to Grand Prix racing, and we now found ourselves commemorating the twentieth anniversary of his tragic accident at Imola.

Only yesterday I was speaking with a female friend, who told me that she had no great interest in Formula 1 as such, but had been utterly captivated by Senna's charisma, and remains so to this day. Untold millions around the globe were affected in a similar way. Senna possessed that intangible magic which transcended his own field of endeavour, an accolade which goes to the very few. It can be persuasively argued that he played a massive role in transforming F1 into the slick multinational media spectacle that we see today.  He broadened the appeal of the sport.

Not unnaturally, Senna's tenure with the McLaren team tends to be highlighted, but I find his period with Lotus, from 1985 to 1987, equally compelling. The legendary outfit was in a slow decline, but Senna's mixture of raw ability, work ethic and competitive spirit kept them in the hunt. His tally of pole positions from those seasons, even when up against McLaren, Williams, Ferrari et al, speaks for itself. Senna was competitive almost everywhere, at least in '85 and '86, and his fearsome commitment and dedication were already clearly evident. Both in and out of the car, he took the "science" and "art" of Grand Prix racing to a new level, even above that practised by such modern greats as Stewart, Lauda and Prost, who had been cited as innovators and modernisers.

In common with most of the truly great drivers, Senna had what almost amounted to a "sixth sense", by way of his mechanical sensitivity. The most startling example of this which I have personally seen was captured in a British television documentary covering the 1993 season. At one race, Senna returned to the pits, unhappy with the performance of his car, and insisted that there was a minor problem with the engine, this seemingly having not been highlighted by telemetry and so forth. After much debate, the engine was dismantled, and sure enough a small but significant fault was discovered....

2014 Australian Grand Prix

After much fanfare and uncertainty, the opening Grand Prix of the season is behind us, with many talking points.

The spectacle seemed ever so slightly subdued, and it may take some time to become accustomed to the dull drone of the turbos again, after twenty-five years of screaming normally-aspirated engines of various descriptions. Similarly, people will have to re-calibrate their minds to accommodate the modus operandi and vagaries of the new cars. On the plus side, there were encouraging signs of competitiveness, despite the impression that Mercedes enjoy a significant advantage out of the blocks. Also, the cars look much less ugly in motion than they do when stationary!

Mercedes do look impressive, and their whole package looks compact and efficient. Nico Rosberg seemed to have plenty in hand, and the onboard footage from his car suggested a user-friendly and sympathetic vehicle, whereas some of the other teams have yet to fully tame and harness their new creations.

The race in Melbourne also represented a renaissance of sorts for McLaren, and it was great to see Ron Dennis much in evidence in the pits, and even on the pitwall. It must have been very satisfying for the team to witness Kevin Magnussen achieve a podium finish on his debut. The young Dane has taken to Formula 1 like a duck to water, impressing in testing as well as during his first taste of "the real thing". His pass of Lewis Hamilton early on exhibited real confidence and flair, and had the mark of real class about it.

After enduring a miserable series of tests, and having an ultimately disappointing race weekend, Red Bull cannot be discounted. Daniel Ricciardo's race display, although ending in disqualification, is a persuasive sign that the reigning champions will be a force to be reckoned with before very long.

Williams might have been hoping for slightly better than what they got from Australia, but it is great to see them back as a major player. Although Felipe Massa was taken out at the start, Valtteri Bottas' comeback drive had real swagger and vigour, and confirmed the promise of both car and driver. As an added bonus, Williams have reintroduced to F1 one of the coolest liveries in racing!

I probably sound like a broken record in my effusive praise of Nico Hulkenberg, but the German once again showed his class at Albert Park, driving consistently and unobtrusively to a solid finish in the points. Any lingering disappointment at not landing a "top" seat will hopefully be assuaged by the knowledge that Force India have adapted to the new era better than most.

It is hard to know what to make of Ferrari at the moment. Their testing form was a touch inconclusive, but they hardly inspired in Melbourne. Fernando Alonso did his formidable best in the race, maybe even flattering the machinery, but there are signs that Kimi Raikkonen is struggling to get to grips with the new technology. The "superteam" may take a while to unleash its full potential.

In a way, the better than expected reliability which was seen in Australia was a disappointment, because it meant that the shake-up in the running order was less pronounced than might have been hoped for. Mercedes might have the edge, but as demonstrated by the gremlins which afflicted Lewis Hamilton, they are as yet far from infallible. I think that we can expect further surprises in the races to come, with interlopers popping up in unexpected positions.

The 2013 Formula 1 Season

So, another season of Grand Prix racing comes to an end, with Interlagos witnessing another victory for the imperious Sebastian Vettel.  It is worth reflecting on the year just passed, and looking forward to what 2014 may have in store.

After the (freakishly) competitive and close-fought 2012 season, expectations were high for another riveting campaign.  Although victories were shared about amongst some of the leading contenders in the opening half of the year, there were ominous signs of the underlying strength of Red Bull and Vettel.  I remember thinking around the time of Canada that the die was already cast, but few were expecting the Vettel steamroller to render the remaining races so disheartening and one-sided.

As a few people have remarked, F1 was "due" a less than sparkling year.  The dividing line between what spawned this year's fare and that of the 2012 season was comparatively thin, and we were lucky to get 2012 as it was. I am far from despondent. Some of the issues which contributed to how 2013 unfolded will not necessarily be there next year;they will doubtless be replaced by new variables and imponderables. To me, Vettel's dominance did not somehow "feel" so overpowering or overwhelming as, for example, Williams in 1992 or McLaren in 1988.  The slender margins were focused in areas where Red Bull personnel excel, and their weaknesses are not ones which are greatly magnified by the current F1 format and circuits.

The sense of ennui and disgruntlement engendered in many quarters by Vettel's domination should not be allowed to obscure the other sub-texts and feats which characterized the season. The gallant and relentless efforts of Fernando Alonso are so taken for granted these days that there is a danger that they become under-valued.  He coped with the adversity, and came out it still exuding some buoyancy. Although the performance of the 2014 Ferrari out of the box gave grounds for cautious optimism, there were a few races where things dipped alarmingly.  How many other drivers could have finished runner-up in the championship under those circumstances?

The presence of Mercedes at or near the front of the field has acquired a greater sense of permanence, and although second place in the Constructors' standings is a fine accomplishment, in a strange away it only serves to underline what still needs to be done. More changes may be in the pipeline, but fine-tuning rather than radical measures may be all that is required, provided that they don't make a mess of embracing the new regulations. By and large, Lewis Hamilton appears to be adjusting to his new surroundings, and a tolerably harmonious partnership with Nico Rosberg has been established.

Some may advance the view that Lotus simply trod water, failing to make that further step, but others may interpret this as consolidation. There is clearly change ahead, and the loss of Kimi Raikkonen to Ferrari deprives the team of its catalyst and spearhead, but the rehabilitation of Romain Grosjean was one of the good news stories of the Formula 1 year.

For McLaren it was a year to forget on the track, but sweetened by the tantalizing prospect of a renewed partnership with Honda in 2015.  Even Jenson Button's renowned good humour and forbearance were severely tested at times, and for Sergio Perez, though an opportunity he could not turn down, it was a hugely challenging season, culminating in his departure. The young Mexican, who occasionally showed glimpses of his raw talent, has much to offer, and it is good to hear that he is likely to remain in Grand Prix racing. There is inevitable speculation that 2014 will be an interim year for McLaren, with the impending change in engine suppliers, but you never know, they might just produce an effective chassis this time around!

So, we move on to the new turbo era. The most radical change in engine regulations since the move to 3.5 litre normally-aspirated units in 1989?. There are a few ways of regarding this new dawn. There is a school of thought which maintains that all major regulation changes unduly favour the larger, well-financed teams, whose resources give them the capacity to concentrate on the current season's contest, whilst at the same time laying substantial groundwork for the new requirements. Also, the perceived tightness of the modern rules does not perhaps allow such fluctuations and dislocations as occurred, for example, in the early 1980s, when turbo units were becoming more commonplace. On the other hand, the "envelope of uncertainty" surely makes it more than likely that one team or engine manufacturer could hit a sweet spot, and prosper in this new age, while others may struggle to adapt initially. Added to the continued vagaries of the tyre situation, this is surely a recipe for potentially greater volatility fluidity?

Whatever reservations or cynicism one may have, however jaded we may have become by the predictability of the recent Grands Prix, once the New Year is upon us, and the car launches and testing commence, the spark and buzz will ignite anew, and we will relish the prospect of a new season.

A couple of other random thoughts. It is great that Felipe Massa is to remain in the sport. The move to Williams could herald a new lease of life for the likeable Brazilian. Their driver line-up looks to be a perfect blend of experience and youthful vigour.  My other abiding hope is that Nico Hulkenberg also finds a race seat for next year.  If he does not, then there is genuine reason for us to be disgruntled. Encouragingly, we are hearing rumours of a Hulkenberg/Perez pairing at Force India. That should be worth watching....

Roll on 2014!

2013 Canadian Grand Prix

The indicators from practice had pointed to an advantage for Red Bull in race conditions, but all the same the manner of Sebastian Vettel's victory will appear ominous and even demoralizing to the competition. It may be an exaggeration to describe this win as the one which "broke the back" of the championship, but not much of an exaggeration.

The challenge being offered by the other supposed contenders is looking a touch brittle and fragile.  Fernando Alonso salvaged something from what had been a mediocre weekend, in his patented style, and Ferrari are somehow still not totally convincing in 2013, despite the air of confidence still emanating from the team..

The consistent and even performance now coming from the Mercedes is encouraging, tempered by an honest acknowledgement that the car is not quite fully "there" yet. Lewis Hamilton's comments afterwards were relatively upbeat, but the racer in him must be a little frustrated at the team's inability to traverse that gap.

The one front-running team who will be truly disappointed by events in Canada will be Lotus.  They were never really "at the races" all weekend.  It is to be hoped that his constitutes just a blip, a bad day at the office if you will, and that it does not presage a tailing off in fortunes. There is still enough flair and determination in their ranks to make a mark in the remaining races.

The less said about McLaren's weekend the better!  Even Jenson Button struggled to conceal his pessimism in his post-race assessment, although expressing hopes that Silverstone may be better.

Other drives are worthy of mention. Paul di Resta's spirited drive was very timely, particularly vis-a-vis his team-mate. Another unobtrusive but impressive display too from Jean-Eric Vergne.  Perhaps unsurprisingly Valtteri Bottas did not translate his praiseworthy qualifying slot into a tangible race result, but there is something to build on there.

So what of hopes for a competitive second half to the season?  It is hard to predict with any degree of certainty which team, if any, will make inroads into the lead of Vettel and Red Bull, with their numbing consistency and efficiency.  Silverstone should offer additional clues and evidence.

Honda returns to F1

One of the least surprising announcements of the Formula 1 year has been made, confirming that Honda will return to the sport as McLaren's engine partner from 2015.  The rumours of recent weeks were indeed just too strong to be dismissed as idle speculation.

This news is significant from a few different perspectives.  First of all, it is encouraging news for F1, suggesting that the new turbo formula, with its supplementary technical innovations, may attract (and help to retain) manufacturers .Honda is one of those companies which seems to have racing in its DNA, and which does not stay away for very long, seeing the benefits as going deeper than purely shifting more units in the afterglow of a Grand Prix victory.  Now that Honda has taken the plunge, will the interest of other car-makers be stimulated?  Much may depend on how people view the economic outlook going forward.

Another interesting sub-text to all this is that the announcement has been made at a time when McLaren, by common consent, is in the competitive doldrums.  The news will undoubtedly come as a major fillip for the team, but it will also in its own way serve as a reminder of the level of performance needed to justify Honda's faith (and investment). People might say that this new arrangement is far removed in several respects from the mighty McLaren-Honda steamroller of the late 1980s and early 1990s, but enough of the culture and ethos of both organisations will have been passed down to echo past glories, and help to assuage any misgivings.

The news also arrives at a juncture when the "honeymoon" period engendered by the exciting and competitive racing of recent times is coming to an end, and it is once again becoming fashionable to decry and malign Formula 1.  This boost may just concentrate a few minds.

2013 Bahrain Grand Prix

A clear and fairly resounding victory for Sebastian Vettel, of the type which we seldom witness in this current era of Grand Prix racing.  The margin will have given food for thought for Red Bull's rivals, even if the Sakhir circuit could be tentatively described as a track which suits the Red Bull's characteristics. A marker has definitely been laid down as we enter the European leg of the championship chase.

Although the race for first position lacked genuine tension for the bulk of the contest, much of interest occurred in the chasing pack. Mercedes once again failed to convert promise into genuine success, although in fairness this possibility had been flagged by the pole-sitter Nico Rosberg.  His team-mate Lewis Hamilton had a largely anonymous race, even taking into account his grid penalty.  The team might not yet be the finished article, but the progress and momentum are in a positive direction.

In terms of competitiveness, Bahrain must have represented a boost of sorts for the McLaren team, but this heartening showing may be overshadowed, in media circles at least, by the friction which developed during the race when Jenson Button and Sergio Perez got a little too close for comfort. It is also tempting to argue however, that in some respects, the fact that the two drivers were in such close proximity to each other is a good sign. Would the team rather have this sort of disagreement to iron out, than see the two vehicles touring around blandly and inoffensively in midfield?

It will be interesting to see whether's Perez's improved form unlocks his undoubted potential, and instill added belief. Team politics may become a headache, but the team must also realise that an on-form and motivated Perez is a major asset.  I was also impressed by the young Mexican's mature and constructive remarks after the race, when quizzed about the brush with his team-mate.

If Button imagined that he was the undisputed de facto number one driver in the team, he may be forced to revise his opinion.  I cannot honestly see the usually unflappable Jenson becoming unduly rattled by all this, but the psychology will add an important dimension to proceedings.

The Ferrari team was remaining sanguine in the wake of the race, and with good reason.  Although fortune was not on their side today, the portents still look very favourable. Before problems intervened, the cars were handily positioned.  Once his technical dramas were remedied, Fernando Alonso predictably put up a classy and stout performance, and the Italian marque can look forward to the rest of the reason with optimism and confidence.

Another team still on an upward curve is Lotus, as shown by their occupation of two of the steps on the podium. Perhaps the most significant thing to emerge was the "rebirth" of Romain Grosjean. the man often derided as  the enfant terrible of Formula 1.  This performance was a reminder of his crisp and incisive drives of 2012, which were of course interspersed with various indiscretions.  If Grosjean can "kick on", so to speak, it will have ramifications for his team and his team-mate, and could even conceivably influence the outcome of the championship, with another "wild card" in a competitive machine taking points off the other contenders.  Others have successfully recovered from early-career setbacks and stigmas.  Let us hope that Grosjean has the strength of character to achieve similar.  This podium finish may constitute a launchpad in this regard.

So we now enter the European phase of the campaign.  Red Bull, or at least the one conducted by Vettel, may be in the ascendancy, but last season taught us not to take anything for granted!

2013 Chinese Grand Prix

Today's Chinese Grand Prix gave further evidence of the capricious nature of modern Formula 1.  A comfortable victory in the end for Fernando Alonso and Ferrari, and much to muse on elsewhere in the field.

The extent of Alonso's superiority came as quite a surprise, and must be seen as persuasive evidence that the Italian team will be genuine contenders for the ultimate prizes this season.  In stark contrast to early 2012, they have hit the ground running this time around, with the reassurance that the Spaniard's talent and tactical resourcefulness remain undimmed. Team and driver are both up to speed, and this two-pronged challenge looks quite formidable.  At the same time Alonso, canny as ever, was quick to acknowledge that the current state of affairs cannot be taken for granted, and that the next race may present new variables to shake things up.

Mercedes continue to press, but it is hard to escape the conclusion that there are couple of small, but significant, pieces missing from their jigsaw.  That extra iota of race-pace, and total mechanical reliability, spring to mind.  Lewis Hamilton's cautionary pronouncements appear to have been borne out.  The team has moved more centre-stage, but there are still areas of weakness to rectify.

Whatever the flaws in the Mercedes situation, their position looks quite enviable in comparison to that of McLaren, who continue to look anaemic.  Today's strategy, although permitting some deceptive prominence at times, seemed tailored to getting a solid points finish on the board.  Jenson Button was philosophical after the Grand Prix, and he must also be conscious of having to shoulder the burden of leadership in the team, with Sergio Perez continuing to struggle.

A few other things are worthy of mention.  Kimi Raikkonen's pace was excellent after a stuttering beginning to the race, and it is this fleet form and relentless consistency which may ensure that the Finn remains in contention in the standings right until the end of the season.

Daniel Ricciardo was once again impressive in the Toro Rosso, and it may be that people will begin to cross-reference his assertive and confident performances with the difficulties afflicting a driver with a not totally unconnected team; a more senior Antipodean, whose future plans are the subject of renewed speculation.

A glance at the drivers' standings could be construed as quite revealing.  The four leading competitors - Vettel, Raikkonen, Alonso and Hamilton are threatening to detach themselves from the pack.  By most measures, this quartet constitutes the cream of the current Formula 1 driving talent.  The respective team-mates of these drivers are enduring various struggles and miseries.  Does this mean that more than in the recent past, F1 today places a premium on out-and-out driving skill?   I know that some observers see things in less straightforward terms, and the end of the season may be the time to formulate a more definitive assessment.

Three different victors in the opening three races.  Heartening, although this year will be hard pushed to match the statistics of 2012!

2013 Australian Grand Prix

My appetite for Formula 1 was in danger of becoming dulled and diminished, for various reasons, but just the merest glimpse of the television pictures from today's race in Melbourne was sufficient to hook me in anew.

It feels increasingly facile to say this, but all the signs point to a season of comparable competitiveness and interest to that of 2012.  The variable of tyre management is once again present to provide the element of unpredictability.

Having said all this, Red Bull still look to have all the equipment to succeed, and it would not be surprising if this made itself felt more acutely in the next few Grands Prix. The car looks very stable, efficient and consistent, and Sebastian Vettel, although ultimately occupying the bottom step on the podium, was in the thick of the action throughout at Albert Park.

One of the main points of speculation before the next race will inevitably be the "plight" of McLaren.  They were utterly anonymous in Australia, and there has been much conjecture about the reason for their shortfall in outright pace.  Is the design itself overly ambitious?  Much work clearly needs to be done in order to remedy matters.

On the McLaren driver front, one has to feel a measure of sympathy for young Sergio Perez.  When he joined the team, he could have expected to have a reasonably competitive machine under him, and the car's deficiencies must be compounding the pressures he will be feeling as a new driver in a top team. He may also be confronted by a dilemma.  Will he be tempted to overdrive in order to surmount the car's failings, or will he be overly-conscious of the need to avoid mistakes, and consequently become excessively circumspect?  How he deals with this situation may tell us much about the Mexican's ultimate potential as a Grand Prix pilot.

By contrast, Ferrari enjoyed a solid and encouraging opening to the new season.  Hopefully, people will not become carried away by all this.  At this time last year, the Italian outfit was going through a tough time, and just as their problems back then were overplayed, there may now be a tendency to inflate expectations on the basis of one race.  At the same time, it was a heartening display, with both drivers performing capably.  In particular, Felipe Massa seems to have been emboldened by the confidence placed in him by Ferrari.

The augurs for the Mercedes team look mixed. There is little sign that they have attained a major breakthrough, and any marginal rise in assertiveness and feistiness my be attributed to "the Hamilton effect". The Englishman raced manfully as ever, and we can be fairly confident that he will extract the maximum from the car.  A cloud was introduced by the retirement of Nico Rosberg, raising the spectre of the spate of mechanically-related retirements which afflicted the team in 2012.

A "wild card" was provided in this race by Adrian Sutil in the Force India.  Some of us have long rated his abilities, and he looked very much at home at or near the front of the field. The internal competition within that team this season could be very interesting to follow, with Sutil perhaps poised to fulfill the role undertaken by Nico Hulkenberg last year.

Turning to Lotus, it is to be hoped that they have learned lessons from 2012, in terms of how to convert strong race-day showings into regular victories. I would suggest that the jury is still out on this.  As has been observed, Raikkonen will be more formidable this season than last, having got plenty of mileage under his belt, and any cobwebs will now have been comprehensively cast off.  He just needs the tools to enable him to consistently take full advantage.

It is good to see a reshuffle among the teams, and the appearance of some new faces to freshen things up.  Malaysia next....

2012 United States Grand Prix

An eventful and dramatic inaugural race in Austin, and one which will have pleased the neutrals, ensuring that the world drivers' championship will be decided at the finale in Interlagos.

First of all, I must say that I am quite impressed by the Circuit of The Americas as a venue.  The track layout is interesting, having attracted widespread praise and approval from the drivers, and appears to promote close racing and overtaking.  A bumper crowd was on hand to witness this race too.  As far as American Formula 1 venues go, we have had several false dawns, but Austin just may have found the solution which the sport has been craving. Only time will tell on this.

Lewis Hamilton very much went racing today, prepared to take the fight to the mighty Red Bulls, having split them in qualifying.  McLaren's formidable pace was confirmed by the performance of Jenson Button, once he had extricated himself from the seething midfield pack.

Hamilton's victory will also have pleased Fernando Alonso, as it made the Spaniard's task in Brazil seem slightly less daunting.  Alonso's cause was also aided by a rare mechanical failure for Mark Webber, and also it must be said by Ferrari's decision to "strategically" incur a grid penalty for Felipe Massa's car.  Notwithstanding these factors, it still reflects wonderfully on Alonso that he is still in there pitching for the title. Given the performance deficit in comparison to Red Bull, one can hardly blame Ferrari for exploring every available avenue, or begrudge them the occasional slice of good fortune.  One senses that Alonso's priority in Austin was simply to keep the struggle going for next weekend.

So, what of the prospects for Interlagos?  It goes without saying that Vettel is the strong favourite, but it will only take one mistake or unforeseen incident for Alonso to snatch an unlikely world championship.

2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

We should have known better than to write off this season's championship chase. Just as some observers were starting to revert to the old "boring and predictable F1" meme, a race occurs which provides a thrilling "race within a race" between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, as well as several other sub-plots.

It seemed prior to the race that Alonso had been let off the hook by the penalty incurred by Vettel, but we had not fully bargained for the events which unfolded. No doubt some of the conspiracy theorists in the general sporting media will be sharpening their pencils, metaphorically speaking...

McLaren appeared a little bemused this weekend about their overall competitiveness, but even so the retirement of Lewis Hamilton from the race will have come as a shattering disappointment.  Hamilton's comments following the race would indicate that he is looking forward to his future with Mercedes rather than dwelling on current frustrations, and his despair will have been tempered by these thoughts.

The cards initially appeared to be falling for Vettel, but his enforced change of front wing made his task more formidable. His display, although admittedly aided by the dramas afflicting others, will hopefully have dispelled some of the wilder aspersions being voiced about his credentials.

All of this almost served to overshadow Kimi Raikkonen's much-deserved returned to the Formula 1 winners' circle. Ironically, this victory came after a series of races during which the Lotus team looked to be becalmed and subdued, and in some respects going backwards.  The Finn looked as inscrutable and impassive as ever on the podium, but today's events will have given him immense satisfaction, even though his championship chances for 2012 are now mathematically over.

Two races to go, and the championship race is still very much on the boil.  Logic would indicate that Vettel should still be favoured, having the better all-round technical package, and the law of averages should preclude him suffering the same misfortunes as he did in Abu Dhabi.  However, F1 rarely conforms to these assumptions....

Nico Hulkenberg to Sauber

 Nico Hulkenberg is to join the Sauber team for 2013, the long-expected announcement having duly been made.

The German's career is without doubt on an upward curve, and the move to Sauber would appear consistent with this momentum, but the switch also gives rise to a few questions.

Is this what could be described as a sideways move?  And if so, would he have been better off remaining at Force India?  Does the move to Sauber indicate a growing closeness to Ferrari, with the long-term hope of securing a race seat at Maranello?

Although Sauber have undoubtedly displayed more dynamism and flair than Force India during the 2012 season, a glance at the Constructors' standings lends weight to the notion that this is a sideways move.  Force India have been consistent if admittedly largely unspectacular.  On the other hand, Hulkenberg may fear losing career impetus if Force India do not progress from their current place in the order of things.  If the move to the Swiss team can be viewed as a gamble, then he possibly feels that it is one worth taking. In addition, Sauber have a sound reputation for stability and permanence.

It would seem that Hulkenberg has gradually begun to attract the notice of the leading teams, and his name was tentatively linked with the second seat at McLaren before Sergio Perez got the nod there.  When the future of Felipe Massa at Ferrari was in jeopardy, the young German was mentioned as a possible candidate to replace him. Time will tell whether the decision to join Sauber is part of a strategy to strengthen these links with Ferrari.

In amongst the bright young things of Formula 1, it has taken some time for Hulkenberg's potential to be more widely recognised, but it seems that many in the sport, and its followers, are beginning to wake up to it. It is up to him to capitalise on this opportunity, and to the Sauber team to equip him with a competitive car, to ensure that the aforementioned upward curve maintains its current direction.

2012 Indian Grand Prix

Well, Red Bull have sustained their relentless progress, and only the intervention of KERS gremlins for Mark Webber prevented a second consecutive 1-2 finish for the team.

As is usual, Fernando Alonso did all in his power to forestall the progress of the Milton Keynes based equipe.  The Spaniard was putting on a brave face after the race in New Delhi, but the pronouncements from  both himself and the Ferrari team are sounding rather hollow now, even if the optimism is laudable. The mechanical malady which afflicted Webber was a chink of light for Alonso, and reward for his dogged pursuit of the Red Bulls, but the resulting limiting of the points deficit may prove to be largely irrelevant.

The fact remains that Sebastian Vettel was not threatened all afternoon, and Red Bull are not committing the errors or mis-steps which their opponents might be relying on.  They are displaying an irresistible unity and impetus, appearing to enjoy a small, but significant, advantage in several areas which, when added together, account for their current supremacy.  This factor is the one which may be most frustrating for the rest, particularly Ferrari and McLaren, and which makes it tricky for them to decide which areas to address in the limited time now available between the closing races of the year.  There must be the temptation to take risks, but this carries the danger of heading up blind alleys.

It would seem that Ferrari enjoy an advantage in terms of straightline speed, but that they have a deficiency in grip in comparison to Red Bull. Surveying the remaining Grands Prix, it is difficult to conclude whether this confers any sort of advantage on the Italian cars, and in any event they may sacrifice some of this by striving for extra grip and balance.  All in all, it must be said that Red Bull hold all the aces.

The auguries for the race pace of McLaren seemed promising, and before the race I had hoped that Lewis Hamilton, with the title beyond him and his future decided, might feel less bound by strategic strait-jackets, and try something different.  In the event, their pace was so lacklustre as to make all this, and good grid positions, academic, and there is a danger of their season petering out quite lamely, which would be very deflating.

2012 Korean Grand Prix Review

In the aftermath of this morning's race at Yeongam, it felt to me like a pall of cold reality was hanging over many Formula 1 followers.  Not only did we see a relatively mundane contest, but the realisation has started to dawn that Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull have assumed a momentum which, although not irreversible, will definitely take some arresting.

As some had anticipated, Vettel asserted control right from the start of the race, and that was that.  Although Fernando Alonso sporadically threatened to place himself between the two Red Bulls, in the end Vettel and Webber were reasonably comfortable.  The Red Bulls were visually very stable and efficient, and the writing is very much on the wall  for their competitors.  There was an air of serenity about Vettel, and other Red Bull people, afterwards.  The glum expressions on the faces of some rival teams displayed the flip-side of this.

It has to be admitted that McLaren endured a miserable Grand Prix, but it should be pointed out that after practice and qualifying the team appeared cautiously bullish, if not exactly ecstatic, about their prospective race pace.  In the event, this pace was not permitted to reveal itself, as Jenson Button was eliminated at the start, and Lewis Hamilton was afflicted by mechanical maladies. This all had a detrimental effect on Hamilton's and McLaren's position in the points standings.  The titles may be out of reach, but there are still potential race wins to be fought for in the closing four events, assuming reliability of course!.

Ferrari was another team which emitted vaguely positive vibes about its performance in race trim, and they at least partly delivered on this, even if they ultimately could not quite live with the redoubtable Red Bulls.  Fernando Alonso, as is usual, extracted the maximum possible from the machinery at his disposal, but must now realise that he is playing catch-up, having been protecting his points lead in previous races.  Felipe Massa once again showed his mettle, and today's display probably secured his 2013 berth with the team, that is assuming that the decision to retain his services had not already been made.

Kimi Raikkonen is third in the championship standings, but the upgrades to the car unsurprisingly did not represent any kind of quantum leap. The changes seem merely to have allowed Lotus to hold station, and prevent the "big three" from disappearing further over the horizon. One positive aspect for the team was the relatively inconspicuous outing enjoyed by Romain Grosjean. He largely kept away from trouble, and after the race seemed happier than of late.  He will be even more buoyant if, as seems increasingly probable, he is kept on for next season.

Nico Hulkenberg attained another solid result in his quiet, unobtrusive but proficient style.  Possibilities of seats at the very top teams seem to be blocked for the time being, and maybe Hulkenberg is just too "unglamorous" and unassuming for his own good in this respect.  However, the indications are that he will find himself in a Sauber for next season, and this should constitute a useful stepping stone.

So, with three consecutive victories, Vettel must now be considered favourite to clinch another title.  This season's fluctuations have taught us not to take anything for granted, but the recent surge by Red Bull has the stamp of permanence and authority about it.  One can also discern a creeping, if not irrevocable, demolarization amongst the other participants.

We know that Fernando Alonso is capable of great things, and of at least partially compensating for a technical performance shortfall, but even he and his team may prove incapable of turning the tide on this occasion.  We shall soon discover whether Ferrari have anything else up their sleeves, or any more aces to play.  Otherwise, they will be relying on mistakes or misfortune befalling Red Bull.

The Indian Grand Prix should provide us with some of the answers....

Sergio Perez to McLaren

Dovetailing with the announcement that Lewis Hamilton would be joining Mercedes, came the news that Mexico's Sergio Perez would be replacing the Englishman in the McLaren team.

Some have argued that Perez is largely untested and unproven, and there are still a few rough edges to be smoothed out.  However, there is persuasive evidence indicating that he is not just a raw youngster being promoted over his head.  There have been glimpses, particularly during the 2012 season, of real nous and maturity, things which separate the potentially great from the merely good.  These things do not go un-noticed by team managers, however much we may like to denigrate their judgement at times!

It does seem that Perez brings with him some lavish financial backing, and though it is hard to believe that this   was anything like a decisive factor, it doesn't exactly hurt either, with the current economic climate ensuring that uncertainty and instability are never too far away, even for an organisation such as McLaren.

The effect on the driver politics at McLaren is also fascinating to speculate upon.  It can be argued that the departure of Hamilton, and the signing of Perez, leaves the driving strength at Woking temporarily weakened.      It is possible, but not certain, that Perez will take a little time to find his feet, and during that time it may feel like a void has been left by the loss of the outright speed and talent of Hamilton.  However, once Perez has acclimatised to life in a front-running team, the driving line-up should be well-balanced, the youthful exuberance and elan of the Mexican complementing the solidity, experience and methodical approach of Jenson Button. In this respect, does Jenson represent some kind of "insurance policy" for McLaren?

So how is Perez likely to fare at McLaren?   The odds are that he will flourish given time, but at the same time there are numerous examples of promising drivers who looked like world-beaters in middling teams, but whose careers soon assumed a plateau upon being promoted to a car running at the front.  Young drivers in teams such as Sauber are allowed the occasional aberration or off-day, but this is less likely to be tolerated or indulged in a top team. Part of Perez's task will be to bridge that gap.

Much has been made of the cooling of Ferrari's interest in signing Perez to their race team, if indeed there was genuine interest in the first place.  Granted, the Ferrari management was reputed to have cast doubt on Perez's suitability on the grounds of experience, but what effect will today's developments have on the careers of both Felipe Massa and, for the sake of argument, Sebastian Vettel?   Only time will tell....

Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes

So, after protracted and sometimes tiresome speculation, it has been announced that Lewis Hamilton will depart McLaren, after signing a three year contract with Mercedes.  This has triggered in earnest the annual game of musical chairs in Formula 1.

So, what factors lie behind Hamilton's decision to opt for the Three-Pointed-Star, apart from his longstanding links with the carmaker?

It is tempting to be cynical and attribute it solely to financial incentive, but to me that is a major over-simplification. Mercedes offers resources, potential and facilities.  Despite indications that he will nominally have equal status with Nico Rosberg, there is little doubt that everyone, including many in the team itself, will regard Lewis as the number one driver from the outset.

One thing which has perhaps been overlooked is the likely impact of the move on Hamilton himself.  A fresh start, a change of scenery and the dawning of new pastures may reinvigorate and re-motivate the driver, freed from the tensions of his latter days at McLaren.

Hamilton may feel that this is a "gamble" worth taking at this stage of his career, if indeed it can be viewed as a gamble. If the Mercedes team can be lifted above its current relative mediocrity and inspired to genuine success, there would be enormous kudos to be reaped, as well as a great feeling of personal and professional satisfaction.

In assessing Hamilton's reasons and motives, many observers are overlooking the fact that he is already a World Champion, with multiple victories under his belt. In addition, he is still young enough to re-establish himself with other teams should his stay at Mercedes go awry or prove less than fruitful.  The age issue may also have persuaded him that it is worth "sacrificing" one or two relatively lean or fallow years for the prospect of long-term success.  The looming regulation changes may also have played on his mind, although the "reshuffling" properties of those changes are probably over-estimated.

The arrival of Hamilton will needless to say have major repercussions for the Mercedes team itself.  The jury is still very much out on the outfit in its post-2009 guise, the win in China this year notwithstanding.  There are still inconsistencies and weaknesses to be resolved and addressed.

I think it is less a case of Hamilton inspiring a revival or breakthrough through his own actions or pro-active measures, than his arrival heightening the commercial and political ante generally, and forcing the organisation to get its act together, and make necessary changes. The era of drivers carrying teams through their own personality or charisma may well have passed with Michael Schumacher's exit from Ferrari.

Whatever the theories concerning Hamilton's move, it has certainly added considerable spice to the driver market, and the prospects for the 2013 season!

2012 Singapore Grand Prix

All in all, quite an unsatisfying race at the Marina Bay circuit.  Lewis Hamilton had been leading handily if not comfortably, and in the aftermath of his retirement there was a slight air of unreality about proceedings, with "entertainment" and "excitement" provided by several incidents. The resultant safety car periods led to the race feeling disjointed, and contrary to expectation they did not lead to the race at the front becoming any more genuinely exciting.

The form in Singapore largely accorded with the predictions of the pundits and experts.  McLaren maintaining their "post-break" ascendancy, and Red Bull's car and chassis proving more suited to this track than on some preceding circuits. Other outfits which had been prominent in 2012 found Marina Bay less suited to their machinery, and struggled accordingly.

The gearbox maladies which ended Hamilton's involvement will have come as a major frustration to a driver and team who had mustered real impetus in recent races.  Not quite a case of "one step forward, two steps back", but an irritation considering how authoritatively, confidently and decisively the Englishman had performed all weekend. Hamilton's philosophical demeanour after the race was symptomatic of a driver who knew that he himself could have done no more, and who once again had proved a few points.

Sebastian Vettel's fleet practice pace had argued persuasively for him to be considered a potential victor, and Adrian Newey exuded quiet confidence.  Sure enough, during the race Vettel showed signs of threatening Hamilton's lead, but even so his victory was mildly anti-climactic, a case of "what might have been" for neutrals.

Once again, Fernando Alonso displayed that uncanny knack of installing himself there or thereabouts, evading trouble and ably exploiting the machinery at his disposal and any good fortune which came his way. He concentrated on doing his job, whilst watching others encounter drama and disappointment, and the erosion of his championship points lead was less than he might have feared at one stage of the race.

One of the major incidents of the race was Michael Schumacher's collision with Jean-Eric Vergne.  The seven-times champion hinted at a mechanical failure, and looking at the replays, this would seem plausible.  My over-riding emotion was one of relief that nobody was injured, as well as admiration for the dignified and restrained reaction of the young Frenchman.

Unhappily, but also quite predictably, the Sauber team struggled in Singapore.  Much of their potency during this season has stemmed from their straightline speed, and this was negated on a more "technical" circuit such as this. The car also exhibited an aversion to the bumps, and the team appeared at sea on set-up during practice and qualifying.  The remaining races may be more profitable, if offering mixed prospects.

Force India enjoyed a more fruitful meeting, with Paul di Resta delivering a very timely fourth place, a reminder of his qualities.

For once, Pastor Maldonado's detractors were neutralised when the Venezuelan driver was eliminated by hydraulics problems when well-placed in the order.  I still think that his superb achievement in putting the Williams on the front row was not sufficiently heralded, with most people more intent on pondering the potential for fireworks at the first corner in the race itself.  Needless to say, said fireworks failed to materialise.

Looking at the points table, it is now tempting to envisage matters distilling to a straight contest between Vettel and Alonso.  Hamilton probably possesses the quickest car, but the arithmetic is unlikely to work in his favour.  Raikkonen, although currently third, looks less likely to win Grands Prix than he did a few races ago, and does not really have much momentum. Alonso may be content to sit back and watch McLaren and Red Bull share the wins, but take points off each other....

2012 Belgian Grand Prix Review

After the summer break, it was wonderful to resume the action at a proper circuit and venue.  There are many other great tracks on the calendar, but Spa has that extra special awe-inspiring sense of occasion and grandeur which lifts it comfortably clear of the mundane and the routine.  The setting, the history, the layout of the circuit and the feeling of foreboding induced by the weather all contribute to the tone and aura.

This year's event was no exception.  An almost effortless victory for McLaren's Jenson Button, and some vigorous and stimulating competition for the other points places.  Grand Prix racing for the purist, if such a thing is still possible in 2012.

However, much of what occurred has been overshadowed by the first-corner incident which eliminated Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez and Romain Grosjean, and led to the latter incurring a one-race suspension.

The unusual dynamics of the crash, and the trajectory and attitude of the cars involved, were particularly unsettling and sobering.  The design and aesthetic of open-top single-seater racing cars is undeniably part of their appeal, but this also constitutes a potential Achilles heel safety-wise, notwithstanding the advances seen in recent decades.  Alonso in particular was fortunate.

One of the enduring images of the weekend for me was the mildly surreal sight of Lewis Hamilton walking back down the pitlane, on his return from the scene of the accident, clutching an errant piece of bodywork or debris.  A forlorn figure, surrounded by a frenzy of activity amongst the other teams.

I thought on balance that Grosjean was culpable in triggering the accident, by moving across and making contact with Hamilton's McLaren.  Some may see the ban as slightly harsh, and part of the reasoning given was less than convincing, but it may serve as a deterrent and a warning to others. 

And so on to events in the aftermath of the first-corner altercation.  This was one of those displays which Button is capable of producing, when he's in a well-sorted machine.  Smooth, unruffled, metronomic almost. In fairness, the signs were there in qualifying.  Never really threatened today, his post-race demeanour was far removed from the near-morose figure of not that many races ago. Today he seemed calm, measured and good-humoured, but far from complacent. 

There will naturally have been joy at McLaren, tempered by Hamilton's early exit.  Another team quietly ecstatic at today's results would have been Red Bull.  The cards fell for them today, with the disappearance of substantial competition further up on the grid, but both team and drivers grafted hard to ensure that they capitalised on this "fortune".  They were hindered in these endeavours by a lack of grunt on the straights.

Sebastian Vettel, in particular, executed some clean, decisive and precise passing manoeuvres, and afterwards was clearly relieved and quietly satisfied at how the weekend had turned out, from less than promising origins.  The points standings realistically promise a challenge for another title, but he will have to work hard for any further success, taking account of the level of competition, and the constant need to employ strategic measures to circumvent deficiencies in the car.

The prospects of Kimi Raikkonen were much trumpeted in the build-up to the Spa weekend.  In the event he, like everyone else, could not hold a candle to the imperious Button, and was hampered by a lack of straightline speed, and poor early speed on soft tyres.  Thereafter, the Finn tussled manfully for his podium place, and delivered one of the moments of the race, if not the whole season, with his clinical but devastating move on Michael Schumacher at Eau Rouge.  Lotus must be a touch frustrated by their inability to finally ascend the top step of the podium, and the races are running out. 

On the subject of Schumacher, he produced an admirable performance to mark his 300th Grand Prix. Maybe he overheard some of the pre-race conjecture concerning his supposedly impending retirement!  Although handicapped in the latter stages by the lack of a sixth gear, he made a point of sorts, and was non-committal about his future afterwards.

After the race, much sympathy was directed towards Sauber.  They had seemed on the brink of a major breakthrough, by virtue of their grid positions and form in previous rounds, but this was abruptly negated because of the first-corner dramas. Granted, in the final analysis they may have struggled to keep Button in their sights, but podium places seemed a distinct possibility.  Through the disappointment, they must realise that their pace and consistency augurs well for the remainder of the campaign, and Sergio Perez alluded to this when he spoke after the race.

Mention must also be made of the composed and confident fourth-place finish achieved by Nico Hulkenberg in the Force India.  Comprehensively outshining his team-mate, and holding his own for long periods in the illustrious company of Schumacher, Raikkonen, Vettel et al, this display will have enhanced his reputation no end.

And now swiftly on to Monza, which promises to be an absolutely pulsating spectacle....

2012 British Grand Prix Review

An eventful British Grand Prix, all told, with the kind of dramatic finale which we are becoming accustomed to in 2012.

For much of the race, Fernando Alonso seemed to be in control of proceedings.  He had been suitably assertive at the start, in order to protect his lead, and had then settled into a rhythm, keeping the opposition at arm's length. However, Mark Webber had bided his time throughout, keeping himself in touch and out of trouble, and was in a position to pounce towards the end when the strategic position fell in his favour. It was then left to the Australian to perform a characteristically brave overtaking manoeuvre to settle matters.  A victory for a home driver was not achievable, but a triumph for the popular Webber was clearly the next best thing as far as the Silverstone crowd was concerned.

After the race, I thought that Alonso seemed somewhat glum and downcast, whilst third-placed man Sebastian Vettel was all smiles.  It is tempting to read too much into these things; perhaps these expressions represent the standard countenance of the respective drivers.  Alonso may have been lamenting the narrow "failure" of his race strategy, whilst Vettel could have been counting himself lucky to have salvaged a podium finish.

It is fair to say that McLaren have enjoyed more fruitful weekends.  Lewis Hamilton did his formidable best, but his brief and spectacular dice with Alonso around lap 19 looked more like a gesture of defiance on his part, than anything else.  The team, realising the immensity of their task, tried unorthodox strategies, but there seemed a fundamental lack of urge from the cars.  Jenson Button's morale may have undergone something of a revival, even if his final result did not amount to much.  He may have felt that he was moving in the right direction, a departure from the fumbling in the dark of many recent Grands Prix. It will be little consolation for McLaren that their pit-stops were very efficient this time around!

One of the main talking points was the collision involving Sergio Perez and Pastor Maldonado.  Replays indicate that Maldonado was indeed at fault, and a penalty was warranted, but I think that some of the hysteria is being over-done.  Maldonado has acquired something of a reputation, and therefore any contentious incident in which he is involved will be magnified.

Michael Schumacher had another solid race, and despite running high up in the early stages, never looked like a genuine threat to the leaders.  The same might be said of Kimi Raikkonen.  The Finn's team-mate delivered another impressively fleet drive, after an early pit-stop to remedy damage incurred in a collision with di Resta.  A case of what might have been?

One of the most quietly satisfied men in the aftermath of the British Grand Prix might well be Felipe Massa.  A confident drive, and finishing not too far distant from his illustrious team-mate.  The speculation surrounding Ferrari's driver line-up for future seasons is becoming very complex! 

On to Hockenheim....

Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying - Part 2

Well, since I blogged earlier today about the outcome and ramifications of the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, Lewis Hamilton has been relegated to the back of the grid for a rules infringement.

I'm not going to go into the whys and wherefores of the stewards' decision itself, but this affair clearly has implications far beyond Lewis Hamilton's prospects in tomorrow's race at the Circuit de Catalunya. Some aspects of the McLaren team's performance cannot have inspired much confidence in its drivers, and the optimism instilled by an initially competitive car has been dissipated.

How the cumulative effect of all of these episodes will influence any decisions over Hamilton's future in particular is open to question.  Needless to day, the McLaren team will feel the pressure in the short term, to deliver an error-free race tomorrow, and more long-term to properly address these failings.

The ruling means that Pastor Maldonado starts from pole position in the Williams, and home favourite Fernando Alonso will be alongside him in the Ferrari.

We hear that wet weather has affected the circuit, not that any additional variables will really be required to make this race interesting and stimulating!