After interminable speculation, rumour and counter-rumour, it has at last been confirmed by Ferrari that Kimi Raikkonen has signed a two-year deal to drive for them from the 2014 season. Thus comes to pass one of the more unlikely tales in recent F1 history - Raikkonen's restoration to the very top table, after a period in exile.
This is certainly a signal of some intent by the Scuderia, possibly heralding an uncompromising aim to return to the pinnacle of the sport, but also carrying with it risks and imponderables. The most glaringly obvious is how the drivers will handle the situation. Raikkonen is not renowned for being overtly political, and much of the uncertainty will centre on Fernando Alonso's attitude towards the arrangement.
In my opinion Alonso, such a brilliant all-round driver, should let his performances on the track do the talking, but as we know, human beings (and particularly racing drivers) are complex creatures, and we can expect at least some friction, real or imagined. It is in the nature of the beast. If the tensions are positively channeled, they could benefit the team, but this is easier said than done.
Despite getting together the most formidable driver line-up on the Formula 1 grid, Ferrari face other pressing challenges. In the past couple of seasons, the performance of their cars has been uneven, and if they do not adapt successfully to the new turbo regulations, the problems inherent in the "joint number one" set-up may be aggravated . Having said that, both drivers are capable of flattering mediocre cars, and the presence of two bona-fide superstars in the red projectiles will doubtless galvanize the team's personnel.
Raikkonen's return to the Prancing Horse will of course have knock-on effects throughout the grid. It can be hoped that the Finn's vacated place at Lotus will be occupied by Nico Hulkenberg, so deserving of further advancement, and more consistently competitive machinery. The reshuffle may yet enable Felipe Massa to continue his F1 career.
Today's announcement certainly adds an intriguing sub-plot to the 2014 season....
Showing posts with label nico hulkenberg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nico hulkenberg. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Sunday, 25 November 2012
2012 Brazilian Grand Prix Review
A wonderful season of Formula 1 competition deserved a gripping, tense and eventful finale, and that is what we saw at Interlagos today. It was an "old fashioned" championship decider too, with a "race within a race" determining the destination of the title honours, whilst others contested the Grand Prix win itself.
Despite the effects of the first-lap incident, it would be stretching things to say that Sebastian Vettel made a spectacular comeback;he did not lose that much time, and was helped by the general mayhem and attrition ahead of him and around him in those early stages. Sensibly, once he established himself back in the points-scoring positions, he did not attempt any unnecessary heroics. This would have been foolhardy in the tricky conditions. Good sense and measured and prudent overtaking moves did the job of ensuring that he kept within the requisite points margin to Fernando Alonso.
Of the race itself, McLaren continued their late-season surge, and it was heartening to see a lively battle between their two drivers, which Jenson Button confessed to having enjoyed. His victory may be overlooked in the maelstrom of hype surrounding Vettel and Alonso, but at least his rollercoaster season ended on a high note. He had the opportunity to show off his renowned guile and finesse in changeable conditions, but also gave, and asked, no quarter when matters became wheel-to-wheel. Yes, he was helped by the Hamilton/Hulkenberg contretemps, but it must also be borne in mind that Jenson lost out greatly during the earlier pace-car period, when he and Hulkenberg looked well set.
Lewis Hamilton again raced with the clarity of vision and panache of someone who has had a burden removed from his shoulders. He can leave McLaren with his head held high, and look to the challenges awaiting him at Mercedes.
Although he made a couple of important errors when under pressure, Nico Hulkenberg once again made a huge impression, exhibiting that unfussy but highly effective driving style. After earlier relinquishing the lead to Hamilton with a half-spin, he then lost control at Turn 1, and took the Englishman out of the race. Hulkenberg had earlier complained of gear-change difficulties, and I wonder whether these problems contributed to the incidents? Whatever the case, he could hardly complain when subjected to a drive-through penalty.
I thought that Alonso did everything that he realistically could. The McLarens were just that little bit out of reach, and Hulkenberg's intervention was not completely unexpected. The Spaniard was ably and admirably supported by Felipe Massa, who delivered the kind of performance which makes him so valued in the current Ferrari set-up.
Mention should also be made of a couple of other drivers. Kamui Kobayashi raced purposefully and tenaciously all afternoon, in the knowledge that he was possibly fighting for his Formula 1 future. It was good to see him show such spirit, and I earnestly hope that we have not seen the last of him in a Grand Prix car. The latter sentiments would apply to Heikki Kovalainen.
The final race in the F1 career of the great Michael Schumacher passed with comparatively little fanfare, because of the title showdown, but after an unpromising beginning to the race, it was nice to see the seven-times champion achieve a creditable points finish. After Michael had seemingly let Vettel through in the closing stages, it was significant that they exchanged gestures of mutual affection and respect immediately after the race. Symbolic of a torch being fully passed at last?
So what of the merits of Sebastian Vettel's third consecutive championship? It is fair to say that Red Bull only attained any form of all-round superiority towards the end of the season, and even then the margin involved was not sizeable. At some races during 2012, the German had to show real nous and resolve to salvage points from unpromising situations, and at times the car's deficit in straightline speed was a handicap. Due to these factors, and also simply because he won more races than anybody else, Vettel is a worthy champion.
In fairness, Fernando Alonso would also have been a deserving world champion this year, performing wonders to remain in contention, and extracting every ounce of performance from the car, whilst the Ferrari team laboured constantly to boost the strength of the package, and to give him the tools to compete on something like an equal footing with Red Bull and McLaren.
Of 2012 in general, I think that it will be remembered as a superbly competitive and entertaining season of Formula 1 racing. 2013 will have a real task to surpass it.....
Despite the effects of the first-lap incident, it would be stretching things to say that Sebastian Vettel made a spectacular comeback;he did not lose that much time, and was helped by the general mayhem and attrition ahead of him and around him in those early stages. Sensibly, once he established himself back in the points-scoring positions, he did not attempt any unnecessary heroics. This would have been foolhardy in the tricky conditions. Good sense and measured and prudent overtaking moves did the job of ensuring that he kept within the requisite points margin to Fernando Alonso.
Of the race itself, McLaren continued their late-season surge, and it was heartening to see a lively battle between their two drivers, which Jenson Button confessed to having enjoyed. His victory may be overlooked in the maelstrom of hype surrounding Vettel and Alonso, but at least his rollercoaster season ended on a high note. He had the opportunity to show off his renowned guile and finesse in changeable conditions, but also gave, and asked, no quarter when matters became wheel-to-wheel. Yes, he was helped by the Hamilton/Hulkenberg contretemps, but it must also be borne in mind that Jenson lost out greatly during the earlier pace-car period, when he and Hulkenberg looked well set.
Lewis Hamilton again raced with the clarity of vision and panache of someone who has had a burden removed from his shoulders. He can leave McLaren with his head held high, and look to the challenges awaiting him at Mercedes.
Although he made a couple of important errors when under pressure, Nico Hulkenberg once again made a huge impression, exhibiting that unfussy but highly effective driving style. After earlier relinquishing the lead to Hamilton with a half-spin, he then lost control at Turn 1, and took the Englishman out of the race. Hulkenberg had earlier complained of gear-change difficulties, and I wonder whether these problems contributed to the incidents? Whatever the case, he could hardly complain when subjected to a drive-through penalty.
I thought that Alonso did everything that he realistically could. The McLarens were just that little bit out of reach, and Hulkenberg's intervention was not completely unexpected. The Spaniard was ably and admirably supported by Felipe Massa, who delivered the kind of performance which makes him so valued in the current Ferrari set-up.
Mention should also be made of a couple of other drivers. Kamui Kobayashi raced purposefully and tenaciously all afternoon, in the knowledge that he was possibly fighting for his Formula 1 future. It was good to see him show such spirit, and I earnestly hope that we have not seen the last of him in a Grand Prix car. The latter sentiments would apply to Heikki Kovalainen.
The final race in the F1 career of the great Michael Schumacher passed with comparatively little fanfare, because of the title showdown, but after an unpromising beginning to the race, it was nice to see the seven-times champion achieve a creditable points finish. After Michael had seemingly let Vettel through in the closing stages, it was significant that they exchanged gestures of mutual affection and respect immediately after the race. Symbolic of a torch being fully passed at last?
So what of the merits of Sebastian Vettel's third consecutive championship? It is fair to say that Red Bull only attained any form of all-round superiority towards the end of the season, and even then the margin involved was not sizeable. At some races during 2012, the German had to show real nous and resolve to salvage points from unpromising situations, and at times the car's deficit in straightline speed was a handicap. Due to these factors, and also simply because he won more races than anybody else, Vettel is a worthy champion.
In fairness, Fernando Alonso would also have been a deserving world champion this year, performing wonders to remain in contention, and extracting every ounce of performance from the car, whilst the Ferrari team laboured constantly to boost the strength of the package, and to give him the tools to compete on something like an equal footing with Red Bull and McLaren.
Of 2012 in general, I think that it will be remembered as a superbly competitive and entertaining season of Formula 1 racing. 2013 will have a real task to surpass it.....
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
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.
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.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Formula 1 News Round-Up
So, as we approach the end of 2011, F1 news is coming thick and fast, as the driver line-ups for next season firm up and some teams reorganise themselves.
We have learned that Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will make up the Toro Rosso driving strength for 2012. At first glance, this might appear harsh on the previous incumbents, Buemi and Alguersuari, but we need to remind ourselves that STR exists to a large extent as a "feeder" team to the main Red Bull outfit. If drivers are unable to demonstrate that they are potentially the new Sebastian Vettel, then they are unlikely to keep their rides for long. Whatever the rights and wrongs of this particular case, it is still good to see young talent being given a chance. KRV5NNY3UDU3
Also recently confirmed was the appointment of Luis Perez-Sala as team principal at HRT. I always liked Perez-Sala during his F1 driving days, but he will have his work cut out to move HRT forward, and the record of former drivers as team bosses has not always been a happy one. Good luck to him, anyway.
The latest announcement on driver line-ups has emanated from Force India, and their confirmation of Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg for their race seats. Di Resta certainly deserves more opportunities, and Hulkenberg is also a worthy choice. All of this presumably makes it even more likely that Adrian Sutil will make his way to Williams.
We have learned that Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will make up the Toro Rosso driving strength for 2012. At first glance, this might appear harsh on the previous incumbents, Buemi and Alguersuari, but we need to remind ourselves that STR exists to a large extent as a "feeder" team to the main Red Bull outfit. If drivers are unable to demonstrate that they are potentially the new Sebastian Vettel, then they are unlikely to keep their rides for long. Whatever the rights and wrongs of this particular case, it is still good to see young talent being given a chance. KRV5NNY3UDU3
Also recently confirmed was the appointment of Luis Perez-Sala as team principal at HRT. I always liked Perez-Sala during his F1 driving days, but he will have his work cut out to move HRT forward, and the record of former drivers as team bosses has not always been a happy one. Good luck to him, anyway.
The latest announcement on driver line-ups has emanated from Force India, and their confirmation of Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg for their race seats. Di Resta certainly deserves more opportunities, and Hulkenberg is also a worthy choice. All of this presumably makes it even more likely that Adrian Sutil will make his way to Williams.
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