F1 Australian GP Thread - Contains spoilers of all sessions - Sponsored by Skippy The Bush Kangeroo

[Fernando]

First topic message reminder :

Nearly four months after Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton were crowned champions of the F1 world, their defence is about to begin at Albert Park.

Just under four months ago, a beaming Lewis Hamilton stood outside the pits of the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, basking in the glory of a second driver’s championship that had been a long time coming. Surrounded by his friends, family and co-workers, it was evident how much winning that title meant to the 29-year-old.

To say getting there was easy would be a bigger understatement than describing Carmen Jorda’s racecraft as ‘sub-par’. Despite having one of the most dominant cars of all-time, taking the 2014 title had required a Herculean effort from Hamilton, one that saw him repeatedly claw back from the precipice of disaster, and in the process cement himself among the greats of Formula 1.

Now for the second time in his career, Hamilton finds himself in the unusual position of being the ‘hunted’, rather than the ‘hunter’. Despite all he has accomplished, the only question that matters when those lights go out in Melbourne will be: can he do it again?

We’re about to find out.

Form Guide

I’m not breaking any new ground here when I say Mercedes will be heavy favourites in Melbourne. Based on their seemingly effortless topping of the timesheets in testing, it would almost be a shock for them not to secure a 1-2, but F1 has a way of throwing up surprises when you least expect it, as we were reminded here last year with Hamilton’s retirement. Even if that turns out not to be the case, being the opening race of the season gives us plenty of fascinating plots to keep track of.

Ferrari ready to prance again?

After spending the majority of last year fighting over scraps among the points-paying positions, the introduction of Maurizio Arrivabene as team principal seems to have provided the push Scuderia Ferrari needed to get back to competing for podiums. With an announced target of two wins in 2015, Melbourne will give us the barometer we need to gauge whether that dream can become a reality.

Not to mention, for the first time since 2007, Sebastian Vettel will be wearing something different than the deep blue overall of a Red Bull team. His battle with teammate Kimi Raikkonen looks certain to be a non-stop talking point for revheads everywhere.

McLaren struggling to live up to expectations

In the wake of Fernando Alonso’s heavy shunt in Barcelona, the main narrative for McLaren-Honda seems to have shifted away from their disastrous efforts in testing and towards the still-murky circumstances of his crash. Unfortunately for McLaren, it’s unlikely they’ll get a respite past this weekend, as the spotlight returns to their on-track performance. Considering the team only managed the 15th and 16th best times in Barcelona, while racking up just 380 laps across the three tests, expecting them to rectify their problems with pace and reliability in the two weeks since would be an exceptionally tall order. Plus, with McLaren deciding against allowing a 14-year-old Alonso to race, they lack the driver who can wring the best out of a bad car, at least in qualifying.

Can Ricciardo break the curse of the Australians?

You know things are bad for the home heroes when the best memory in recent times is a fifth on debut for Mark Webber in 2002. Since becoming a part of the world championship in 1985, no Australian has won their home grand prix, but despite the obvious gap to Mercedes, the Aussie public has high hopes for Daniel Ricciardo. Splitting the Mercs in qualifying before finishing a disqualified second last year, Ricciardo has shown an aptitude for Albert Park that could serve him well in the event of any Mercedes misfortune.

Williams in with a shot?

A season after pushing Red Bull for the title of ‘best of the rest’, there’s only one thing left to do for Williams, and that’s end their three-year exodus from the winner’s circle. While it’s close right now between themselves, the Ferraris, and the Bulls, Williams have the advantage based on their pre-season mileage and pace. With both Felipe Massa and Valtierri Bottas returning for the team in 2015, it’s hard not to root for them to take the victory.

However, Williams find themselves in an interesting position that’s somewhat to the inverse of their immediate rivals. Both RBR and Ferrari will be targeting the first European race back at the Circuit de Catalunya for significant upgrades to their car (as will McLaren) and that’s an arms race they can’t really afford to be a part of. Perhaps their best – if not only – chance to take a win this season, will be one of these first three fly-away races.

Manor is alive, but are they kicking?

Despite not reaching the final round of 2014 due to financial difficulties, it appears as if the folks at the former-Marussia are indeed ready to go racing. Whether they’ll actually be allowed to is another question entirely. Using a modified 2014 car, getting within the 107% time requirement in Q1 might be difficult to pull off, especially with no prior on-track running.
In any case, their return to the paddock is a welcome presence. As Formula 1 begins a new season, it has failed to resolve many of the problems with funding that affected teams last year, and seeing Manor fight to stay in the sport will keep that issue from escaping the notice of those who would rather dismiss it.

[Guest]

Well, that was a hardly surprising qualifying result for Mercedes & McLaren. Rosberg beaten by more than half a second in q3 by Hamilton. Goodnight.

I'm guessing if the action is boring, at least the camera will pan to the Lotus garage & we can see Carmen Jorda.

[Fernando]

While Mercedes still lead the engine arms race, it has been revealed the manufacturer used more of its engine development tokens to do so.

A FIA press release today revealed where all four manufacturers stand in regards to token usage for their engines in 2015.

Introduced with F1's new engine regulations for the 2014 season, manufacturers have 66 'tokens' they can use to develop their power unit within the FIA's designated timeline. According to that timeline, manufacturers were designated a maximum 32 tokens for 2015.

Of the three manufacturers who participated in 2014, world champions Mercedes have used the most, spending 25 of their 32 tokens already.

In comparison, Ferrari and Renault have used 22 and 20 tokens respectively.

Honda, being a year late into the sport, does not have the same 32 token limit, and while originally this meant they had to cease 2015 development by the end of February, the Japanese company has successfully negotiated with the FIA to be given 9 tokens for 2015, based on the average of those available to the other manufacturers.

Each component of the engine costs a certain number of tokens (maximum of three) with a designated developmental freeze date. Therefore, there is no guarantee Mercedes’ rivals can catch up, as they may be deficient in too many areas, or unable to improve a desired component any longer. However, it certainly provides an opportunity.

2015 Engine Tokens Remaining By Manufacturer
Ferrari 10 tokens
Honda 9 tokens
Mercedes 7 tokens
Renault 12 tokens

[Guest]

Basically released to try & make out Mercedes' rivals have time to claw it back. Not going to happen. That Honda engine is a year behind, you can throw whatever tokens you want at it, you can only develop & improve certain aspects of the engine. The difference between Hamilton & Button's lap, on the comparison, was frightening in the straight line speed difference. Between turn 2 & 3, Button lost about three tenths in just a ten second straight! Renault are an embarrassment too, less said about them the better. You could give them one billion tokens, they'd still manage to f*** it up.

[Guest]

and to make things worse, Ricciardo is already on his second engine

[Fernando]

Basically released to try & make out Mercedes' rivals have time to claw it back. Not going to happen. That Honda engine is a year behind, you can throw whatever tokens you want at it, you can only develop & improve certain aspects of the engine. The difference between Hamilton & Button's lap, on the comparison, was frightening in the straight line speed difference. Between turn 2 & 3, Button lost about three tenths in just a ten second straight! Renault are an embarrassment too, less said about them the better. You could give them one billion tokens, they'd still manage to f*** it up.

Honda had the engine turned down to help with the reliability and to avoid the issue Daniel Ricciardo has got in using a 2nd engine already (although RB will just fix it at the factory most likely)

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Absolute snooze fest

[GSC]

Yep, the worst fears have materialised.

Roll on 2016

[mystiroakey]

Game over allready.

[lorus59]

The lack of replies to this topic just shows that everyone knows in advance what the outcome will be. It really looks like shake and bake time.

[Guest]

That was so poopie, total embarrassment for the pinnacle of Motorsport. Hamilton will keep Rosberg at arms length all year.

[CaledonianCraig]

Why is everyone surprised though? We had three years of total Red Bull dominance followed by what looks like being two years of total Mercedes domination.

[GSC]

Red Bull will be dumping Renault at seasons end I imagine. At least Ferrari took a step forward. Honda are nowhere near ready.

Really the only question left is whether reliability will deny Merc a clean sweep again.

[Guest]

Think Merc have got on top of reliability issues. Worrying that the front nose changes appear to have made following a car & overtaking more difficult too. Alonso coming back & he already one engine down lol.

apart from Ferrari/ Williams battle, don't see much to entertain. I thought Arnold Schwarzenegger was brilliant in the podium

[Guest]

Yeah, you know what kind of state F1 is in, when the highlights are Arnold Schwarzenegger's podium performance & the battle for last position in the race, between Perez & a de-tuned Honda powered McLaren.

[GSC]

Get ready for Bernie to bully in a new set of regulations (or probably bring back the old engines), the prospect of Merc domination for a few years will be losing him money

[Gerry SA]

Red Bull Racing saying they will quit unless the regs are changed.

[GSC]

Its likely posturing, Bernies waiting for an excuse though.

[Guest]

What sour grapes, truly pathetic. Dietrich Mateshitz could lose his passion to continue in the sport, if he doesn't win, is essentially the threat. The issue is with Renault, that's where the team are going wrong. Horner stating the FIA urgently need to implement their 'equalisation mechanism', in order to reign in Mercedes & save the season. This is comical.

[GSC]

Its amazing how many people don't realise this is what Horners paid to do.

[Guest]

It was inevitable Horner would come out with such statements because it would be supported & listened too, given the embarrassing nature of the last race & the influence & respect in the sport he has, among the hierarchy of F1. Anti-Red Bull fans will state it's throwing the toys out the pram after one race & to an extent it is, but all he's doing is trying to first & foremost aid Red Bull & secondly help turn F1 back into providing some kind of entertainment, that it is currently failing to provide & deliver, given these complex & restrictive regulations.

The urgent need for the implementation of the 'equalisation mechanism' made me laugh.

[GSC]

It must also be frustrating for RB.

They won 4 WCC off the back of their own work, now they're uncompetitive because Renault have **** the bed.

[Fernando]

Its likely posturing, Bernies waiting for an excuse though.

It's some good posturing considering Dietrich has 4 cars on the grid. F1 down to 16 wouldn't be a good look considering Haas/Manor will be backmarkers & Sauber/Lotus/FI in money issues.

For all this cheaper F1 crap its got more expensive.

[dyrewolfe]

Yeah, you know what kind of state F1 is in, when the highlights are Arnold Schwarzenegger's podium performance & the battle for last position in the race, between Perez & a de-tuned Honda powered McLaren.

Meh. Thought Arnie was cringeworthy tbh. Interesting that Hamilton is a huge fan though.

Race highlights for me were Sainz and Nasr. If Carlos Jr's pit stop hadn't been messed up so badly, he could have been looking at a top 6 finish. Also made a nice change to see the Ferraris looking reasonably competitive....shame about Kimi's race ending prematurely - also thanks to a fluffed wheel change.

Aside from that I'd agree the race was largely a non-event. The number of non-starters and retirements only served to focus attention on the (lack of) action towards the front of the grid.

I know Mercedes are hot favourites to wrap up both titles again, but the gap between them and the rest is simply staggering. I doubt there is anything any of the other teams can do to catch up. Think it will take some new technical regs to peg them back.

Wonder if Bernie will demand new regs to be brought in to somehow handicap them?

The numerous technical and financial problems most of the other teams seem to be suffering from look set to make this the least competitive season ever. Very sad...

[GSC]

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/16/bernie-ecclestone-f1-red-bull-mercedes-australian-gp?CMP=share_btn_tw

Let rage ensue. Bernies protecting his asset

[CaledonianCraig]

Lets just remember Christian Horner was pinpointed as Bernie's replacement by him so what is the surprise here.

I hate one-sided seasons like we have had the last five or so years but at the end of the day (in my opinion) it is up to those moaning to find a way to catch up. That has always been the way in the sport rather than going way OTT and threatening to quit the sport.

I do seem to recall when Red Bull were dominant other teams complained in their own ways at elements of design of the Red Bull but nothing was ever done just like nothing should be done here - fairs fair.

[Guest]

Bernie knows the team can't leave the sport. Red Bull is contracted to stay in the sport until 2020 under its commercial agreement with F1, making a sudden exit highly unlikely or extremely costly. Can't see much being done, it's all 'he believes the FIA can take action' or 'could do this or that'. No decisions are made in F1 quickly & the point about freezing the Mercedes engine but allowing the others to catch up is laughable. With hard work, you can make progress, just look at Ferrari. Red Bull should just make their own call & begin the engine partnership with Infiniti & scrap Renault.

[dyrewolfe]

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/16/bernie-ecclestone-f1-red-bull-mercedes-australian-gp?CMP=share_btn_tw

Let rage ensue. Bernies protecting his asset

Oh lordy!

No rage here...I've read enough of this kind of crap to really care much anymore. I'm also used to Bernie's idiocy now.

That article perfectly sums up at least half of what is wrong with F1. Rather than promote creativity and innovation, the moment anyone gains any kind of advantage, they seek to stifle them.

The problem is the regs are so strict that there are very few ways teams can innovate. F1 is in danger of technological stagnation as all anyone can really do anymore is tweak the aerodynamics...and even then only in certain ways that are approved by the FIA.

Christian Horner should keep his rage directed firmly at Renault for their failure to deliver a competitive engine.


And I know I keep harping on about this but the entire financial system of the sport needs looking at so that smaller teams aren't risking bankruptcy (or in Sauber's case getting into contractual disputes) to scrape together enough money to get through a season...never mind close the gap on the big teams.

More money equals more freedom to develop, which (in theory) ought to help improve competition and the sport as a spectacle.

Also needs to be more thorough auditing of teams' finances to make sure no dodgy deals are being done that threaten their financial stability.

[GSC]

Horner and RB are ripping Renault a new one both publically and privately.

Important to understand individuals motivations for these comments. Horners sole priority is to get the best advantage he can for RB. Bernies is to maximise the value of F1. Likewise the Mercs are fighting their corner.

The problem is, nobody's fighting for competitiveness. The closest to that is Bernie

[CaledonianCraig]

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/16/bernie-ecclestone-f1-red-bull-mercedes-australian-gp?CMP=share_btn_tw

Let rage ensue. Bernies protecting his asset

e.


And I know I keep harping on about this but the entire financial system of the sport needs looking at so that smaller teams aren't risking bankruptcy (or in Sauber's case getting into contractual disputes) to scrape together enough money to get through a season...never mind close the gap on the big teams.

More money equals more freedom to develop, which (in theory) ought to help improve competition and the sport as a spectacle.

Also needs to be more thorough auditing of teams' finances to make sure no dodgy deals are being done that threaten their financial stability.

Fernando's going to get you.

[Guest]

Bernie knows the team can't leave the sport. Red Bull is contracted to stay in the sport until 2020 under its commercial agreement with F1, making a sudden exit highly unlikely or extremely costly. Can't see much being done, it's all 'he believes the FIA can take action' or 'could do this or that'. No decisions are made in F1 quickly & the point about freezing the Mercedes engine but allowing the others to catch up is laughable. With hard work, you can make progress, just look at Ferrari. Red Bull should just make their own call & begin the engine partnership with Infiniti & scrap Renault.

Agree

[dyrewolfe]

Horner and RB are ripping Renault a new one both publically and privately.

Important to understand individuals motivations for these comments. Horners sole priority is to get the best advantage he can for RB. Bernies is to maximise the value of F1. Likewise the Mercs are fighting their corner.

The problem is, nobody's fighting for competitiveness. The closest to that is Bernie

Its completely understandable, but the problem is when you have a bunch of people protecting their interests, there needs to be an over-arching authority which can tell them whats going to happen...not necessarily what they want.

You would think the FIA would be able to have some influence.

I can even agree with Bernie's sentiments...but he's going about it in completely the wrong way.

As usual everybody is ignoring the herd of elephants in the room, which are the root cause of why the sport has got the way it has.

[GSC]

Id agree that there is no higher power for lack of a better phrase. No apparent leader.

Bernie might not have been popular, but since he was chucked out, its descended into a herd of headless chickens

[Gerry SA]

Gotta admit I liked the look of young Carlos Sainz Jr. Spain will need a new star soon as the brilliant Fernando Alonso's career is nearing its curtain call.

[Guest]

Whenever I go to Spain, the people always have told me that they generally prefer Moto GP & Marquez et al.

Alonso signed a two year deal + optional extra year, I believe. If he's healthy & he commits, retirement isn't on the horizon. Agree, Sainz looks a talent, however I wouldn't get carried away with Toro Rosso, Melbourne is a specific type of track, not representative. McLaren podiums there last year prove that + they have the Renault engine too, which is awful.

[Guest]

Appears that there will be no German GP this year. Strange, given the support in that country & the involvement of Mercedes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/31930827

[Fernando]

No one turned up last year so that's pretty much why. Sauber & Bernie is paying Giedo 15 million euros to end the lawsuit

[Guest]

Surprised they only had 50 thousand in attendance last year, kind of deceiving, as they do fill those grandstands with the german flag & colours & it looks quite a good spectacle. Surprised, given the history of German drivers in the sport & the fact Nico was driving for a title & Mercedes are leading the sport. Guess it was embarrassing, seeing as a fortnight or week before, Silverstone has over 120 thousand on race day. Interesting to see what replaces that slot.

[GSC]

Nothing

[Guest]

Probably, given the state of F1. Basically, Silverstone ends 5th July, then you will have a three week break to Hungary on the 26th July, followed by a four week (summer break) to Belgium on the 23rd August. Awful stuff.

[GSC]

I cant imagine anyone will care at that point mind

[Fernando]

Germany pulled from calendar and due to that can't host a GP til 2017

[Guest]

Azerbaijan next year to replace

[pob]

Although not many people will be excited to go to Azerbaijan, the circuit does seem to be potentially good. High speed, elevation changes, and a narrow section that according to Tilke needs "pinpoint accuracy and courage".

[Fernando]

Fernando Alonso passes FIA Medical Testing

[dyrewolfe]

Although not many people will be excited to go to Azerbaijan, the circuit does seem to be potentially good. High speed, elevation changes, and a narrow section that according to Tilke needs "pinpoint accuracy and courage".

Thats even stranger than Korea.

How many Azeris will be interested in F1 and how many European fans will want to travel there? Will they end up shipping bus-loads of locals for free to give the illusion of good attendance?

Even with a good track that produces exciting racing, if the locals don't care (or can't afford to attend) and the long-time fans can't go due to financial restrictions or other commitments, its not going to do the sport's image any favours.

Its all very well wanting to reach new frontiers, but at some point the powers that be are going to have to consider where they can get the best attendances (by real, paying fans).


Must admit I'm very surprised at the apparent lack of interest in Germany - one of the traditional cornerstones of F1. Wonder if its an economic thing, or have German fans finally got tired of the constant meddling with the regs and one-horse title races?

Will this malaise spread to other countries if this season ends up being as one-sided as the last one?


If this is the start of a general decline in interest, I wonder what Bernie will try next?

Maybe an Antarctic GP (with optional spiked snow tyres)?

[mystiroakey]

The week before last years german gp the Gerries lifted the football World Cup.. I think it was more to do with that than any thing else

[mystiroakey]

I also think the reason they pulled out this year is that they fear even less people will show up as german support has been based on schumaker and vettel winning countless titles.

I think they realise Rosberg is no match for Lewis and that's that.

F1 is a much bigger deal in the UK. We would allways get massive crowds whatever the situation.

[Guest]

The Germans don't recognise Rosberg as one of their own, they class him as the 'European' rich kid, nowhere near the connection or passion they had for Schumacher. Even Mercedes being a powerhouse means nothing to Germans, they can't relate to it because Mercedes F1 is basically 'British', with the main factory in Brackley & the Engine built in Brixworth

[GSC]

Basically what John said.

[dyrewolfe]

Well, Rosberg is half Finnish, after all.

I suppose if he gets fed up with being in Lewis' shadow, he could always turn his hand to rally driving...or even go for a seat in Formula E

I was just thinking of the global prospects for F1, with Liam saying that Spaniards seem to prefer Moto GP, now they have a Spanish rider sweeping all before him.

The UK has been the hub of F1 in terms of R&D for quite a while now, as well as the number of teams based there. But that alone won't guarantee the future of the sport.

- Older, more established circuits are getting left out, in the quest to reach new audiences in far-flung places.

- Ever stricter design regs make it increasingly difficult and expensive to gain any type of performance advantage...meaning the big 5 teams have distinct advantage over the rest.

- Dominance by 1 team over the rest is making seasons progressively less interesting for fans (we've had Ferrari and Red Bull, so far...are Mercedes about to embark on a similar run?).

- Running costs, coupled with disproportionate sharing of prize money (and difficulty for smaller teams to attract sponsorship) is leading to an increasing lack of competition outside the top 5. Basically half the teams are just there to make up the numbers...for as long as they can afford to keep running.


If things stay as they are, how long will fans at the newer venues continue to show up and how long will the circuit owners be happy to hand over huge sums of money to Bernie for the privilege of hosting GPs?

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