Inside Line F1 Podcast: Helmet Ban(ter)
Posted on | February 25, 2015 | No Comments
You may love or hate Sebastian Vettel, but you’ve got to admit that he is possibly the most powerful driver on the grid today. After four consecutive World Championship wins with Red Bull Racing, he forced the FIA and the likes to ‘rewrite’ regulations so that they could bring an end to his dominance. But that’s not where his power stops. (Read: Vettel vs. Schumacher – Who Is No. 1?)
After changing his helmet design for nearly every race for the last two seasons, he’s now got the smart administrators of the sport to impose a ban on creative design changes on the helmet. ‘Ridiculous’ was my first thought and is still the second. But a longer deeper motive emerges which is in line with what Formula1 has struggled to do for the last decade or so – build ‘brands’ out of teams and drivers. Mr. E and his band of boys (F1 Strategy Group) have made little effort to bring about meaningful changes to the sport and its business to retain the mid-field teams (read: brands), but it does seem that such a ban will do wonders to the sport in some way that I am unable to comprehend. (Read: Formula1 Puts Fans First)
Sebastian Vettel loves his helmets!
But I do admit that this is also where Formula1 lags when it comes to Football or Cricket or any other sport, the lack of ‘facial’ connect with the driver. This is probably why fans go wide eyed when a steering wheel camera showcases the eye movements of the drivers and that is as far as one can go in this sport. There’s the pit-to-car radio, but that is audio at its best. I believe this ‘ban’ has been put in place to create and sustain the emotional connect with a driver, which is currently lacking. And while Rishi agrees with the ban, I am on Vettel’s side – I absolutely disagree!
This ban could get further ridiculous if the FIA expands it further by stating that no two drivers can have the same colours on the helmet given that all you see at over 300 kmph is a blurry line of colours! And trust me, they are capable of such a regulation! Why not debut the ‘info wing’ from the 2015 Formula1 Season instead? (Read: Fed Up Of Rule Changes In Formula1)
In this week’s episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Rishi and I talk about the helmet design ban, whether Alonso’s crash and possible absence will dent Mclaren’s chances of winning a race this season (LOL!) and how Mercedes have managed to extend their unreliability streak from machine to man. And of course, before we forget, we reveal why Ferrari has been secretly designing their cars to look like Lego racing cars. Tune in and laugh along! (Read: Gillette Mclaren Honda)
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would welcome you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1. And while our podcast frequency is weekly, come ‘like‘ the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Facebook and on Google+ for far frequent humorous updates from the world of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android/Windows/Blackberry users). The Inside Line F1 Podcast is also available on TuneIn Radio.
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced and hosted by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, DailyMotion, Spreaker, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
Tags: 2015 Formula1 Season > F1 Driver Helmets > F1 Podcast > Ferrari > Formula1 Podcast > Helmet Design Ban > Inside Line F1 Podcast > Lego F1 Ferrari > Mclaren > Mclaren Honda > Mercedes AMG Petronas > Sebastian Vettel > Sports Marketing
Inside Line F1 Podcast: It’s Time For Barcelona
Posted on | February 18, 2015 | No Comments
The second pre-season test of the 2015 Formula1 Season is upon us. And while pre-season testing form is almost impossible to predict, Rishi and I tell you what you could expect when the Formula1 circus tests their act in Barcelona starting tomorrow. (Read: Ferrari vs. Mercedes In 2015, Really?)
Is the era of ‘title sponsors’ in Formula1 over? I think not, but Ron Dennis does think so. I am not sure if this is entirely his way to make peace with himself, his shareholders and his fans given that Mclaren is the only top team on the grid that is entering it’s second season without a top sponsor. A case of ‘sour grapes’, as Rishi calls it. (Read: Gillette Mclaren Honda) And if Dennis was disappointing in his views, Flavio Briatore, one of the smartest minds in the sport, has come up with an even more radical thought, one that could define the business of the sport in the future.
Second Pre-Season Test Of 2015 At Barcelona
And I wonder what’s it with teams gunning for radical changes in 2017. I am for changes that make the sport more viewable and understandable, but not if they’re some 24 months away! It would be rude to expect the existing and new fan to wait till the sport ‘corrects’ itself, so to say. And on that note, we offer our views on the ‘Future of F1′ concept by Ferrari. (Read: Formula1 Puts Fans First)
Also, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton need to stop talking about their impending contract and sign it. Yes, this story does have global interest given the stakes involved, but they’ve overdone their PR on this subject already. Does Hamilton have other options at the moment? And in that case, Mercedes certainly does seem like they do, or will. (Read: A Nico And A Nico-le and Mercedes Prefer A Blonde On Top)
Lastly, the TV viewing audiences have dipped globally which is directly related to pay-per-view and subscription led broadcast as opposed to free-to-air strategy that the sport followed until not too long ago. The good news is that the audience that remains is expected to be more ‘sticky’ and relevant, and overall, USA has shown an increase in numbers, which will be interesting as the sport is strategically inclined to growing in that market. And of course, a BIG thank you to our listeners from the USA, you guys really have helped put our podcast on the top of the list! Keep Racing! (Read: Why Formula One Fans Will Thank TATA Communications and What Formula One Can Learn From the Indian Premier League)
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would welcome you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1. And while our podcast frequency is weekly, come ‘like‘ the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Facebook and on Google+ for far frequent humorous updates from the world of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android/Windows/Blackberry users). The Inside Line F1 Podcast is also available on TuneIn Radio.
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced and hosted by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, DailyMotion, Spreaker, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
Tags: 2015 Formula1 Season > F1 Podcast > F1 Pre-season Test > Ferrari > Flavio Briatore > Formula1 Marketing > Formula1 Podcast > Formula1 TV Rights > Inside Line F1 Podcast > Mclaren > Mclaren Honda > Mercedes AMG Petronas > Pre-season Testing > Ron Dennis > Sauber F1 Team > Sports Marketing
Inside Line F1 Podcast: Formula One Is Funny
Posted on | February 12, 2015 | No Comments
The last week in Formula1 has been funny. No, I seriously mean it. It has been so funny that I almost felt insecure about the Inside Line F1 Podcast and its future! After all, we dwell on the humour that the sport creates but doesn’t care (or dare!) to talk about. (Read: Formula Puts Fans First)
In this week’s episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Rishi and I wonder how the F1 Strategy Group could find it so difficult to fix the engine regulations for the coming seasons (Read: Engine No-ise). In fact, we even wonder how and if Hamilton’s ‘rapper’ image would attract newer fans to the sport (oh good lord, Bernie! ‘Blame It On Bernie’) or if Alonso really did ask for ‘equal’ treatment in Mclaren! (Read: Thank You Mclaren) Yes, tune in and join us as we laugh out loud on the headlines from the last week.
Lewis 'Rapper' Hamilton
And thank you to Kevin Magnussen for heeding our advice! After Mclaren clicked on the ‘pause’ Button in his career for the 2015 Formula1 Season, the rookie has made the sensible decision to pursue burning rubber over getting rusty! After all, he’s no Kimi Raikkonen, but we hope he isn’t Adrian Sutil either. (Read: Ice Ice Baby)
Nico Rosberg hints at turning to Yoga to strengthen his breathing pattern in his preparation for this year’s title fight with Hamilton. But of course, given that we come from the land of Yoga, who better than Rishi and I to offer further pointers to aid his title bid! Breathe in, let the podcast load and tune in!
And lastly, as you and I wait for the second pre-season test in Barcelona, here’s a question for everyone, ‘Ferrari vs. Mercedes in 2015, really?’
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would welcome you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1. And while our podcast frequency is weekly, come ‘like‘ the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Facebook and on Google+ for far frequent humorous updates from the world of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android/Windows/Blackberry users).
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced and hosted by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, DailyMotion, Spreaker, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
Tags: 2015 Formula1 Season > Bernie Ecclestone > F1 Engine Regulations > F1 Engines > F1 Podcast > Formula1 Podcast > Inside Line F1 Podcast > Kevin Magnussen > Lewis Hamilton > Mclaren > Mclaren Honda > Mercedes AMG Petronas > Nico Rosberg
Inside Line F1 Podcast – Ferrari vs. Mercedes, Really?
Posted on | February 6, 2015 | No Comments
Test times don’t matter, race times do! Yes, my attempt at modifying a famous quote for the world of Motorsport! If you pay heed to that quote, you’ll know that Mercedes are still the class of the field of 2015 despite not topping the time sheets at the first test in Jerez. Similarly, you will know that Ferrari will be the ones chasing them again for top honours, but will they be the lead chasers?
Does seem to be so! Ferrari seemed rejuvenated and quick in Jerez, well, I mean quicker than their slow self of 2014. Is it the Vettel factor? Too early, I say. Is it the team re-jig? I doubt, the changes were too late to have a significant impact in the 2015 Formula1 Season. But if the 2015 car does turn out to be as quick as they showed in Jerez, would it be due to inputs from the not-capable-of-leading-a-team Alonso? The uber talented Alonso does seem to be the worst lucky charm for an F1 team currently! (Read: Gillette Mclaren Honda)
The sport does seem to have come a long way in the last year. The pre-season tests in the 2014 Formula1 Season were embarrassing to say the least. Teams struggled to post double digit laps. In comparison, this year, teams have been clocking three race distances in a day! Kudos! And this is also why I believe that Mclaren-Honda will sort their niggles by the time the circus reaches Melbourne.
On the point of lead chasers, I do hope that Williams have the guts to take risks and challenge Mercedes. But even if they do, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mercedes would turn down their power citing some reliability excuses. And of course, our runners up from last year Red Bull Racing are reportedly seeking to replace Renault as their engine supplier as soon as possible. But the million dollar questions is – which engine will they purchase? Ferrari or Mercedes? Of course ‘neither’ is the option. Would this mean that the Milton Keynes based squad will develop their own engine? Or will they lure another power unit supplier to the sport? (Read: F1 Needs More Manufacturers)
I do expect Red Bull Racing, who have done a super job with the CamoBull, to be the lead challengers for Mercedes. But it seems like Red Bull Needs Wings.
In this week’s episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we talk about how the German Grand Prix is important to the sport, fans, media and drivers and its possible exclusion is most shocking. On that note, should Indians be leading the business of Formula1? And which team has the best livery on the grid? Apart from that, we calculate why drivers will need to brake a minimum of three metres earlier on the first lap of the first race this season. Tune in!
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would welcome you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1. And while our podcast frequency is weekly, come ‘like‘ the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Facebook and on Google+ for far frequent humorous updates from the world of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android/Windows/Blackberry users).
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced and hosted by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, DailyMotion, Spreaker, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
Tags: 2015 Formula1 Season > F1 Pre-season Test > Ferrari > Mclaren > Mclaren Honda > Mercedes AMG Petronas > Pre-season Testing
Inside Line F1 Podcast: Ice Ice Baby
Posted on | January 29, 2015 | No Comments
Could Vettel’s baby girl and Raikkonen’s baby boy become a couple a few decades from now? Pardon me, but that was one of the first few thoughts that came to my mind as I was preparing for the latest episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast with Rishi Kapoor.
Ice Ice Baby - Kimi Raikkonen
The other thought that crossed my mind was – if Force India has similar livery to that of Mclaren’s, what livery will Mclaren don in the 2015 Formula1 Season? Reports say that they will launch and use a ‘black’ liveried car for now, which makes us wonder if ‘delays’ are a Mclaren thing off-late! Oh, you can’t blame us. And of course, why is Ferrari trying to name their car after Force India? (Read: Gillette Mclaren Honda and Thank You Mclaren)
Is Christian Horner playing mind games with Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari as they embark on a new journey together? Or did Vettel genuinely contemplate leaving Formula1? Does the sport need Sebastian Vettel? What Horner also did was confirm our belief from the 2014 Formula1 Season that Vettel wasn’t enjoying the new formula of Formula1 and took way too long to come to terms with it. (Read: Vettel Wins An Award On The Inside Line F1 Podcast Awards)
Lastly, Renault has undergone a restructure of their organization in the hope to improve their engine performance this season. On the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we wonder if Renault should’ve chosen ‘rebadge’ over restructure! (Read: Chequered Flag For 2014)
And while you tune in to our latest episode, could Newey’s next victory be the America’s Cup in 2017? Let’s wait and watch!
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would welcome you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1. And while our podcast frequency is weekly, come ‘like‘ the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Facebook and on Google+ for far frequent humorous updates from the world of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android/Windows/Blackberry users).
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced and hosted by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, DailyMotion, Spreaker, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
Tags: 2014 Formula1 Season > 2015 Formula1 Season > F1 Podcast > Ferrari > Formula1 Podcast > Inside Line F1 Podcast > Kimi Raikkonen > Lotus F1 Team > Mclaren > Mclaren Honda > Renault F1 > Sebastian Vettel
Inside Line F1 Podcast: Gillette Mclaren Honda
Posted on | January 23, 2015 | No Comments
Mclaren is in trouble. On track, and off it! Or so we think! After failing to compete at the front end of the grid in the 2014 Formula1 Season, the team from Woking will start the 2015 Formula1 Season minus a ‘title sponsor’ (yes, their second season minus some really big bucks!). And while the team and fans (Alonso too!) hope that the Honda partnership will bring success, immediate or otherwise, Rishi and I offer help to solve their off-track issues – that of signing up a title sponsor! (But that doesn’t stop me from saying ‘Thank you Mclaren’)
Gillette Mclaren Honda
After a super successful episode of our 2015 Inside Line F1 Podcast Awards, Rishi and I met earlier in the week to record our latest episode – Gillette Mclaren Honda. Apart from Mclaren’s obvious sponsorship opportunity with Gillette, we talk about the FIA Super License System and how it is a step in the right direction but in the need of much evolution in the months to come. And we also throw some light on how some series and their importance in the ‘ladder to F1’ has almost been eliminated via this new system.
Lastly, Formula1 fans narrowly missed the exciting pairing of Alonso and Hulkenberg at Ferrari after Kimi Raikkonen poked his ice creamy nose and took away The Hulk’s scarlet opportunity. And this time, thanks to Honda, did we miss yet another Alonso-Hulkenberg pairing with Porsche? Oh these automobile brands, they do know how to spoil some fun, on track and off it! (Read: The Ferrari, Alonso, Raikkonen and Hulkenberg Puzzle)
PS: Our partner #F1Extra is now #MSportExtra, go follow!
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would welcome you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1. And while our podcast frequency is weekly, come ‘like‘ the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Facebook and on Google+ for far frequent humorous updates from the world of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android/Windows/Blackberry users).
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced and hosted by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, DailyMotion, Spreaker, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
Tags: 2014 Formula1 Season > 2015 Formula1 Season > F1 Podcast > Fernando Alonso > FIA > Formula1 Marketing > Formula1 Podcast > Inside Line F1 Podcast > Mclaren > Mclaren Honda > Nico Hulkenberg > Sponsorship > Sports Marketing
2015 Inside Line F1 Podcast Awards
Posted on | January 8, 2015 | No Comments
Happy New Year! And a ‘Happy New Season’! We stick to our tradition of hosting our Formula1 Podcast Awards in 2015 as well. And trust me, it is one helluva tough job. And I am not sure what’s tougher, compiling the categories, contenders and winners, or not laughing while we are presenting them!
We’ve wrapped up a super 2014 Formula1 Season with ‘Chequered Flag For 2015‘ and I am delighted that we crossed a little more than 50,000 listens in 2014, our highest ever. And it wouldn’t have been possible without your support (Pavithra and Latesh even more so!) and of course, listens. A special mention and thank you to Graham of www.talkingaboutf1.com for hosting our podcasts on his website. And a big thanks to all our social media partners who have shared our posts and podcasts alike – ‘Die Hard F1 Fan‘, ‘Formula One Forever‘, ‘Addicted To Formula1‘, ‘Formula 1 Fans Worldwide‘, ‘#F1Extra‘ and ‘Motoroctane‘.
The Class Of 2014
In our latest episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we present the 2015 Inside Line F1 Podcast Awards, an awards function that we absolutely enjoyed hosting and hope that you enjoy listening. And while we wait for the day when we host these in real with attendance from our listeners and a few Formula1 drivers, here are the categories for this year’s awards:
- Change Of The Year Award
- Beard Of The Year Award
- Physically Present, Mentally Absent Of The Year Award
- Worst Kept Secret Of The Year Award
- Most Desperate Move Of The Year Award
- Shame On You Award
- Luckiest Driver Of The Year Award
- Finger Of The Year Award
- Unlucky Charm Of The Year Award
- Bravery Award
- PDA Of The Year Award
- Radio Message Of The Year Award
- Joke Of The Year Award
- Race Of The Year Award
- Fan Of The Year Award
And while we too await the 2015 Formula1 Season, here’s a look back at some of our most listened podcasts from 2014:
- Chequered Flag For 2014
- Drive It Like You Stole It
- Bernie, I Shrunk The Grid
- Blame It On Bernie?
- Russ-yawn Grand Prix
- The Race That Wasn’t
- Forza Jules
- Marquez Does A Vettel
- Nico Ros-boo-rg
- Nico and Nicole
- Still Friends #NoProblem
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would welcome you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1. And while our podcast frequency is weekly, come ‘like‘ the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Facebook and on Google+ for far frequent humorous updates from the world of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android/Windows/Blackberry users).
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced and hosted by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, DailyMotion, Spreaker, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
Tags: 2014 Formula1 Season > 2015 Formula1 Season > F1 Podcast > Formula1 Awards > Formula1 Podcast > Inside Line F1 Podcast Awards
Inside Line F1 Podcast: Chequered Flag For 2014
Posted on | January 2, 2015 | No Comments
Adios 2014! We bid adieu to a year that proved to the world that Formula1 could race and survive on hybrid and not-so-loud technology instead of shamelessly wasting on already depleting fossil fuels (although you could argue this claim!). We bid adieu to a season that saw Lewis Hamilton triumph over his team-mate and title challenger Nico Rosberg to clinch his second Drivers’ Championship title. Adios!
Much of the 2014 Formula1 Season was spent talking about Mercedes, their engines, drivers, team rivalries, politics and what not. So in the latest episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Rishi and I consciously avoid speaking about the ‘Silver Arrows’. Instead we focus on two of the most iconic and long standing teams in the sport – Ferrari and Mclaren.
Chequered Flag For 2014
For the first time in many years (my memory can be questioned as always!), the two teams have lots in common and I mean besides their ‘legendary’ status. Two of the most experienced teams on the grid by some margin have struggled for pace and have had disastrous seasons that could almost put their history to shame. And strangely enough, both teams are hoping that radical changes will help bail them out of their current mess. Ferrari has undergone a people change, whereas Mclaren’s engine change (and partnership with Honda) is seen as their best bet to return to form.
But is there more than what meets the eye? I would believe so. I believe that these changes are just the start of many to occur as both teams try to regain their competitiveness and take the fight to Mercedes. And they rest their hope and pray that their legendary and unconventional driver pairings in Alonso-Button and Raikkonen-Vettel would lead them forward. (Read: Thank You Mclaren)
And it was a pleasant surprise (or was it?) that out of work drivers such as Gutierrez and Vergne got Ferrari test contracts just when it was assumed that their career in top flight of racing would be over. Strangely, we deduce how Gutierrez could end up racing for Ferrari in the 2016 Formula1 Season. But in the oh-so unpredictable world of Formula1, is Nico Hulkenberg teaching the mid-field drivers a thing to two? (Read: Drivers Play Musical Chairs)
Lastly, would the hybrid technology be phased out by the end of the 2015 Formula1 Season in favour of louder and less expensive engines? If Mr. E has his way, we will have a louder Formula1 back in 2016. And in this mix, there are cries of an ‘engine unfreeze’ from the teams that are unable to compete with Mercedes. But are these directions the sport should take? I wouldn’t think so. (Read: Blame It On Bernie?)
Hear the latest episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast – Chequered Flag For 2014. And as always, thank you for your listenership and support!
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would welcome you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1. And while our podcast frequency is weekly, come ‘like‘ the Inside Line F1 Podcast on Facebook and on Google+ for far frequent humorous updates from the world of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android/Windows/Blackberry users).
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced and hosted by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, DailyMotion, Spreaker, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
Tags: 2014 Formula1 Season > 2015 Formula1 Season > 2016 Formula1 Season > Esteban Gutierrez > Fernando Alonso > Ferrari > Jean-Eric Vergne > Jenson Button > Kimi Raikkonen > Mclaren > Mclaren Honda > Mercedes > Mercedes AMG Petronas > Sebastian Vettel
Thank You Mclaren
Posted on | December 11, 2014 | 2 Comments
No, I am not thanking them for finally announcing their driver line-up for the 2015 Formula1 Season. Nor am I thanking them for announcing the much logical and sentimental Alonso-Button partnership instead of the mental Alonso-Magnussen partnership, which would force Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One World Champion, into retirement. I am instead thanking them for creating and maintaining the suspense behind the driver decision. Something that Red Bull Racing didn’t let Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari maintain. And as a Formula1, Ferrari and Vettel fan, I was slightly disappointed. (Read: Drivers Play Musical Chairs)
For a team owner, driver decisions are about business and they should be. After all, they need to run their racing teams as a business and you would rather have the fastest guy (available) in the car who can score points, podiums and wins (not necessarily in that order) or have the driver with the fattest wallet on the grid (yes you, Pastor Maldonado). And Ron Dennis, who stated that his driver decision will be ‘clinical and emotionless analysis of the options’, did indeed take his time to make this announcement. Oh those bored meetings!
Mclaren announces their 2015 driver line-up: Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button
But this late an announcement has possibly taken precedence over the exciting news of Alonso rejoining forces with his former Woking based employer Mclaren with whom he had more than a tumultuous relationship back in 2007. Funnily enough, Alonso’s departure from Ferrari wasn’t as celebrated (as compared to Massa’s) and now his arrival has been overshadowed by Button’s renewal. So much for being regarded as one of the most complete drivers in Formula1! (Read: Fernando Alonso To Endorse Raymond Suitings)
As for Mclaren-Honda, they possibly have the most experienced driver pair on the grid racing for them next year, but I wonder if this pair will remain long-term with the team given the team’s struggle in the 2014 Formula1 Season. Alonso is desperate for his third World Championship before deciding to call it a day and it has been largely reported (and seems logical) that he will have a performance linked exit clause should Mclaren fail to deliver a winning car to him.
While one shouldn’t go by Mclaren-Honda’s testing form in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, should Mclaren fail in their endeavor (or seem promising enough for 2016), we could see Alonso end his reunion with Mclaren by the end of 2015 and sign up for another team (IF Mercedes and Hamilton are unable to renew) or go race in another series (FIA WEC or FIA Formula E?). And it would be a bit of a shame if one of them most regarded drivers on the grid ends his career with only two World Championship titles!
Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button have been team mates before!
On the other side of the garage, I believe that Magnussen would need to be brought back for racing duty for the 2016 Formula1 Season which would mean that the 2015 could well be Button’s last (and 16th) year in the sport. After earning much respect for battling hard and fair with Hamilton for three years in Mclaren, the time now is for Button to prove his worth and mettle against the much (or more?) talented Fernando Alonso. Exciting prospects for 2015 already! Thank you Mclaren!
And here’s a link to the Inside Line F1 Podcast’s Facebook Page where some nostalgic pictures of Alonso-Button have been shared. Take a look!
Tags: 2014 Formula1 Season > 2015 Formula1 Season > 2016 Formula1 Season > F1 Driver Transfers > F1 drivers > Fernando Alonso > Ferrari > Jenson Button > Kevin Magnussen > Mclaren > Mclaren Honda > Ron Dennis
Lewis Hamilton vs. Nico Rosberg – A Formula1 Infographic
Posted on | December 1, 2014 | 2 Comments
The 2014 Formula1 Season will go down in history as the season when Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg fought tooth and nail (without actually using them) for the 2014 Drivers’ Championship. They went from being friends to team-mates to being friends again (or so they claimed!) as the season progressed. (Read: Still Friends, #NoProblem)
In the first half of the season, Lewis Hamilton battled reliability gremlins, a Nico and a Nico-le as he played catch up to Rosberg’s championship lead. However, it was after the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix (their infamous clash!) and the second half of the season where Hamilton struck form to not only overcome the championship deficit (Read: Drive It Like You Stole It), but also take a slender lead as the sport dreaded a not-so-popular result via the farcical double points that were to be awarded at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (Read: Abu Double Grand Prix)
Eventually, Lewis Hamilton won the 2014 Formula One Drivers’ Championship while Nico Rosberg, who was re-named to Nico Ros-boo-rg mid-season, ended up winning more hearts for his graciousness in defeat (Read: ROS The Boss). In a battle that ebbed and flowed all season long, here’s a super Formula1 infographic by Spreadex, one of UK’s leading sports spread betting websites, that captures their season long battle with a variety of statistics.
Lewis Hamilton vs. Nico Rosberg - A Formula1 Infographic
Infographic brought to you by Spreadex, leading provider of sports spread betting in the UK.
Click here for the full size image (1600 x 7000 px).
Tags: 2014 Drivers' Championship > 2014 Formula1 Season > F1 Infographic > F1 Statistics > Formula1 Infographic > Lewis Hamilton > Nico Rosberg