Christmas Greetings & A Happy New Year

To our readers we are fortunate to have round around the world,

We hope you had a super Christmas period with your friends and family, and best wishes for the new year.

Let's hope for a super 2013 World Championship which will give us plenty to write about!

We hope to be announcing the launch of our new website extremely soon, promisingly before the start of the new season - exciting times for the young F1Hub.

All the best,
Nick, Andy & Paul - F1Hub

Talking Point: 2013 Calender & The Fall of European Races

It cannot be argued with that Europe is the heartland of Formula One for drivers and fans, with the presence of the Italian, Monaco, German & British Grand Prix being on the calendar essentially every year since the beginning in 1950.

The decline over the past two decades of European Races

1994	11/16 (69%)	2004	10/18 (56%)
1995	11/17 (65%)	2005	11/19 (58%)
1996	11/16 (69%)	2006	10/18 (56%)
1997	12/17 (71%)	2007	9/17 (53%)
1998	11/16 (69%)	2008	10/18 (56%)
1999	11/16 (69%)	2009	9/17 (53%)
2000	11/17 (65%)	2010	9/19 (48%)
2001	11/17 (65%)	2011	9/19 (48%)
2002	11/17 (65%)	2012	8/20 (40%)
2003	10/16 (63%)	2013*	7/19 or 20 (37/35%)*

Even Belgium has had 57 Grand Prix out of the 63 seasons that have taken place, yet all of these historic and classic races and circuits have come under threat of being axed over the past few years by F1 mastermind, Bernie Ecclestone for various reasons. To many fans, the thought of the loss of Silverstone, Monza, Monaco or Spa-Francorchamps is ludicrous, so with Bernie confirming ‘we’ll probably lose two or three more races in Europe as we have to sort of move on’, many are starting to heavily criticise this extreme as he fails to realise the passion fans have for some events on the calender.

Can you imagine if only 5 European Grand Prix were on the calender?!

When it was suggested Belgium’s Spa track would alternate with France or even be replaced by France, some fans on forum’s have threatened to stop watching F1 as the loss would be so big as one of the best race circuits on the calender.

Belgium's Spa Francorchamps Famous Eau Rouge Corner Getting Festive!

Of course, let’s not forget it is a World Championship, and the expansion into new countries across various continents is totally understandable, and for the most part has been largely successful. The spectacle of Singapore’s night race has become quoted by many in the paddock as an instant ‘modern classic’, Abu Dhabi’s spectacular facility has displayed improving races each year, whilst Japan since the late 1980’s has been Asia’s most successful and traditional long-term event, with many world championship deciders and classic races and moments.

It is apparent then both sides of the argument have positive points for expanding away to new countries and circuits but similarly for keeping its routes in proven grounds. Surely Bernie should not be so adamant it is time to move away from Europe so dramatically, and instead find a balance.

Here’s a proposed calendar for 2015 onwards, but what do you think?

Comment your favourite preferences and share with everyone!

If you want to see my personal reasoning for everything, see below the calender.

Nick, F1 Hub

     1)      Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park – Melbourne)

     2)      Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang International Circuit – Kuala Lumper)

     3)      Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai International Circuit – Shanghai)

     4)      Spanish Grand Prix (Circuit de Catalunya – Barcelona)*

     5)      Monaco Grand Prix (Circuit de Monaco – Monte Carlo)

     6)      Canadian Grand Prix (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – Montreal)

     7)      Grand Prix of America (Port Imperial Street Circuit – New Jersey)

     8)      Mexican/South African Grand Prix (Unknown – Unknown/Unknown)**

     9)      Russian Grand Prix (Sochi Olympic Park Circuit – Krasnodar Krai)***

     10)   British Grand Prix (Silverstone Circuit – Silverstone)

     11)   German Grand Prix (Nurburgring – Nurburg)****

     12)   Finnish Grand Prix (Unknown – Unknown)*****

     13)   Belgium Grand Prix (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps – Spa)

     14)   Italian Grand Prix (Autodromo Nazionale Monza – Monza)

     15)   Singapore Grand Prix (Marina Bay Street Circuit – Marina Bay)

     16)   Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka Circuit – Suzuka)

     17)   Indian Grand Prix (Buddh International Circuit – Greater Noida)

     18)   Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi)

     19)   United States Grand Prix (Circuit of the Americas – Austin)

     20)   Brazilian Grand Prix (Autodrome Jose Carlos Pace – Sao Paulo)

* Alternating with Spanish Grand Prix 2 (Valencia Street Circuit – Valencia)

** Not officially proposed races, but both have been mentioned by Bernie, Mexico is a rising market for F1 with current and future F1 drivers; South Africa would mean the continent of Africa has a race again

*** The officially confirmed race for 2014 or 2015 is subject to checks and may be position in a different position to Round 8

**** Ideally to no longer alternate with the nowhere near as good Hockenheimring, although this unfortunately will be done due to funding reasons similar to the Spanish Grand Prix

***** Not an officially proposed race, but a suggested event due to ever-present Finnish drivers

The original banking at Monza when the Formula One championship originally began before major upgrades 

Alternatives/Back-Ups & Replaced Grand Prix (in order of preference to be added if more than 20 races were ever to be in a season calender)

1st) Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul Park – Istanbul)

A fantastic race track both technically and for overtaking, just unfortunate that the public haven’t appreciated this and eventually their place on the calendar couldn’t be sustained. A shame but hopefully this isn’t the end for the circuit.

2nd) Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring – Budapest)

Since 1986 Hungary has cooked up some great races, but I have personally excluded it from the main lineup due to more important European Grand Prix, including all long-term classics and the logically suggested Finnish Grand Prix.

3rd) Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain International Circuit – Sakhir)

Since the inaugural Grand Prix in 2004, the race weekends have come under much criticsm for two words – ‘borain’ and politics. Whilst this year’s event was perhaps the most successful race despite everything off the track, but it wouldn’t be a missed event by anyone but Bernie’s wallet perhaps.

4th) Korean Grand Prix (Korean International Circuit – Yeongam)

Minimal crowds, a dull circuit, miserable conditions, awful environmental surroundings, low overtaking, financial issues – an easy decision. Korea could have done so much better.

New/Returning Grand Prix logic

Mexico (Unknown – Unknown)

Proposed due to the success of Perez and several up and coming drivers expected to be in the sport in the future few years. Next to Canada & USA, it would fit in for the teams logistically very well.

South Africa (Unknown – Unknown)

South Africa is the most viable option to expand the World Championship in the last possible continent to. It is also had races in South Africa before at the Kyalami circuit.

Argentina (Unknown – Unknown)

Another country proposed to be reintroduced making a second race in South America, having previously had many stints hosting a Grand Prix over the generations.

That's my proposed 2015 calender onwards, but what do you think?

Comment your favourite preferences and share with everyone!

Nick, F1 Hub

F1 Hub Season Review

So, everyone does a season review, but we thought we'd still make our own take and see what you think of our personal answers and see if you agree. Enjoy!

1. Race of the year
Nick: So many contenders, Malaysia, unexpectedly Valencia & Abu Dhabi, or the finale in Brazil. Definitely not the boring Vettel four wins a row. Brazil was a thrilling end to a dramatic season and perfectly not knowing the title winner till the last few laps. I'm looking forward to re-watching the craziness of Malaysia more though!
Andy: 

Early season races are often forgotten, but 2012 had seven different winners in seven races, including Malaysia which in the unique weather conditions and stand out drives from Perez and Alonso creating an early season buzz

2. Driver of the year
Nick: Hamilton has been great and without unreliability would have been in the title hunt, a highlight for me being a superb comeback win in Canada despite setbacks and a doubted strategy call, but Alonso has been superb from start to finish, and desperately unlucky to not claim the world title. He gets my vote.
Andy:



3. Disappointment of the year
Nick: I considered Mercedes’ flop in form but, whilst Brazil was a fantastic race in so many ways, the battle between Hulkenberg and Hamilton was ended too prematurely – I would have loved to have seen the great wheel to wheel action for longer. If they are both in top grid cars in the coming years, they will bring out the best in each other.
Andy:

Hulkenberg and Hamilton collide after an intense battle which was cut short due to Hulkenberg over-shooting his braking in the damp conditions 

4. Most improved team/driver of the year
Nick: Team – Lotus. They were unlucky to finish fourth not third but deserved to overhaul Mercedes in fifth by a margin. If Grosjean or his replacement doesn’t crash half the races, they can progress even further. Driver - A much closer call between Perez, Hulkenberg and Rosberg, but Massa improved dramatically towards the end of the season beating Alonso on pace often. I hope he can start with this pace next year.
Andy:


5. Quote of the year
Nick: Was tempted by ‘you know when you’ve been KK’ed’ – Martin Brundle when Kobayashi overtook Button in Barcelona unexpectedly as well as Perez’ criticism of Maldonado’s overtaking ‘skills’; but Raikkonen’s infamous telling off of his race engineer was worthy of a t-shirt.
Andy:


6. US grand prix verdict
Nick: The Circuit of Americas threw up a superb race, and it was great to be back in The States. The circuit is great to look at and for the drivers to race on. We had plenty of overtaking, and a massive battle for the lead lasting the entire grand prix. No boring Vettel into the distance here.
Andy:


7. Rivalry of the year
Nick: Grosjean & crash side-kicks vs the entire field?
Andy:


8. Overtake of the year
Nick: Vettel overtaking Vergne in Brazil allegedly illegally has clearly been a talking point, almost costing him the championship, but a superbly entertaining overtake came from Nico Hulkenberg in Korea through the technical twists and turns overtaking two cards impressively including Hamilton. Told you, these two bring out some great action! 
Andy:

Swooping Round The Outside Taking The Inside Line For The Next Twisty Section

9. What do you think of Lewis’s move to Mercedes
Nick: I personally was disappointed both as a fan of British drivers and teams, but generally because of the sporting relationship between the two. Nevertheless, it really will be interesting to see how he performs whatever Mercedes produces. A true test of character and driver skill.
Andy: 


10. What to look forward to next season 
Nick: Hamilton vs Rosberg, savouring the last year of V8 engines, and whether the excitement of 2012 can be lived up to, or will go back to the dull 2011 dominance?
Andy:



Thank you to those who have read our blogs and race reports so far, we hope you have found us unique and fresh. Our website is currently being developed by F1 Hub's Paul, who is doing a great job, we can't wait to go live!

We will still write some blogs before the new season when the site will go live, so keep checking back with us for stories and talking points.

Nick, Andy & Paul - F1 Hub

Race Report: Brazil (Round 20)

Lap Record: 1:11:473

Lap Length: 4.309km
Race Length: 71 Laps

Total Distance: 305.909km

Tyre Allocation: Medium & Hard

Start Grid (before penalties) - http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2012/883/7154/

Button Cruises to Brazil Victory as Vettel Wins Championship.


Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel finishes the final race of the season in brazil in 6th but still manages to clinch the victory beating Fernando Alonso by 3 points. Jenson Button was the one who was victorious at a very eventful Interlagos.

Red Bull Are Making A Habit Of These T-Shirts Each Year!

Championship contender Alonso battled valiantly to the finish line to secure second place in the mixed condition race. For a large proportion of the race Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg superbly led until an incident with Lewis Hamilton ended his final race for McLaren early.


Despite a first lap incident leaving Vettel facing the wrong way and a botched pit stop he was sstill able to recover enough to ensure that even Alonso’s second place finish was not going to take the title from the German.


Vettel’s race started with a bit of a cautious start and first corner dropping him down to seventh. As the pack made its way around the first sector Bruno Senna made contact with Vettel, spinning him around and also colliding with Sergio Perez. This incident left Senna out of his home Grand Prix. The incident didn't discourage Vettel who managed to go from 22nd to 7th by lap 8.


Further up the road Alonso took two places from Mark Webber and Felipe Massa while approaching the Senna S.

A Mixed Emotion Podium Being An Understatement,
One Which Had Potential For Many Different Drivers

The McLarens of Hamilton and Button were still leading at this pace but Button was catching Hamilton, as the rain steadily got heavier. The worsening rain forced everybody but Button and Hulkenberg to the pits for a tyre change. Because of this bold choice by Force India this enabled Hulkenberg to pass Button on lap 19.


With Nico Rosberg picking up a puncture from the debris-ridden track this forced a safety car for the marshals’ to clear up the strewn carbon fiber. At the restart the grid looked like, Hulkenberg, Button, Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel, Kobayashi and Webber

Hamilton overtook Button after the restart but they couldn't catch Hulkenberg until his mistake on lap 49.


Hulkenberg didn't let Hamilton get away and the two collided on lap 54. Hulkenberg was able to continue in 2nd but incurred a drive through penalty for causing the crash.

The rain returning was a factor of the incident as the track became more slippy off line. Because of this the grid started to pit for intermediate tyres. During this lot of pit stops the Red Bull mechanics we caught by surprised and did not have the tyres ready for Vettel resulting in an 11+ second stop. Again this did not deter him and was able to get back up to sixth which was high enough for the championship.

Hamilton's Special 'Thankyou McLaren' Brazilian Helmet

Because of Paul Di Resta the race ended with some what of an anti climax with the safety car being deployed with one lap to go. Button claimed the win and despite Alonso second Vettel’s sixth place finish gave him championship number 3.


In his final race of his F1 career Michael Schumacher claimed seventh, even after a late coming together with Sauber’s Kobayashi. Vitaly Petrov beat Charles Pic ensuring Caterham secured 10th place in the constructors which is an important jump for next season worth millions of pounds.


Over all this season has been one of the greats with some fantastic racing at tracks we would never expect. 

Congratulations to Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull on a third consecutive Constructors and Drivers Championship. Maybe next year Alonso?

Andy, F1 Hub

Results
1. Button [McLaren-Mercedes] 1:45:22.656
2. Alonso [Ferrari] +2.7 secs
3. Massa [Ferrari] +3.6 secs
4. Webber [Red Bull-Renault] +4.9 secs
5. Hulkenberg [Force India-Mercedes] +5.7secs
6. Vettel [Red Bull-Renault] +9.4secs
7. Schumacher [Mercedes] +11.9secs
8. Vergne [Toro Rosso-Ferrari] +28.6secs
9. Kobayashi [Sauber-Ferrari] +31.2secs
10. Raikkonen [Lotus-Renault] +1 Lap
11. Petrov [Caterham-Renault] +1 Lap
12. Pic [Marussia-Cosworth] +1 Lap
13. Ricciardo [Toro Rosso-Ferrari] +1 Lap
14. Kovalainen [Caterham-Renault] +1 Lap
15. Rosberg [Mercedes] +1 Lap
16. Glock [Marussia-Cosworth] +1 Lap
17. de la Rosa [HRT-Cosworth] +2 Laps
18. Karthikeyan [HRT-Cosworth] +2 Laps

Did Not Finish
di Resta [Force India-Mercedes] Lap 70
Hamilton [McLaren Mercedes] Lap 54
Grosjean [Lotus-Renault] Lap 5
Maldonado [Williams-Renault] Lap 1
Senna [Williams-Renault] Lap 1
Perez [Sauber-Ferrari] Lap 1

Race Report: United States (Round 19)

Lap Record: N/A

Lap Length: 5.515km

Race Length: 56 Laps

Total Distance: 191.939km

Tyre Allocation:  Medium & Hard

Start Grid (before penalties) - http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2012/882/7184/

A thrilling inaugural grand prix at the Circuit Of The Americas has confirmed Red Bull officially as Constructor’s Champions for the third year running and kept the Driver’s title going till the season finale in Sao Paulo, Brazil, many thanks to a storming drive by Lewis Hamilton in what may possibly be his last win for McLaren.

Hamilton Finally Isn't Tainted By Reliability & Fairly Beat Vettel On Track In The Process

After the discussions of what the implications would be for those starting on the left dusty side of the grid, of course it gave them a disadvantage, but for many it wasn’t as significant as first thought, on average losing a position each. Webber overtook into the ominous first corner/wall before once again getting the bad luck out of the two Red Bull’s, retiring from the race on lap 16 due to another alternator failure, which Red Bull will be thankful didn’t occur for Vettel instead.

Hamilton looked on the pace from the outgo, quickly re-passing Webber, before taunting Vettel for the majority of the race, as they both pulled away from the entire field leaving Alonso for dead. After qualifying ninth, Fernando started in seventh after Grosjean’s and more importantly his teammate’s controversial last minute gearbox penalty, which now can be credited as both an un-sporting but on the other hand inspired decision. Instead of arriving in the first corner probably in ninth, he arrived in fourth, finishing third for his twelve podium in the nineteen races this season.

The First Corner Which Could Have Fitted The Whole Field In, Braking Points Were Hard To Find

It was probably a slightly dull race for Alonso in the end, but it was far less than dull for the majority of the field. Overtaking was aplenty at the new circuit, despite some talk as a result of the first sector being twisty making it difficult. Lots of ‘dummies’ were being sent, and thanks to the wide design of the circuit, particularly into key braking corners allowed multiple cars to enter, in many different racing lines. Button was the winner of the day despite a first lap disaster, falling from twelve to sixteenth being stuck behind the tentative Senna into the first corner, as cars wiggled round the S’s for grip. Button eventually finished a well-deserved fifth.

Similarly, Massa finished well in fourth, whilst Grosjean had a mixed race despite a spin at the tricky turn nineteen whilst chasing Hulkenberg, just finishing behind Abu Dhabi winning teammate Raikkonen in sixth and seventh, with the two Williams finishing out the points.

Further down the results, Mercedes end of season slumped as they fell down the order, getting beating by a Toro Rosso easily, with Schumacher falling from sixth to sixteenth after out performing the car in qualifying.

Marussia thought they had completely outperformed Caterham now, which they proved in qualifying, but Petrov and Kovalainen had the small consolation of out-racing them, as they look to drop from tenth to eleven and last, with HRT expected to not be on the grid in 2013.

Off the track, celebrities were in their masses, and Bernie has also confirmed he is aiming for three, yes three; races in the States by 2015. New Jersey is now expected in join in 2014, but options are open for the third proposed race.

The First Podium With Cowboy Hats That's For Sure

The first grand prix at the new venue certainly confirmed everyone’s expectations and has made us look forward to future races there. Can you imagine if Vettel had the failure rather than Webber? Alonso would now be eight points ahead instead of thirteen behind. Wow. Nevertheless, showers are predicted for Interlagos, Vettel is still the favourite for so many reasons, but Alonso is hanging in there and probably praying for falling rain.

Nick, F1 Hub

Results

1. Hamilton [McLaren Mercedes] 1:35:55:269

2. Vettel [Red Bull-Renault] +0.6 seconds

3. Alonso [Ferrari] + 39.2 seconds

4. Massa [Ferrari] +46.0 seconds

5. Button [McLaren Mercedes] + 56.4 seconds

6. Raikkonen [Lotus-Renault] +64.4 seconds

7. Grosjean [Lotus-Renault] +70.3 seconds

8. Hulkenberg [Force India-Mercedes] +73.7 seconds

9. Maldonado [Williams-Renault] +74.5 seconds

10. Senna [Williams-Renault] +75.1 seconds

11. Perez [Sauber-Ferrari] +84.3 seconds

12. Ricciardo [Toro Rosso-Ferrari] +84.8 seconds

13. Rosberg [Mercedes] +85.5 seconds

14. Kobayashi [Sauber-Ferrari] +1 lap

15. di Resta [Force India-Mercedes] +1 lap

16. Schumacher [Mercedes] +1 lap

17. Petrov [Caterham-Renault] +1 lap

18. Kovalainen [Caterham-Renault] +1 lap

19. Glock [Marussia-Cosworth] +1 lap

20. Pic [Marussia-Cosworth] +1 lap

21. de la Rosa [HRT-Cosworth] +1 lap

22. Karthikeyan [HRT-Cosworth] +1 lap

Did Not Finish

Webber [Red Bull-Renault] Lap 16

Vergne [Toro Rosso-Ferrari] Lap 14

Race Report: Abu Dhabi (Round 18)

Lap Record: 1.40.279 S Vettel (2009)

Lap Length: 5.55km

Race Length: 55 Laps

Total Distance: 305.4km

Tyre Allocation: Soft & Hard

Start Grid - http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2012/881/7178/

So belated race report of the Abu Dhabi GP that took place on the 4^th November 2012.

Kimi Raikkonen claimed his first victory of his F1 comeback by capitalising on another mechanical failure for Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren leading to him taking the chequered flag ahead of championship contenders Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.

Kimi Back On Top For The First Time Since 2009

Finally we have been provided with an Abu Dhabi race where the action on track matches the spectacle that is the location of this race. It was a race filled with accidents. Vettel’s ability to start from the pitlane and finish third showed the class of driving that he is able to produce when needed. This was one of the most convincing evidence that he really is a racing driver, however it was not a smooth running afternoon for him after coming together with Bruno Senna on the opening lap and then crashing into a polystyrene DRS board later in the race. 

Hamilton Walks Away From Yet Another Almost Certain Victory

Alonso also showed his class around the Yas Marina Circuit after passing Red Bulls Mark Webber on the first lap. I for one feel that no one deserves this year’s title more than him after the performances he has displayed this season.

Following less than interesting races in Japan, Korea and India F1 surprisingly breathed life back into the Yas Marina Circuit that has failed to provide interesting racing since it first made it onto the calendar in 2009.

An incident involving Nico Rosberg and Narain Karthikeyan on lap 9 resulted in the races first appearance of the safety car, which bunched the grid back up.

Spectacular Crash As Rosberg Has No Chance In Avoided The HRT's  Failure

Perez who will replace Hamilton at McLaren in 2013 was given a stop-go penalty after cutting across the path of Romain Grosjean, who then swerved into the path of Mark Webber which resulted in the retirement of both Grosjean and Webber.

The race ended in Abu Dhabi under the stars of the United Arab Emirites with the top ten looking like.

1 Kimi Raikkonen    

2 Fernando Alonso    

3 Sebastian Vettel

4 Jenson Button

5 Pastor Maldonado

6 Kamui Kobayashi

7 Felipe Massa

8 Bruno Senna

9 Paul Di Resta    

10 Daniel Ricciardo

Andy, F1 Hub

Race Report: India 2012 (Round 17)

Please feel free to leave positive or constructive comments on our blogs below, thank you - F1 Hub.

Lap Record: 1:27.249 S Vettel (2011)

Lap Length: 5.14km

Race Length: 60 Laps

Total Distance: 308.4km

Tyre Allocation: Soft & Hard

Start Grid - http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2012/880/7112/

Incredible India put on the opportunity for an incredible race, and in some aspects it delivered, but in its second year, there was a sense of deja vu as Vettel streaked away once again at the Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi to claim his fourth win in a row and his fifth of the season.

Vettel Celebrates As Alonso Hangs On To Title Fight 

Let’s face it, after turn three, we barely needed to see him on camera. The brilliant first few corners however showed the juniors of the grid how to race wheel-to-wheel at the top end of the grid with full intensity but with all battling drivers making it to tell the tale afterwards.

The real story of the race was Alonso’s battle towards finishing second from P5, emerging 4^th after this first lap tussle with the two McLaren’s. Whilst Webber had a KERS issue, Alonso still did a great job in a less able car to hunt the resident Aussie down, and as sparks from the underside of Vettel’s car started to spark with less than ten laps to go, I wondered if the unpredictable story of the 2012 season was about to get it’s mojo back. This turned out to be a mere scare for a lap, but nevertheless, with 75 points still to play for, and Alonso only 13 points behind – considering Vettel’s winning streak and two DNF’s through no fault of his own in Belgium and Japan, this seems astoundingly impressive and all is not lost yet. With Ferrari announcing updates for the rest of the races of the season, the championship is most certainly still alive.

Championship Table after Italian Grand Prix (Round 13)

Fernando Alonso – 179

Lewis Hamilton – 142

Kimi Raikkonen – 141

Sebastian Vettel – 140

Mark Webber – 132

Elsewhere, it was a setup decision before qualifying that cost Kimi Raikkonen who is admirably still third in the championship ahead of Webber’s Red Bull and both McLaren’s. Of course in Parc Ferme ruling, he could not change his fundamental setup, and paid the price in the race in particular stuck behind Massa’s Ferrari who had an uneventful race, managing fuel for the most part.

Jenson Button dropped a place to P5 after struggling with the soft compound tyre, whilst Hamilton challenged Webber well to finish P4, providing a battle to the last lap on-track. One of the highlights of the race came from the pitlane, as in a 3.3 second stop, Lewis and his mechanic impressively changed his wheel before exiting again after radio troubles early on.

Hamilton Sporting A Special Indian Grand Prix Helmet (Wait, Vettel Didn't?!)

After a lacklustre Korean Grand Prix, Williams came back with some decent pace; in particular Senna outshone his teammate on pure pace and race craft. It’s a shame Bruno didn’t maximise his potential and get into the top ten for a Q3 shootout, ending up qualifying P13, as he may have had a chance of getting more than the point he gained for finishing P10. Nevertheless, this performance may improve his chances of keeping his Williams drive for 2013, or at least his career in Formula One.

His teammate Maldonado was involved in one of many similar incidents involving punctures as a result of touching with front wings. Another of these occurrences involved Schumacher in the first corner, as his bad luck and results continue, eventually retiring for the eighth time in seventeen races, making it almost an almost 50% retirement rate. Whilst on this occasion it was for pre-cautionary races, Rosberg’s result and pace summed up Mercedes team position currently.

Having not scored any points for three races in a row and Sauber in sixth lurking twenty points behind, it wouldn’t be a great surprise to astonishingly see Sauber beat the global force, budget and resources of Mercedes AMG. What an incredible feat that potential result would be, and the prize money received for doing so would hopefully enable them to sustain such performance for future seasons, despite the departure of Perez who has gained them three podiums this season. Sergio himself had an afternoon to forget however, as he was forced to retiring following another one of the puncture plagued incidents.

Mercedes car looked tired in New Delhi getting passed by Hulkenberg’s Force India, Grosjean’s Lotus and Senna’s Williams, eventually finishing outside the points in P11. They may yet get punished for not taking advantage of some good early-season pace, with retirements, penalties and qualifying mistakes aplenty. Perhaps they have, or if not they should turn their focus to their 2013 car. With the arrival of Hamilton to partner Rosberg, there is much more to gain next year than there is to lose in the remaining three races of this year.

As the end of the field, arguably the number two drivers for each team faired the better on race day, as Caterham’s Kovalainen was beaten by Petrov, and Pic took the chequered flag before the well-experienced Timo Glock in the Marussia’s. Local driver Narain Karthikeyan finished last on the track in 21^st, as there were three retirements in total including his teammate de la Rosa following HRT’s ongoing break issues.

The beautiful Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is up next in the latest weekend of back to back races - let’s hope Alonso can bring the fight to Vettel in qualifying on this infamously circuit for difficult overtaking.

Please feel free to leave positive or constructive comments on our blogs below, thank you - F1 Hub.

Results

1. Vettel [Red Bull-Renault] 1h:31:10:744

2. Alonso [Ferrari] + 9.4 seconds

3. Webber [Red Bull-Renault] +13.2

4. Hamilton [McLaren-Mercedes] + 13.9

5. Button [McLaren-Mercedes] + 26.2

6. Massa [Ferrari] + 44.6

7. Raikkonen [Lotus-Renault] + 45.2

8. Hulkenberg [Force India-Mercedes] + 54.9

9. Grosjean [Lotus-Renault] + 56.1

10. Senna [Williams-Renault] + 74.9

11. Rosberg [Mercedes] + 81.6

12. di Resta [Force India-Mercedes] + 82.8

13. Ricciardo [Toro Rosso-Ferrari] + 86.0

14. Kobayashi [Sauber-Ferrari] + 86.4

15. Vergne [Toro Rosso-Ferrari] + 1 Lap

16. Maldonado [Williams-Renault] + 1 Lap

17. Petrov [Caterham-Renault] + 1 Lap

18. Kovalainen [Caterham-Renault] + 1 Lap

19. Pic [Marussia-Cosworth] + 1 Lap

20. Glock [Marussia-Cosworth] + 2 Laps

21. Karthikeyan [HRT-Cosworth] + 2 Laps

Did Not Finish

Schumacher [Mercedes] Lap 55

de la Rosa [HRT-Cosworth] Lap 42

Perez [Sauber-Ferrari] Lap 20

Nick, F1 Hub