Formula 1 - 2013 - Page 67

They have been the team that loves to sandbag in recent years so I wouldn't be too worried if I was a RB fan from testing. The car is an evolution again so they will be strong, Seb was making a few complaints about tyres but I am sure in the hotter racing conditions they will be fine. Qualifying last year in the first half was their achilles heel, will they be up to speed in Aus? I think so. Prediction: Constructors champ again.
In the driver battle there will only be one outcome, Webber just cant compete with Seb, and seems to always have issues in races. Vettel to win comfortably.

They have taken a few risks with their design and the complex nature of their front suspension has given difficulties with set-up. For that reason they haven't done the sort of miles in testing that they should have. Speed is also hard to judge as McLaren like to sandbag (although slightly less than RB). Lewis leaving is a huge blow though, because if you look at the sort of speed Jenson showed last year was nowhere neat enough to compete for the title. I think it will be a disappointing year. Prediction: 4th.
As for Jenson v Sergio, I think Button will beat him. I suspect he will have better speed and mainly better consistency. I think Perez will have a few races where he drives well.

Ferrari look good. They have had none of the problems that plagued their winter last year and can go into the season with optimism. Massa needs to really perform this year or I suspect that will be the end of him as it seems anyone in the midfield needs money now. I think Alonso will have a car more capable of competing for the title this year. Prediction:3rd
This is the most certain I am in the team-mate battles. Alonso by miles.....again.

Well they have looked pretty good this winter haven't they. I am fairly sure they have produced a better car this year but last season the development race was lost heavily to virtually every team on the grid. The success of this year will revolve around that aspect for Mercedes. Hamilton joining will also have given a real boost so I think they will have their best year yet. Is Hamilton/Rosberg the strongest driver line-up? I think so. Prediction:2nd
I think Hamilton will win this battle but I expect it wont be completely one-sided as I feel Alonso and Vettel will enjoy.

They looked really strong after the first couple tests and also had (imo) the best package for the beginning of last year. I have found them hard to read to be honest, but I suspect they will be around the area they ended last year. Mixing it in the top ten but not really able to compete for wins. I feel Grosjean did a poor job but he is backed by money and therefore the team. He will need to improve however. Prediction 5th.
I think the experience of Kimi will prove the decisive factor again, he will be similar pace but score at far more GP.

I think Williams will win the midfield battle this year, although Force India seem to have the best driver pairing. Hulkenberg is the best of the bunch though I feel.
Williams - Bottas > Maldonado. I think the young Finn will have a difficult start but improve throughout the year and ultimately end up on top due to Maldonado and his antics costing points.
Sauber - Hulkenberg > Gutierrez. Tough task for Esteben here, Nico is a very good driver and one that isn't rated that highly. He will have a hard time looking good this year, but his backing should give him security at least.
Force India - Sutil > Di Resta. Sutil seemed to have the beating of Di Resta last time out and I think it will turn out the same. They won't score many points this year and Sutil has the ability to score good points in wet races. I think that will be the key. Di Resta might lose his F1 drive if that happens because it would be three years his team-mate has beaten him, and not guys with particularly high stock.
Toro Rosso - Vergne > Ricciardo. Hard to call this one. Vergne was great at lower formula, but he disappointed last time out. It will be a bit of a lottery though, because I don't see many races where these guys have any hope of points. It will be who performs on those limited opportunities.

Caterham - Pic > van der Garde. I went with experience here, and Pic did a pretty good job against Glock last year.
Marussia - Bianchi > Chilton. I find it very disappointing that Chilton has a drive in F1, I could pick ten guys out of GP2 who deserve it far more. Bianchi is very experienced for a rookie though, so I expect he will crush him.