39 replies to this topic

[emmanuelrubi]

Which driver do you think will come out on top of their respective teams ?

 

Red Bull:

 

Quali - Vettel.

Race/Points - Vettel.

Podiums/Wins - Vettel.

 

Even i do believe DR will give a couple of surprises i still think Vettel is the man to beat and being his teammate is the hardest job on earth.

 

Mercedes Benz:

 

Quali - Hamilton.

Race/Points - Hard to decide since i see more consistent Nico but i believe Hamilton will finish in higher positions so i give this one to Lewis.

Podiums/Wins - Hamilton.

 

This is going to be a tied battle but Hamilton is much faster than Nico.

 

Ferrari:

 

Quali - Alonso.

Race/Points - Kimi.

Podiums/Wins - depending of the car i would see this pretty tied but probably Alonso will end up with more.

 

One of the most consistent pairing of the grid will constantly give a great race they are not so good in quali but Alonso will win that one and i see Kimi more consistent during race time if they have a good car they will end giving Ferrari the WCC, about the WDC i don't think anyone unless they are given a pretty good car.

 

Lotus:

 

Quali - Pretty tied and even Maldonado will sometimes beat Romain i believe Grosjean will take this one.

Race/Points - Grosjean.

Podiums - Grosjean.

 

Unless they can produce a car as good as the E21 i don't see neither of them fighting for a win probably we will be back to Renault F1 during 2011 season a couple of podiums and i would consider that as success since back in 2011 they didn't  lost as much staff as nowadays most of the points will be get by Grosjean since Pastor Maldonado race pace is pretty bad but i don't think he will be trashed as bad as many people think in this forum.

 

McLaren:

 

Quali - Magnussen.

Race/Points - Button.

Podiums/Wins - Button.

 

I think Magnussen will be faster during quali but his inexperience wont help him during race something and that will help Button since i don't see Lotus as strong as 2013 i think they will get a couple of Podiums most of them by Button and maybe just maybe a win (my bet Spa).

 

Force India:

 

Quali - Hulkenberg.

Race/Points - Pretty tied but i will risk myself here betting on Sergio.

Podiums/Unlikely Win - Hulkenberg.

 

If Force India can provide a decent car i think they will be the surprise fighting Lotus and Williams for 5th and if McLaren are not that good maybe 4th but its unlikely, during quali Hulkenberg has proven to be pretty fast so i think he can beat Sergio there but on race even Hulkenberg is very consistent i think Perez is very underrated at this moment during his stay in Sauber he prove to improve a lot his position during the race and at McLaren even Button beat him on the points many of his races were ruined because of a terrible pit stop or like in UK a tyre blow so if this things haven't happened to him he would have been much more close to JB so Perez could be the really big big surprise beating Hulkenberg on race day and i take my risk on him even though im probably going to be wrong on this one and they are going to be pretty close as for a podium this could be their season, for a win very unlikely.

 

Sauber:

 

Quali - Esteban.

Race/Points - Sutil.

Best Result -  Esteban

 

Esteban proved during the last part of the season to be improving on quali, but in the overall race/points i think this will go to Sutil because of his experience and motivational girlfriend.

 

Williams:

 

Quali - Bottas.

Race/Points - Pretty tied but i will bet this one on Massa.

Best Result - Massa.

 

Based on last year when Bottas trashed Maldonado on quali my bet will go to this guy but they will end up very close, again in race i think the experience will prove to be a lot of Help for Massa, as for a couple of podiums, they could be fighting 5th in WCC.

 

STR

 

Quali - Vergne.

Race/Points - Vergne.

Best Result - Vergne

 

I don't see Kvyat beating Verge on his rookie season but if he does then i don't see Verge in F1 for 2015.

 

Marussia:

 

Quali - Bianchi.

Race - Bianchi.

Best Result - Bianchi

 

Even Max Chilton (AKA Nicky Romero) has proven to be very consistent there is no use on being consisted on finishing last every race so nothing more to say here than Bianchi will beat him.

 

Caterham:

 

Quali - Kobayashi.

Race - Kobayashi.

Best Result - Kobayashi

 

I think here experience will be the key since Marcus didn't do anything special at GP2 i don't think he can give us a surprise and beat Kamui. 

Edited by emmanuelrubi, 12 February 2014 - 13:04.

[Kingshark]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Alonso

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Rosberg

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Equal

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Maldonado

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Button

Best Result: Magnussen

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Perez

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Gutierrez

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: JEV

Best Result: JEV

 

Williams

Qualifying: Too close to call

Points: Bottas

Best Result: Bottas

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Ericsson

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

Edited by Kingshark, 22 January 2014 - 21:46.

[Smile17]

A lot seem to think that Raikonnen is going to upset Alonso or at least equal his performance. I don't think so. Unless the Ferrari is a truck and Alonso completely loses motivation, he's not going to be beaten by Kimi. I think Ferrari may have found the 'perfect' second driver, he's not really a #2, but he's not going to outshine Alonso either.

[MustangSally]

 

 . . .  i think this will go to Sutil because of his experience and motivational girlfriend.

 

 

Should teams totally re-assess the way they hire drivers, do you think?

[Longtimefan]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel*

Points: Vettel*

Wins: Vettel*

 

*Even if for some amazing reason Ricciardo was faster, RBR would not allow it, he is #2 from FP1, Race one, he knows it, the team knows it and we do.

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Alonso

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Hamilton

Points: Rosberg

Wins: Rosberg

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Maldonado

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Button

Wins: Button

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Hulkenberg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: JEV

Points: JEV

Best Result: JEV

 

Williams

Qualifying: Massa

Points: Bottas

Best Result: Bottas

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

[emmanuelrubi]

Should teams totally re-assess the way they hire drivers, do you think?

 

haha sorry can't comment on Sutil without mentioning his girlfriend. 

[sennafan24]

Too much of a broad scope this thread, the top battles warrant a thread of their own!

 

A quick analysis of my thoughts.

 

D.R has a better chance in qualifying than he does in race trim to upset Seb. Webber at times in the latter half of 2013 got close to Seb on one lap pace, even at times where Seb was not handicapped ( Japan) or made a mistake (Abu Dhabi). America he was only a tenth off, and Italy he was less than 2 tenths off. Seb always had the measure but things could get quite close at times. D.R main strength seems to be qualifying so he might have some joy there at times.

 

Race pace is where Seb was unrelenting in 2013, great starts, great driver I.Q and great consistency! Whatever the pace was in the car he seemed to maximize results, at least in comparison to Webber. Webber did not finish ahead of Seb when both finished in 2013. D.R I think will struggle to get the best of Seb over race distance, Seb is too well rounded a driver in 2014 to make many mistakes. D.R may get a token win or two, if Seb retires, but in terms of points, Seb should win handily unless the car is really not to his liking, which I doubt.

 

I favor Alonso to beat Kimi, all logic and theory points towards Alonso winning if you believe the insider data from Red Bull . In 2013 if you look at the results he was actually quite good, he scored a higher percentage of points relative to Massa, than Seb managed to Webber, a stat I found dumbfounding given how much better Seb was over Webber. I guess the points dynamic aided that stat, but still pretty impressive.

 

Kimi based on visual observations did not wow me in 2013, but he must have been doing something right, countless times I could forget he existed and he would end the race 2nd or 3rd, early on he had the measure of Romain as well, and overall still beat him handily. I dunno, something about Kimi since his comeback has not impressed me as much as it did in 2005-2007, which is for me still his peak. Could be the car he was driving lacked qualifying pace. We should get a good picture if Alonso or Kimi lack qualifying speed with how they stack up with one another. I like Alonso to win all the battles by a modest margin.

 

Lewis vs Rosberg? I have not got a bloody clue

Edited by sennafan24, 22 January 2014 - 22:31.

[The Kanisteri]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Räikkönen

Points: Räikkönen

Wins: Räikkönen

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Hamilton

Points: Rosberg

Wins: Hamilton

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Button

Points: Button

Wins: no wins

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hülkenberg

Points: Hülkenberg

Best Result: Hülkenberg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Vergne

Points: Vergne

Best Result: Vergne

 

Williams

Qualifying: Bottas

Points: Bottas

Best Result: Bottas

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Ericsson

[Jimisgod]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Alonso

Points: Too close to call

Wins: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Rosberg

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Rosberg

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Maldonado

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Button

Best Result: Magnussen

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Hulkenberg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Gutierrez

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: JEV

Best Result: JEV

 

Williams

Qualifying: Massa

Points: Bottas

Best Result: Bottas

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

Edited by Jimisgod, 23 January 2014 - 05:29.

[lbennie]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Ricciardo

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Alonso

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Rosberg

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Rosberg

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Maldonado

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Button

Points: Button

Best Result: Button

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Hulkenberg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Gutierrez

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: JEV

Points: JEV

Best Result: JEV

 

Williams

Qualifying: Bottas

Points: Massa

Best Result: Massa

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

[GoodSister]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Raikkonen

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Hamilton

Points: About equal

Wins: Hamilton

 

Lotus

Qualifying: About equal

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Button

Points: Button

Best Result: Button

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: About equal

Best Result: Perez

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: Vergne

Best Result: Vergne

 

Williams

Qualifying: Bottas

Points: Massa

Best Result: Massa

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

[wonk123]

 

Red Bull

Qualifying: Ricciardo

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Alonso

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Rosberg

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Rosberg

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Maldonado

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Button

Points: Button

Best Result: Button

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Hulkenberg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Gutierrez

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: JEV

Points: JEV

Best Result: JEV

 

Williams

Qualifying: Bottas

Points: Massa

Best Result: Massa

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

 

Australia Day is not until Sunday

[PayasYouRace]

Should teams totally re-assess the way they hire drivers, do you think?

 

Hey, one of the reasons Frank Williams promoted Coulthard to the race seat in 1994 was his "sensational girlfriend".

 

OK Sir Frank was making a joke but he did say it. It's in the 1994 season review video and everything.

[Zoetrope]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Equal

Points: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Equal

Points: Hamilton

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

 

McLaren (just a guess since we have a rookie)

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Equal

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg, but Perez running close

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso - I think Kvyat is still to young to be consistent, but he might more talented

Qualifying: JEV

Points: JEV

 

Williams

Qualifying: Equal

Points: Equal

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi 19-0

Race: Bianchi

[Lone]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Equal

Points: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Räikkonen

Points: Räikkonen

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Hamilton

Points: Hamilton

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

 

McLaren 

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Button

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso 

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: JEV

 

Williams

Qualifying: Bottas

Points: Bottas

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Ericsson

Race: Ericsson

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi 

Race: Bianchi

[Arn]

Most interesting ones for me:

 

McLaren:

 

Quali - Magnussen

Race/Points - Magnussen

Podiums/Wins - Magnussen

 

Even though the regulations don't favor outright speed so much anymore, KMs superior speed in qualifying and fast abililty to learn, will be enough to make him finish ahead of Button more often than not. Especially if the field is tight and the difference between a few tenths can be several positions. I hope this will be the case this year so that we can have some good competition.

 

 

Ferrari:

 

Quali - Alonso

Race/Points - Alonso

Podiums/Wins - Alonso

 

Kimi has been my favorite driver since 2003 but I don't think he is as good as he was in his McLaren days. I expect Alonso to have the edge.

 

 

Red Bull:

 

Quali - Vettel

Race/Points - Vettel

Podiums/Wins - Vettel

 

I think this will be much closer than most people expect. Vettel will probably get the better results in the end but Ricciardo will be very close to him in terms of speed.

I dreamt the other night that Ricciardo outqualied Vettel in Melbourne and thought that was no surprise at all, while the Vettel haters got busy in the forums 

[stillOrange]

My guesses

Red Bull
Vettel

Ferrari
Alonso

Mercedes
Hamilton

Lotus
Grosjean

McLaren
Button

Force India
Perez

Sauber
Sutil

Toro Rosso
Kvyat

Williams
Bottas

Caterham
Kobayashi

Marussia
Bianchi

[eronrules]

may the best driver come on top, no need to name names ... nuff said 

 

in any case, it's gonna turn into Kimsta vs FAlonso anyway. i'll be surprised if it doesn't 

Edited by eronrules, 23 January 2014 - 11:19.

[Jackmancer]

Well Kimi vs Fernando is definetly an interesting battle to watch, since both aren't very strong qualifiers, but strong in the race. Meanwhile, at Red Bull they have two excellent qualifiers. I'm also very interested in Magnussen vs Button.

[sennafan24]

may the best driver come on top, no need to name names ... nuff said 

 

Where is the fun in that?

 

Well Kimi vs Fernando is definetly an interesting battle to watch, since both aren't very strong qualifiers, but strong in the race. 

Thing is we may find out one or the other is a strong qualifier, as its is possible either the Lotus or Ferrari does no have one lap pace. One could be exposed against the other in 2014 in that regard.

 

 

Several posters have said this below

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Rosberg

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Rosberg

 

Not sure why, Lewis has never lost a qualifying battle head to head in a year, I think he even drew with Button in 2011, and he beat Nico 11-8 last year. On the other hand, Lewis getting more points despite losing the wins and qualifying battle is not likely, he could very well win the qualifying battle and still lose on points. Neither really showed they were better than the other in race trim last year, they were 8-8 in races finished ahead when both finished, I fail to see how people can think Nico will win the qualifying battle, but Lewis will make up the points gap in race trim, especially with less wins.

 

As I said above, I am unsure who will win that battle next year. Nico odds of being WDC compared to Lewis are silly, Nico is like 16-1, and Lewis is 4.5-1 in most places. People are still sleeping on how fast Nico is in some outlets.

 

 

Edited by sennafan24, 23 January 2014 - 14:35.

[MetallurgicalHedonist]

Well Kimi vs Fernando is definetly an interesting battle to watch, since both aren't very strong qualifiers, [...]

 

Wut?

 

Alonso surely is a very good qualifyer.

 

- 8:9 (that means almost tied) against the best qualifyer there is nowadays (Hamilton) (because the latter one simply never lost against a teammate overall... so he must be the best qualifyer).

 

- also in qualifying, Alonso was strong against drivers in the "Webber league", e.g. Fisichella, Trulli, Massa (99:46 in total) as Vettel was against Webber (69:23) and none of them were either 11 years the senior of Alonso or in their absolute last part of their f1 career, especially not Trulli in 2003 and 2004 (that would be the same like Vettel driving against the Webber of 2005 or 2006).

 

And in general, regarding Alonso vs. Räikkönen:

 

Qualifying: Alonso (but not 17:2 or 16:3 or something like that... more like 10:9 or 11:8 or 12:7).

 

Points: Alonso (assumed that both have a similar amount of technical failures, the points situation will be very similar... maybe only 5 or 10 points more than Räikkönen... either way, either Alonso or Räikkönen have to perform exceptionally well to beat each other, assumed both drivers DNF as much as the other one... if one driver has much more technical issues than the other one, that's another question).

 

Wins: Alonso (also almost tied... 2:1 or 3:2 or 4:3 or 5:4 wins or something like that... not 7:1 or 6:2 or something like that).

 

Very similar results. Almost impossible to anticipate. I hope it's not the second time Alonso loses because of ultra strong intra-team battle against one of the two best other drivers as a teammate (2007 anyone?).

 

[However, if Alonso wins by big margins like 17:2 in qualifying or 7:2 wins although Räikkönen doesn't have more technical issues than Alonso, then Alonso must be not only the best driver, but easily by far the best driver there is nowadays and not some overhyped quadruple or possible quintuple WDC]

Edited by MetallurgicalHedonist, 23 January 2014 - 15:45.

[MikeV1987]

I'll expand on these later but for now.

 

Red Bull Racing

Quali: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Best result: Vettel

 

I'm sure Dan will give Vettel a run for his money at a few races, but I expect Vettel to be the dominant driver at RBR once again.

 

Mercedes

Quali: Hamilton

Points: Hamilton

Best result: Hamilton

 

Although I think they will be close, I think Lewis will have the edge for most of the season.

 

Ferrari

Quali: Alonso

Points: Raikkonen

Best result: Raikkonen

 

Honestly, too hard to say atm. I'll be in the Raikkonen camp though!

 

Lotus

Quali: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

Best result: Grosjean

 

Grosjean will wipe the floor with Maldonado after the summer break.

 

McLaren

Quali: Button

Points: Button

Best result: Button

 

The most experienced driver on the grid vs a Rookie with a little bit of track time in comparison. I expect Magnussen to impress regardless though.

 

Force India

Quali: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best result: Hulkenberg

 

Probably Perez's last season in F1, I have a feeling his attitude and his dirty on track tactics will catch up with him. I expect Hulk to destroy him as well.

 

Sauber

Quali: Sutil

Points: Sutil

Best result: Sutil

 

Really can't see Gut putting up much of a fight against Sutil.

 

Williams

Quali: Bottas

Points: Massa

Best result: Massa

 

It's hard to say between these two as well, on the face of it massa looks like hes in a decline but Bottas is on the rise. I think Bottas will cement is reputation and give Massa a good run.

 

Toro Rosso

Quali: JEV

Points: JEV

Best result: JEV

 

Again, experienced team mate vs rookie with a lot less seat time, kind of unfair to comparison so I expect Vergne to walk it.

 

Marussia

Quali: Bianchi

Points: None

Best result: Bianchi

 

We'll see the same as 2013.

 

Caterham

Quali: Koby

Points: ONE - Koby

Best result: Koby

 

I'm crossing my fingers that Koby gets at least a 10th place finish in a race, wether on merit or due to unreliable cars ahead I dont care! lol

Edited by MikeV1987, 23 January 2014 - 16:07.

[sennafan24]

Very similar results. Almost impossible to anticipate. I hope it's not the second time Alonso loses because of ultra strong intra-team battle against one of the two best other drivers as a teammate (2007 anyone?).

 

This year is key to Alonso's legacy if he beats Kimi fair and square and quite handily, it would do wonders for his legacy in my book. That is the only thing missing in Alonso's legacy as of now that he would need to make my own personal all-time list. A WDC at Ferrari would also help.

 

If Kimi beats him he will be effectively 0-2 against top flight teammates, so this year is massive for him in my book.

[DutchQuicksilver]

A lot seem to think that Raikonnen is going to upset Alonso or at least equal his performance. I don't think so. Unless the Ferrari is a truck and Alonso completely loses motivation, he's not going to be beaten by Kimi. I think Ferrari may have found the 'perfect' second driver, he's not really a #2, but he's not going to outshine Alonso either.

Could you use your crystal ball to predict the world champion as well?

[Roscoe]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

I think this is going t be Vettel/Webber: The Sequel.  Ricciardo will provide a proper challenge at a few races but the majority will be Vettel a way ahead.

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Alonso

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Alo/Alo/Alo makes it sound like a battering but I think this will be exceedingly close but Alonso to just shave each category.

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Hamilton

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Rosberg

 

For no other reason than I can't see why it would change massively from last year.  A very even battle though.

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Maldonado

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

Maldo will probably put in a belter in qualifying at least once but RoGro should come out on top in races.

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Button

Points: Button

Best Result: Button

 

Almost tempted to put Magnussen down for qualy but experience will win out I think.  Will be closer race wise than Button/Perez though.

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Hulkenberg

 

Nulkenborg all the way.  Nothing against Perez who I see as a solid midfield driver, but Hulk is a class above.

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Gutierrez

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

About as unspectacular a team as we'll get I think.  May as well give Gutierrez something.

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: Vergne

Best Result: Vergne

 

I see Vergne basically being the same as he has been, slower in qualy but decent race pace.

 

Williams

Qualifying: Massa

Points: Massa

Best Result: Massa

 

Another close one but I think being at Ferrari so long as Fernando's boy has left a lot of people underestimating Massa.  If he comes out with a more aggressive attitude I can see him having a good year.

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Ericsson

 

Coin flip time.  I'm not on the Kobayashi hype train and results will be determined by how many retire in front of them rather than a stunning drive.

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

 

I don't think Chilton is quite as bad as many people make out but Bianchi is still a better all around driver.

[tmzxaar]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Alonso

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Hamilton

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Hamilton

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Button

Wins: Button

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Hulkenberg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: Vergne

Best Result: Vergne

 

Williams

Qualifying: Massa

Points: Massa

Best Result: Massa

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

Edited by tmzxaar, 23 January 2014 - 18:14.

[sennafan24]

McLaren

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Button

Wins: Button

 

Massively agreed.

 

Perez did quite well against Button last year in qualifying, but got whooped in race trim, I see it being similar here, maybe a tad closer, but I give Button the edge in race/points . It will be bragging rights for Magnum Kev to say he beat Button qualifying over the year whilst a rookie, if he does.

[Nigol]

haha sorry can't comment on Sutil without mentioning his girlfriend. 

 

I don't get it. I mean she's not ugly, but she's nothing special either.

[DutchQuicksilver]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

Of course Vettel wins all. Ricciardo is a Webber 2.0 to be, nothing more really.

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Hamilton

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Hamilton

 

Second year at Mercedes for Lewis, he'll top Nico more than last year.

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Raikkonen

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Kimi will beat the poor qualifier Alonso, but Alonso's four recent years in the team gives him the edge on points and wins.

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Maldonado

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

Maldonado will emulate his 2012 Williams qualifying pace, but Grosjean stays close. On points and results of course Grosjean will beat him, he's matured more,

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Magnussen

Wins: Button

 

Magnussen will beat Button. The Brit is in the Coulthard stage of his career, the best is behind him. Magnussen will surprise many, though Button will get the lucky win.

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Perez

 

Hulkenberg should win on quali pace and consistency. Though Perez will get the best result because of his ability to manage the car/tyres.

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Easy pick. Gutierrez is no match for the consistent Sutil.

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: Vergne

Best Result: Vergne

 

Kvyat can beat Vergne on raw pace, but the Frenchman's experience gives him the edge in race trim.

 

Williams

Qualifying: Massa

Points: Massa

Best Result: Massa

 

Massa is in the Barrichello stage of his career. Barrichello impressed in his first year at Williams, and so will Massa. Though Bottas isn't far back.

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Points: Equal

Best Result: Bianchi

 

Easily Bianchi, though equal on points, because Marussia won't score any.

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Points: Equal

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Same as Marussia.

[FenderJaguar]

Kimi vs Alonso. Very difficult to predict. If Alonso beats Kimi he might do it easily but if Kimi gets it together and works well with the team it will be another story. It would be a very good story if the last WDC for Ferrari comes back and wins another one. Would Alonso be able to handle that? Will the car suit any of them better and how will it work out? It would be great to see them at the top and challenging for the WDC. I expect Vettel to beat Ricciardo easily. Magnussen to upset Button but also very difficult to predict. Hamilton to beat Rosberg. Hulkenberg WILL beat ehhh Perez? Massa vs Bottas hmmmm...Grosjean will beat Maldonado. And I think Ericsson will beat Kobayashi.

Edited by FenderJaguar, 23 January 2014 - 21:13.

[LH08WDC]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Alonso

Points: Alonso

Wins: Alonso

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Hamilton

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Hamilton

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Button

Best Result: Magnussen

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Hulkenburg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: Vergne

Best Result: Kvyat

 

Williams

Qualifying: Bottas

Points: Bottas

Best Result: Bottas

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Kobayashi

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

[sennafan24]

Kimi vs Alonso. Very difficult to predict. If Alonso beats Kimi he might do it easily but if Kimi gets it together and works well with the team it will be another story. It would be a very good story if the last WDC for Ferrari comes back and wins another one. Would Alonso be able to handle that? 

Probably not.

 

If Alonso starts to beat Kimi, there will be no real conflict in my opinion, if Kimi starts beating Alonso, things could turn sour, Alonso is aware of the damage it would do to his reputation. 

 

 

I don't get it. I mean she's not ugly, but she's nothing special either.

Disagree, her and Alonso's missus are the paddock standouts. Unless Pinkham is about!

[Nonesuch]

I'm really curious to see how Ricciardo shapes up against Vettel. Vettel should take this, though.

Alonso & Räikkönen is a fantastic pairing by any account. It'll be a fanboy's dream come true though, so it'll probably be best to avoid the thread!

Hamilton & Rosberg will also be interesting. They were a great combination in 2013. Will one of them come out on top?

Bottas & Massa is another thing I'm looking forward to seeing play out. They're at different ends of their careers, which always opens up interesting comparisons.

Force India could be a nice battle, too. Both really have something to prove.

 

I don't get it. I mean she's not ugly, but she's nothing special either.

 

It's all relative.    In the male-dominated environment of F1, it's easy to stand out.

[noikeee]

I love that everyone's convinced already Kevin's gonna outperform Button. Is this ever so slightly related to the fact he topped the times today?  No seriously Button is a world champion. He outscored Hamilton 3 years ago on equal cars ffs. Kevin seems highly promising but a little perspective here, everyone's talking of Button as if he's Sutil or something, some average midfielder benchmark which can be beaten if you put a little effort.

 

My bets:

 

RBR - Vettel all areas, but Ricciardo to hassle him more in qualy than Webbo did

Ferrari - Alonso all the way if not by much, consistent 2 tenths advantage pretty much all season all sessions, occasional Kimi day

Macca - Button all areas, Kevin to have his moments in qualy and to not make any abnormal amount of mistakes but inexperience racing Pirellis will show

Merc - this one is harder to call than it should be isn't it? right about a draw, Hamilton ends up winning points again but marginally, slightly bigger advantage in qualy

Lotus - Romain all areas but Pastor will have a freak great day and bag a 2nd place or something which Romain won't be able to. Romain's point advantage will be bigger than his actual pace advantage because Pastor will continue to bin it a lot

FI - much like Ferrari - consistent 2 tenths advantage Hulk all areas, odd freak Pérez day

Sauber - Sutil qualy, Gutierrez starts beating him in races regularly later in the year, but Sutil still outscores him

Williams - Massa qualy, Bottas points and races

STR - draw in qualy from the start, Vergne to be far better in races 1st half of the year but Kvyat catches up

Caterham - Ericsson all areas. Yes I am going for the unconventional answer here.

Marussia - as one-sided as it gets, and I don't even need to mention which side will dominate. He's gonna get criticism everytime his qualy advantage is only 2 or 3 tenths though - and then Max gets a lucky 10th place in a day everyone DNFs, and ends up winning the points despite being given a massive ass kicking in reality.

Edited by noikeee, 31 January 2014 - 00:43.

[SamH123]

my predictions 

 

RBR - Vettel (not close)

Ferrari - Alonso (not that close)

Mercedes - Hamilton (just)

Mclaren - Button (just)

Lotus - almost a dead heat, luck decides it

Sauber - forgot who they had for a second, a bit of an anonymous pairing imo.  Sutil to win though

Williams - Bottas (just)

STR - Equal by the end of the season, Vergne at the start but Kyvat catches up

Caterham - Kobayashi

Marussia - Bianchi

[bourbon]

Red Bull:

 

Quali - Seb

Race/Points - Seb

Podiums/Wins - Seb

 

 

Mercedes Benz:

 

Quali - Nico

Race/Points - Equal more or less

Podiums/Wins - Hamilton.

 

Ferrari:

 

Quali - Tied

Race/Points - Kimi

Podiums/Wins - Kimi

 

Lotus:

 

Quali - Grosjean

Race/Points - Grosjean.

Podiums - Grosjean.

 

 

McLaren:

 

Quali - Magnussen.

Race/Points - Button.

Podiums/Wins - Button.

 

Force India:

 

Quali - Hulkenberg.

Race/Points - Sergio.

Podiums/Unlikely Win - Sergio

 

Sauber:

 

Quali - Esteban.

Race/Points - Esteban

No podiums

 

Williams:

 

Quali - Massa

Race/Points - Massa

Wins/Podiums - Massa.

 

STR

 

Quali - Daniil

Race/Points - Daniil

If a win or podium occurs:  Danill

 

 

Marussia:

 

Quali - Bianchi.

Race - Bianchi.

No podiums

 

Caterham:

 

Quali - Kobayashi.

Race - Kobayashi.

No Podiums

 

[Zesus]

Red Bull

Qualifying: Vettel

Points: Vettel

Wins: Vettel

 

Ferrari

Qualifying: Raikkonen

Points: Raikkonen

Wins: Raikkonen

 

Mercedes

Qualifying: Rosberg

Points: Hamilton

Wins: Hamilton

 

Lotus

Qualifying: Grosjean

Points: Grosjean

Best Result: Grosjean

 

McLaren

Qualifying: Magnussen

Points: Magnussen

Best Result: Magnussen

 

Force India

Qualifying: Hulkenberg

Points: Hulkenberg

Best Result: Hulkenberg

 

Sauber

Qualifying: Sutil

Points: Sutil

Best Result: Sutil

 

Toro Rosso

Qualifying: Kvyat

Points: JEV

Best Result: JEV

 

Williams

Qualifying: Bottas

Points: Bottas

Best Result: Bottas

 

Caterham

Qualifying: Ericsson

Race: Kobayashi

Best Result: Kobayashi

 

Marussia

Qualifying: Bianchi

Race: Bianchi

Best Result: Bianchi

[ZuTiMa]

Its interesting looking at some of these predictions.

 

Lot of people getting the RBR and Ferrari predictions wrong.

[Jon83]

Its interesting looking at some of these predictions.

 

Lot of people getting the RBR and Ferrari predictions wrong.

 

Yeah but we're only 4 races in.

 

Be more interesting to look at it a few races before the end (if not just wait till the end)

[HoldenRT]

Lots of tasty battles this season.

 

edit - And I love it when it goes against predictions and people have to reassess how they see certain drivers.

Edited by HoldenRT, 29 April 2014 - 16:18.