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

[Fernando]

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

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

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

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

We’re about to find out.

Form Guide

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

Ferrari ready to prance again?

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

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

McLaren struggling to live up to expectations

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

Can Ricciardo break the curse of the Australians?

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

Williams in with a shot?

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

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

Manor is alive, but are they kicking?

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

[Guest]

Must admit, struggling to get excited for this season. Hopefully the second tier championship will be really exciting between Williams & Ferrari. Don't see Mercedes enduring reliability issues this year, seeing as this isn't new technology anymore or a new regulation change to adjust too. Let's see what happens.......

[CaledonianCraig]

I see this season panning out very similarly to last season. Any changes in the pecking order will be small with perhaps Ferrari being more of a force but not to the extent some are hoping or suggesting. I can still see Red Bull weighing in with the odd race win or two and the rest will be much as was last season.

[Fernando]

Just a pre-warning im not going to babysit your annoying arguments this year cos it's the same as last year arguments - Marussia don't get fair money wah, You're a Hamilton hater etc.

If happens then naughty step and you won't see it coming

[Fernando]

Giedo Van Der Gaarde has won his case against Sauber, Sauber appealing again another verdict tomorrow.

[Guest]

Can't see him being allowed to race on safety grounds. Regardless of him being a known quantity, I'd still expect the drivers will vote or appeal against him driving a car he is unfamiliar with, having done no testing.

[dyrewolfe]

Just a pre-warning im not going to babysit your annoying arguments this year cos it's the same as last year arguments - Marussia don't get fair money wah, You're a Hamilton hater etc.

If happens then naughty step and you won't see it coming

*bottom lip trembles*

but...but...its not fair!


To be fair, most of the idiots seem to have been weeded out now. At least this forum is nowhere near as bad as the old BBC 606 used to get.

We are allowed to wind up GSC a bit though, surely?


Anyway, back on topic. it seems a given that Mercedes will dominate the early part of the season, at least, barring any reliability issues. I'm guessing most of the focus of interest will be how much ground (if any) the other teams have made up on them.

From what's been said so far, it seems like Merc will still enjoy a significant engine performance advantage over the rest, so its to be hoped some of the other front-runners have discovered some clever aero tweaks to help close the gap.

I'm actually hoping Rosberg can provide a stiffer challenge to Hamilton (minus the shenanigans of last season) to keep the title race interesting and that maybe a fierce inter-team battle will allow some of the others to get in on the action.

[Fernando]

Can't see him being allowed to race on safety grounds. Regardless of him being a known quantity, I'd still expect the drivers will vote or appeal against him driving a car he is unfamiliar with, having done no testing.

It's a bunch of crap tbh John, If he was test driver last year i doubt the car has changed that much, Also 2002 Sauber had to replace Massa for a race due to suspension, Heinz-Harald Frenzen (arrows driver at the time) replaced him that weekend. That was 9 years after he last drove the Sauber

Also considering Andre Lotterer raced for Caterham for a race with no experience it's not a good argument really.

[Guest]

Oh yeah, I agree, it's not a good argument, however, that's the excuse Sauber are using for their appeal, isn't it? I only raised the safety grounds issue, because the drivers have already asked the FIA to investigate the Alonso situation & whether or not it was a car failure or an issue with Alonso, that could be a danger upon his return. I agree & as I said VDG is a known quantity & would probably have no issue with driving the car, but I just sense this decision might be overturned again, with all the politics of F1 kicking in.

It's totally embarrassing from Sauber in the first place this story, amateurish on all levels.

[Guest]

Essentially, Sauber are using the 'safety concerns' as a way of getting them out of the hole they've created for themselves. No wonder VDG won the court case, however, I can see John's point in regards to the concerns some drivers may have, especially given Alonso's questionable incident & safety being at the forefront of people's minds. Embarrassing though from Sauber, giving out 2015 driver contracts like flu jabs.

[GSC]

The Giedo thing is weird. I'm guessing he made some kind of payment to Sauber for it to actually have any credibility.

It seems one of those moves somebody should've talked him out of. Probably burning a few bridges

[Fernando]

If Giedo paid for a test drive in 2014 & a race drive for 2015 that means he stopped looking for a drive cos he had one agreed. He could of gone elsewhere if Sauber hadn't dicked him about tbh. So Sauber have created there own issues and quite frankly Giedo is right to take them to court about it.

He's only burning bridges because they won't stick to their end of the agreement not sure it looks bad on him tbh im sure he would of wanted a different resolution but sometimes its the only way to get what you pay for otherwise he's out of pocket for no reason.

[GSC]

Sometimes fate conspires against you and you have to take what you're given. Suing for his money back and moving on elsewhere may have been a wiser move. Insisting on a Sauber seat doesn't sound like it'll end well for anyone

[Fernando]

It'll only end badly for Sauber tbh they've either got pay him off & compensation for costing him other drives or pay off Ericcson or Nasr. I suspect Ericcson due to Nasr's bring a lot of money & sponsors.

With a court of law agreeing with Giedo, I can't see him having many issues finding a drive in the future He'll just say i had an agreement & Sauber broke it unfairly.

[GSC]

Technically you'd be correct. In reality though people tend to remember this kind of thing fairly or unfairly. People are going to talk to people at Sauber before they hire him.

[Guest]

Sauber lost their safety grounds appeal today, so VDG should be driving this weekend.

[Fernando]

He still need his Super license to be fast tracked by the FIA.

It seems not over yet though, both sides are back in the court room (with the same judge as on Monday and Wednesday) because VDG legal team are trying to get a enforcement order in case Sauber doesn't comply with the judgement.

They are talking about a 'freezing order' to potential sequestration of Sauber's assets and committal of its directors if the team doesn't comply.

VDG Legal team asked for a full list of Sauber's assets in Australia and the judge agrees and asks Sauber to provide a full list of assets.

Adam Cooper @adamcooperF1 · 1m1 minute ago
Court proceedings will continue tomorrow at 1030am, ie two hours before practice starts. And so the saga continues...

Adam Cooper @adamcooperF1 · 14s14 seconds ago
To clarify what's happening, @GvanderGarde has filed a Contempt of Court Application to force @SauberF1Team to comply with the order

Adam Cooper @adamcooperF1 · 3m3 minutes ago
If @SauberF1Team hasn't taken steps by 1030am Friday to comply and allow @GvanderGarde to drive, sequestration orders could follow

Adam Cooper @adamcooperF1 · 51s52 seconds ago
And then we get into potential seizing of the @SauberF1Team assets in the paddock and action against Monisha Kaltenborn as a director

Regarding the Super Licence that VDG still needs to get:

Adam Cooper @adamcooperF1 · 59m59 minutes ago
Meanwhile @GvanderGarde tells me he's pretty confident that the superlicence can be fast tracked. He's been in touch with the Dutch ASN

[CaledonianCraig]

To be honest it is a poor show by both sides. First of all by Sauber for reneging on the contract and secondly for Van der Garde for going to such lengths. Fair enough the driver has grenvances but I ask you does he really want to drive in F1 so badly he'd drive for a team who absolutely do not want him in the team? It will be counter-productive to both parties.

[Fernando]

Don't sign something you can't commit too it's quite simple really.

If Sauber had gone here's your test driver contract until end of 2014 and we're review in the winter then none of this would of happened. Come end of the year it would of been sorry Giedo we need more money to keep the team alive but instead they put themselves in a hole like a dumbass.

At this point for the 2nd seat they should of gone we need this amount of money not screw the other guy who would inevitably sue for their money back & try get a seat like any normal person.

[CaledonianCraig]

Oh yes Sauber have only themselves to blame but would you fight tooth and nail to drive for a team that had treated you so poorly? And whatsmore can the team themselves dedicate themselves to giving their all for this driver and vice versa? I greatly doubt it.

[Fernando]

Of course you'd fight tooth & nail, It's this or drive for Manor or Leave F1 because Sauber screwed you over by saying you have a contract, All seats get signed up and now you don't.

Sauber can't afford to try anything like not being supportive/Refusing to start the car etc to Giedo as they would get sued again and they need the pts and pts = money for them and with no money there will be no Sauber in 2016 without investors.

And quite frankly Marcus Ericcson is Poopie. So consider this a victory for talent over money

[Guest]

whatsmore can the team themselves dedicate themselves to giving their all for this driver and vice versa? I greatly doubt it.

Think that's reading into it too much. The team are judged on performances & results, also bonusea etc for finishing positions, so they can't just not treat him correctly, all the team are reliant upon him to perform to his best ability, they would not jeopardise that over this spat, when in reality, it's Sauber's fault.

It's just an embarrassing situation, so close to the season.

[CaledonianCraig]

Of course you'd fight tooth & nail, It's this or drive for Manor or Leave F1 because Sauber screwed you over by saying you have a contract, All seats get signed up and now you don't.

Sauber can't afford to try anything like not being supportive/Refusing to start the car etc to Giedo as they would get sued again and they need the pts and pts = money for them and with no money there will be no Sauber in 2016 without investors.

And quite frankly Marcus Ericcson is Poopie. So consider this a victory for talent over money

I am in no way backing Sauber - of course they acted disgracefully and are paying for it now. I just think the whole situation still benefits neither party. Sauber because they have a driver they don't want and are hardly likely to bend over backwards to help (surely will automatically be No.2 driver) and Guido because he will drive in a team who don't want him and perhaps treat him like a bad smell. Hardly the chemistry to make the partnership work is what I am saying.

[Fernando]

Sure it's not going to be pleasant but then again i don't like people i work with doesn't stop me doing my job properly.

So Giedo has now won in British,Swiss & Australian courts of Law. Be interesting to see if Sauber go the contempt of court route considering Nasr/Ericcson have kept them afloat.

[GSC]

Its Saubers fault, no doubt. That doesn't mean this wont stick in peoples minds when they consider whether to hire GVDG in the future. Fairly or unfairly

[CaledonianCraig]

I also wonder what this means if say five races in his results are poor then can Sauber ditch him? I mean they would be able to do that with any driver under contract but will they be able to do the same here without repercussions?

[Guest]

If he brings sponsorship & money down the line, in F1 or in another formula of racing, not sure an employer is going to care less about this Sauber situation. He is the right, Sauber in the wrong, proven by the courts.

Could they ditch him, difficult to see, again with the importance of sponsors involvement in a team financially in trouble.

[Guest]

Sir Ben Ainslie has recruited former McLaren Formula 1 chief Martin Whitmarsh to help him win sailing's America's Cup for Britain.

[Fernando]

Well atleast the drivers are sticking up for Giedo

Nico Hulkenberg, who drove for Sauber during the 2013 season, says van der Garde was treated poorly.

"[My] take is that they signed four drivers but there is only two cars. That is wrong," Hulkenberg told the BBC, referring to German Adrian Sutil, who also expected to race with the team this year.

"Giedo wants what he was promised and what he was signed for and paid for and that is his right.

"I am not surprised because I know the people, I know how it has been there in the past.

"They were desperate for some money to survive, which is maybe a general problem of F1.

"But still that is not a way to do business and to screw people like this."

McLaren driver Jenson Button said using the safety angle was unfair to van der Garde.

"The bit that surprises me most is the comments from Sauber saying it is a safety issue with him driving the car," Button told Sky Sports.

"For me it is a shame that they have gone in that direction, because safety is always a concern in motorsport and we shouldn't be throwing it around lightly.

"Personally him driving the car is not a safety issue. I think it is unfair to use that against Giedo."

[Fernando]

Adam Cooper @adamcooperF1 · 4m 4 minutes ago

I understand there's now no chance that @GvanderGarde will have a superlicence today due to block by Contracts Recognition Board

[Fernando]

[Guest]

Awful

[Fernando]

Still better looking then the Mclaren Now that's an ugly car.

[GSC]

Who cares you'll never have to see it

[Fernando]

Adam Cooper @adamcooperF1  ·  4m 4 minutes ago

I understand there's now no chance that @GvanderGarde will have a superlicence today due to block by Contracts Recognition Board

In an update to this...

Monisha Kaltenborn told the CRB that they had terminated Giedo's contract & has not re-activated it, Which means it's hard to get a super license for Giedo until they've investigated everything.

[Gerry SA]

Is there any legs in the story that Sutil also still has a valid contract with Sauber?

[GSC]

I would imagine F1 will end up giving Sauber an advance so they can pay off Ericsson.

Giedo and Nasr end up driving a car that they can't afford to upgrade and frankly nobody wins.

He'd have been better off suing to get his money back. Don't really see a way he stands to benefit from forcing his way back in.

[GSC]

Probably. Theres no point in him suing as well, theres nothing left on the carcass at this point. Lawyers have probably told him Sauber can't afford their legal fees.

[Fernando]

Is there any legs in the story that Sutil also still has a valid contract with Sauber?

Yes that's true.

[Gerry SA]

Is there any legs in the story that Sutil also still has a valid contract with Sauber?

Yes that's true.

No sympathy for Sauber from me then...

Screwing over one driver, maybe I'd let that slide. But screwing other two drivers is taking the p!ss...

[Fernando]

PRACTICE ONE TIMES:

Pos Driver Car Time Gap Laps
1 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m29.557s - 19
2 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m29.586s 0.029s 19
3 Valtteri Bottas Williams/Mercedes 1m30.748s 1.191s 20
4 Carlos Sainz Jr. Toro Rosso/Renault 1m31.014s 1.457s 32
5 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1m31.029s 1.472s 13
6 Max Verstappen Toro Rosso/Renault 1m31.067s 1.510s 31
7 Felipe Massa Williams/Mercedes 1m31.188s 1.631s 19
8 Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 1m31.310s 1.753s 14
9 Pastor Maldonado Lotus/Mercedes 1m31.451s 1.894s 22
10 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull/Renault 1m31.570s 2.013s 9
11 Daniil Kvyat Red Bull/Renault 1m32.073s 2.516s 18
12 Sergio Perez Force India/Mercedes 1m32.247s 2.690s 22
13 Nico Hulkenberg Force India/Mercedes 1m32.261s 2.704s 19
14 Jenson Button McLaren/Honda 1m34.542s 4.985s 6
15 Kevin Magnussen McLaren/Honda 1m34.785s 5.228s 7
16 Romain Grosjean Lotus/Mercedes 2m17.782s 48.225s 5
Sauber and Manor did not leave the garages

PRACTICE TWO TIMES:

Pos Driver Car Time Gap Laps
1 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m27.697s - 29
2 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m27.797s 0.100s 25
3 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1m28.412s 0.715s 33
4 Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 1m28.842s 1.145s 33
5 Valtteri Bottas Williams/Mercedes 1m29.265s 1.568s 32
6 Daniil Kvyat Red Bull/Renault 1m30.016s 2.319s 27
7 Carlos Sainz Jr. Toro Rosso/Renault 1m30.071s 2.374s 41
8 Pastor Maldonado Lotus/Mercedes 1m30.104s 2.407s 11
9 Romain Grosjean Lotus/Mercedes 1m30.205s 2.508s 37
10 Nico Hulkenberg Force India/Mercedes 1m30.473s 2.776s 30
11 Felipe Nasr Sauber/Ferrari 1m30.755s 3.058s 33
12 Sergio Perez Force India/Mercedes 1m30.980s 3.283s 32
13 Jenson Button McLaren/Honda 1m31.387s 3.690s 21
14 Max Verstappen Toro Rosso/Renault 1m31.395s 3.698s 6
15 Marcus Ericsson Sauber/Ferrari 1m32.303s 4.606s 14
16 Kevin Magnussen McLaren/Honda 1m33.289s 5.592s 4
Felipe Massa, Daniel Ricciardo, Roberto Merhi and Will Stevens did not run

[Guest]

Dominant practice from Mercedes. Williams/Ferrari battling behind & then the rest, well, the less said the better.

[Guest]

Not being funny, that Mercedes gap to even the mid grid teams is ridiculous. Apparently, Manor Marussia might not even be able to race, just embarrassing. That McLaren is awful, beyond belief at the minute.

[Guest]

You know it's bad, when Button is praying Manor race, just so McLaren don't qualify last on the grid

[titaniumjaw]

I am a big f1 fan but can't get excited about a 2 horse race for the f1 title so this year is the year I turn off

[Guest]

F1 will have to soon wake up to the realisation that the sport is quickly killing itself. Financially the sport is in a mess, leading to shocking inequality & embarrassing measures being taken, like at Sauber, based purely on the desperate need for money to survive.

Should be a massive turn off this repetition of dominance, to these extremes by Mercedes. I will stick with the season & see how it unfolds, only for my love of Motorsport, however, I'm fearing it will be a poor, poor season.

[GSC]

I've already written off this season, hopefully the Honda engine delivers down the stretch

[GSC]

Sauber and GVDG have a deal and court action is withdrawn.

Imagine he took his money back. Expect Sutil to sniff sround

[GSC]

Giedo confirms hes given up his right to race.

Fully expect he got paid, but he walks away with the good PR. Probably the best decision

[sikhlion]

Can Mclaren come back over this season to be racing in the top ten or is that unrealistic? I wonder if Alonso wishes he'd stayed put at Ferrari?

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