Formula 1 teams – how will they fare?

Red Bull Racing-Renault

From dominating F1 for the past four years the reigning world champions are struggling to find quick solutions for the RB10.

Apart from problems with the Renault systems there have been issues such as overheating, due to the rear bodywork being too close to the power unit.

With just 1 711km of test mileage logged up, the ninth lowest, the Red Bull lacks both reliability and pace.

But this will certainly change over the season – who knows, perhaps those double points in Abu Dhabi will come in handy after all.

Mercedes

With 4 973km of testing behind them the F1 W05 piloted by Rosberg and Hamilton look set to be the pace-setters for the first part of the 2014 season.

The team have run simulated race distance, experienced some failures, but dedicated effort put the car back on the top of the test charts.

My bet is that one if not both of the Silver Arrows will be on the podium in Australia and will be powerful contenders for the 2014 championship.

Scuderia Ferrari

The team where one can expect the most action.

The combination of Alonso and Raikkonen, both former world champions, could be an exciting one.

With 4 489km under the Maranello team’s belt the F14 T is lacking some grip and, despite its reliability, is not on the pace of the Mercedes.

With Team Principal Stefano Domenicali under pressure, let’s hope that the team stays focused and get the prancing horse back to winning form.

My prediction is definitely podiums and perhaps the only challenger to Mercedes for the title, although Williams could well join that battle.

Lotus Renault

The team has battled with car and financial difficulties, as well as team boss Eric Boullier’s departure to McLaren, so the start of the 2014 test session did nothing to improve the situation. Missing the Jerez tests, the team arrived in Bahrain to be plagued by exhaust and gearbox problems, not to mention multiple fires.

They only managed 1 288km, the lowest total of all.

Raikkonen’s move to Ferrari looks like one of his better decisions.

Personally, I don’t believe things will get much better for the Renault-powered team in the foreseeable future.

McLaren Mercedes

After a good start in the earlier test sessions the MP4-29 seems to have lost some pace and slipped back against the front runners.

Magnussen was 11th quickest with Button back at 15th, after 4 153 km of test runs. But with the legendary Ron Dennis back at the helm, watch this space!

He has already told the team that they will win races again.

Perhaps not in the top three this season, next year’s reunion with Honda could well put them back at the sharp end of the field.

Force India Mercedes

Force India appears to have a good package with 3 975km of test distance the VJM07 has proved reliable and gets its power down extremely well.

As another of the favoured Mercedes power unit users I would not be at all surprised to see the team move up a couple of rungs on the championship ladder. They are certainly aiming for a podium in Melbourne.

Sauber Ferrari

Sutil has struggled with the C33’s fly by wire rear brakes, being thrown off track several times and is also disappointed with the aero package upgrade not being as effective as hoped. That made the car difficult to drive over 4 039km of testing.

Perhaps by mid season things will

improve but I’m not holding my breath.

Toro Rosso Renault

Another team suffering with Renault power unit problems, but they have clocked the second highest distance for the French engine supplier at 2 458km.

Despite the difficulties they remain optimistic as Melbourne approaches.

I would be surprised if the team improves on last year’s eighth place finish in the championship. Of course, this is the junior Red Bull team so anything is possible.

Williams Mercedes

With the second highest distance covered during testing, an impressive 4 893km, and Massa being fastest on aggregate, with teammate Bottas a very credible fourth quickest, Williams could well be the team to watch.

The Mercedes power unit has worked well, as has the FW36 chassis. And with the news that Martini has now become the title sponsor we could well see the complete transition of Williams.

Last season’s 5 points was the worst in the team’s history.

I believe that we will see the team on the podium quite often this season, perhaps even the top step and a possible shot at the title.

Caterham Renault

The team proved to be the most reliable of the Renault-powered cars covering 3 133km, the rather ugly looking CT05 suffered understeer and both Kobayashi and Magnussen struggled to control the car.

Team boss Tony Fernandes has demanded a move closer to the mid field, as his patience and money are not limitless.

With no points scored last year, I’m afraid it could be a repeat performance.

Marussia Ferrari

Another non-points scorer last year, Marussia needed a good start, but testing did not begin well.

Late for the opening session at Jerez they were plagued by a computer virus and lost valuable track time, logging just 1 686km.

Despite this, Max Chiltern was to record the 14th fastest time in testing, with Jules Bianchi 16th quickest.

This pace should see them move closer to the mid field.