Heikki Kovalainen To Make F1 Return With Caterham

It has been officially confirmed by Caterham that 31-year-old Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen will make his return to Formula 1 this weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix, when he will partake in the opening practice session of the weekend. The Finn was initially dropped by the outfit after the 2012 season, along with then team-mate Vitaly Petrov.

The decision by Caterham to return Heikki Kovalainen to the outfit comes after a frustrating opening three races to the new season, in which the Leafield-based outfit has been visibly out-performed by Marussia and Jules Bianchi in particular. The Finn’s return to the team will see him provide feedback on the team’s various updates they are introducing to the car for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, as well as feedback on the controversial Pirelli tyres which have created many headaches throughout the paddock.

After the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, Heikki Kovalainen will return behind the wheel of the CT03 at the Spanish Grand Prix around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya were he will reprise his Friday practice role within the team. Rumors of such a decision within Caterham emerged during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, where Caterham were once again out-performed by Marussia. This decision by Caterham will undoubtedly pile increased pressure upon both Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde, who have failed to greatly impress so far this season.

“It’s obviously great news that I’ll be on track in Bahrain and Spain and I’m really looking forward to getting back to work and helping the team as much as I can.” Enthused Heikki Kovalainen, “I’ll be taking part in the two FP1 sessions in Bahrain and Barcelona to give the team my input on the new parts we’re bringing to those races, and I’ll be working closely with the race drivers and the engineers on track and back at Leafield to help everyone get the most out of the new package. I’m physically ready to get back into the car and I know my experience can help give the team new ideas and options for directions to take on setup and strategy. I’m looking forward to getting back to work!”

Caterham’s team principal, Cyril Abiteboul, has explained that Heikki Kovalainen’s wealth of knowledge within Formula 1 at team’s such as Renault and McLaren was the major factor in his return with the outfit as their development driver. The Finn’s career in the sport began in 2007 with Renault, before a switch to McLaren in 2008 saw him secure his one and only victory in the sport at the Hungarian Grand Prix. After a tough season with McLaren in 2009, the Finn moved to Lotus [now known as Caterham] for the 2010 season. After three seasons with the outfit, he was eventually dropped for the 2013 season as Caterham decided to completely change it’s driving line-up with Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde.

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Lotus Becomes First Team To Unveil 2013 Car

Lotus have become the first Formula 1 team to unveil their new 2013 car ahead of the new season, after the Enstone-based outfit took the covers off of their new E21 machine at their factory. The car will once again be driven by Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean, and features several modifications in comparison to their 2012 car.

After a relatively competitive 2012 season for the Enstone-based outfit, which included numerous podium finishes for both Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean, including a sensational victory for the Finn at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lotus are understandably hopeful that their E21 machine can propel them to new heights this season.

The returning duo will be partnered by reigning GP2 Champion Davide Valsecchi, who becomes the team’s third driver after a successful 2012 season which culminated in GP2 Championship supremacy and a Young Driver Test outing with Lotus. The Enstone-based outfit have also retained both Jerome D’Ambrosio and Nicolas Prost, who will once again carry out reserve and development driver duties respectively in 2013.

“I think it is fair to say that great things are possible [in 2013].” Explained Lotus team principal, Eric Boullier. “The leap we made from 2011 to 2012 showed what we are capable of. Add to this the continuity and potential of our driver line-up and we have a very powerful cocktail for the season ahead. Our ambitious plan to turn ourselves into one of the top teams in Formula 1 is coming to fruition and now we need to harness this with strong and regular podium results.

“Enstone knows how to win Championships, but it is a while since we have won so we are very eager to taste glory again.” Continued Eric Boullier, “We have a fantastic facility at Enstone and one which has benefitted from significant and strategic investment over the past couple of years. We have a highly accomplished technical and design team who last year produced a fantastic car, the E20. The E21 builds on this. We have a superb driver line-up with the 2007 Champion, Kimi, and a hungry young gun in Romain. We have further strength in our partners and we are certainly primed and ready for action.”

Despite the teams’ being permitted to implement a modesty panel to hide the step-nose design at the front of the car, Lotus have elected against such a design and have retained the step-nose feature on their 2013 machine. Although the E21 may look similar to its E20 predecessor, several new features include the passive double-DRS device which the team developed throughout the latter half of last season as well as revised suspension layouts at both the front and the rear.

“Depending on where you look, some parts of the new car are a ground-up redesign and in other areas we have further optimized the best bits of the philosophy we’ve adopted for several seasons.” Explained the team’s technical director James Allison, when asked about the differences between the E20 and E21. “The front and rear suspension layouts are substantially revised to try and give us better aerodynamic opportunities. The front wing is a continuation of the concepts we have worked on since the 2009 rules were published. For the rear wing system, we’ve continued work on having a satisfactory level of rear downforce stability, whilst having a maximum DRS switching potential.”

Lotus were a prominent figure throughout the majority of the 2012 season, however for the 2013 season the Enstone-based outfit have intentions on battling with the likes of McLaren and Red Bull on a more regular basis at the sharp-end of the order. A minimum of 3rd place in the Constructors’ Championship is expected by the team’s owners, which would potentially see the team leapfrog either Red Bull, Ferrari or McLaren should their predictions for the forthcoming season come to fruition.

Picture(s) Copyright © Lotus F1 Team

Timo Glock Reported To Have Left Marussia

Timo Glock has allegedly left Marussia, according to a report issued by German newspaper Bild on Sunday which reads that the 30-year-old German has left the Anglo-Russian outfit by a mutual agreement to find a new challenge in his motor sport career. If true, this will leave Marussia with only one driver only weeks before pre-season testing.

With pre-season testing quickly approaching ahead of the new season, Timo Glock’s rumored departure could leave the Banbury-based outfit in turmoil. This would effectively leave the team with a relatively inexperienced driver, and in desperate search of a replacement to fill the void left by Timo Glock. The German driver has been a member of the Marussia F1 team since their debut season in the sport back in 2010, when they were then known as Virgin Racing.

After signing a three-year deal with the outfit back in 2011, Timo Glock’s future with Marussia looked settled. However, after a relatively tough 2012 season alongside Charles Pic, who shone during his debut season both out-qualifying and out-racing Glock on numerous occasions, it seems the experienced German’s future is now uncertain in the sport. At the time of Bild’s initial report, Marussia were unavailable for comment on the matter, however it is believed an official statement will occur on Monday.

Such a move by Timo Glock will unquestionably fuel speculation as to who will replace the German driver at Marussia, with only Caterham and Force India currently sporting vacancies on the 2013 grid. Timo Glock was originally set to team-mate rookie Max Chilton in 2013, and his departure will understandably prompt the outfit to hunt for an experienced replacement, due largely to Chilton’s inexperience during a race weekend.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Force India Dismiss Financial Difficulties Ahead Of New Season

Bob Fernley has strongly dismissed rumors that Force India are currently struggling with financial difficulties, as the new Formula 1 season looms ever closer. The Silverstone-based outfit, owned by struggling entrepreneur Vijay Mallya, have only one driver confirmed for 2013, with Paul di Resta set to remain at the team for a third year.

As preparations for the forthcoming Formula 1 season continues to gather momentum, strong rumors have begun circulating the F1 fraternity that Force India are entering financial difficulties ahead of the new season. Towards the end of last season, Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher Airlines began to enter decline, culminating in an arrest warrant being issued for the 57-year-old with charges involving cheque bouncing. The airline company have since lost their flying permit, and have subsequently ceased to operate.

The repercussions of these issues throughout the latter half of 2012 have seen Vijay Mallya and his companies enter decline, and rumors throughout the Formula 1 world indicate these issues could have begun spreading through to Force India. However, Bob Fernley, the team’s Deputy Boss remains confident in both Vijay Mallya and Sahara.

“There is absolutely no substance to it. Our shareholder Vijay and Sahara are incredibly strong.” Ensured Bob Fernley to AutoSport, “They don’t need partners. As we speak, we are putting together and implementing an expansion programme that Vijay talked about at the end of last year. And all that is going ahead and moving forward. For the last four years, coming now to our fifth year, the team has been financed without any dependence on the shareholders’ companies that they own. There is absolutely no substance to it anywhere and that’s the thing that’s very distressing.”

Force India are scheduled to unveil their new VJM06 machine at Silverstone on February 1st, only several days before pre-season testing gets underway at Jerez in Spain. The team have explained that Paul di Resta’s eventual team-mate will not necessarily be announced during the unveiling of their new car, with the team confirming that the highly anticipated driver announcement will likely occur in the days prior to the opening test at Jerez.

The Silverstone-based outfit currently remains one of only two teams with a vacancy on the grid, alongside Caterham who so far have only confirmed Charles Pic as part of their driver line-up. The likely candidates for the second drive at Force India include Adrian Sutil, Bruno Senna, Jules Bianchi and Jaime Alguersuari.

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Hilmer Motorsport Replaces Ocean Racing Technology For 2013 GP2 Season

German team Hilmer Motorsport will replace Ocean Racing Technology for the forthcoming 2013 GP2 season, as preparations begin to gather momentum for the new season which kicks off in March. The team will become the first German outfit to compete in the GP2 Series, and have yet to announce their driving duo.

This announcement by the GP2 Series organizers comes after Portuguese outfit Ocean Racing Technology decided to withdraw from the Series, following on from their withdrawal from the GP3 Series as well. The team, headed by former Formula 1 driver Tiago Monteiro, had been a part of the GP2 Series since its inception back in 2005 however the team was then known as BCN Competición. Throughout their time in the Series, Ocean Racing Technology assisted future F1 stars in their path up the motorsport ladder including Karun Chandhok and Max Chilton.

GP2 Series CEO Bruno Michel is understandably saddened by the departure of Ocean Racing Technology from the Series, but is naturally excited with the prospect of another new team entering GP2 in Hilmer Motorsport. The German outfit is completely brand-new, and will be headed by Franz Hilmer, who is already an owner of Formtech GmBH who is a supplier for several Formula 1 teams.

“I am pleased to welcome Hilmer Motorsport to our category.” Explained GP2 Series CEO, Bruno Michel. “It is the first time since the Series’ inception that we will have a German team in our field. They are already hard at work to be ready and competitive from the first pre-season test session next month in Jerez. I am sure that they will be a great addition to our grid. I would like to thank Tiago Monteiro and everyone involved in his team for their work and dedication for the past four seasons.”

Ocean Racing Technology have withdrawn from both GP2 and GP3 due to financial issues.

Ocean Racing Technology have withdrawn from the GP3 Series also, after only one season in the category. The Portuguese outfit has become the latest scalp in the trying financial times, however they bow out of both categories with fond memories of their time racing in both the GP2 and GP3 Series. Tiago Monteiro’s team achieved several race victories in their time in GP2, including numerous podium finishes.

“We are sad to announce that our team was forced to stop its activity in GP2 and GP3 due to financial difficulties caused by the lack of payment from our partners Parkalgar and the Portuguese Government.” Explained Tiago Monteiro, “We enjoyed the short time we were in both Series’, we had a great time with success achieving wins and podiums, but unfortunately we cannot sustain our activity in these conditions. We sure hope to be back once these problems are solved, and in the meantime we wish a successful experience to Hilmer Motorsport and a great season to GP2 and our competitors. We want to thank everyone for their support during those four years: fans, friends, employees, GP2, drivers and competitors.”

Hilmer Motorsport will get their first taste of GP2 action at the first pre-season test on February 26th at Jerez, alongside the rest of the GP2 fraternity. The German outfit have yet to confirm their driver line-up, but will naturally be eager to impress upon making their debut later in the year at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Mitch Evans Graduates To GP2 With Arden International

Reigning GP3 Series Champion Mitch Evans has successfully completed the graduation to the GP2 Series with Arden International, following on from a sensationally competitive 2012 season with the outfit in GP3. The 18-year-old Kiwi will partner Johnny Cecotto jr. at the team, as they aim for Championship glory in the coming season.

Throughout his second season in GP3 last year, Mitch Evans enjoyed a tremendous year with MW Arden. The Kiwi started the season in fine form at the Spanish Grand Prix with victory in the feature race, before taking further victories at Valencia and Hockenheim including several podium finishes. Evans only retired from one of the 16 races all season, and eventually clinched the Championship after a thrilling conclusion at the Italian Grand Prix by only two points over the Lotus of Daniel Abt.

“Firstly I’d like the thank Arden for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to drive with them in GP2 after two greats years in GP3,” explained Mitch Evans. “I want to thank Mark Webber and Ann Neal and everyone behind the scenes that have made this possible, I am hugely grateful for the chance to race in the GP2 series. I have full trust in the team that they will give me the best opportunity to have a successful rookie season. I cannot wait for the season to get underway.”

Mitch Evans will become only the second driver from New Zealand to compete in the GP2 Series, as he and Johnny Cecotto jr. aim for another competitive season for Arden International in 2013. During the previous season, Arden were locked in a season-long battle at the sharp end of the Championship as Luiz Razia battled against the DAMS of Davide Valsecchi. Both Evans and Cecotto jr. know how to win races, and both will be striving to do so once the action gets underway in Sepang in March.

Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service

Gary Paffett Does Not Understand Lewis Hamilton Move

Long-term McLaren test driver Gary Paffett has become the latest member of the Formula 1 fraternity to speak out against Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes for the 2013 season, with the Briton explaining how he “does not understand” the 2008 World Champion’s decision. This comes after Sir Jackie Stewart described it as a long-term risk.

As preparations for the new Formula 1 season continues to gather momentum, McLaren test driver and Mercedes DTM star Gary Paffett has described how he does not understand Hamilton’s decision, despite Paffett’s strong connections to the German marque.

During the latter half of the 2012 season, Lewis Hamilton shocked the sporting community by deciding to move away from McLaren to join Nico Rosberg at Mercedes for the next season. Gary Paffett has disclosed that he does not understand his fellow countryman’s decision, stating that he believes McLaren will be stronger than Mercedes once again in 2013.

“Some drivers move for their own certain reasons,” said Gary Paffett at the Autosport Show last weekend. “I think a few of the times they move people don’t understand it and I don’t understand this one. I don’t understand why he moved. I knew Lewis very well, I used to kart with him when he was ten years old. Lewis has solely been focused on winning, that is his aim. He wants to break records, he wants to win the most Championships, win the most races and I see his best place to do that at McLaren.”

Lewis Hamilton has been replaced at the Woking-based outfit by Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who impressed greatly during his two seasons with Sauber. Throughout the 2012 season, the 22-year-old finished on the podium three times including a near-victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix behind eventual winner Fernando Alonso.

Although there is strong doubt within the Formula 1 community that Lewis Hamilton has made the right decision, some including Martin Brundle believe the Briton will certainly be victorious in 2013. Only time will tell as to whether Lewis Hamilton has made the correct decision or not, however it’s unquestionable that his move is still sending shockwaves throughout the sporting world.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

MW Arden Confirm GP3 Driver Line-Up

MW Arden have confirmed their 2013 driver line-up for the forthcoming GP3 season, in which the Banbury-based outfit aim to retain their Drivers’ Championship dominated by Kimi Mitch Evans throughout the 2012 season. With Evans unable to drive again the Series, the outfit have elected for a new trio to spearhead their new campaign.

Returning Romanian youngster Robert Visoiu will be joined at the team by two members of the Red Bull Junior Programme in Carlos Sainz jr. and Daniil Kvyat, two drivers who impressed the GP3 fraternity during post-season testing. Spaniard Carlos Sainz jr. makes the step up to the GP3 Series after a competitive season in the FIA Euro F3 Series and British Formula 3 Series with a combined five victories to his name. The 18-year-old also took part in the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix towards the end of the season, finishing 7th for Carlin.

Daniil Kvyat will become the fifth Russian driver to race in the GP3 Series, after an impressive performance in 2012 competing in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro and Alps Series as well as a strong display at the GP3 post-season test with MW Arden. The duo will be joined by Romanian driver Robert Visoiu, who impressed many during his debut season with Jenzer Motorsport. The 16-year-old finished on the podium once throughout 2012 during only his second race in the Series thanks largely to his reverse grid pole from the earlier race.

MW Arden certainly have a strong driver line-up for the new season, which kicks off on May 11th at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in support of the Spanish Grand Prix. Prior to the start of the season, the GP3 fraternity will partake in several pre-season tests which start at Estoril on February 20th. MW Arden may well be defending their Drivers’ Crown secured last season, but Lotus GP still remain the team to beat having won every Constructors’ Championship since 2010.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service

Valtteri Bottas Confirms Williams FW35 Will Not Feature A Step-Nose

Formula 1 rookie Valtteri Bottas has confirmed that the new Renault-powered Williams FW35 will not feature the unsightly stepped-nose design in 2013, with the sporting regulations now allowing the teams to cover up the controversial design with a laminate panel. Valtteri Bottas will replace Bruno Senna at the team in 2013.

With various teams announcing launch dates of their new 2013 machines, Valtteri Bottas has confirmed to Finnish broadcaster MTV3 that the major difference with the new Williams machine is the loss of the platypus or stepped-nose design at the front of the car. To the horror of many Formula 1 fans and personnel alike, every car in 2012 apart from the McLaren and Marussia featured the ugly design. This has therefore prompted the sports governing body, the FIA, the alter the regulations permitting teams to cover up the designs with laminate panels in 2013.

“In terms of looks, the car is pretty much the same as last year,” explained Valtteri Bottas to MTV3. “With the new rules, the stepped nose has been straightened. It is the biggest difference in its appearance. The new car is a development of last year’s car. There are certain improvements in aerodynamics, we have tried to gain more traction in the corners.”

Williams returned to their winning ways last season with victory at the Spanish Grand Prix with Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado behind the wheel. However, neither Maldonado or Bruno Senna was able to return to the podium for the remainder of the season, despite a much more competitive year than 2011. With the changes made to the car in preparation for the 2013 season, the Grove-based outfit will be hoping that both Maldonado and rookie Bottas can achieve a much more consistent 2013 season which will see the team feature at the front on a more regular basis.

Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team

Andy’s F1 Blog’s Top Ten Drivers Of 2012

Immediately after the enthralling season finale around Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit, I launched a poll here allowing my readers to vote for their driver of the year. And what a year it was, seven different winners in the first seven different races, a season-long battle at the top, and probably one of the most exciting season finales in the history of the sport.

For me, many drivers up and down the grid deserved the honor of Driver of the Year, everyone from Pastor Maldonado to Sebastian Vettel proved just why they belong in the world of Formula 1. There were the usual ups and downs as the season progressed, such as Lewis Hamilton’s Twitter Tantrums to the likes of Pastor Maldonado’s and Kimi Raikkonen’s sensational victories in Spain and Abu Dhabi.

From seasons end to New Years Day, 143 of you visited my site and voted for who you thought was the driver of the year. Naturally only one driver took the majority of the votes, however drivers such as Bruno Senna and Vitaly Petrov secured amazingly high votes to enter Andy’s F1 Blog’s Top Ten Drivers’ of the 2012 season, so without any further ado, lets start the countdown…

 

10th: Michael Schumacher – Mercedes (2 Votes – 1.4%)

 

Michael Schumacher failed to return to his dominant ways in his return to the sport.

It’s unquestionable that Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1 was not a success, with the German never returning to the heights of his Benetton and Ferrari dominance which made him such a revered figure in the sport. However, the 2012 season saw numerous moments where Michael Schumacher returned momentarily to his old ways, beginning with a sensational pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix which the German was frustratingly unable to start from after a penalty from the previous race in Spain.

At the European Grand Prix at Valencia, Michael Schumacher finally returned to the podium for the first time since the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix with 3rd place behind Kimi Raikkonen and eventual race winner Fernando Alonso. Despite these two fleeting moments of success for Schumacher, the 2012 season was another frustrating affair for the seven-time World Champion, and led to his second retirement after the confirmation of Lewis Hamilton as his successor at the German marque.

 

9th: Felipe Massa – Ferrari (2 Votes – 1.4%)

Felipe Massa endured a tough 2012 campaign for Ferrari.

 

Felipe Massa suffered a torrid start to the 2012 season, which saw the Brazilian driver qualify no higher than 12th throughout the opening five races of the season. During this period, Massa could only finish in the points on one occasion at the Bahrain Grand Prix where he managed to finish 9th after starting a lowly 14th. However, as the season progressed, so did Felipe Massa’s performance which saw him qualify 5th and finish 4th at the British Grand Prix in July.

Despite Felipe Massa’s gradual improvement as the 2012 season progressed, this did nothing to quell strong rumors linking numerous drivers as potential replacements for the Brazilian. These potential suspects included the likes of Adrian Sutil, Nico Hulkenberg and even Jenson Button, however Ferrari decided to retain Massa for one more season alongside Fernando Alonso. Eventually Felipe Massa was able to finish on the podium twice towards the end of the season with 2nd at the Japanese Grand Prix and 3rd at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

 

8th: Mark Webber – Red Bull Racing (2 Votes – 1.4%)

 

Mark Webber started the season promisingly, but faded in the latter half.

Mark Webber enjoyed a sensational start to the season with Red Bull, contrary to reigning World Champion and team-mate Sebastian Vettel, as the Australian driver took two victories for the Milton Keynes-based outfit which included his second victory at Monaco. However, once Sebastian Vettel returned to his dominant ways at the front, Mark Webber’s Championship hopes quickly faded slightly, despite several further competitive results at the Korean and Indian Grands Prix.

Throughout the earlier parts of the 2012 season, Mark Webber was rumored to be potentially leaving the Red Bull outfit, with a switch to Ferrari a strong possibility at one stage. However, after Mark Webber’s superlative victory at the British Grand Prix the Australian driver was confirmed for another year at Red Bull alongside triple World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

 

7th: Jenson Button – McLaren (3 Votes – 2.1%)

 

Jenson Button won three races in 2012, and will become McLaren’s lead driver in 2013.

Jenson Button both started and ended the 2012 season in fine form, with victories at the season opening Australian Grand Prix and season ending Brazilian Grand Prix. The Briton also took victory at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, whilst carnage ensued further back with the now infamous Romain Grosjean multi-car incident at the start. However, Jenson Button also endured several highly uncompetitive races throughout 2012 including the Spanish, Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix where the Briton suffered three disastrous results in comparison to team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

With Lewis Hamilton now a Mercedes driver, Jenson Button has now fully assumed the role as team leader at the Woking-based outfit alongside the rising star that is Sergio Perez. Results reminiscent of the Canadian Grand Prix would be disastrous during the 2013 season, as Jenson Button prepares to spearhead McLaren’s Championship chances alongside the likes of Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.

 

6th: Vitaly Petrov – Caterham (6 Votes – 4.2%)

 

Vitaly Petrov produced a wonderful drive in Brazil, but is as of yet unconfirmed for 2013.

Vitaly Petrov picked up a surprising amount of votes, most likely due to his stellar performance during the season finale at Sao Paulo which saw Caterham retake the all-important 10th in the Constructors’ Championship over rivals Marussia. The 28-year-old Russian ended the race 11th for Caterham, which enabled the Leafield-based outfit to rise above Marussia despite once again scoring no points throughout the year.

Currently Vitaly Petrov is not confirmed at Caterham for the 2013 season, with Frenchman Charles Pic the only confirmed driver on the grid for the team. The second seat has yet to be announced, with drivers such as Vitaly Petrov, Heikki Kovalainen, Giedo van der Garde and Bruno Senna all linked to what has become one of the last vacancies on the grid for 2013.

 

5th: Bruno Senna – Williams (12 Votes – 8.39%)

 

Bruno Senna was consistent in 2012 for Williams, but is also unconfirmed for 2013.

Another driver who has picked up a surprising number of votes, Bruno Senna endured a bitter sweet 2012 season for Williams. Although team-mate Pastor Maldonado received early success with his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, it’s unquestionable that Bruno Senna enjoyed a much more consistent season than his Venezuelan team-mate. Between the Spanish Grand Prix in May and the Japanese Grand Prix in October, Maldonado failed to score a single World Championship point, whereas Senna picked up 11 points for Williams.

Despite this almost stealth-like consistency in comparison to team-mate Pastor Maldonado, the Brazilian driver has unfortunately been replaced at Williams for next season by the team’s reserve driver Valtteri Bottas. However, recent rumors have linked the 29-year-old to Caterham alongside Charles Pic for 2013, a move which would see all change at the Leafield-based outfit, and a rather strong line-up for the new season.

 

4th: Lewis Hamilton – McLaren (13 Votes – 9.09%)

 

Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a much better season in 2012, and will move to Mercedes for 2013.

Unquestionably one of the stars of the 2012 season, Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a much more competitive season than 2011. The 2008 World Champion began the season very consistently, with points scored at the first seven races which included victory at the Canadian Grand Prix. However, the Briton’s 2012 campaign was not without error as he used the social networking site Twitter in a foolish manner on more than one occasion.

Despite Lewis Hamilton’s off track misdemeanors, the McLaren driver was without-a-doubt one of the quickest drivers all season, which allowed him to take four victories throughout the year including a sensational win at the United States Grand Prix around the brand-new track in Austin. Lewis Hamilton made headline news worldwide just after the Singapore Grand Prix, when it was announced he would be leaving McLaren to join Mercedes alongside Nico Rosberg in 2013.

 

3rd: Sebastian Vettel – Red Bull Racing (15 Votes – 10.49%)

Sebastian Vettel might well have been crowned World Champion, but struggled in the early stages.

 

Amazingly the 2012 World Champion only comes 3rd in our top ten countdown, despite a season which saw the young German fight a season-long battle with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. Unlike the previous year which saw Sebastian Vettel utterly dominate the opposition, the 2012 season saw the German driver initially struggle greatly and only pick up one victory in the opening thirteen races of the season.

However, due largely to Adrian Newey’s mastermind and several sensational drives along the way, Sebastian Vettel was able to once again reassert in authority over proceedings and clinch his third successive drivers’ title, becoming only third driver in the history of the sport alongside Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher to do so. Expect much of the same from the youngster in 2013, as he continues to write his own history in F1.

 

2nd: Kimi Raikkonen – Lotus (17 Votes – 11.89%)

Kimi Raikkonen was his usual laid back self in the paddock, eventually winning one race in 2012.

 

Despite a rocky return in Australia at the start of the year, where Kimi Raikkonen qualified a lowly 17th, the Iceman was my personal highlight of the 2012 season and rightfully deserves to be within the top three. He might not have fully returned to his once fearsome competitiveness until mid-season, but the Finnish ace returned to the sport as though he never left, with his blunt approach to life in the paddock once again causing headline news in the media.

Admittedly the Finn should have won more races throughout the season, most notably in Bahrain, however Kimi Raikkonen remained the most consistent driver of the year by finishing every single race of the season in the points apart from China where his Pirelli tyres expired. Eventually the Finn stormed to his 19th career victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in doing so snapping at his race engineer to leave him alone on the radio in what has undoubtedly become Kimi’s trademark catchphrase.

 

1st: Fernando Alonso – Ferrari (61 Votes – 42.66%)

 

Fernando Alonso was unquestionably the driver of the year in 2012, and will be a strong contender once again in 2013!

Receiving a whopping 61 votes since the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, and squeezing every ounce of juice out of his initially disastrous Ferrari F2012, Fernando Alonso has been rated as the Driver of the Year, and rightfully so! The Spaniard took his first victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix in March in the wet/dry race, and completely overshadowed team-mate Felipe Massa. Whilst his Brazilian counterpart struggled greatly with the F2012, Fernando Alonso called upon his masterful race-craft to remain a title contender right down to the final race of the season.

Fernando Alonso was one of the most consistent drivers of the season, only retiring from two races throughout the year. The Spaniard finished on the podium a mesmerizing thirteen times, which included a streak of five back-to-back podiums during the last five races. However, Sebastian Vettel’s spell of four victories between the Singapore and Indian Grands Prix saw the Championship swing back towards Milton Keynes. With Fernando Alonso coming so very close to Championship supremacy in 2012, expect the Spaniard to be a title contender from the word go in 2013!

Picture Copyright © Mercedes AMG Petronas/Getty Images/McLaren F1 Team/Caterham F1 Team/Williams F1 Team & Pirelli