Australian Grand Prix Talking Points

So, here we go again. F1 is back, and we’re set for another cracking season of thrills, spills and fighting team-mates (hopefully).

The majestic Albert Park hosts the opening race of the season yet again, as 2015 gets underway down under.

Here is what has the paddock talking ahead  of this year’s opener.

Hamilton v Rosberg- Mark II

Depending on who you trust, either Lewis Hamilton is going to breeze to his third world crown, or Nico Rosberg is going come back with a vengeance and claim the championship.

Either way, the Mercedes pair are a certainty to spend a second successive season fighting for the world championship, as winter testing showed that they are as dominant as last year.

Although, it may make the sport slightly predictable, remember that it is highly likely tensions will spill over. Their current truce looks uncomfortable at best, and it won’t be long before the gloves come off.

In Melbourne, Rosberg has the upper hand. On Friday he finished both practice sessions on top of the timesheets, and he won the race last year, although he was helped by Hamilton’s early retirement.

The defending champion’s demeanour is slightly negative, and there is a whisper that he may not be 100% comfortable with his new car, which makes his German team-mate a slight favourite.

Saturday’s qualifying session will almost be as important as the race, as Hamilton tries to wrestle back Saturday supremacy from Rosberg. Nico had the upper hand last season, and he needs to continue to stick on pole this year.

What a mess at Sauber

Giedo van der Garde

Just what is going on at Sauber?

As soon as Giedo van der Garde won his court case, it seemed inevitable that he was going to drive this weekend.

However, today he stood waiting patiently in the garage but was told he was not required. Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr, the drivers Sauber want to race, didn’t come out in either practice session and now reports suggest that team principle Monisha Kontelborn could go to prison for breach of contract. What a farce.

Sympathy must be shown for both sides, but Sauber’s insistence that Van der Garde isn ‘t safe is bordering on an insult.

With just over 12 hours to go until qualifying, it is still unclear who will race this weekend for the rest of the season. Place your bets below.

Red Bull grow frustrated with Renault

Red Bull showed remarkable patience with engine suppliers Renault last year, as the French manufacturers produced a poor engine. The ex-champions showed faith, but that may be waning already.

Christian Horner

Pre-season rumours suggest that this year’s engine is, again, down on power despite a marked improvement in reliability. And to further compound their misery, Daniel Ricciardo is already onto his second engine this season after problems in Friday testing.

Each driver is allowed to use just four each season, and it is looks unlikely that the broken one can be repaired.

It’s a bad start to the year for Red Bull, who expect to be trailing both Ferrari and Williams in the fight for the final podium place.

Manor unlikely to race

Manor Marussia's fairy tale has already come true, but don’t expect to see them turn a wheel in anger this weekend.

Australia, and the other opening races, will be used as a mini pre-season. Their reliability is largely unknown and if they do manage to qualify then they still have to worry about the 107% rule.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W06 sparkling

All in all, they’ve done remarkably well to be here, but getting the car right is their next major challenge.

Sparks look cool

It may seem a little childish, but the sparks that the new cars produce really do look awesome, even if it is artificial.

With global audiences dwindling, F1 needs a spark to appeal to the masses once more and they have placed their faith in some 1980’s pyrotechnics. But if they can re-create a Senna/Mansell moment, people could start to flood back.

The sparks will look good in Australia, but just wait for Bahrain, Singapore and Abu Dhabi when F1 races at night.

✅ Check out more posts with related topics: