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Monday, December 30, 2013

Fondest Wishes for Critically Injured Michael Schumacher

Photo credit: Mercedes AMG

Throughout Sunday, I like many other Formula 1 racing fans have been paying close attention to the news. Once I heard the report of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher suffering a head injury from a falling while skiing in France, I've been wishing for the best news. Regrettably, the news has not been so positive as the 44-year-old is comatose in critical condition.

Spending 19 seasons on the most prestigious open wheel racing series on the globe, many of us know him as the athlete who became a modern legend behind the wheel. Battling for every one of his 91 victories in 308 races, Schumacher is now, according to reports, fighting for his life at a hospital in Grenoble. At this time, Michael Schumacher has undergone at least one neurosurgery. Doctors now say they "cannot predict the future" of the former Formula 1 driver.

I mostly remain hopeful Michael Schumacher will possess the aggressive fight and peak human skill is demonstrated so many times in Formula 1 competition. A daring driver will once took out Damon Hill in order to secure his first Formula 1 title in 1994, one of my favourite performances illustrating Schumacher's tenacity occurred at the 1995 Belgian Grand Prix. As rain dampened he Spa-Francorchamp circuit, Michael Schumacher piloting his Benetton-Renault defied set opinions to stop for wet weather tires immediately. Remaining competitive in pace on a wet track with slick tires, Schumacher won that race in way few others would have succeeded.

Michael Schumacher's heart has been one of a champion. I wish for some positive development for him and his family. 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Ferrari Gives Felipe Massa Powerful Send-off

Photo source: Ferrari North America


Since progressing to Formula 1 in 2002, Felipe Massa had been propelled by the engine power of a single auto company. Ferrari engines has powered Massa in all of his 193 Formula 1 races either through the factory Ferrari team or as part of Sauber (Ferrari powerplants were rebranded PETRONAS after the Sauber team's main sponsor at the time). In total, 11 grand prix victories, 15 pole positions and 816 career points were earned with the Massa/Ferrari pairing. For 2014, Felipe Massa will be driving a Mercedes-Benz powered Williams F1 Team vehicle ending a long, single chapter. Before leaving the Scuderia Ferrari team that he test drove for in 2002 and race with from 2006 to 2013, the Brazilian driver receives a special farewell from his soon former colleagues.

In a Christmas lunch in his honour at Maranello, Felipe Massa was given a classy reception bidding thanks to his time with the Ferrari team. Teammate Fernando Alonso, Team Principal Stefano Domenicali and Ferrari's Chairman and President Luca Cordero di Montezemelo participated on the farewell to Massa. Felipe Massa's final time spent with his 2013 team was an emotional one for the Brazilian. Recounting his time with Scuderia Ferrari, Massa stated, “Each one of you has always given me so much support, especially in the most difficult moments and I will never forget what Ferrari did for me when I had my accident in 2009. It’s in these circumstances that one understands what it means to be really loved and the atmosphere at Ferrari and the unique feeling of being part of the family is something I will miss a lot.”

As a going-away present, Ferrari presented Felipe Massa with a type 56 race engine used in the F2008 race car during the 2008 season. This particular Ferrari V-8 engine carries a great amount of significance to Massa's Formula 1 career. Winning six races with the Ferrari F2008, Felipe Massa lost the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship title by a single point to Lewis Hamilton. Massa leaves Ferrari is a memento to great times and memories of mutual accomplishments as he prepares to face-off against his former mates as a competitor with Williams in 2014.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Meeting Mario: My Autograph from an Andretti

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy


Have you ever wondered what is the allure of the autograph? Ultimately, why is it that someone writing their name is considered a valuable commodity? If I would have to make a guess, some point in time (prior to camera phones or even the small point and shoot digital cameras) the celebrity signature was created so fans could have a constant acknowledgement for once being in the presence of a figure. That thought ran through my mind as I waited in line to meet Mario Andretti on a Thursday this past June.

I can't believe so much time had past since that encounter very close to my home in Canada. My Thursday trip to a Firestone Tire center started when my mother showed me the ad from a local newspaper. I do have a terrific mother. It was only a matter of dealing with the anticipation of that possible moment in the future. While I've had the privilege of interacting with several motorsport personalities in my capacity as an ever-learning auto racing journalist, my chance for meeting some closely face-to-face is rare. A moment that would stun many fans, my interaction involved that of an Autistic gentleman. Admittedly, I have been for better or worse living with a social condition that had for many years kept me quiet. I have grown thanks to inspiring figures. Inspiration that provided positive and negative impacts on me, I am happy to say Mario Andretti is among the most positive.



Photo Credit: Chris Nagy


The first in a motorsport dynasty, Mario Andretti's racing career started in secret from his parents as him and his twin brother Aldo sneaked around to race an old Hudson. Working hard to earn his way into midget racing, Andretti's eventual rise to the top level of open wheel racing was early chapters in a book of a legend. While most of Mario Andretti's greatest triumphs came before my time, the 1967 Daytona 500, the 1969 Indianapolis 500 and the 1978 Formula 1 World Championship predate my eventual presence on this planet. He was absorbed by motorsport magic and became a wizard who actively placed others under the spell behind racing fast cars.

A rather dark June morning with risk of rain showers, the scenery for meeting with a former Formula 1 and IndyCar superstar was my no means dampened by a little weather. A good crowd managed to rush out for the autograph signing. Being Thursday and a school day, the crowd was understandably older skewing than would be found at a Justin Bieber concert. The dedicated fans provided a visually stunning presentation to both Mario Andretti's legacy and the ones who appreciate an individual who chased a dream. The arrival of Andretti in a small Canadian city was something very special.

Each person inserting themselves orderly into the autograph line brought with them their own personal memories and mementos relating to Mario Andretti. Photographs of Andretti's Formula 1 car, remote controlled car, and T-Shirts provided by the Firestone were all items signed by the retired car race driver. One person ahead of me brought a vintage cardboard IndyCar display that was clearly from the mid 1980s. In my case, I brought a computer CD-ROM version of EA Sports' Andretti Racing that was my first CD computer game. Unlike his sadly departed former team owner Paul Newman who scarcely signed autographs, Mario Andretti possesses a very free writing hand.

Arriving early, I only had to wait about 15 minutes to meet Mario Andretti in person. Chatter along fellow fans reflected an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group. Time quick passed as I succeeded in holding myself together to approach the table where the racing great sat. With me, it's always a strange sensation where I know what I want say but going completely blank when I need to release my words. I wish I could properly express the pleasure that fills me by meeting someone truly outstanding. To feel I can produce so much more eloquent words, my speech uses only the simple words I can readily expel. All I could truly say was, "It is a great honour meeting you.". The worse feeling is that I'm sometimes just saying words rather than engaging an individual. I was fortunate enough to say how his involvement in auto racing resulted in my current pursuits in writing about motorsports. He graciously signed a hero card and the CD ROM as well as allowed me to take a picture of him. Limited once again by my verbal and socialization skills, the roughly 20-second meeting was the most joyous experience of my year.


Photo credit: Chris Nagy



Since that day, as I look at the Mario Andretti autographed hero card I had received from that day. The thought of what an autograph truly means has come to mind. Is an autograph just a valuable piece of sports memorabilia that is sold to collectors? Due to Mr. Andretti's generosity with his signature, the collector market is actually rather soft on his autograph compared to other athletes. Of course, the notion of the all mighty dollar being important for an autograph is obvious hogwash when lineups of delighted fans feel nothing but pride for the signature from the famous driver.

With time passing, the allure of the autograph became clear to me. Since the signature predated taking selfies with a famous person, it was the only memento a person could possess regarding a major experience. Even if meeting was ever-so brief, the autograph's purpose is classically the preservation of a personal memory as much as it is a connection to the hand who wrote their name. The experience I was treated to at that Firestone tire service centre this past June is something not obtainable at a sport memorabilia shop or online auction.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Force India has Momentum of Perez and Hulkenberg for 2014 F1 Campaign

Photo source: Sahara Force India F1 Team

A Formula 1 organization founded in 2008, Force India was formed from ashes of a team that once belonged to Eddie Jordan and was also known as Midland F1 and Spyker F1. Struggling hard in its first season, Force India partnered with Mercedes-Benz engines in 2009 finding some success in the latter part of the season. In their sophomore year, Giancarlo Fisichella posted a runner-up finish at the Belgium Grand Prix. Though the race is regarded as a decent mid-marker organization right up to last season, Force India has still been unable to secure a coveted grand prix victory. With new car and competition rules set for 2014, Sahara Force India has decided that a completely fresh driver line-up is best for their Mercedes-Benz powered race machines.

Sahara Force India picked up one of the hottest commodities in the Formula 1 free agent market. Signing Mexican driver Sergio Perez, the Force India team has signed the former McLaren pilot and 2007 British Formula Three champion to a multi-season deal. Considered one of the next hot Formula 1 stars when he almost won the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix in a fierce battle in the wet, Perez endured a lackluster 2013 season with an under-performing McLaren Formula 1 team. In the announcement where the Mexican driver was welcomed to the Indian-owned team, Perez stated, "This is a young team with a lot of determination and they’ve produced competitive cars for the last few years. It’s all change for next season with the new regulations, but I already have a good feeling about 2014. "


Photo source: Sahara Force India F1 Team



Returning to Force India in another multi-year deal announced earlier this month, Nico Hulkenberg is another driver many would consider a potential grand prix winner in the near future. The German had been very successful in a slew of ladder series championships. Hulkenberg has even won the 2009 GP2 Series championship. Joining Formula 1 as a Williams F1 Team driver, Nico Hulkenberg accepted a position as a test driver for Force India in 2011 and was promoted to a race day competitor in 2012. Hulkenberg's best Formula 1 finish is fourth that he achieved on two occasions.

Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg share a history of productive stints at the Sauber F1 Team in recent years.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Vettel Scores Historic Victory in Brazil for 2013 F1 Finale

Photo source: Pirelli Photo Service

After 18 grand prix race for the 2013 Formula 1 series, the final 71 laps comprising of the Brazilian Grand Prix is symbolizing a number of last opportunities.

With a new turbocharged V-6 engine mandated for competition next season, this Formula 1 finale represents the last time the V-8 powerplants will be used on the world class race tracks. For drivers, the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix will be the final time that many will drive for their respected teams. Mark Webber will be leaving Red Bull Racing and Formula 1 altogether for a spot in the debuting Porsche prototype sports car team in 2014. Competing for eight seasons with Ferrari in Formula 1, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa is concluding one chapter of his career. Massa has signed to race with Williams F1 for next season. A lot more leaves to be decided for 2014 as the grid for the final race of 2013 was set.

A poster child for stability, 2013 Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel was again rock solid in qualifying taking pole on a wet Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace surface with his Red Bull-Renault. Vying for a record-tying ninth consecutive win, Vettel starts the Brazilian Grand Prix with a ton of momentum. However, on the start, it was the Mercedes AMG car of Nico Rosberg that shot out to an early lead.


Photo source: Pirelli Photo Service

The advantage for Rosberg was short-lived as Vettel surged back into the lead. The optimum Mercedes AMG started off the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix with was derailed as both cars struggled with issues. Nico Rosberg fought handling while Lewis Hamilton suffered a tire puncture when he brushed a lapped Williams-Renault driven by Valtteri Bottas. That being said, both Mercedes AMG would persevere to finish within the points. 

The final race of the season ended early for the Romain Grosjean, After only two laps into the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, the Lotus-Renault race car suffered a freak engine explosion. “At this point in the season I think everyone needs a holiday, but apparently my engine decided to go on vacation early!" said Grosjean in post-race. While the 2013 season ended too soon for the Frenchman's liking, Grosjean ends his Formula 1 year as a much more respected driver. Romain Grosjean scored more points than his more controversial 2012 outing and ended the 2013 season with scoring points in 9 of the final 11 races. Though Heikki Kovalainen was not able to score points in the second Lotus F1 Team car, Grosjean confidently commented, "We’ve proven this year that we are a top team, and I’m certainly proud of all the guys in the garage and back at Enstone.".




Photo source: Pirelli Photo Service

With a threat of rain throughout the Sunday event, the Brazilian Grand Prix was predominately dry. A small shower did dampen the race course near the end but not enough for any teams or drivers to opt for intermediate Pirelli tires.

Possessing a 10.4 second lead, Sebastian Vettel won the Brazil Grand Prix in a largely uncontested run in the 2013 Formula 1 season finale. with the victory, the German Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion equaled Alberto Ascari's long-standing record for most consecutive grand prix wins. A win in the 2014 Formula 1 season opener would provide Vettel with the record. Helping him score his fourth championship, Vettel stood on the winning spot of the Formula 1 podium 13 of the 19 races after climbing out of his Red Bull-Renault on Sunday. By doing this, Sebastian Vettel now shares a record for most wins in a season with country mate Michael Schumacher.    

In his final grand prix race with Red Bull Racing, Mark Webber's last event before his return to sports car racing resulted in a runner-up spot. The effort becomes his 42nd career podium in 215 starts. The entire Red Bull Racing team including teammate Sebastian Vettel spoke proudly of what his been a long time spent working with the Australian. A 37-year-old driver, the end of his seven season run with Red Bull Racing is actively a retirement from the open wheel series. During his cool-down lap, Mark Webber took his helmet off in a last chance to absorb the feeling of driving competitively in the Formula 1 series. On the Red Bull Racing team website, Webber commented, "In this sport it's not always possible to give things a personal touch. We have the helmets on all the time, so they fans don't always see a Formula One driver in a car without a helmet. It was nice to get it off and see the marshals and the fans; it was just a really nice thing to experience. I heard a lot of noises that I don't normally hear.".

Completing a season that fell short of personal expectations, Fernando Alonso finished third in the final 2013 Formula 1 race. Winding up second in the overall points, the distance between him and Sebastian Vettel is a massive 155-point gap. The size of the point differential alone is enough for seventh place overall in 2013 Drivers' Championship. Collecting two wins including a climatic home country victory with the Spanish Grand Prix, Alonso and the Ferrari team were definitely not counting the late-season blitz of the #1 Red Bull-Renault. Alonso's Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa posted a seventh place run in front of his home country crowd. In addition to Sebastian Vettel's tire smoking blowout, Massa also engaged in burning rubber within a circular pattern as a farewell to Ferrari. Racing a red Ferrari race car in Formula 1 since 2006, Felipe Massa has technically been powered by Ferrari since his 2002 debut with Sauber (Sauber had a customer engine agreement with the Italian automaker company. Having driven nothing but Ferrari engine power, Massa's transition to Williams will result in the Brazilian being paired with a Mercedes-Benz powerplant

Starting in 14th and 15th place, the McLaren race cars ended a dismal season with a pair of solid runs. Jenson Button lead the charge forward climbing to fourth at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Button's McLaren teammate Sergio Perez also posted an impressive sixth place effort. Both McLaren F1 team pilots made two stops for tires but had second changes The result is Perez's final effort with a McLaren-Mercedes race car as the Mexican was released late in the season in the favour of rookie Kevin Magnussen. Sergio Perez's 2014 schedule has been left open.

With a fifth place for Nico Rosberg and a ninth for Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG's Brazilian Grand Prix finish is actually more successful than when comparing season-long standings. By six points, Mercedes AMG took second place in the Formula 1 Constructors' Points standings after a tough fight with Ferrari. For Lewis Hamilton's drivers' points, the Brazilian race regrettably ended up with Mark Webber overtaking the Mercedes driver for third in the final standings.

While unable to escape the back of the Formula 1 running order all 2013 season, Max Chilton receives honourable mention with Marussia. Chilton finished every race in his rookie season.

When the Formula 1 racing tour resumes in 2014, a new page will for the moment put all drivers and teams on an equal playing field. Until that time, there is little doubt the Red Bull Racing team as well as the four-time champion Sebastian Vettel will be leading the toast to successes of 2013.


2013 Formula 1
Brazilian Grand Prix
Race Result


1 1 Sebastian Vettel  Red Bull Renault
2 2 Mark Webber Red Bull Renault
3 3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari Ferrari
4 5 Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes-Benz
5 9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
6 6 Sergio Perez McLaren Mercedes-Benz
7 4 Felipe Massa Ferrari Ferrari
8 11 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber Ferrari
9 10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
10 19 Daniel Ricciardo Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
11 14 Paul di Resta Force India Mercedes-Benz
12 12 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber Ferrari
13 15 Adrian Sutil Force India Mercedes-Benz
14 7 Heikki Kovalainen Lotus Renault
15 18 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
16 16 Pastor Maldonado Williams F1 Renault
17 22 Jules Bianchi Marussia Cosworth
18 21 Giedo van der Garde Caterham Renault
19 23 Max Chilton Marussia Cosworth
20 20 Charles Pic Caterham Renault
21 17 Valtteri Bottas Williams F1 Renault
22 8 Romain Grosjean Lotus Renault

Final 2013 Formula 1 Pole Captured by Vettel in Brazil

Photo source: Pirelli Photo Service

Concluding what has become a 2013 Formula 1 tour with surprises, the 19-race series wraps in Brazil with a familiar face taking the headlines. Entering the final race of the Formula 1 season, the Red Bull Racing led by German Sebastian Vettel has been operating undefeated in grand prix races for almost three months. Winning the past eight races, Vettel owns the record for most wins in a single season in the premier open wheel racing series. If Sebastian Vettel repeats his pattern for the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, the Red Bull-Renault driver will be equalling another mark of greatness. However, with only 71 laps remaining in the 2013 Formula 1 season, the 100 percent effort of other drivers could still potentially unseat the German from a ninth-consecutive race win.  

Punishing the other Formula 1 runners with a Q3 pace, Sebastian Vettel won his seventh pole in a wet session at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. Lapping the 4.309-kilometer Brazilian race track in 1 minute, 26.479 seconds, the #1 Red Bull-Renault eventually rose to the top in a final time trial session delayed by heavy rain. If Vettel succeeds in capturing a ninth grand prix in a row, the German will tie the all-time consecutive winning streak record posted by Alberto Ascari during the 1952 and 1953 race seasons.

For an all-German driver front row, Nico Rosberg mounted the second-fastest effort in qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Mercedes AMG race car driven by Rosberg was more than 6/10ths of a second slower on the wet circuit. Four-tenths of a second behind Nico Rosberg's time on track Saturday was Fernando Alonso. A favourite for the driver's championship at the beginning of the 2013, the Alonso and the Ferrari team was slightly off the pace for much of the season provoking a defensive effort late to simply protect the Spanish driver's second place in points. With second place in the drivers' standings locked up in the United States Grand Prix, Alonso will be fighting alongside teammate Felipe Massa to take the runner-up spot in the constructors' championship for the Ferrari team. Within striking distance, Ferrari sits 15 points behind Mercedes AMG for the second-place position. Starting ninth, Felipe Massa's long run with Ferrari will come to an end in his home country.

The biggest  fight remaining in the overall drivers' championship surrounds 3rd place. Separated by the injured Kimi Raikkonen who is not part of the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Mark Webber are separated by six points. While the Mercedes AMG is struggling to return to the form shown doing the summer, the team appears have found some race pace as of late. In qualifying Webber will be in the fourth-place grid position with Hamilton placed only one spot behind.

In sixth, Romain Grosjean will be working to cap off a marvelous late season effort that his included four podium finishes in the past five grand prix events. Grosjean recently finished in the runner-up position at the United States Grand Prix. Barring complications, it seems Romain Grosjean will be back with the Lotus F1 team next season having excellently stepped up his performance.

Also deserving credit for worthy qualifying performances for the Brazilian Grand Prix, both Toro Rosso drivers secured top-10 spots. Preparing for a 2014 season in the vacated seat of Mark Webber with Red Bull Racing, Daniel Ricciardo just barely beat his teammate Jean-Eric Vergne. With Scuderia Toro Rosso powered by Ferrari engines, the final four vehicles in the top-10 are receiving power from the Italian automaker. Nico Hulkenberg driving for Sauber is located in tenth spot.

For a 71-lap race to complete the 2013 Formula 1 season, the Brazilian Grand Prix is set for Sunday at 2pm local time (11am in the eastern time zone). Just like the weekend so-far in Brazil, rain is slated to be a factor.


2013 Formula 1
Brazilian Grand Prix
Qualifying Results

Pos # Car # Driver Team Engine





1 1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Renault
2 9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
3 3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari Ferrari
4 2 Mark Webber Red Bull Renault
5 10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
6 8 Romain Grosjean Lotus Renault
7 19 Daniel Ricciardo Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
8 18 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
9 4 Felipe Massa Ferrari Ferrari
10 11 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber Ferrari
11 7 Heikki Kovalainen Lotus Renault
12 14 Paul di Resta Force India Mercedes-Benz
13 17 Valtteri Bottas Williams F1 Renault
14 6 Sergio Perez McLaren Mercedes-Benz
15 5 Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes-Benz
16 15 Adrian Sutil Force India Mercedes-Benz
17 16 Pastor Maldonado Williams F1 Renault
18 21 Giedo van der Garde Caterham Renault
19 20 Charles Pic Caterham Renault
20 12 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber Ferrari
21 22 Jules Bianchi Marussia Cosworth
22 23 Max Chilton Marussia Cosworth

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Vettel Finds Right Note for US Grand Prix Pole in Austin

Photo source: Pirelli Photo Service

With two races remaining in the 2013 Formula 1 series, the 22-car field is returning to the Americas to put a period on the season. While Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing is already the established victors for the 2013 season overall, there is still bragging rights as well as important final chances to prove Formula 1 worthiness on the line. A race track debuting on the Formula 1 schedule last year, the Circuit of the Americas is once again hosting a late season United States Grand Prix.

The second time the Formula 1 tour is staging an event weekend on the Circuit of the Americas, the 2012 pole winner Sebastian Vettel's performance on Saturday has allowed the Red Bull Racing drive to remain undefeated in qualifying at the track. With a 1 minute, 36.338 second lap in Q3, the effort is granted Red Bull Racing its seventh consecutive pole position and the team's tenth in 2013. Vettel's teammate Mark Webber secures a front row spot with the second Red Bull-Renault. A little more than a tenth of a second off the pole time in Q3, Webber drove the only vehicles that proved to be a match for Sebastian Vettel at the end of qualifying.

Romain Grosjean will start third on the grid for the United States Grand Prix with his Lotus-Renault. Leading the Lotus F1 Team, Grosjean's profile in the race organization is upgraded with the early 2013 exit of Kimi Raikkonen. Set to partner with Fernando Alonso at Ferrari next season, Raikkonen had has season cut short by back pain suffered during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Heikki Kovalainen emerges from his position as a reserve driver at Caterham F1 to race the second Lotus-Renault for the United States and Brazilian rounds. Driving for the first time this Formula 1 season, Kovalainen posted a respectable 9th place result in qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas.

In fourth, Nico Hulkenberg is continuing to impress with his show of speed driving the Sauber-Ferrari in the late stage of the 2013 Formula 1 season. Hulkenberg's teammate Esteban Gutierrez was quick on track but has been demoted 10 places after the qualifying session concluded. Formula 1 race stewards penalized Gutierrez and Marussia driver Max Chilton for impeding other vehicles during the time trial session. At the bottom of the grid for the 2013 United States Grand Prix, Chilton will also have to serve a drive-through penalty.

Mercedes AMG's Lewis Hamilton will start fifth on track alongside Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. Alonso will be fighting to lock up second-place in the drivers' championship. With Raikkonen's season over, Lewis Hamilton could easily promote himself to third place in the standing with nine points. However, Mark Webber is only nine points behind Hamilton ahead of the Austin, Texas race. 

With 56 laps planned for Sunday, the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas is scheduled to start at 1 pm local time (2pm eastern time)



2013 Formula 1
United States Grand Prix
Race Results


Pos # Car # Driver Team Engine





1 1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Renault
2 2 Mark Webber Red Bull Renault
3 8 Romain Grosjean Lotus Renault
4 11 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber Ferrari
5 10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
6 3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari Ferrari
7 6 Sergio Perez McLaren Mercedes-Benz
8 7 Heikki Kovalainen Lotus Renault
9 17 Valtteri Bottas Williams F1 Renault
10 19 Daniel Ricciardo Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
11 14 Paul di Resta Force India Mercedes-Benz
12 9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
13 4 Felipe Massa Ferrari Ferrari
14 18 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
15 5 Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes-Benz
16 15 Adrian Sutil Force India Mercedes-Benz
17 16 Pastor Maldonado Williams F1 Renault
18 21 Giedo van der Garde Caterham Renault
19 22 Jules Bianchi Marussia Cosworth
20 12 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber Ferrari
21 20 Charles Pic Caterham Renault
22 23 Max Chilton Marussia Cosworth
 


Seabastian Vettel Sporting Special Helmet In Preparation for US Grand Prix

Photo Source: Infinti

Sebastian Vettel has once-again attracted the spotlight in a Formula 1 season.

Despite a relatively slow start to the 2013 season, Vettel remained consistent early and later caught fire with an ongoing seven-race winning streak. Locking up the 2013 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship after the Indian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel heads into the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas as a driver still on a mission to stand out among competitors. Thanks to artist Rolf Carsjens, the Red Bull Racing driver will have a slightly different look at the Circuit of the Americas for Friday and Saturday.

A winning design resulting from a social media driven design competition, Vettel's helmet during Friday practice, Saturday practice and qualifying is specially created for the 2013 United States Grand Prix. Carsjens' design prominently features the unmistakable details of the American flag. A more subtle detail on the helmet design honour the city of Austin. Musical notes run along the top and bottom. Red Bull colours and sponsorship badging are integrated into the helmet design.


Photo source: Infiniti

Currently based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rolf Carsjens is a German born artist who happens to be a big fan of the four-time Formula 1 champion. "His performance and professionalism as a young Formula One Driver is incredible. I also like his personality: He seems to be so humble and down to earth. I'm looking really forward to meeting Sebastian in person.", said Carsjens. For his part in designing the winning helmet design, Rolf Carsjens and a guest (his wife Sheilagh) was granted VIP access at the Circuit of the Americas' Formula 1 weekend. The VIP hospitality includes a trip to the Red Bull Racing garage as the honour of meeting Sebastian Vettel himself.


Photo source: Infiniti
 
 
Sebastian Vettel will revert to his traditional helmet design during the Sunday's grand prix race.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Vettel's Perfect Drive Takes Indian Grand Prix and 2013 F1 Championship

Photo Credit: Infinti
Prior to the 2013 Indian Grand Prix on the Buddh International Circuit, the drivers' and manufacturers' championships were on the break of being locked up. The fourth-to-last race on the 2013 Formula 1 tour, German racing superstar Sebastian Vettel needed only to add five more points than Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso to seal his fourth consecutive title. Capturing pole for Sunday's 60-lap main event, Vettel enters the Indian Grand Prix on a hot streak with five-straight victories.

It was a picture perfect start for Sebastian Vettel as he left the Mercedes-AMG cars in his dust. This early lead was short-lived as Vettel relinguished the top spot for a Red Bull Racing tire stop. Including Vettel many of the top cars starting on the soft compound rubber upgraded to medium compound Pirelli tires within the initial laps.

Within a field scrambling for position behind the leading Red Bull-Renault was Fernando Alonso who was starting the Italian Grand Prix eighth with only a remote chance at challenging Vettel for the 2013 drivers' title. Despite Vettel's potential victory being enough to secure the championship, Alonso's efforts would also be conflicted by a collision with Mark Webber's Red Bull-Renault on the start. With front end damage to his Ferrari, Alonso was forced to pit road for repairs. Alonso would struggle for track position since the early race mishap. Deeper in the field on the first lap, another collision occurred between the Caterhams of Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic as well as Max Chilton's Marussia-Cosworth. The Caterham-Renault of van der Garde would be the race's first retirement.

Starting 17th after some great Formula 1 race runs on past events, French driver Romain Grosjean was facing an uphill battle competing in India. Starting on soft compound Pirelli slicks, Grosjean's Lotus-Renault lasted 13 laps before making his switch to medium tires. Grosjean would make an intrepid climb early and quickly made his way into the top-5.

As the Indian Grand Prix progressed, Sebastian Vettel began to show his class-leading form. Making his final pit stop on lap 31, the German driver's Red Bull-Renault set out a commanding interval between himself and the second-place runner. Despite the team pride with their lead driver, an opportunity at a Red Bull Racing 1-2 finish was denied on lap 39. An alternator problem on Mark Webber's car has cost the Australian another strong finish in as many grand prix races.

During the late stages of the 2013 Indian Grand Prix, the story was Kimi Raikkonen trying to stay out on medium compound tires placed on his Lotus-Renault back on lap seven. His vehicle was immensely off the pace with other vehicles running on fresher Pirelli. Fighting to hold on to third place, Raikkonen was actually creating drama within his own team as Romain Grosjean was closely following on faster Pirelli tires. With reports of heated team communications towards Kimi Raikkonen's car, the Finnish driver would yield to Grosjean. With a lap 58 pit stop, Raikkonen would finish the Indian Grand Prix seventh.

Crossing the line 29.8 seconds ahead of runner-up Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel officially became the 2013 Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion with a convincing victory at the Buddh International Circuit. An elated German driver celebrated his sixth-straight grand prix win and fourth-consecutive Formula 1 points title with some rarely-seen tire donuts on the racetrack. Leaving his mark on the track, the win was repeats triumphs in 2011 and 2012 making Vettel the only grand prix winner of the Indian Formula 1 race. The Formula 1 race stewards did issue a 25,000 euro fine for the post-race celebration but the penalty likely represented money well spent by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing who also gains the crown as the manufacturers' champion. With Fernando Alonso unable to claim a single point, Vettel has padded his point lead by 25 points.


Photo Credit: Mercedes AMG

With a quiet second-place run, Nico Rosberg headed the Mercedes-AMG team its first podium since the Hungarian Grand Prix victory by Lewis Hamilton. In the second Mercedes-AMG race car, Hamilton came across the finish line sixth.

Taking the third spot on the Indian Grand Prix, Romain Grosjean benefitted gained pivotal track position thanks to a one-stop strategy performed with his Lotus F1 Team. The result becomes Grosjean's third-consecutive third-place finish in the 2013 Formula 1 season. With 16 races completed in 2013, Romain Grosjean has scored as many points as he did after 19 races in 2012. While his future in Formula 1 was in question at the start of this Formula 1 year, Grosjean's performance especially as of late could allow his stay in the Lotus F1 Team to be extended.



Photo credit: Mercedes AMG


Just outside the podium, some great performances has the Ferrari of Felipe Massa and Sergio Perez's McLaren-Mercedes scoring major points. For Perez, the finish is McLaren's highest placement in a 2013 grand prix event through what has become a dismal season for the typical Formula 1 front-runner.

The next race for the 2013 Formula 1 tour will be held in the United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be held on the Yas Marina Circuit on November 3rd.



2013 Formula 1
Indian Grand Prix
Race Results

1 1 Sebastian Vettel  Red Bull Renault
2 9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
3 8 Romain Grosjean Lotus Renault
4 4 Felipe Massa Ferrari Ferrari
5 6 Sergio Perez McLaren Mercedes-Benz
6 10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
7 7 Kimi Raikkonen Lotus Renault
8 14 Paul di Resta Force India Mercedes-Benz
9 15 Adrian Sutil Force India Mercedes-Benz
10 19 Daniel Ricciardo Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
11 3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari Ferrari
12 16 Pastor Maldonado Williams F1 Renault
13 18 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
14 5 Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes-Benz
15 12 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber Ferrari
16 17 Valtteri Bottas Williams F1 Renault
17 23 Max Chilton Marussia Cosworth
18 22 Jules Bianchi Marussia Cosworth
19 11 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber Ferrari
20 2 Mark Webber Red Bull Renault
21 20 Charles Pic Caterham Renault
22 21 Giedo van der Garde Caterham Renault

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Webber Outruns Vettel in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying

Photo Credit: Infiniti

For Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel, the 2013 season has already been successful. Following victory at last week's Indian Grand Prix, Vettel has become a four-time Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion and awarded his team enough points to secure a fourth manufacturer's crown. The acclaimed 2013 Formula 1 champion, Vettel and the #1 car attends the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with more relaxation than the 21 other cars. With contentious point fights still in play (including a tight second place constructors' championship battle between Mercedes AMG and Ferrari), the Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates will provide some tense on-track action.

Sealing his fourth consecutive drivers' title, anyone expecting the German driver to relax his pace for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying would be sorely misguided. In Q3, Sebastian Vettel posted a 1 minute, 40.075 second lap around the 5.554-kilometer track. An impressive time that eclipses his 2009 lap record, Vettel would not be the polesitter for Sunday's main event. Cracking around the Yas Marina Circuit in 1 minute, 39.957 seconds, the Red Bull-Renault of Mark Webber is receiving the preferential first place spot. After a pole drought for much of the 2013 season, the Australian Webber is ending his tenure at Red Bull Racing with two poles in the last three races.

Behind the all-Red Bull Racing front row starting the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Mercedes AMG team has filled the second row. By more than 8/100th of a second, Nico Rosberg claimed the advantage over Lewis Hamilton. Having speed through late spring to summer of this season, the factory German race team has been scrambling to regain their once dominating qualifying pace. Only four points ahead of Scuderia Ferrari heading into this weekend's event, Mercedes AMG has shown a stronger hand in qualifying. Felipe Massa posted a time on Saturday equating to a seventh place starting effort for Sunday. Fernando Alonso just missed making the 10-car pack in Q3. 

The fifth place starting spot of the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix underwent a post-race change with the exclusion of a well-known figure. Reigning winner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Kimi Raikkonen will be forced to the rear after his Lotus-Renault E21 car failed a floor deflection test. The failure was caused when a part broke on-track causing the floor to flex more than allowed by Formula 1 rules. Lotus F1 Team principal Eric Boullier commented on the race team's website saying, “No advantage was sought or gained in the incident and the relevant part has been replaced". Raikkonen will have to start 22rd Sunday. Lotus F1 Team's second car driven by the recently hot Romain Grosjean will be promoted to sixth behind Nico Hulkenberg. Hulkenberg's fifth place effort in qualifying with a Suaber-Ferrari race car is also consistent with a meaningful late season effort on the Formula 1 tour.       
Racing for 55 laps Sunday around the Yas Marina Circuit, the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix operates later in the day than most Formula 1 races. Starting at 5pm local time, the result is an 8am race in the Eastern time zone.



2013 Formula 1
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Starting Grid

1 2 Mark Webber Red Bull Renault
2 1 Sebastian Vettel  Red Bull Renault
3 9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
4 10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
5 11 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber Ferrari
6 8 Romain Grosjean Lotus Renault
7 4 Felipe Massa Ferrari Ferrari
8 6 Sergio Perez McLaren Mercedes-Benz
9 19 Daniel Ricciardo Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
10 3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari Ferrari
11 14 Paul di Resta Force India Mercedes-Benz
12 5 Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes-Benz
13 18 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
14 16 Pastor Maldonado Williams F1 Renault
15 17 Valtteri Bottas Williams F1 Renault
16 12 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber Ferrari
17 15 Adrian Sutil Force India Mercedes-Benz
18 21 Giedo van der Garde Caterham Renault
19 20 Charles Pic Caterham Renault
20 23 Max Chilton Marussia Cosworth
21 22 Jules Bianchi Marussia Cosworth
22 7 Kimi Raikkonen Lotus Renault

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Vettel Commandingly Takes Pole for 2013 Indian Grand Prix

Photo credit: Pirelli Photo Service



The fourth-to-last event on the 2013 Formula 1 schedule, the Indian Grand Prix welcomes the open wheel racing series when the white hot Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel is showing unbeatable domination. Qualifying for the third-ever Indian Grand Prix would only stoke the burning desire for the German's fourth Formula 1 Drivers' title.

Mounting a 1 minute, 24.119 second top time in the Q3 session of qualifying, Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull-Renault has captured the prime grid position for the 2013 Indian Grand Prix. The qualifying effort for Vettel was roughly 14/100ths of a second better than the second-fastest car on the 5.125-kilometer race course. Winner of the last five events, Vettel can clinch his fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship by earning an additional five points. In the quest for this feat accomplished just one time before by the seven-time World Drivers' Champion Michael Schumacher, the Buddh International Circuit is a hospitable ground for Vettel having won both runnings of the Indian Grand Prix

Vettel's win extends the Red Bull Racing team's pole qualifying streak to five events. The second Red Bull-Renault driven by Mark Webber will be starting in fourth place. It's important to note Webber has been riding on medium compound Pirelli tires when he set the fourth-fastest time on the Buddh International Circuit. Among four drivers in the top-10 starting on the medium compound racing slicks, Mark Webber will be the highest starting on the slightly slower but more durable rubber.

Able to split the Red Bull Racing duo, the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 machines of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton rose to the occasion in the late minutes of Q3. Separated by seven-tenths of a second, Rosberg grabbed the advantage over Hamilton. While Red Bull Racing's 2013 team performance has performed themselves as the near-unopposed leader of the Formula 1 constructors' championship, Mercedes AMG and Ferrari are in a tense second-place battle. Ferrari leads by only 10 points over Mercedes AMG. Leading the charge for Ferrari in Indian Grand Prix qualifying was Felipe Massa. Massa will start fifth while teammate and longshot 2013 championship hopeful Fernando Alonso will line up eighth on Sunday. Lotus F1 Team is also close to both teams making the runner-up spot in the team points standings very contentious.


Photo Credit: Pirelli Photo Service


After several races where Romain Grosjean has been propelled into the Formula 1 limelight, the Frenchman's qualifying effort in India was off-pace with his recent success. The Lotus F1 Team's plan for using medium compound tires in the Q1 session was perhaps a major contributing factor to Grosjean starting 17th in Sunday. By contrast, Kimi Raikkonen's Lotus-Renault race car will be starting sixth on the Indian Grand Prix grid.

With the Formula 1 tour already affirming there will not be on 2014 edition of the Indian Grand Prix, the 2013 race could allow a driver and team to brag about their effort right up to the likely 2015 return to the Buddh International Circuit. The 60-lap 2012 Indian Grand Prix is set to start at 3pm local time (5:30am Eastern time).



2013 Formula 1
Indian Grand Prix
Starting Grid


Pos # Car # Driver Team Engine





1 1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Renault
2 9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
3 10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
4 2 Mark Webber Red Bull Renault
5 4 Felipe Massa Ferrari Ferrari
6 7 Kimi Raikkonen Lotus Renault
7 11 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber Ferrari
8 3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari Ferrari
9 6 Sergio Perez McLaren Mercedes-Benz
10 5 Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes-Benz
11 19 Daniel Ricciardo Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
12 14 Paul di Resta Force India Mercedes-Benz
13 15 Adrian Sutil Force India Mercedes-Benz
14 18 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
15 17 Valtteri Bottas Williams F1 Renault
16 12 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber Ferrari
17 8 Romain Grosjean Lotus Renault
18 16 Pastor Maldonado Williams F1 Renault
19 22 Jules Bianchi Marussia Cosworth
20 21 Giedo van der Garde Caterham Renault
21 20 Charles Pic Caterham Renault
22 23 Max Chilton Marussia Cosworth

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Honda's 2015 Formula 1 Engine Comes to Life on YouTube

BAR-Honda F1 Car Replica at Georgian Auto Show 2005
Photo Credit: Chris Nagy

On Friday, Honda's United Kingdom outlet provided race fans with their first sense of an upcoming Formula 1 powerplant; That sense consisted of sound.

Through a YouTube release, an audio track for the turbocharged, 1.6 liter V-6 racing engine has been made public. An audio-only presentation, the 2015 Honda Formula 1 engine was led across the power band as a sampling for what will be heard on the race track.

The Honda turbocharged V-6 engine is being developed jointly with the McLaren F1 team. While new Formula 1 rules come into place for last year, McLaren's ongoing contract with Mercedes-Benz is delaying Honda's entry until the 2015 season. For the Japanese company re-entering the top-ranked open wheel racing series, the extra time will prove pivotal in developing the full-functional race powerplant.

Until 2015, here is a small dose of what Formula 1 fans can expect from the upcoming McLaren Honda combination:



Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Pit Strategy Nets Vettel Victory in Thrilling Japanese Grand Prix


Photo Credit: Nissan/Infiniti

Since 1987, the Suzuka Circuit has served as the host of the Japanese Grand Prix for all but two years in between the 2013 event. Over that time, the Honda owned race track has produced some storied fights for Formula 1 supremacy. The Alain Prost/Aryton Senna championship battles in 1989 and 1990 remains as the most memorable. Though there was not going to be a tight drivers' point battle heading towards the 5.807-kilometer track, there was a slim chance the race could result in the crowning of the 2013 championship. Heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel needed just 24 points on Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso to seal his Fourth consecutive championship.

Aside from the champion, the Suzuka Circuit is known for producing some hard-fought races along all competitors. The 53-lap, 2013 edition of the Japanese Grand Prix would perhaps rank as one of the finest of the season.

With Mark Webber sitting on pole for the first time in 2013, the Australian is counting down his tenure at Red Bull Racing as Sunday's race was staged. With Webber's teammate Sebastian Vettel starting alongside, the Red Bull-Renaults seemingly appeared to be on easy street for leading into the first corner. What was not foreseen as the lights went out to commence the 2013 Japanese Grand Prix was a faltering by both Red Bull-Renault race cars on the start. Instantly on the race's start Romain Grosjean shot by Vettel and Webber for the lead.


Photo Credit: Andrew Ferraro/Lotus F1 Team


With the leaders running smoothly into turn 1, the cars driven by Jules Bianchi and Giedo van der Garde wrecked. No safety car was deployed since both cars were well off into the turn one run-off area but activation of the DRS system was delayed. Another early retirement from the Japanese Grand Prix was Lewis Hamilton who suffered a cut tire due to contact. The damage to Hamilton's Mercedes AMG proved quite severe resulting in parking the race machine after seven laps.

From fourth to first into the turn corner, the Lotus-Renault of Romain Grosjean's breathtaking pass was one of the Frenchman's trademark daring maneuvers. While his aggression is renowned, the Frenchman's foil has been his inexperience and poor sense in the past Formula 1 seasons. Last year, Grosjean's driving also resulted in the Lotus F1 Team driver being parked by the Formula 1 sanctioning body for making too many mistakes. In 2013, Romain Grosjean has been showing a more level-headed approach that has kept him out of trouble but has not exactly equated the driver registering better performances. The start of the Japanese Grand Prix could be a turning point for Grosjean. Setting several fastest laps, Grosjean pulled out a 3.3-second lead over second place Mark Webber by lap 11. Turning over the lead on a lap 12 pit stop, Romain Grosjean's Lotus-Renault would remain at the front of the Japanese Grand Prix becoming a source of excitement throughout the Formula 1 event.

With Romain Grosjean, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel trading the lead among themselves through pit stops, one of those drivers operated on a three-stop strategy for Pirelli racing slicks. Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber ran shorter stints on his tires harnessing the performance of newer compound rubber rolling on the Suzuka Circuit. Running an awkward third for much of the Japanese Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel elected to bring his Red Bull-Renault to pit road on only two occasions. Banking on the increased track position outweighing the advantage on fresher tires, Sebastian Vettel would proceed with his gamble on lap 37.

Mark Webber pitted for the final time in lap 42 taking faster medium compound tires back out on track for the final 11 laps of the 2013 Japanese Grand Prix. Quickly catching than-second place Romain Grosjean on harder compound rubber, the task of passing the formidable Lotus-Renault proved difficult for Webber's Red Bull-Renault. A battle taking place roughly 9 seconds behind Sebastian Vettel, the second place fight between Grosjean and Webber would benefit the championship points leader every lap it waged. In fact, when Mark Webber was finally able to snatch the runner-up position from the Lotus-Renault, there would be only two laps for the Australian driver to catch Vettel. Proving far too much of a gap, Sebastian Vettel crossed the line 7.1 seconds ahead of his Red Bull Racing teammate for a fifth-straight victory on the 2013 Formula 1 racing calendar.



Photo Credit: Pirelli Photo Service

The triumph was Vettel's fourth Japanese Grand Prix win in five seasons. As a result of a fourth place finish by Fernando Alonso's Ferrari, the 2013 World Drivers' championship will remain in play for at least one more race. Vettel needs only to finish fifth place or better to fend off even the best efforts of Alonso for the season's title. Describing the race as a "very rewarding win", Vettel added, "The Championship is the big target of course, but the season is very long still and the best way to wrap it up is not to think about it. I’m happy to go home for a bit now and to relax before we go out to India. That’s an impressive country and I’m looking forward to racing there in a couple of weeks.”

The second-place finish for Mark Webber was not the desired victory the Australian wanted but was his first podium since the Italian Grand Prix. "I did my best and in the end it was a good result.”, said Webber after 53 laps at Suzuka. As for third place Romain Grosjean, he talked at length about what could be a career-defining run. "It was superb to go past both the Red Bulls like that and it’ll be one of my best memories of the year. The car was fantastic on the first set of tyres and we managed to pull away, but then the Red Bulls were able to reel us in later on. Ultimately, we were the only car to almost catch the bull. It’s been a great home race for my engineer; it’s always good to come to Japan and it’s really good to be back on the podium again.”, said Grosjean.

The next event for the 2013 Formula 1 season will take place October 27th with the running of the Indian Grand Prix.


2013 Formula 1
Japanese Grand Prix
Race Results


Pos # Car # Driver Team Engine





1 1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Renault
2 2 Mark Webber Red Bull Renault
3 10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
3 8 Romain Grosjean Lotus Renault
4 3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari Ferrari
5 7 Kimi Raikkonen Lotus Renault
6 11 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber Ferrari
7 12 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber Ferrari
8 9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz
9 5 Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes-Benz
10 4 Felipe Massa Ferrari Ferrari
11 14 Paul di Resta Force India Mercedes-Benz
12 18 Jean-Eric Vergne Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
13 19 Daniel Ricciardo Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari
14 15 Adrian Sutil Force India Mercedes-Benz
15 6 Sergio Perez McLaren Mercedes-Benz
16 16 Pastor Maldonado Williams F1 Renault
17 17 Valtteri Bottas Williams F1 Renault
18 20 Charles Pic Caterham Renault
19 23 Max Chilton Marussia Cosworth
21 21 Giedo van der Garde Caterham Renault
22 22 Jules Bianchi Marussia Cosworth