Whether you watched a few races or watched them all - 2014 brought ultimate racing action. Trophies were held high, cars were wrecked and personalities ran strong throughout the 19-race season of the Formula 1 World Championship.
It's time to take a short look back at each race and go over the stats and outcome.
Australia: This season the races kicked off down under in Australia: As per usual, a fantastic race was supplied. The race did its job of giving us a clue as to who would be where in the end standings. Although, obviously, very early in the season to be making any predictions, with Nico Rosberg's win, the standards of Mercedes became quite clear. One of the biggest talked about moments was Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification of his 2nd place finish due to a breech in the rules.
1st: Nico Rosberg
2nd: Kevin Magnussen
3rd: Jenson Button
Last Point: Sergio Perez
Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg
Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
Retirements: Daniel Ricciardo (Disqualified), Kamui Kobayashi (Collision), Felipe Massa (Collision), Lewis Hamilton (Engine Failure), Sebastian Vettel (Engine Failure), Marcus Ericsson (Oil Pressure), Pastor Maldonado (Power Unit), Romain Grosjean (Power Unit)
Malaysia: In Malaysia, Lewis Hamilton came back fighting and winning the GP, leading from lights out. It suddenly became clear that neither Mercedes drivers were going to let the other win.
With both the Mercedes flying away at the front, other drivers were finding the new cars and rules hard to adapt to. Both Saubers for example, retired in the race in comparison to their finishes in the previous race. This illustrated all the development left to happen throughout the season.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Sebastian Vettel
Last Point: Daniil Kvyat
Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton
Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
Retirements: Sergio Perez (Did Not Start - Gearbox), Pastor Maldonado (Power Unit), Jules Bianchi (Brakes), Jean-Eric Vergne (Turbo), Adrian Sutil (Power Unit), Esteban Gutierrez (Gearbox), Daniel Ricciardo (Wing Damage)
Bahrain: Lewis Hamilton won this race, making it his second win of the season. Reinforcing the Mercedes power with speed and reliability. The only question hanging above the team was how long these victories would last.
Perhaps the biggest occurrence of this race was the accident between Lotus driver, Pastor Maldonado and Sauber driver, Esteban Gutierrez. Gutierrez was sent head-over-heels after Maldonado drove into the side of him upon exiting the pit-lane. The younger driver was taken to the hospital for precautionary checks and was later released, unharmed.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Sergio Perez
Last Point: Kimi Raikkonen
Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Adrian Sutil (Collision), Jean-Eric Vergne (Collision Damage), Marcus Ericsson (Oil Leak), Esteban Gutierrez (Accident), Kevin Magnussen (Clutch), Jenson Button (Clutch)
China: Lewis once again, stole a win and lead from start to finish as he began to truly show his dominance for the season. However, the race was ended on lap 54 as it ran over the 2 hour allowance. The loss of a lap didn't make a particularly massive difference however as the leader was truly ahead of the rest. It seemed the real race was for third place rather than first and second.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Fernando Alonso
Last Point: Daniil Kvyat
Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg
Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
Retirements: Adrian Sutil (Engine Failure), Romain Grosjean (Gearbox)
Spain: Lewis Hamilton took home his fourth victory at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya. He was clearly unstoppable. As mentioned before, the new car were in need of a lot of work. Updates began flooding into the pit-lane on the weekend of the race. Teams were eager to make their cars more reliable and to do their best to catch the Silver Arrows.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Daniel Ricciardo
Last Point: Nico Hulkenberg
Fastest Lap: Sebastian Vettel
Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
Retirements: Jean-Eric Vergne (Exhaust), Kamui Kobayashi (Brakes)
Monaco: As usual, Monaco put a twist in the tale and for a change, Nico Rosberg won the race. This was not a welcome turn for Lewis as this is where their relationship as team-mates turned a bit sour. The podium was perhaps the most awkward of the season.
But of course, what would Monaco be without a few bumps? Whether you've been in Formula 1 for 10 years or 10 weeks, the circuit has the potential to catch you out.
1st: Nico Rosberg
2nd: Lewis Hamilton
3rd: Daniel Ricciardo
Last Point: Kevin Magnussen
Fastest Lap: Kimi Raikkonen
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Pastor Maldonado (Did Not Start - Fuel Pump), Sergio Perez (Collision Damage), Sebastian Vettel (Turbo), Daniil Kvyat (Exhaust), Adrian Sutil (Accident), Jean-Eric Vergne (Exhaust), Valtteri Bottas (Engine Failure), Esteban Gutierrez (Accident)
Canada: This race ended up a bit differently than the last few, as it wasn't Hamilton or Rosberg on top. It was none other than Australia's Daniel Ricciardo. This was not only an incredible accomplishment for the driver but a great bit of news for Red Bull - As their choice of bringing Ricciardo to the team seemed to be paying off, bringing them their first taste of victory for the season. Would it be their only taste though?
This was not the only surprise of the race as on the last lap there was contact between Felipe Massa and Sergio Perez. Sebastian Vettel managed to narrowly avoid the accident as the two cars touched and were unable to finish. Luckily both drivers escaped without injury.
1st: Daniel Ricciardo
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Sebastian Vettel
Last Point: Kimi Raikkonen
Fastest Lap: Felipe Massa
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Jules Bianchi (Collision), Max Chilton (Collision), Marcus Ericsson (Oil Leak), Pastor Maldonado (Power Unit), Kamui Kobayashi (Suspension Failure), Lewis Hamilton (Brakes), Daniil Kvyat (Drive Shaft), Romain Grosjean (Rear Wing Damage), Esteban Gutierrez (Power Unit), Felipe Massa (Collision - Qualified as finished), Sergio Perez (Collision - Qualified as finished)
Austria: This race brought Rosberg's third win of the season. It seemed he was catching Hamilton up on the competition. Congratulations were in order for Williams' Felipe Massa as he achieved his first pole position since 2008. However, it was Massa's younger team-mate, Valtteri Bottas who finished on the podium.
1st: Nico Rosberg
2nd: Lewis Hamilton
3rd: Valtteri Bottas
Last Point: Kimi Raikkonen
Fastest Lap: Sergio Perez
Pole Position: Felipe Massa
Retirements: Daniil Kvyat (Suspension), Sebastian Vettel (Electronics), Jean-Eric Vergne (Brakes)
Great Britain: The crowds were especially happy after this race as Lewis Hamilton brought a win home for the fans from his country. The celebrations were especially significant as he won starting from 6th place, which is his win from his lowest starting position.
However, it wasn't a dream race for everyone, as on lap 1, Kimi Raikkonen spun out and bounced off the barrier before sliding across the circuit and hitting the wall on the other side. Most of the drivers got past unscathed. All but Massa, who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Both him and Raikkonen were forced to retire from the race.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Valtteri Bottas
3rd: Daniel Ricciardo
Last Point: Jean-Eric Vergne
Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Kimi Raikkonen (Accident), Felipe Massa (Collision), Esteban Gutierrez (Collision Damage), Marcus Ericsson (Suspension Failure), Nico Rosberg (Gearbox), Pastor Maldonado (Exhaust)
Germany: With one Mercedes driver having just accomplished his home win, it was only expcted that the second one would. And he did. Nico Rosberg drove to victory in front of his home crowd in Germany. This win was very beneficial to him as he increased his lead on British team-mate, Lewis Hamilton. Rosberg had a new confidence entering the next race.
1st: Nico Rosberg
2nd: Valtteri Bottas
3rd: Lewis Hamilton
Last Point: Sergio Perez
Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Felipe Massa (Collision), Romain Grosjean (Water Leak), Daniil Kvyat (Oil Leak), Adrian Sutil (Spun Off)
Hungary: Daniel Ricciardo found himself on top of the podium in Hungary, for the second time this season it was him who took the victory. The only thing that dampened the mood was the rain that greeted the teams. The track was so wet that every single one of the drivers had to start on Intermediate tyres. The track dried up a bit towards the end of the race, allowing drivers to change strategies and get adventurous, but as you know.. A wet Grand Prix is one spent perched on the edge of your seat.
1st: Daniel Ricciardo
2nd: Fernando Alonso
3rd: Lewis Hamilton
Last Point: Jenson Button
Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Marcus Ericsson (Collision), Romain Grosjean (Spun Off), Nico Hulkenberg (Collision), Sergio Perez (Accident), Kamui Kobayashi (Fuel System), Esteban Gutierrez (Electrical)
Belgium: Once again, Ricciardo was on the podium. With three wins, (and two of them back to back), Ricciardo was really beginning to shine. At this point, he'd definitely started to get people excited for his future in the sport.
Despite his win, the biggest surprise of the race was the contact between the two Mercedes drivers. On lap 2, on the entry of Les Combes, the team-mates touched, resulting in a puncture for Hamilton.
1st: Daniel Ricciardo
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Valtteri Bottas
Last Point: Nico Hulkenberg
Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Pastor Maldonado (Exhaust), Andre Lotterer (Electrical), Romain Grosjean (Power Unit), Lewis Hamilton (Collision Damage), Jules Bianchi (Gearbox)
Italy: Being one of the most famous races in the season, Monza had a lot to deliver and it did not disappoint. Except for the Ferrari fans who were saddened by the retirement of Fernando Alonso.
However, Lewis Hamilton won the race after a spectacular battle. He overtook his team-mate as Rosberg missed the chicane. This happened on more than one occasion. The win was deserved as Hamilton has been on top all weekend. He qualified on pole and set the fastest lap.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Felipe Massa
Last Point: Kevin Magnussen
Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton
Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
Retirements: Max Chilton (Accident), Fernando Alonso (Engine Failure)
Singapore: In Singapore a lot of action took place in the formation lap. Rosberg's car stalled on the formation and after his team managed to restart the car, he began the race from the pit-lane. He wasn't the only one with unfortunate luck. Kamui Kobayashi couldn't even start the race due to electrical issues.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Sebastian Vettel
3rd: Daniel Ricciardo
Last Point: Kevin Magnussen
Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton
Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
Retirements: Kamui Kobayashi (Did Not Start - Power Unit), Nico Rosberg (Wiring Loom), Esteban Gutierrez (Electrical), Adrian Sutil (Water Leak), Jenson Buton (Power Box)
Japan: This was perhaps the most shocking race of the season, and not in a good way. In Japan, the weather was more than bad as a Typhoon was hitting around the location of the circuit, making the conditions wet and dangerous. Things sometimes end badly during wet races and it was Marussia's Jules Bianchi who suffered an unfortunate accident.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with him and his family as he continues to recover.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Sebastian Vettel
Last Point: Sergio Perez
Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Fernando Alonso (Electronics), Adrian Sutil (Accident), Jules Bianchi (Accident)
Russia: This race was the first ever race at the new Sochi track in Russia. However, it seemed the surface was a little too smooth as wear on the tyres was almost non-existent. If the drivers didn't need to use both required compounds, they may have not even pitted.
Before the race, however.. The drivers stood in a linked circle at the front of the grid for a silent moment for their absent friend and driver, Jules Bianchi. It was a touching moment, reminding us all, that even if you're fighting for first or fighting for that last point.. At the end of the day, everyone comes together to stand united.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Valtteri Bottas
Last Point: Sergio Perez
Fastest Lap: Valtteri Bottas
Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
Retirements: Max Chilton (Suspension Failure), Kamui Kobayashi (Brakes)
United States: In America, there were two teams missing due to financial issues, both Marussia and Caterham were given permission to miss the race. Th two teams remained absent in the next race as well. Marussia's return looks less than likely while the future of Caterham is still not confirmed for 2015.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Nico Rosberg
3rd: Daniel Ricciardo
Last Point: Jean-Eric Vergne
Fastest Lap: Sebastian Vettel
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Adrian Sutil (Collision), Sergio Perez (Collision), Nico Hulkenberg (Engine Failure)
Brazil: It was time for the penultimate race of the season and the drivers championship was due to be decided at the end of the last race. In Brazil, all was still to play for. The race ended in another 1-2 finish for Mercedes. On top of the two was Nico Rosberg. It seemed he was entering the final race with the psychological advantage.
1st: Nico Rosberg
2nd: Lewis Hamilton
3rd: Felipe Massa
Last Point: Valtteri Bottas
Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Daniel Ricciardo (Suspension Failure), Romain Grosjean (Power Unit - Qualified As Finished)
Abu Dhabi: This race featured everyone's favourite controversial topic! Double Points! Despite this, there was everything to race for as Rosberg and Hamilton went head-to-head for the last time of the 2014 Season.
Hamilton won in the end but unfortunately Rosberg wasn't able to give much of a fight due to reliability issues. However, Rosberg deserves praise as when he was told he could retire the car, he asked to continue the race and finish. Additionally, after he race, the team-mates managed to put their feud aside as they congratulated each other.
1st: Lewis Hamilton
2nd: Felipe Massa
3rd: Valtteri Bottas
Last Point: Kimi Raikkonen
Fastest Lap: Daniel Ricciardo
Pole Position: Nico Rosberg
Retirements: Daniil Kvyat (Power Unit), Pastor Maldonado (Power Unit), Kamui Kobayashi (Vibrations)
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Article Written By: Frances Fry
Edited By: Amy Hawk
No Copyright Infringement Intended
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