2013 Season Review:
Redbull stayed with its drivers: Sebastian Vettel & Mark Webber.
Lotus stayed with: Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean.
Mercedes: Nico Rosberg stayed while Michael Schumacher retired and Lewis Hamilton came to take the vacant seat, leaving McLaren.
Ferrari also kept its line-up with: Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.
McLaren: With Lewis Hamilton heading to Mercedes, Sergio Perez took over and paired up with Jenson Button, who stayed put.
Sauber: The team lost Perez, who went to McLaren and Kamui who went on to do other things. Needing a whole new set of drivers, the team went with Force India's Nico Hulkenberg and Saubers own reserve for Perez, Esteban Gutierrez.
Force India: The team kept Paul Di Resta and Hulkenberg moved to Sauber, so the team brought in former driver, Adrian Sutil.
Williams: Bruno Senna retired from Formula1 and went on to do Le Mans, while Pastor Maldonado stayed. To replace Bruno, they brought in Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas.
Toro Rosso: The team stayed with their line-up that included Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo.
Caterham: Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov left and the team brought forth Marussia Driver Charles Pic and new driver Giedo Van Der Garde.
Marussia: Timo Glock was set to stay with Marussia, but decided last minute it felt right to move on to new things and went on to drive for DTM. Charles Pic left Marussia for Caterham. So Marussia then settled on Max Chilton and Luiz Razia, who ended up being unable to driver due to Sponser issues, so instead Marussia went for Force India Reserve Driver, Jules Bianchi.
And we also said goodbye to the whole HRT team, who was unable to fund their team to stay in Formula1.
AUSTRALIA:
And now, on we go to Australia, the first race of the year. Taking place in Melbourne in the month of March. It was hot, sunny and even hotter on the circuit. The GP weekend started with Free Practice 1 and 2 on Friday.
Free Practice 1's Top 3 Times were: 1. Sebastian Vettel, 2. Felipe Massa and 3. Fernando Alonso.
In Free Practice 2 it was: 1. Sebastian Vettel, 2. Mark Webber and 3. Nico Rosberg.
It was already looking good for Ferrari, Mercedes and Redbull. But some of that changed when Free Practice 3 took place the following day and the top 3 times belonged to: 1. Romain Grosjean, 2. Fernando Alonso and 3. Felipe Massa.
After qualifying, it was time for the race on Sunday, Most people were expecting Vettel to get his first win right then and there, but it was The "Ice Man" Kimi Raikkonen who finished the race in First and won. Fernando Alonso nabbed Second while Vettel held on to Third to gain a Podium Finish. Hulkenberg had an unlucky start to the season when he was unable to even start his car at the beginning of the race due to Fuel issues.
Details/Info from 1st GP (Australia.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Vettel, Massa, Alonso.
Fasest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Rosberg.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Grosjean, Alonso, Massa.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Raikkonen.
Last Point Position: Grosjean.
Retirements: Ricciardo, Maldonado, Rosberg and Hulkenberg.
MALAYSIA:
The second race of the season took place in Malaysia. It may have only been the second race, but it's never too soon for drama in F1. During the race while Mark Webber was leading and looking to get his first win of the season, his team-mate & 3-Time-World-Champion, Sebastian Vettel, was given orders not to pass Webber and to hold his current position, which was Second. Vettel however decided to disobey the orders and went ahead on passing him. Webber had no problem expressing his anger when Vettel won the race and before the podium, he angrily muttered to the German. He was clearly not pleased with finishing in Second. Lewis Hamilton finished in Third and did not join in on the drama between the two Redbull Drivers, but instead celebrated being on the Podium.
Details/Info from 2nd GP (Malaysia.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Webber, Raikkonen, Vettel.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Raikkonen, Vettel, Massa.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Hamilton, Sutil.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Perez.
Lasp Point Position: Vergne.
Retirements: Button, Ricciardo, Maldonado, Di Resta, Sutil and Alonso.
CHINA:
On to the 3rd GP Weekend, this one taking place in the beautiful China. This race did not include too much drama, so I will just get on to the overview and results. Alonso won this race while Raikkonen came close but finished in Second aand Hamilton finished in Third.
Details/Info From 3rd GP: (China.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Rosberg, Hamilton, Webber.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Massa, Raikkonen, Alonso.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Alonso, Massa, Hamilton.
Pole Position: Hamilton.
Fastest Lap In Race: Vettel.
Last Point Position: Hulkenberg.
Retirements: Rosberg, Webber, Sutil and Gutierrez.
BAHRAIN:
Next up was the Bahrain Grand Prix, This race was full of Heart-Racing excitement. While Vettel took home the 1st place trophy, most of the drama was between the McLarens! During the race, Perez was fighting to get up front for a podium, his team-mate Jenson had the same goal. They were both trying to pass eachother for the better spot and while doing so, Perez clshed into Buttons tyres, causing some small bits to fly off of both cars. Perez went on to finish in 6th, while Jenson finished back in Tenth. Raikkonen had come in Second and Grosjean in 2rd, gaining his first podium of the season.
After the race, McLaren Team Principal, Martin Whitmarsh, sat down with Jenson and Sergio to talk about the dangerous actions during that race. Both drivers apologized and moved on with no further drama.
Details/Info from 4th GP: (Bahrain.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Massa, Alonso, Rosberg.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Raikkonen, Webber, Vettel.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Alonso, Vettel, Webber.
Pole Position: Rosberg.
Fastest Lap In Race: Vettel.
Last Point Position: Button.
Retirements: Vergne.
SPAIN:
Moving on to Spain, this was Alonso's home race, as he is from the Country. It was a good day for him, as he went on to win, while, Raikkonen, again, finished in Second and Felipe Massa in 3rd.
Details/Info from 5th GP: (Spain.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Alonso, Massa, Vergne.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Alonso, Webber.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Massa, Raikkonen, Webber.
Pole Position: Rosberg.
Fastest Lap In Race: Gutierrez.
Last Point Position: Ricciardo.
Retirements: Vergne, Van Der Garde and Grosjean.
MONACO:
Now on to one of the most popular and iconic races in the season, the race of Monte Carlo, Monaco. This street circuit is known for its tight turns, tunnel and the gnarly chicane that's right after the exit! Many extreme accidents have happened on this circuit, some not even during a race.
The winner of this one was Monaco resident, Nico Rosberg, making it his first win of the season. In Second was Sebastian Vettel and Webber came in Third.
The drama this time was between Kimi Raikkonen and Sergio Perez. They were both batteling for a better spot, which I believe was for either 4th or 5th. In result, Kimi moved Sergio into a side-rail and the two cars collided, sending sparks and bits flying, Shortly after, the McLaren team told Sergio his brakes had failed and were no longer working and that he needed to retire the car from the race as it was unsafe for him to continue. Luckily, the stewards condemmed him as finishing over 90% of the race and he was given a finishing spot.
After the race, Kimi was quoted as telling the media that Sergio should be "Punched in the face", while Sergio shrugged it off as an accident and had nothing bad to say about Kimi in return.
Details/Info from 6th GP: (Monaco.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Rosberg, Alonso, Grosjean.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Rosberg, Hamilton, Alonso.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Rosberg, Grosjean, Vettel.
Pole Position: Rosberg.
Fastest Lap In Race: Vettel.
Last Point Position: Raikkonen.
Retirements: Perez, Grosjean, Ricciardo, Bianchi, Maldonado, Massa and Pic.
CANADA:
For the 7th race of the season, the drivers traveled to North America for the Canadian Grand Prix. This was one of those races where the unexpected and shocking happened. It was definitely an emotional result for everyone. During the race, Esteban Gutierrez crashed and a crane had to come remove the car. During the removal process, a marshal was hit by the crane and then rushed to a nearby hospital. Sadly, due to his injuried he passed away only hours later. Esteban expressed how upset he was about it, and many people actually had the nerve to blame Esteban for the accident, which was in no way his fault. It was very disrespectful.
The winner of this race was Vettel while Alonso came in Second and Hamilton in Third.
Details/Info From 7th GP: (Canada.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Di Resta, Button, Grosjean.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Alonso, Hamilton, Grosjean.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Webber, Sutil, Hamilton.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Webber.
Last Point Position: Sutil.
Retirements: Gutierrez, Hamilton and Van Der Garde.
UNITED KINGDOM:
On to Silverstone for the next race weekend, this is probably where the biggest dram ended up happening, During one of the practices, Sergio Perez experienced a tyre blowout, which ended his run pretty soon, Not many though much about it until the actual race when multiple cars experienced an exploding tyre, Most of them being a rear. It force many retirements, while some drivers were able to just go and get the tyre replaced and get back to the race. Nico Rosberg took home the win while Webber came in Second and Alonso came in Third.
Details/Info From 8th GP (United Kingdom.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Ricciardo, Hulkenberg, Maldonado.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Rosberg, Webber, Vettel.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Rosberg, Hamilton, Vettel.
Pole Position: Hamilton.
Fastest Lap In Race: Webber.
Last Point Position: Hulkenberg.
Retirements: Grosjean, Perez, Vettel and Vergne.
GERMANY:
The next race took place at the Nurburgring in Germany and it was almost called off due to the last race's tyre fiasco. Luckily it went on the way it was supposed to and the winner this time around was Vettel, with Raikkonen coming in Second place and Grosjean in Third.
Details/Info From 9th GP (Germany.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Hamilton, Rosberg, Webber.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Rosberg, Webber.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Rosberg, Webber.
Pole Position: Hamilton.
Fastest Lap In Race: Alonso.
Last Point Position: Hulkenberg.
Retirements: Vergne, Bianchi and Massa.
HUNGARY:
The last race before Summer break was here and it was Hamilton this time who took the First Place Trophy, right infront of Raikkonen who came in Second. Vettel managed to grab Third place, althought, he was aiming for First and trying to secure that Drivers Championship with enough points.
Details/Info From 10th GP (Hungary.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Vettel, Webber, Raikkonen.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Grosjean.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Grosjean, Alonso, Perez.
Pole Position: Hamilton.
Fastest Lap In Race: Webber.
Last Point Position: Maldonado.
Retirements: Rosberg, Bottas, Gutierrez and Sutil.
SUMMER BREAK:
With a few weeks of Summer Break, it was time for Silly Season to begin, where people start rumouring about who will switch teams next year and who would not be able to secure a drive at all. The biggest rumour of them all was that Kimi Raikkonen was going to Ferrari. It did turn out to be true, along with Daniel Ricciardo going to Redbull. The Indian GP was also dropped from the 2014 calander while rumours that Mexico would be added swarmed around the F1 world. Later it was corrected that Mexico and New Jersey would not be on the 2014 calander, but Russia and Austria are to go ahead. One of the other shocking things announced was that Mark Webber would Retire from Formula1 at the end of the Season and move on to Le Mans.
BELGIUM:
After Summer break ended, it was time for the race at Spa in Belgium. Last year's race there, was quite crazy in the opening laps, when Grosjean jumped over the cars of Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso, taking them out of the race as well as Lewis Hamilton. This time, the opening lap went smoothely and Vettel went on to win this race with Alonso in Second and Hamilton in Third.
Details/Info From 11th GP (Belgium.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Alonso, Di Resta, Sutil.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Grosjean.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Alonso, Webber.
Pole Position: Hamilton.
Fastest Lap In Race: Vettel.
Last Point Position: Ricciardo.
Retirements: Di Resta, Raikkonen and Pic.
ITALY:
The race of Monza, in Italy is always one of my favourites and I was really hoping Perez could make it on to Podium like he had last year. Unfortunately, the McLaren's couldn't push enough to make it to the front row, but they sure did fight for it. In the end it was Vettel who won again, making it his Second win in a row. Alonso came in Second and Webber came in Third.
Details/Info From 12 GP (Italy.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Hamilton, Alonso, Rosberg.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Raikkonen.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Alonso, Webber.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Hamilton.
Last Point Position: Button.
Retirements: Sutil, Vergne and Di Resta. (Although I have heard this can vary and I have not had it confirmed, so subject to change.)
SINGAPORE:
The drivers all headed to Asia for the next race, landing in Singapore for the night race of the season. This is probably in my top 5 Circuits for sure. Everything about it just screams Perfect. The winner of this one was Vettel, now making it his 3rd win in a row, Alonso came in Second and Raikkonen came in Third. Not too much drama going on this time.
Details/Info From 13th GP (Singapore.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Hamilton, Webber, Vettel.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Rosberg.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Grosjean, Rosberg.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Vettel.
Last Point Position: Sutil.
Retirements: Di Resta, Grosjean and Ricciardo.
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF.
This race was a good one for Rookie Esteban Gutierrez, who was in his First year of Formula 1. He scored points after finishing in 7th place and Monisha, Team Principal of the Sauber team, greeted him with hugs after the race, very proud of him for accomplishing a goal. He was also the first rookie of 2013 to score points. Sebastian Vettel won this race as well, now having won 4 in a row, and he didn't seem to believe it himself. Second place went to Kimi Raikkonen and Third to Romain Grosjean.
Details/Info From 14th GP (Korea, Republic Of.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Hamilton, Vettel, Webber.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Hamilton, Vettel, Rosberg.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Webber, Rosberg.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Vettel.
Last Point Position: Perez.
Retirements: Vergne, Ricciardo. Sutil, Webber and Di Resta.
JAPAN:
With only 5 races left to go, drivers were getting even more nervous about the drivers Championship. It was mostly known that Vettel was secured to stay in 1st place, but a few others still had slight hope that they could beat him. One of those people was Kimi Raikkonen, and the other, Fernando Alonso. But once again, Vettel won the race. Webber came in Second and Grosjean in Third.
Details/Info From 15th GP (Japan.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Hamilton, Rosberg, Vettel.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Rosberg.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Webber, Hamilton, Rosberg.
Pole Position: Webber.
Fastest Lap In Race: Webber.
Last Point Position: Massa.
Retirements: Hamilton. Van Der Garde and Bianchi.
INDIA:
Vettel secured his 4th World Championship win and became the youngest to do so when he won this race. He celebrated by doing donuts on the track and almost got in trouble! Second place went to Nico Rosberg and Third to Grosjean.
Details/Info From 16th GP (India.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Vettel, Webber, Rosberg.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Grosjean.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Webber, Alonso.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Raikkonen.
Last Point Position: Ricciardo.
Retirements: Hulkenberg, Webber, Pic and Van Der Garde.
ABU DHABI:
With only 3 races left now, it was now a battle for the better spots in the drivers Championship and all was going wrong from Raikkonen, complaining of a horrible back injury, causing him much pain, and also making claims that Lotus had not paid him. He threatened not to race, but ended up doing so and then faced a Retirement during it. The Winner of this race was once again the young German, Sebastian Vettel, with Webber in Second and Rosberg in Third.
Details/Info From 17th GP (Abu Dhabi.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Grosjean, Hamilton, Vettel.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Hamilton.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Webber, Hamilton.
Pole Position: Webber.
Fastest Lap In Race: Alonso.
Last Point Position: Sutil.
Retirements: Raikkonen.
TEXAS:
The second to last race took place in America at The Circuit Of Americas in Austin, Texas. This track became hugely popular and loved when it opened and debuted last year. Hamilton had won the race last year, but this year it was Vettel. He had now won 8 in a row and I imagine it felt spectacular to acheive so much. Second place went to Grosjean and Third to Webber. Raikkonen announced he would not race in the last 2 GP's due to the fact he was to undergo back surgery. Lotus brought in Heikki Kovalainen as a replacement and the reaction from the fans was good. Bottas also recieved his first points in this race, making him the Second Rookie to score points this year.
Details/Info From 18th GP (Texas.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Alonso, Button, Bottas.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Vettel, Webber, Rosberg.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Vettel, Webber, Hamilton.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Vettel.
Last Point Position: Button.
Retirements: Sutil.
BRAZIL:
Now, for the re-cap of the last race of the Season. It was incredible and emotional for everyone. The McLaren's did well as Button finished in 4th and Perez in 6th, while Vettel went on to win this final race. Webber came in Second and Alonso finished in 3rd. It was sad to see the season end, but it was definitely enjoyable and worth watching.
Details/Info From 19th GP (Brazil.)
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 1: Rosberg, Hamilton, Vettel.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 2: Rosberg, Vettel, Webber.
Fastest 3 From Free Practice 3: Webber, Grosjean, Kovalainen.
Pole Position: Vettel.
Fastest Lap In Race: Webber.
Last Point Position: Ricciardo.
That concludes my 2013 Season Review and I'm ready for the new season to start! I'll be keeping you updated on all the action as soon as I can. I'm currently in a hotel and in the process of moving!
Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
No Copyright Infringement Intended.
