Anyway, it's been a year so it's time to start the new thread for anything to do with the new season.

The new season seems very much the way of the pay driver, but the biggest focus will be Hamilton at Mercedes and whether they can deliver a decent car (I think they can).

 

I hope it's not all about ugly noses...

 

I can't see Mercedes jumping to the front of the grid, but Hamilton is the kind of driver that can perform in an underperforming car. I'd bet he manages to win a couple of races for them.

 

By that logic, does that suggest Rosberg will be a flop at McLaren?

 

I think it's fair to say Rosberg won't be scoring any points for McLaren.

 

I would not be surprised to see Perez doing a Heikki. I know he's a relative newby and has some talent but surely the people involevd in driver selection for McLaren should have heard alarm bells when they saw how relatively unfit he is. If he's not sufficiently keen to train to his limits at this stage of his career then it should cast some doubts over his will and ability to compete at the top level.

 

Is he unfit? I've never had that impression.

It'll be interesting to see. He's had some very good performances this year, but also some bad ones and seemed to be struggling against Kobayashi for the latter part. So, impressive on his day, but inconsistent. Sounds like Jensen Button.

 

Whitmarsh has said he needs to work on his fitness. So you'd assume he'd made him do a fitness test.

 

Apparently had a load of fitness tests and was found wanting. I'm sure they can make him fitter but to me it's a mind set thing and although McLaren have the best facilities with all the science and doctors you could shake a stick at, I'd still be worried. Even if Sauber only provided him with a chest expander and a dirty beach towel any driver looking to do well has to be at the peak of condition and part of that is wanting to train without the need to be pushed or forced.

It's nothing new the top F1 drivers in the last 20 years have been doing it. Think Nigel Mansell in his McLaren days post US weenie eating contests.

 

Talks of KK joining Lotus replacing 'OH MY GROSJEAN'.

Be really good to see him continue his career, but I do believe that Kovalinen still hasn't got a drive.