Kimi Raikkonen and Lotus: A Recipe For Success

In stark contrast to his cool, aloof nature, the comeback of Kimi Raikkonen provided an extra pinch of heat and spice to Formula One in 2012.  His return to the sport following a stint in rallying was a successful one, and one that saw him rewarded with victory in Abu Dhabi, and third place in the Driver’s Championship with a haul of two hundred and seven points. 

So what are the secrets to his recipe for success?  Lotus and Kimi Raikkonen seem to complement each other perfectly.  The relaxed flavour the Enstone team have created for him has given him the required space to season his skills without having the pressure of extra ingredients such as excessive media commitments.  Citing such pressures as the reason for exiting Formula One in favour of rallying, it was imperative that his return would be with a team who understand the essence of the Iceman. 

Lotus are able to accommodate Kimi's needs.

Ex Williams Chairman, Adam Parr, alluded to the differing levels of competitiveness between the Williams and the Lotus being the reason why Raikkonen’s pre - 2012 season talks with the team crumbled.  While being competitive and fast is important to Kimi, so is an atmosphere that supplements the essence of his personality.  Williams may not have been the perfect accompaniment, just as Ferrari weren't.   Joining the Maranello team in 2007 as a replacement for the retiring Michael Schumacher, his relaxed, terse temperament needed to be blended with the ordered, pressure cooker of an empire the German left behind as a legacy.  A blend that ultimately resulted in the mix to bubble over and ultimately burn out. 

The Ferrari 'way' didn't suit Raikkonen

Kimi Raikkonen’s racing thrives on how things ‘feel’.  Switzerland’s Speed Week quoted him as saying,

“I just think I can learn nothing in the simulator.  I learn a new track quickly, without a simulator.”

This was proved at the inaugural US Grand Prix in Austin when the Finn revealed that he hadn't driven the track in a simulator, but may ride round the circuit on a bicycle if he felt like it.  Whether he did or not is unknown, but during the first practice session he outperformed a team mate who had spent hours in the simulator.  His ability to understand and serve what is needed without conforming to the usual elements of Formula One was also evident in Abu Dhabi.  Now famously quoted, Kimi was heard dismissing the information provided over the radio by an engineer telling him to get heat into all of his tyres during a safety car stint.  A driver of his calibre, and character, doesn't need to be bothered with such basic information, a point proved with the purple lap he delivered following the exit of the safety car. 

The engineer dispensing the unnecessary information was not Raikkonen’s usual engineer, Simon Rennie.  Following the incident, Rennie explained that he knew how Kimi would react to the message, an explanation which exposed him as being an ingredient in the Finn’s comeback to enrich his performance.  Although Lotus will still be able to infuse their easy going approach with the non conformist qualities Raikkonen oozes, will the news that Simon Rennie will be switching his attentions to Mark Webber at Red Bull cause the harmonious blend to separate?  Ciaron Pilbeam, engineer to Webber for the last six seasons, will be the substitute for the missing ingredient in a straight swap.  If Kimi’s successful return to Formula One is to simmer and boil further, an engineer who understands his needs is crucial. 

Kimi showed his leanings towards the playboy lifestyle Hunt was renowned for.

Wearing a helmet as a tribute to playboy James Hunt in Monaco last season demonstrated his penchant for the maverick.  He is as close to being a playboy as is allowed in current times and as long as this is indulged he will continue to produce.  The success of Kimi Raikkonen can be attributed to NOT following a recipe.   

Where Do Helmut Marko's Loyalties Lie?

Helmut Marko has been busy casting his spell for Red Bull achievement in 2013.  But could stirring a splash of mind games, together with a dash of negativity into his cauldron make his recipe for success go slightly awry? 

“It seems to me that Webber has on average two races per year where he is unbeatable, but he can’t maintain this form throughout the year,” Helmut Marko told Red Bull’s own publication, Red Bulletin.

He added, “As soon as his prospects start to look good in the World Championship, he has a little trouble with the pressure that this creates.  In comparison with Seb’s rising form, it seems to me that Mark’s form somehow flattens out.”

Helmut Marko and Mark Webber

The difference in performance between Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel during the first half of the season was minimal, with the lead in the World Championship bouncing back and forth between the two.   Webber’s fourth place at his home Grand Prix meant that he started the season six points behind second placed Vettel.   The German’s now infamous ‘cucumber’ incident with Narain Kartikeyan in Malaysia resulted in the tables being turned as Mark usurped the six point lead. The gap was extended to eight points in China as Webber and Vettel collected fourth and fifth places respectively.  Taking victory in Bahrain enabled Seb to recover and go five points clear of his team mate, a gap further extended to twelve points in Barcelona.  Another win for Webber in Monaco, followed by a fourth in Valencia and his second victory of the season at Silverstone, saw him shoot up to second in the table, sixteen points ahead of Vettel.  This lead was reduced to two points at Hockenhiem, a difference maintained going into the mid season break after Hungary.  Monza saw the lead bounce back in Sebastian Vettel’s favour, and from Singapore his onslaught began.  Helmut Marko remarked,

 “After the summer break, his performance curve shoots up.  That’s what happened in previous years, too.  I don’t know how he does it.” 

I wonder whether Vettel’s ‘rising form’ could have been attributable to the developments made on the car.  For Singapore, a new double DRS system was introduced resulting in the RB8 showing performance akin to the championship winning RB7.  Having similar characteristics and form to the car that facilitated the German’s runaway success in 2011, brought an inevitability that Seb would stretch and elongate his lead over his team mate during the second half of the season.  It is interesting that the rise in Vettel’s form should coincide with a significant development on the car making it the one to beat on the grid, but when the car was uncompetitive the performance between himself and Mark Webber was equally balanced.

Helmut Marko and Sebastian Vettel have a close relationship

If Webber is prone to underperforming under pressure, is the Red Bull Team Advisor airing his thoughts about his abilities publicly, the most effectual route to take in managing the situation?    The comments will be taken one of two ways, it could serve to make Mark more determined, but could equally damage confidence.  Would you run the risk of the latter happening when you are reliant on him for points in order to secure a fourth consecutive Constructors Championship?  

          

Where do Helmut Marko’s loyalties lie?  With Sebastian Vettel or Red Bull as a whole?  They don’t appear to be gravitating towards Red bull.  Overseeing the Red Bull development programme nurturing young drivers means he clearly has interests that don’t involve Mark Webber.  Is he trying to ensure the Australian looks elsewhere for a drive for 2014, leaving the way open to inject more home grown talent into the team alongside Vettel?  This may be his wish, but if he continues to wave his wand of negativity it could be at the cost of a fourth constructors crown. 

Sergio Perez: Talented With Tyres?

Since the announcement that Sergio Perez would replace Lewis Hamilton at McLaren for 2013 was made, the issue of whether he is capable of delivering has been hotly contested by pundits and the media.  The abilities of the young Mexican have recently been defended by Sauber team manager, Beat Zehnder.  Talking to Auto Motor Und Sport he called Perez, 

"A natural talent in terms of tyre management." 

He added, 

"He has an incredibly good feeling for getting the best out of the tyres and at the same time keeping them alive."

Sergio Perez on soft tyres at the Canadian Grand Prix 2012

Perez was able to adopt a one stop strategy in races in 2012 notably in Canada and Monza when he was rewarded with podium places.  In Canada he was able to complete 29 laps on the supersoft tyres, an impressive amount considering Jenson Button, who is renowned for his tyre conservation, could only manage 19.  However, Sergio's tally of 29 laps was smashed by Pastor Maldonado who completed 41 in the Williams.

When you look at the statistics regarding the number of laps completed on a single set of tyres, it is the teams further down the field who perform better.  So is Perez particularly gifted at conserving tyres? Or is it that the Sauber isn't as harsh on its tyres due to the fact that the level of downforce created isn't as sophisticated as it is on the cars of the top teams?  

I wonder whether his 'natural talent' will be so apparent when he is at the wheel of an aerodynamically superior car like the McLaren.

Conspiracy Surrounding Hamilton's Move to Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton's life as a Mercedes driver has officially begun this week, a life that is set to last for at least three years.  However, certain comments made by Lewis and McLaren Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh since the announcement of the move, revealed a semblance of conspiracy. Speaking in November 2012, Whitmarsh told Sky Sports that he hoped Lewis would be taking a 'gap year' at Mercedes.  Further tinder was added to the smoldering embers of intrigue during an interview with Martin Brundle prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix.  When asked if he was sad to leave McLaren, Lewis answered. "Coming across here, this finish line for the last time with the team 'til who knows when is sad in many ways."

Martin Brundle interviews Lewis.

Neither of these responses have much finality about them.  They create a definite sense of the temporary despite the 2008 champion's three year contract at the Silver Arrows team.  Hamilton's home is at McLaren, the place where his talents were nourished and nurtured since the age of fifteen.  His switch to Mercedes will give him the opportunity to grow up, flourish and develop further, particularly in terms of leadership, away from the 'family'.  On his return, his new repertoire of talent will only be beneficial to McLaren.  

A touching moment between Hamilton and Whitmarsh in Austin shows the strong relationship between them.

So is his potential growth the reason Lewis is taking a 'gap' from McLaren or is there something else behind it?  In 2014, 2.4- litre V8 engines will be replaced by a 1.6-litre V6. Fuel economy will become paramount as the amount of fuel permissible will be lower, together with the fuel rate.  There will be more of a focus on the use of KERS, together with an extra electric machine used to recover energy from the heat of the exhausts.  Teams have already started working on this technology with Mercedes being at the forefront of the development along with Renault and Ferrari.  As McLaren will be supplied with Mercedes engines, any early information about their development would be treated like gold.  Could soon to be wise man Lewis Hamilton deliver the gold?  

Could the real reason for Lewis'  change of team be to spy for McLaren?  If so, imagine tensions that could be caused between the teams... Shaken and stirred.    

Formula One Travels to Thailand in 2015

As Formula One continues to spread its wings further afield, the possibility of losing classic European races becomes ever more tangible.  With Bernie Ecclestone announcing that Thailand are set to host a night race around the streets of Bangkok in 2015, in addition to the Russian and New Jersey Grand Prix's already scheduled for 2014, it is clear that spaces on the calendar are becoming increasingly sought after and difficult to retain.  Earlier this month Bernie issued European venues with the following warning, "Maybe we'll get the Europeans to wake up instead of thinking that it (a race) is a God-given thing.  When Europeans perform and do their job we are happy to stay."

Mark Webber showcases the Red Bull in a demonstration run around the streets of Bangkok.

The loss of Monaco, Spa or Monza is probably most unlikely due to the historic nature of the tracks.  Silverstone is also steeped in history, but this season the fiasco with swampy fields and turning away of fans could be perceived as not performing well enough.  Changes have been made at the British track in order to ensure these difficulties aren't repeated and, organisers will be hoping these changes are enough to secure its position as a long term Formula One venue.  

Modifications are also planned at the Hungaroring to make the circuit more conducive to overtaking.  Hopefully these are successful as it would be a great loss to the calendar if this Grand Prix were to make way for Thailand.  Its status as the only race in Eastern Europe could hold some weight, but the Polish, Finnish and Russian fans it usually attracts will have other options from 2014.  

Proposed circuit layout for the Russian Grand Prix, built around the Olympic complex.

Considering there will be four German drivers on the grid in 2013, it seems important to retain their home race. Barcelona is one track that wouldn't be missed,  but the Circuit de Catalunya has a contract to host the Spanish Grand Prix until 2016.  

So how is a street race in Thailand to be accommodated?  There are currently six races held in that part of the world: Malaysia, China,  Singapore, Korea, Japan and India, with Bangkok making it seven, a total which seems a little excessive considering it is an area relatively new to Formula One.   The gap for this new race should be opened up by relinquishing one of the Asian races and Seouless Korea seems a good place to start.   

The Legacy of Michael Schumacher

So F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone believes that the second coming of Michael Schumacher is cause for regret. This recent admission is in stark contrast to opinions expressed when the comeback was announced in 2010,

"Forget about winning races- I have him on my bill for winning the Championship.  It is fantastic for Formula One that he has turned into a 'comeback kid' but at the same time it's good for Michael.  Now he has all his strength together and has 100% motivation that will give us many exciting races in 2010."

Alongside Schumacher's hotly anticipated return to Formula One, came increased interest from viewers and the media, followed by an accession of ratings and revenue, ultimately lining the pockets of Mr Ecclestone. The rise in income facilitated by the German's comeback with Mercedes gave him reason to defend Schumacher when he didn't deliver as expected at the beginning of the 2010 season.  

"Anybody who criticises Michael is wrong." said Ecclestone.  "He deserves better.  I would say don't underestimate Michael.  Give him time to adapt to the new car and the new tyres."

"At the moment he is something of a newbie and needs to get accustomed to the trade again.  Michael would never have returned had he not been convinced he could do the job.  He is not a tourist in the paddock, he is here to win.  And he will win again."

Surely it is no coincidence that following Michael's departure at the end of the 2012 season, with his homecoming being unsuccessful in terms of points, that Bernie Ecclestone has now done a complete U turn regarding his thoughts on the matter.  Did the return not yield the expected revenue?  Not being in the position to win races meant that the hype and interest hoped for by Bernie  never materialised.  

Although his comeback scarcely made an imprint in terms of results, his expertise and experience will no doubt have been of huge benefit to Mercedes in terms of development, a legacy that will bear fruit for Lewis Hamilton.  His second parting leaves the world of Formula One with  memories of a different Michael Schumacher to the one who left in 2006.  During his first stint in the sport, Michael was thought of as robotic in his approach to racing.  His unrelenting desire to win was often misconstrued and mistaken for arrogance.  His second stint and not being in the position to take victories, has created an air of gracious humility with an ever increasing touch of the personable.  Bernie Ecclestone may think that his comeback was a mistake, that "it tarnished his legacy," but the truth is that he leaves with a greater amount of love and respect, which can only decorate his existing achievements further.

Ferrari Tarnish Alonso's Gracious Nature

Sadly, Ferrari’s invite to the FIA to investigate whether Sebastian Vettel overtook under yellow flags during the Brazilian Grand Prix has tarnished the gracious way Fernando Alonso accepted his loss of the 2012 title. 

The controversy began when it was suggested that Vettel had passed John Eric Vergne on lap four under yellow flags.  The rules state that waved yellow flags are an indication of a danger on the track therefore the drivers are required to slow down and are not permitted to overtake.  It has been confirmed by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, that although the yellow flags and lights were clearly evident, there was also a less visible green flag shown allowing drivers to resume normal racing.  As a result of FIA investigations it has transpired that Vettel saw the green flag, therefore making his move legal. 

Yellow light visible to the right.

 

Had it been a different decision resulting in sanctions for the Red Bull driver, the title could have been handed to Alonso, the knowledge of which fuelled the Maranello team’s desire for the matter to be looked into further.  A move which leaves them looking bitter and unable to accept the loss with a gracious manner, which is in complete contrast to the way Fernando reacted following the race in Brazil.  Having remained positive about their chances all year, this calm mindset continued as he maturely explained that the team have to make a faster car for the 2013 season.

Fernando on the podium in Brazil

 

It is Alonso’s belief that his battle for the title this year has earned him more respect.  The Spaniard said, “I feel satisfied with the job, I feel proud of myself, proud of the team.  Obviously we lost the championship in terms of three points but I think I gained this year so much in respect from everybody and I gained other things apart from the points.”  His ability to conjure up the illusion that the Ferrari was a decent car, when it was far from being the best on the grid is magical and warrants him huge respect.  This respect undoubtedly earned, however, has been in danger of being sullied as a result of Ferrari’s bitter reaction.  Alonso did back the team’s decision to contest the yellow flag incident but that is what is required of you when part of the Ferrari family.  Would someone as mature, professional and gracious as him really want to win by default?

Ferrari president, Luca Di Montezemolo, also criticised Michael Schumacher’s subordinate effort at keeping sixth place in the Brazilian Grand Prix, which allowed Sebastian Vettel to inherit the position.  It was his belief that the seven times World Champion should have shown more loyalty to a team he won five of those championships with.  But who is to say that Schumacher would not have done exactly the same for Alonso?  The Maranello chief’s comments reek of desperation.  A team as rich in history and stature as Ferrari, should be standing tall and proud, not scuttling around in the shadows waiting for crumbs of compensation.  The team should follow the lead of Fernando Alonso.