The 2013 Formula One season is nearing its end and, with two races left on the calendar, available racing seats for 2014 are hard to come by. Welcome to the Formula 1 silly season. Drivers who have not yet secured a drive for 2014 are rushing to secure contracts as the fear of exiting F1 at the end of 2013 becomes a stark reality. Although some have secured their seats for 2014, others have no certainties over their futures.
After Mark Webber’s announcement that he is leaving at the end of 2013, Red Bull needed to find a driver to replace their fiery Aussie. After months of speculation Webber’s countryman, Daniel Ricciardo, was signed. The rationale that they can mould and develop the young Ricciardo into a champion. Given team politics and Vettel’s abilities and experience, the chances of the young Aussie beating his illustrious teammate are slim to zero.
At Ferrari the driver line-up has also changed. After eight years of driving for the Scuderia, Felipe Massa will be leaving. After a lacklustre season with mixed results, it came as little surprise when Ferrari announced they would part ways with the Brazilian. What, however, was a big surprise, was the announcement that he would be replaced by 2007 F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen. Raikkonen, Ferrari’s last world champion, will be paired with Alonso in what will probably be the most explosive pairing of 2014.
With Raikkonen departing from Lotus Renault, various drivers have been considered for the vacated seat. Eric Boulier, team principal, has made no secret that he wants the very talented German, Nico Hulkenberg, for 2014. Financial restraints have made it impossible to conclude a deal with the young German, though Boulier had said that a new sponsor would soon come on-board. Another option for Lotus Renault is Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado. Although Maldonado has one GP win to his name, he is often remembered for the crashes he was involved in, many costing Williams team points and money. Even with the financial backing, the Venezuelan could bring to the team, he is a far riskier choice than the reliable Hulkenberg. In the mean time Raikkonen has decided to sit out the remainder of 2013
McLaren, who are currently experiencing their worst season in nearly 30 years, have signed Jenson Button for 2014, but Sergio Pérez will not be partenering the Brit. McLaren team boss, Martin Whitmarsh, said in a recent interview that no decision had been made on their driver line-up for 2014, but the rumour mill has it that 21-year old Dane, Kevin Magnussen will be driving the other McLaren. Making the step up to F1, McLaren would be hoping Magnussen has the same success as Hamilton in 2007.
Force India will, as always, only make a decision on their drivers towards the end of the season, whereas Williams have confirmed Massa and Valtteri Bottas as their 2014 driver line-up. Scuderia Toro Rosso retained Jean-Éric Vergne, but also added the services of GP3 champion, Daniil Kvyat.
– Charlen Raymond