Next year the power units will play a much bigger role but there is no reason
to suggest that the tyre issues we saw this year will go away.
With more torque, there will be a lot more stress on the rear tyres. Again, it
is a big unknown. Due to F1 politics, Pirelli has not even been able to test
its 2014 tyres yet. But I predict more controversy.
4. Can Lewis Hamilton adapt to the new regulations, see off Nico Rosberg
and claim his second title?
Yes, yes and yes. Lewis
Hamilton is a world-class driver and I have seen nothing to suggest
that he is incapable of adapting. His win in Hungary proved that he could
work the tyres, drive quickly and sensibly, and claim wins in this formula.
Rosberg has proved a handful for him – perhaps more than many people expected
– and the German enjoys the mental challenge of this new style of racing.
But I am sure that if Mercedes give Lewis a car with which he is
comfortable, he can win his second title.
5. Is Jenson Button over the hill and can McLaren bounce back from their annus
horribilis?
There is no question in my mind that Jenson
Button still has it. He is 33, one of the fittest drivers on the
grid, and as soon as he had a sniff of a result – such as in Brazil on
Sunday – he was right on his game. It must have affected his motivation this
year with McLaren faltering so badly. But McLaren are a mighty team, they
have a great facility and pots of
money. Both they, and JB, can bounce back. It will be fascinating to see how
Jenson fares against the rookie Kevin Magnussen. Who is to say that the 2014
regs might not suit youngsters such as Magnussen or Toro Rosso’s 19-year-old
Dany Kvyat?
6. How will Fernando Alonso v Kimi Raikkonen pan out at Ferrari?
Everyone in the paddock is looking forward to this contest. My hunch is that
Fernando will have too much over the course of the season. He is embedded in
Ferrari, speaks Italian and has no weaknesses as a driver.
That said, he did tie on points with Lewis during their season together at
McLaren and lost his cool in the process. Kimi does not do the political
stuff so I don’t think this relationship will be as volatile. I expect
Fernando to prevail.