2011 - Formula 1

The 2011 Formula 1 season is just a smokey burnout away and as per usual the season will start with more controversy than a Max Mosley 'German themed home video'.


So far we've had:
1. Political unrest - the opening round in Bahrain, scheduled for 13 March 2011, was cancelled due to political unrest in the Middle Eastern State. Melbourne has been blessed by Bahrain's bad luck and will take all the publicity and glory as being the opening round of the Formula 1 season. It may just be the turning point for the much maligned Melbourne Grand Prix (it has been the subject of much political debate recently with the Victorian state government all but revealing that the race has been a massive money pit for years and hinting that it may not renew its current contract).


2. Tyre issues - Pirelli is the official tyre of the Formula 1 in 2011, having replaced Bridgestone, but throughout testing, drivers have been complaining faster than they've been driving that the rubber in the tyres just simply cannot handle the heat. World Champion Vettel wont be getting any personal sponsorship deals from Pirelli any time soon, having been the most vocal driver about the performance of the tyres and in particular stating that the tyres go bald quicker than Prince William, that the tyres will cost drivers seconds per lap and may even put lives at risk.


3. Car Performance - There has not been a day gone by without a driver claiming that:
a) his car is faster than everyone else's car - in an attempt to scare his rivals;
b) his car is slower than everyone else's car - in an attempt to lull his rivals into a false sense of superiority; and/or
c) a) and then b) or b) then a) - in an attempt to really screw with his rivals and also be a royal pain in the ar*e for journalists.
Simply, its all just smoke and mirrors from these guys at this stage. We will find out how fast the Ferrari 150° Italia, the McLaren MP4 - 26, and the Red Bull RB7 really are around the Albert Park Race track (http://www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/australia_844/circuit_diagram.html) between this Friday and Sunday. 


4. Drivers Contracts - On the cusp of this season, Vettel signed a new three year contract with Red Bull for a reported whopping AUD$16million a year. And interestingly, he has an escape clause from this deal if the RB7 is not 'a competitive car'. Just how that is measured or what that exactly means is anyone's guess, but if Vettel is not in the top four by midseason, look for the prancing horse to be circling like a vulture ready to swoop and entice him to Italy's finest. Also on Vettel's contract, if there is any question about who the number two driver at Red Bull is, you only have to look at Webber's contract extension (signed only last year) in comparison to Vettels. Webber's contract extension is for a 'paltry' AUD$8million per year. Could be a long season for Webber if he is looking for equal footing with the young German.


And these main issues are just the beginning. Wait till we get into the season itself and we have the obligatory whining about tire issues, in-fighting, contractual issues, old age (see Schumacher and constant questions as to whether he can still cut it), and dare I say anything about an Ecclestone rain idea or 'team orders during races'.


That said, looking forward to the sound of the engines and the smell of the burning rubber. Bring it on.