The Ever Changing Face of F1. European Season Underway, But Who'll Catch Mercedes?

Benetton, F1. (C)

    Although it's somewhat difficult to compare eras in Formula One racing, we find it fascinating to admire various cars from times when they were once the best F1 could produce.
    At the recent Sydney SpeedFest at Sydney Motorsport Park we were fortunate enough to see up close and on circuit iconic F1 cars from bygone times. Cars from teams like Brabham, Arrows, Surtees, Ferrari, Benetton, Beatrice Lola-Haas and Williams, once piloted by names like Denny Hulme, Alan Jones, Stefan Johannsen, Gerhard Berger and Jack Brabham. 
    One thing that stuck in our mind though was how exposed the driver's head is. This is especially noticable on the 80s F1 cars, where the driver is also so far forward that their feet must surely be in front of the front wheel line. How dangerous is that? 
    These days, modern day F1 cars development is at staggering levels to the point where the cars subtly change shape on a race by race basis. Although the head is still vulnerable, thank goodness drivers are now much better protected in the cockpit than in years gone by. 

    
    
    Formula One has arrived in Europe where people often say the season really begins, as most teams traditionally arrive with major upgrades. Status quo was maintained though, as Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg once again creamed the opposition at Catalunya in Spain. Even at this early stage of the season, can anyone see Mercedes being toppled for this year's constructor's championship? Sure is refreshing to see Lewis and Nico racing each other though. 
    Congratulations to Australia's Daniel Ricciardo for managing the race to bring his Red Bull home solidly in third position to record his maiden podium in F1. Well done D. Ricc. Keep 'em coming.
    Finally, did anyone notice how nervous a lot of cars looked in Spain? Is this because they didn't test their new packages pre-season at Catalunya and were therefore lacking relevant data? Perhaps it's a case of better tyre management? Could it be because there's so much torque in the new powertrains, that the drivers are having to learn about steering inputs and throttle control all over again? Let us know what you think.
    The great leveller's next....Monaco. 

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