Conclusions from the 2014 F1 Australian Grand Prix

1. The distinct noise is gone. And I don't like it.
     The sound of this  year's six-cylinder engine can be likened to that of a vacuum cleaner. I read once that Formula isn't just about the speed, it's about the noise. The rule changes robbed us fans from that. I hope they do something about it because I felt sleepy because of the sound.

2. Mercedes are way, way ahead.
     The silver arrows are at least a full second ahead of any team. During the race, Nico ran away quietly ahead of the pack. If Lewis did not retire, we might at least had a battle for the lead. In any case, the Merc was really fast.

3. Felipe has something to smile about.
     Even if he was put out of the race by Kamui's Caterham on the first corner of the race, the other Williams Martini car of Valteri Bottas showed tremendous pace finishing 6th even if he had an accident that caused the appearance of the safety car. That should be a positive for Massa knowing that he has a car underneath him that can put him on top of the podium.

4. Ferrari is still a slow car.
     Much to the dismay of Ferrari and fellow Alonso fans, Ferrari is still pretty much like a turtle. They had some electronic issue during the race. Plus the two world champions were fighting with midfield cars! Which may imply that Ferrari's pace is of midfielders. Kimi tousling with Vergne? And Alonso wtih Hulkenburg? They could be only the fifth fastest car. Mercedes are the fastest followed by Williams, Mclaren, and possibly Redbull.

5. Mclaren are back.
     People forgot quickly how dreadful Ron Dennis' team was last year. They hadn't had a single podium in 2013. And quickly they already have 2 podiums plus they lead the constructor's championship. Incredible!

6. Magnussen who?
     Magnussen. I predict we are going to hear that name for a long time getting on the podiums, probably winning a race or two. What a fantastic drive for the rookie! With Daniel's Redbull disqualified from the race, Kevin inherits second place bettering Lewis Hamilton's race debut result in 2007.

7. Tyres not much of a factor.
     Reliability and engine power dictated the season opener. Mercedes powered cars clearly dominating the field. Tyre degradation didn't quite have a massive effect unlike what we used to last season.

8. Redbull caught cheating.
     Dream debut for the Redbull of Daniel Ricciardo became a nightmare. Much to the delight of the Aussies during the race, Ricciardo drove impressively well through the field only to find out five hours after that he had been disqualified because his team did something illegal with the fuel flow system of his car.

9. Quiet race unlike any other.
     Sorry I had to repeat this. I really don't like the sound of the engines. It is too quiet. What makes Formula 1 distinct from other racing sports and cars is that lovely high-pitched sound of the V8's or V10's. It is gone now. Yes, yes, the engines are now more environment-friendly, but THE SOUND!!! It is gone!

10. Malaysia next.
     I predict a Lewis resurgence and a Williams accompanying the two Mercs on the podium.


-Ave Cortes, 17 March 2014