STORYLINES TO
FOLLOW IN 2015
WorldMags.net
THOMPSON/GETTY
HAMILTON AT
CENTRE OF
SILLY SEASON
After a dramatic shake-up of Formula 1’s driver
market last year, the silly season is likely to be
much more sensible in 2015. But let’s not forget
that even in the middle of 2014 there were times
when it appeared things were going to be stagnant.
The focus for now will be on Lewis Hamilton and
whether he can agree a fresh contract that will
keep him at Mercedes for 2016 and beyond.
Discussions to try to frame that deal had originally
been delayed until the winter so they didn’t
overshadow the ’14 title battle, but there
are no signatures on the dotted line yet.
It’s clear that both parties want to stay together.
Equally, the money and terms have to work both
ways. Mercedes doesn’t need to rush, as a host of
other drivers would jump at the chance of joining
the team in 2016 if Hamilton does not sign up.
So it will be fascinating to see how hard the
reigning champion is willing to push in holding
out for exactly what he wants.
Hamilton has yet
to commit to Merc
beyond this season
F1’S 2017 RULES REVOLUTION
Whether or not Formula 1 is actually broken
remains a subject of debate. But one thing is clear:
grand prix chiefs are pushing on with a radical
overhaul for 2017. Team bosses, the FIA and
Bernie Ecclestone agreed last month that more
time was needed to conceive rules that would
work, and the season ahead will be dominated by
meetings to sort out a new identity for F1.
There appears to be a consensus on wider cars,
bigger tyres and 1000bhp engines, but the devil is
in the detail. F1 will have to finalise rules that
50 AUTOSPORT.COM MARCH 5 2015
actually ensure the new generation of grand prix
cars are more spectacular and harder to drive.
Invariably, the danger ahead is one of selfinterest, as teams push for future rules that help
their own cause. Mercedes will want the status
quo ; Red Bull will want aero to become dominant
again; Ferrari will push for big engine tweaks.
If the teams are left to their own devices the end
result could be a poor compromise, which is why
all eyes must be on what the FIA and Ecclestone
do to seize the initiative.
WorldMags.net
RONDEAU/GETTY
SEASON
50
PREVIEW
There will be plenty of big stories off track during the F1 season. JONATHAN NOBLE
picks out six of the most intriguing plotlines to follow during the next eight months
Wider cars and bigger
tyres, as shown in 1992