Official 2014 Formula 1 thread

Well, testing is complete [HTML_REMOVED] just 11 days until Australia. Looks to be Mercedes then Williams followed by Ferrari. I wouldn't mind Williams making a comeback after having their worst year ever, scoring only 5 points. The engine suppliers seem to be rated Merc first with Ferrari then Renault. I'd like to count Red Bull out, but one can never do that with Adrian Newey at the helm. If they do have a down year, we'll see just how good Vettel is…we'll see. And one last thing…the sound of those turbos again!

it is official now:

http://jalopnik.com/behold-the-stunning-beauty-of-the-martini-williams-f1-c-1538593654

Now all that needs to happen is Gulf becoming a sponsor for one of the mid-pack teams. Maybe Sauber. We need a pastel blue and orange car on the grid.

I don't recall a qualifying session where the times are tumbling down so fast. Kimi into the wall…aarrgghh!! At least Vettel is out (and the crowd cheered, lol).

Good start for ricciardo, i didnt give him a chance and he proved me wrong. Vettel and buttons laps from q2 were fast. Should be a good one. I dont ever remember a wet aus gp.

Riccardo was DQ'd for a non compliant fuel flow sensor after finishing 2nd. Ouch.

Vettel was out early and I love it.

Mercedes have a second over Redbull anyway. It's a race for third.

Yeah it's clear the Mercedes engine is the strongest at this point. McLaren goes 2 [HTML_REMOVED] 3 after no podiums all last year.

I think it's the Mercedes car not just the engine!

Yeah the Mercedes team is clearly ahead, but the other Mercedes powered cars are also outperforming the Ferrari and Renault engines. For example, McLaren, Williams [HTML_REMOVED] Force India. All of a sudden they are contenders.

http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/rules_and_regulations/sporting_regulations/12877/

Judging by the Aussie crowd's reactions, I think the fans are tired of seeing Vettel win every race. Could be a Rosberg-Hamilton battle for the title this year. Happiest guy must be Eric Boullier; leaving Lotus (just in time) for McLaren.

Judging by the Aussie crowd's reactions, I think the fans are tired of seeing Vettel win every race. Could be a Rosberg-Hamilton battle for the title this year. Happiest guy must be Eric Boullier; leaving Lotus (just in time) for McLaren.

I think it was regarding the time he passed Webber at the last minute to win a race last year (or the year before.)

I love how you can actually hear the tires squeal now thanks to the cars being much quieter now.

Poor Ricciardo :(

F1 catching heat from fans (And even Bernie Ecclestone himself!) for the engines being too quiet. Truth is they would've lost Renault as an engine supplier if they hadn't changed to V6 turbo hybrids. Another bonus is Honda coming back to F1 in 2015. Hey, at least you can hear the tyres squeal now. (Speaking of which, I hope Pirelli doesn't change the tyre formula halfway thru the year)