Formula 1 Season Predictions

We are less than two weeks away from the start of the 2012 Formula 1 season, which means it is time for the Right Wing Formula 1 Season Predictions!

First Driver to be Replaced: Narain Karthikeyan
I know that it seems odd that Karthikeyan even got a ride this season, but he does bring loads of money to the table for the team. Still, his skill level is not quite that of the other drivers on the circuit. Look for HRT to cut him loose sometime around Round 5.

First Driver to become a Replacement Driver: Sebastian Buemi
This is just an off-the-cuff prediction, as Buemi is a Reserve Driver for Red Bull Renault, and if my first prediction is true, then HRT would be hiring his services away. I think, though, that Buemi is too good a talent to sit out for long.

Will the Bahrain Grand Prix happen? No.
I should qualify that answer by saying that the Grand prix is still on the calendar, but I can see a situation very similar to Indianapolis 2005. Unless the political situations in the Middle East rapidly improve by April 20, I think several teams will sit this one out. It may be the only time that HRT or Marussia get a victory…or even a point.

Will the United States Grand Prix happen? Yes.
The Circuit of the Americas is still being built, the builders, developers, and moneymen are still arguing, and Bernie still looks like a rejected member of a Beatles cover band. That said, you have to think even Bernie Ecclestone realizes that getting a Grand Prix in the US is too good an opportunity to miss. And I know the plan right now involves getting the Grand Prix to the Port Imperial street circuit in 2013 or 2014, but COTA might be one of the better Tilke tracks outside of Istanbul Park. You can’t deny race fans that kind of excitement.

Will we have a more exciting championship hunt than last season? Yes.
Forgiving the fact that Vettel ran away from the pack last year, the races were darned exciting. The rain-infused Canadian Grand Prix last year was one of the best races ever. And this year, testing showed that the top flight teams are separated by only 1 second on lap times. With six former World Driver Champions on the circuit, it has to be more exciting.

Can Kimi Raikkonen make a splash in his return with Lotus(Renault)? Absolutely.
I like Raikkonen and fully expect good things from him. I doubt that Lotus can compete for the championship, but stranger things have happened. Seriously, did anyone in 2009 think that Ross Brawn would double up the titles after buying his team one month before the season started? Raikkonen has set some fast lap times. He’ll be on the podium within the first 5 races.

Who wins the Constructor’s Championship? Red Bull Renault
This may be one of the tighter Constructor’s Championship races we’ve seen in some time. McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes are all looking for the top spot. I’m picking Red Bull because they know what it takes to get it done, and they have two of the most consistent drivers on the circuit.

Who wins the Driver’s Championship? Lewis Hamilton
The last time Lewis Hamilton won the World Driver’s Championship, his team lost the Constructor’s Title. Hamilton has taken some hits lately and a rebound season is in order. He has as much or more talent than anyone on the circuit, and like Vettel and Schumacher, he’s great in the rain. He might start slow, but he’ll begin to pick up momentum in China, where he always races well. It’ll be close, though, with Vettel just missing out on three straight driver’s titles.

Random Predictions (that will most likely be wrong):
-Nico Rosberg will win a race this season.
-Mark Webber will not win a race this season.
-Caterham will score its first point by the mid-point of the season.
-Kimi Raikkonen will take the Lotus car to victory at Spa-Francorchamps.
-The Constructor’s Championship will be decided with one race remaining.
-Ferrari will fail to reach the podium in the first five races.