Time for my annual predictions for the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship. With Michael Schumacher now retired the tables have been turned on end. Usually after the first two races I have a pretty good I idea of how the teams and drivers stack up. This year for me the picture is less clear. However, the 3rd race is coming up this weekend so I can't wait any longer, so her goes.
2007 F1 Drivers Championship
1. Fernando Alanso
2. Kimi Raikkonen
3. Lewis Hamilton
The top two teams, McLaren and Ferrari are also the two I've got concerns about. McLarens early strong form is a big step forward from its performance last year. Is this their true pace or will the mechanical gremlins that plagued them during Kimi's time there return as the season wears on? Ferrari was extremely quick the first race, albeit with some mechanical problems that we would never have seen there during the Schumacher era. My prediction is that Alanso is easier on his equipment and also excellent at developing the car through out the season. Kimi, even though Ferrari has the faster package right now is much harder on the equipment and has not proven himself to be able to improve his care over the course of the season. Hamilton, barring a rookie meltdown will finish third thanks to the reliability of the car that Fernando has developed. Having said all that it will be a very close fight right down to the end with the championship decided by less that 10 points.
2007 F1 Constructors Championship
1. McLaren
2. Ferrari
3. Renault
Consistency is what wins championships. There is no one more consist ant if F1 right now that Fernando Alanso. Pair that with a young team mate that is extremely talented and a McLaren team that is responding well to having a true team builder of a driver leading their team in Alanso and they will be the most consistent podium finishing team, taking the constructors championship. Ferrari will show flashes of absolute brilliance but the inconsistency of their drivers and the inability of their drivers to develop the car over the course of the season will prevent them from winning it all this year. Renault, off to a shaky start in the first race will find the consistency they have been known for and edge out BMW who will continue to struggle in getting two cars in the points on a consist ant basis.
Other Predictions
The 2008 Formula 1 grid will be short two teams, Super Aguri and Toro Roso. There is no way Honda will be able to justify it's current level of involvement to their share holders with the kind of results there four cars are bringing. Red Bull, much as I like them, can't continue to bleed cash into racing at the pace they are. This is unfortunate because with Toro Rosa out, there is not a place for Scott Speed who will be racing in Champ Car in 2008. It's a good thing Pro Drive will be joining the grid or it would be a pretty thin grid.
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