5 Reasons to look forward to 2011

“I would expect McLaren to take an early lead into 2011”

5. Adjustable rear-wings

After the “bore-fest” that was Bahrain there was a push to find ways of creating better chances for overtaking. And so the controversial idea of an adjustable rear-wing which can create a much higher straight line speed by the press of a button was born. I say controversial because many, including some drivers, believe it creates a less safe situation for the drivers. And as David Coulthard says, it creates “artificial overtaking.” However, over taking is overtaking and the new rear-wing will certainly add another angle to F1.

4. The return of KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery Sytem)

In 2009 we saw KERS make its debut in F1. Essentially the system stores the waste energy created from braking and converts it into more BHP for the cars which can be used both to overtake and defend. It was removed for 2010 but in a leap for a more “green” sport, the system which prevents the unnecessary loss of energy and thus is better for the environment will be brought back. It will create great opportunities for overtaking and some real fighting, especially on straights!

3. The Raise of Renault and Mercedes

Renault have not been constructor challengers since 2006 and Mercedes’ comeback has been one of sheer disappointment. However 2010 showed glimpses of brilliance from Renault. We saw the extremely talented Robert Kubica taking podiums and consistently fast times (in practice especially). In fact he only did not make it into Q3 once the entire season which was only beaten by the Red Bull duo who had a 100% Q3 record. With Kubica spear-heading the team into 2011 and Vitaly Petrov bringing in the money I would not underestimate them for at least some race wins next year.  

Mercedes stopped development very early on this season to start on their 2011 car. With Ross Brawn, Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and some secure financial baking the team will be looking to re-emerge into the constructor’s title, they certainly do not lack the talent.

2. Vettel takes the fight to the big boys

The youngest ever Drivers World Champion has managed the pressure extremely well this season (I feel better then all the others). This lead to no rash decisions like the ones that ruined both team mate Mark Webber and opponent Fernando Alonso. But in 2011 we will really see how the German handles pressure. He goes into 2011 as the reigning world champion with 23 other guys hungry for the number 1 on their cars, not to mention the 4 other previous world champions. He is going to be fighting as hard as you have ever seen him fight to try and retain the championship and he may not have a car with the advantage of this years because of the effort in 2010 the 2011 may fall back a small bit. But it will be fascinating to watch.

1. Big guns strike back

After coming so close to the title this year expect the likes of Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button to take the fight to the young Red Bull driver harder than ever before. These drivers have tasted the championship and now they want to take it. Throw into the mix Robert Kubica and Felipe Massa who will also want to prove themselves as championship contenders. Expect tensions to rise within Red Bull and Ferrari on a greater scale in 2011 and maybe we will even see the fall out of the two Brits at McLaren?

Conclusion

I would expect McLaren to take an early lead into 2011. The car had the least developments into the end of 2010 meaning more time on 2011 but also the team have a perfected KERS system which was just superior to all other 2009 attempts at the technology. Red Bull will not be far behind but brace your self for a slower Ferrari start, although I am sure they will still be fighting for the championships. What the three teams need to do is not under-estimate Mercedes and Renault because I predict a much stronger season for the two underdogs. The 2011 season looks like it is going to be another corker the new points system (which I feel is the main reason for a great season) is being retained and so maybe by Abu Dhabi next year we will have 6 or even 7 drivers fighting for the championship, well we can hope! Roll on March.

Posted by Sean Russell - Follow him on twitter @SeanRussellF1.

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