Just six Grands Prix remain in the 2018 Formula 1 season and before you know it the sport will be welcoming the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi; as the paddock heads off to the coastal resort of Sochi, Motorsport Week previews some of the main talking points for the remainder of the campaign.
Can Vettel fight back in the title race?
Sebastian Vettel held a commanding position in the title race post-qualifying in Germany, but the outcome of that race set the tone for the following few months, and a dramatic swing in form has resulted in Lewis Hamilton holding an unexpected 40-point advantage. As witnessed by Italy and Singapore, this is typically when the Hamilton/Mercedes partnership hits form – and the team is unbeaten in the hybrid era at four of the remaining six venues. The odds may be against Vettel and Ferrari but last year in Russia they claimed pole and finished within reach of Valtteri Bottas. And Vettel has come from this far back before to triumph at the end…
Can the Finns get a win?
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Hamilton has racked up seven wins this year, Vettel five, but their respective team-mates have yet to climb the top step of the podium. Bottas has come closest; the Safety Car skewered him in China, a puncture three laps from home wrecked his chance in Azerbaijan, while team orders nullified his threat in Germany, since then he has not looked like a contender. Kimi Raikkonen, meanwhile, had his best chance for years slip through his fingers in Italy. A Mercedes driver has not had a win-less season since 2012, while a win for Raikkonen at some stage would be a fitting farewell to Ferrari. Not since 2004 have both third and fourth in the standings failed to win a single race between them.
Who will win the fight for P4?
Formula 1’s ‘big three’ are significantly ahead to leave fourth place as the accolade for best of the rest among the midfield teams. Renault looked to have the position in the bag mid-season as it moved clear of its rivals, but a dip in form, allied by Haas managing to avoid self-destruction, meant the teams drew level in Italy. Romain Grosjean’s exclusion, the appeal of which will be held in early November, gave Renault a buffer, which it built upon in Singapore. But the gap remains only 15 points – one that Haas can easily close. One strong Grand Prix from either party could seal or scupper the outcome.
How far can Force India go?
Force India scored 59 points before its takeover and entry shenanigans meant its points were wiped – but it stunningly amassed 32 in Belgium and Italy, where it has historically thrived. That provides two sub-plots for the remainder of the season. For add those two scores together and you get 91 – the exact total currently enjoyed by Renault. Can Force India effectively finish a net fourth come Abu Dhabi when their lost 59 is added to the post-summer total? That is what many at Silverstone will be aspiring toward. In terms of the actual table Force India has to out-score McLaren by 26 points to nab sixth. Such a target is realistic but far from certain.
Who will win Formula 1’s B class?
If you eliminated the top three teams/six drivers from the 2018 championship then we’d be in the midst of a titanic title tussle, with fluctuating form, missed opportunities and shocks. Of course, removing the leading drivers would have altered the outcome of Grands Prix, but looking at the current table just eight points separates the midfield’s leading five. Nico Hulkenberg leads on 53, ahead of Fernando Alonso (50) and Kevin Magnussen (49), while the Belgium/Italy surge means Sergio Perez (46) and Esteban Ocon (45) are in with a shout. Carlos Sainz Jr. (38) is an outsider but cannot be counted out. The battle for Formula 1’s B division may not win prizes, but a degree of pride is still on offer.
How will the silliest silly season conclude?
The front-running teams have signed up their 2019 drivers but further down the grid there remain a handful of question marks. Toro Rosso is expected to re-recruit Daniil Kvyat (again) but who will be his team-mate? Haas should shortly continue with its current pairing but what of Williams, which is certain to lose Lance Stroll. And once the madness has been put to bed, what lies ahead for those left on the cutting room floor?
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