F1 2013 - Mid-Season Report

Sebastian Vettel €“ 9 (172 Points)

He€™s at it again. This period of dominance is certainly brining back memories of the Schumacher era between 2000-2004 but this streak is arguably more impressive, with the competiveness of F1 at arguably an all time high. Vettel hasn€™t had it all his own way, but in comparison with Webber, he is only one of three drivers to have out qualified his teammate at every race so far. He is mighty over one lap. Race performances have been equally impressive with Vettel finishing inside the top 4 at every race bar one mechanical failure at the British Grand Prix. If he can keep this consistent run of points scoring up, he will put himself in a perfect position to take the title. However there is one blight on Vettel€™s record this year when he demonstrated his ruthlessness in Malaysia on team mate Mark Webber. Ignoring team orders, Vettel caught and passed an unsuspecting Webber, who after getting himself into 1st deserved to win. While many have criticised him, those extra seven points picked up could prove critical.

Mark Webber €“ 7 (105 Points)

It hasn€™t been a stellar final season for Mark, out qualified at every race so far by his teammate, his real Achilles heel is his poor starting which has affected him for a few seasons now. Starting badly compromises his race performance as he€™s had to fight his way through the field on the incredibly delicate Pirelli tires. In race conditions there have been spectacular moments, for example his Malaysian pace before the win was cruelly snatched away, and his pace during the closing stages of the British Grand Prix. Sadly, these moments have been few and far between. He€™s been solid rather than outstanding, however if he can sort out his starting woes there is time left to gain one last win before he rides of into the sunset. Helping Vettel out won€™t be very high on his priority list. Always honest in interviews he isn€™t afraid to speak his mind, something which is sadly all too uncommon today. F1 needs characters like Mark. It will be very sad to see him go.