F1 2013 - Mid-Season Report

Mercedes (208 Points)

After three seasons of mid table mediocrity, Mercedes have finally managed to find themselves consistently competing at sharp end of the grid. Despite their never ending issue of tyre degradation hurting their race chances, most notably at the Spanish Grand Prix, Mercedes have been lightning in qualifying and are moving nearer to Red Bull. If they can eradicate their problems with the Pirelli tires there is no doubt that by the end of the season Mercedes could be challenging for the Driver€™s championship.

Nico Rosberg - 8 (84 Points)

Rosberg this year has proven the doubters wrong and after impressive wins in Monaco and at Silverstone he can be considered a world class driver. The start of the season was tricky for Rosberg due to two retirements in Australia and China, but he proved that he had the pace to match Hamilton, consistently beating him in qualifying. However, since then a few incidents at the start and qualifying woes have meant that Rosberg is slipping away from the pace of Hamilton. The 2nd half of the season will probably be focused on helping out Hamilton in the driver€™s championship but if the opportunity arises, Rosberg will surely take another win.

Lewis Hamilton - 9 (124 Points)

It€™s been a spectacular season for Hamilton so far. Many people questioned his decision to join Mercedes, especially considering the inconsistent form of the team in the previous 3 season, but Hamilton has undoubtedly proven everyone wrong. While admitting that he was struggling with the new car at the beginning of the season, something to be expected, the last few races have been incredibly impressive from the Brit, with three straight pole positions and his 1st race victory for his new team coming at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Hamilton has placed himself in a very good position to have a shot at the title. He needs to hope that the tyre degradation problems that have plagued Mercedes in the past three seasons are over. While Hungary may not be entirely representative, it does suggest that Mercedes are winning the battle. Belgium will prove whether they have.