The Big Picture
For Formula 1, it remains all about the race to 2014 even as teams work to take points off each other in Brazil, and in more ways than one. Pirelli have made it clear to F1 that they demand a clear specification for tyres in 2014, and if they don't get it they'll revert to building conservative tyres that see single-stop races to avoid criticism. Paul Hembery made it clear that Pirelli is losing patience with Formula 1 due to continued and undeserved criticism no matter what tyres they provide, brought about by them supplying the tyres they were asked to in the first place. I am a long time supporter of Paul Hembery and Pirelli, as it was clear they were pushed into a corner and bullied into making changes that ruined this years' F1 season. People then pointed the finger at Pirelli. But not me, as it was clear it wasn't what they wanted to do and had always delivered what the FIA asked of them, only to be stabbed in the back. Even Adrian Newey commented that the change in tyres is what allowed them to dominate the second half of the season, and whilst he didn't admit it gifted them the title, simply commenting that it meant they could extract the performance of their car, we can read between the lines; We always knew the Red Bull was fastest on unlimited tyres, but the degrading tyres prevented them using it and gave us a championship, only for it to be taken away from us by the FIA. For 2014 Pirelli want clear specifications to remove themselves from the crap they dealt with this year, but frankly I can't see why they want to put up with it at all and didn't leave F1 in the lurch and withdraw. Had I been Pirelli, I think I would have, and instead taken my rubber to the World Endurance Championship to compete, flat out, stint-after-stint, with Dunlop and Michelin. In driver news, Felipe Massa was confirmed as Maldonado's replacement at Williams on a three-year deal. It's good to see Felipe get a drive, but after hearing he was also in talks with McLaren I can't help but feel disappointed not to see him at the Woking outfit where he would have more potential for victory. Of course with Mercedes turbo power next year and the slightest hint of possibility that Ross Brawn could join Williams, along with long-time Ferrari engineer and race partner Rob Smedley, maybe Massa will have the last laugh with a Williams that springs a surprise. McLaren in contrast signed a complete rookie, Kevin Magnussen from their young driver programme, yet the Hulk is on the table for them to put in beside Jenson Button. I just can't understand the logic myself as I'd take Hulkenberg in a heartbeat over anyone else on the grid right now, and McLaren need to be targeting world titles. Yes, Hamilton managed to almost do that in his debut season in 2007 but it was fluke, and built on a brilliant car developed with Alonso and is very unlikely to happen again. Though perhaps, if it is believed that they want Alonso back for 2015 with their Honda engines, maybe they have picked an interim driver for a reason as part of a bigger picture. Lotus likely have a big decision to make, as they need the finance Maldonado can bring, but need the long-term points that Hulkenberg can bring. Personally, I'd take Hulkenberg and look at the big picture, as if he starts bringing in points or winning races, sponsors will soon come to put money into the team, and rescuing Lotus for 2014 with Maldonado's money will be no good if they don't deliver and flounder for 2015. Lotus remains the last big drive left with Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren sewn up. Behind them though, neither Force India nor Sauber has signed any drivers for 2014, not publicly at least. Sauber have said they'd welcome Hulkenberg to stay and that's no surprise, whilst also hinting they may take Perez back after his time at McLaren. Gutierrez' debut season has had a few highlights but many lows, and I feel he's unlikely to retain his drive with so much other talent available. Sutil seems pleased and says things are decided, but he couldn't speak of it, suggesting perhaps he has got a stay at Force India for 2014. Di Resta, after a drop in form towards the end of the season, is likely hoping he can keep his Force India seat, especially with people like Maldonado on the hunt and offering significant financial bonuses. A lot will depend on who ends up with Lotus, as both Sauber and Force India will likely scrabble to get hold of whoever misses out. Behind them Torro Rosso are decided, announced a few weeks ago, and Williams are now decided with Bottas staying alongside Massa. Caterham haven't announced their drivers for 2014 and despite both performing well, either Van der Garde or Pic could find themselves without a seat next year at a team with financial motivations. Bianchi has been confirmed with Marussia however, deservedly so after some strong showings, while Chilton is still waiting though claims a deal is nearly done. That doesn't mean it is however, and he will be vulnerable should a driver with significant backing get in the frame.