1. Biggest disappointment?
Teams: McLaren. While everyone expects and hopes that their non-stepped nose strategy pays off, I don’t see them taking the fight to Seb this year. Honorable mention goes to Caterham, Force India and Williams, in that order.
Drivers: Fernando Alonso or Nico Rosberg. Both were great in 2010 and 2011, but I don’t expect to see them at the top of their game this year. Honorable mention goes to Mark Webber.
2. Biggest surprise?
Teams: Prior to the tests I would’ve said Mercedes, but now I’m gonna go with Toro Rosso or Lotus. It’s not that I don’t see the Merc as a contender, but I just don’t think it would surprise anyone anymore, seeing as even freakin’ Newey is worried.
Drivers: I’m gonna be hopeful and say Felipe Massa, but realistically it’s probably gonna be either Sergio Perez or Jean-Eric Vergne.
3. Best rookie?
Jean-Eric Vergne. Not a whole lot of rookies this year…
4. Controversy of the year?
FOTA vs the rest of the world
Massa gets fired mid-season despite performing at an acceptable rate
Massa does NOT get fired mid-season but loses Rob Smedley for undisclosed reasons
Actually, knowing how people are (Kubica), Massa not getting fired would in itself be controversial
Raikkonen leaves mid-season
Rivalry between Button and Hamilton ignites
One of the teams has illegal parts
Any combination of the above
Take your pick.
5. World Champion Driver?
Sebastian Vettel.
6. World Champion Constructor?
Red Bull, but only just.
7. Vintage season or disappointment?
Vintage.