This week Formula 1 returns, marking the end of the summer break. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit prepares to host the Belgian Grand Prix, this is one of the most historic circuit of the Formula 1 calendar, as well as being one of the favorite circuits of the drivers. It also has one of the most legendary curves of the entire championship, the famous Eau Rouge.
This is a circuit that should favor the Mercedes team. Despite being the first in the Constructors’ Championship, its drivers occupy the second and third position of the drivers’ championship. That is why Toto Wolff is considering a change of strategy. The executive director of the German team thinks that the decision of Ferrari to favor Sebastian Vettel through the team orders. It is the reason that the German driver points exceeds his driver Lewis Hamilton. The situation at Mercedes is different from last year, when the title was disputed among the drivers of the team. Now the enemy is not at home and they must fight with everything they have. Ferrari wants to win and has not hidden the fact they favor Vettel when giving team orders. Orders that Kimi Raikkonen has obeyed without question.
While problems continue for Honda. These weeks there was talk of a possible agreement between the Japanese brand and the Toro Rosso team. But during the negotiations they could not find an agreement. Apparently the main reason for disagreement has been economic. A hard blow for Honda, who has seen the Sauber team cancel their agreement for the 2018 season. Not to mention that Mclaren has acknowledged that they are not happy with the results of the engines. But realistically, Woking have few options to get a competitive engine for next season. While their pilot Fernando Alonso has announced that he will make a decision regarding his future in November or December, he no longer wants promises. The pilot wants proof that they will have a competitive project. In addition the Spanish driver has not hesitated to say that next year if he does not have an acceptable project, he will look for options outside of Formula 1.
The one who has returned to be news this week has been the Halo. This time for complaints from Force India team. The FIA announced last month the introduction of the Halo for the 2018 season, despite complaints from various teams and drivers. Apparently in Force India they fear that the introduction of Halo delays the work on the chassis. Since this new safety device has a great influence on the chassis of the car.
Force India’s chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer is scared he will not ready be in time for the preseason. But they will not be the only one, all the teams are in the same situation. Without a doubt everything in Formula 1 ends up being a speed competition.