Mercedes started off 2015 in the same style they had competed in most of 2014, with a 1-2. This was no surprise, as winter testing had proven that they would be the dominant car from the start. What did seem a surprise, though, was just how dominant the Mercedes were. Qualifying over a second ahead of the nearest cars on the Saturday, they further demonstrated their superiority by lapping the field up to fifth place. The aftermath of the race has been mainly about talk of this, and how to rein in the Mercedes, via assistance by FIA. It remains to be seen in the forthcoming weeks and months if anything will be done to equalise the field, but at the current moment, Mercedes are by far the team to catch and beat.
2015 Malaysia Grand Prix Mercedes Preview
N0. 6 NICO ROSBERG (DEU)
Form: 2,14,1,2,2.
2014: Grid: P3, Race: P2
Even though Rosberg started off the Australian Grand Prix weekend on top of the time-sheets, by the time qualifying day had arrived, he had fallen behind Hamilton, and never recovered. It was the way the second half of 2014 panned out, and the worry is that this momentum will continue with Hamilton, and he might see his team-mate sail off in the distance. Even though it only the second race of the season, the feeling is that Rosberg has to make his mark this weekend. He’ll have to do it at a circuit that hasn’t really been kind to Rosberg. In his nine outings, last year’s second was his best, and only podium result. He has only scored points in three other outings here.
N0. 44 LEWIS HAMILTON (GBR)
Form: 1,1,2,1,1.
2014: Grid P1, Race: P1
Hamilton has experienced much better form in Malaysia than his team-mate has. Twice on pole here, he finally claimed first place last year in a convincing victory. Hamilton has finished every outing in the points, with seventh being his worst result, and claiming three more podiums. With his superior record over Rosberg in Malaysia, and the phenomenal run of seven wins out of the last eight races, few would bet against Hamilton not adding to that tally here as well.
Who will challenge the Mercedes then? If it stays dry, then the only challenge to the Mercedes is themselves, and more so their reliability. However, Kuala Lumpur is known for it varied weather conditions, and recent weather reports indicate that rain could appear during race time. If that is the case, then it could mix the field, and give the first opportunity of the season for the rest of the grid to challenge the Mercedes pair for the win.
Main Photo
