After putting his tumultuous 2011 season behind him, Lewis Hamilton has kicked off this year’s world champion in downbeat mood.
The 2008 world champion had put his well-documented personal problems and on-track struggles behind him with a positive approach to his sixth season in F1.

But after his teammate Jenson Button beat him in the 2011 standings, Hamilton could not hide his disappointment on Sunday when the 2009 title winner also beat him to the first corner in Melbourne, before Button and reigning champion Sebastian Vettel filled the top two podium spots.

“I just struggled out there,” confused pole-sitter Hamilton said afterwards.

David Coulthard, the former long-time McLaren driver and now paddock analyst, expressed concern about Hamilton’s “striking” post-race body-language and “stony-faced” performance on the podium.

“Has it (Button’s win) knocked Lewis?” he wondered in his Telegraph column.

Many in F1 are astonished by how Button, described as having entered Hamilton’s “lion’s den” at McLaren two years ago, is now being described by the famous British team as its title-winning hope.

“People underestimate him,” said team boss Martin Whitmarsh. “He’s such a calm, mature and easygoing fellow that people don’t realise necessarily the hunger that’s in him to compete and to win.

“He must now believe he’s in a good chance of a proper title run this year and providing we can continue to improve the car, not make mistakes, be reliable there’s no reason why he can’t do that,” he added.

On Hamilton’s side of the garage, meanwhile, is a downcast driver and an expiring contract.

“On his day, Lewis is unbeatable, and yet I suspect McLaren are wondering whether or not they want to keep him, because he brings so much baggage with him,” another former McLaren driver-turned commentator, Martin Brundle, told April’s Motor Sport magazine.

As for Whitmarsh, McLaren’s team principal insists there is no concern yet that Hamilton has already re-entered another spiral of despair so early in 2012.

Downplaying Hamilton’s post-race mood in Australia, he said: “When he starts getting happy with being third, or beaten by his teammate, then he won’t be the Lewis we all love and admire.”

 The recently revealed ‘W-duct’ aside, another technical secret has been discovered aboard Mercedes’ newly launched W03.
Rumours insist the German squad was the last to reveal and test its 2012 car because it boasts a few highly innovative ideas that could drive Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg to the middle of the podium.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that mechanics working for the Brackley based team are making more efforts than usual to hide the front and rear of the car, and erecting huge screens in front of the pits between test runs in Barcelona.

But a big secret is now out of the bag, and it’s located beneath the rear rain light and being described by insiders as “like a double diffuser”.

Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport said the feature is believed to produce an effect similar to the one pioneered by Mercedes’ predecessor Brawn GP in 2009, which resulted in the championship for Jenson Button.

And according to Auto Motor und Sport, the concept differs to the banned double diffuser because the air is channelled through holes at the rear of the engine cover.

The concept, despite complying with the FIA’s blown diffuser clampdown, also reportedly involves the clever redirection of exhaust gases.

And yet another innovation on the Mercedes could be a passive ‘F-duct’-style addition to the car’s new rear wing, working alongside the ‘DRS’ system.

When asked about the ‘ducts’, Rosberg and Schumacher played it coy: “What’s that?” Rosberg answered, while Schumacher joked that it sounds like something that should go “quack!”

“They are a good team,” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told Sky when asked about Mercedes.

“They have some good people so it would be foolish to underestimate them.”

Meanwhile, TZ newspaper in Germany reports that the FIA could be set to clamp down even harder in the area of exhaust blowing.

There are rumours Renault and Mercedes-powered teams are still using clever engine mapping techniques for aerodynamic effect.

Heikki Kovalainen insists he has “no concerns” despite having to start work with a new teammate less than a month before the 2012 season.

In 2010 and 2011, and since the formation of the former Lotus team, Kovalainen has shared the green garage with fellow grand prix winner Jarno Trulli.

Now, Caterham has replaced the Italian veteran with the much less experienced Vitaly Petrov, who has moved his Russian backing from Lotus (formerly Renault).

“I got along well with Jarno, but a new teammate doesn’t change my life in any way,” Kovalainen insisted to Finland’s Turun Sanomat newspaper.

“I have met with Vitaly here in Barcelona and I don’t have any concerns. He is definitely a strong competitor but I always give 110 per cent to beat my teammate.

“I don’t underestimate anyone,” he added.

Kovalainen admitted that Petrov might have to adjust to the fact that Caterham is smaller than Lotus, and the car not as competitive.

“Of course he has to get used to the team,” he said, “and if he has any questions, I’m available.

“But Vitaly is a professional driver and in F1 it is expected that the driver is able to start tackling the programme right away.”

Stefano Domenicali was baffled on Friday when reporters asked for his thoughts on a war of words with Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner.

“Me? That’s the first time that I hear that,” said the Ferrari team boss.

Media reports said Horner had responded angrily to some recent comments made in the specialist press by Domenicali, including the suggestion that Red Bull is a one-man team with star designer Adrian Newey at the helm.

And the Italian had told a German newspaper that Sebastian Vettel is not yet a true leader.

Horner hit back by insisting that Red Bull doesn’t “disrespect or underestimate the achievements of our peers”.

When told Horner apparently had a problem with some of his comments, Domenicali said: “That’s a new one. I will speak with him, without speaking to journalists. I want to see what he’s saying.

“I don’t think that I’ve said something strange but it’s interesting to see Christian’s reaction. Maybe he will have something to say to me. He knows my telephone number,” added the Italian.

The motors could play in the fight for the Formula 1 crown in 2010 still a crucial role. Especially those pilots who are pushed by a Ferrari engine in front, standing before the last five rounds of the season as not particularly good. This applies just Sauber Nick Heidfeld most returnees, as his predecessor Pedro de la Rosa had been in Belgium can be mounted engine, and receive the ninth for the punishment.

But even with the red from Maranello, there are worries. Fernando Alonso, who after his latest, Monza win again good cards in the title fight, had to leave Italy in his last fit of the allowed per season eight fresh engine. Although the Spaniard still used engines in the rear, for example, the race in Singapore should survive well, but an engine blowouts could end the dream of a world title soon.
Ferrari may get the receipt for the engine damage to the season. How ‘auto motor und sport’ reports, the Italians had to start to apparently serious problems with the seals on the valve train. A too aggressive lubricant developed to have caused the problems. Ferrari could repair despite frozen development, since the like is more niche occurred. The training on Friday engines currently have to persevere with the Reds longer distances than planned.
“Unfortunately we started the year with problems,” Ferrari president Luca Marmorini Motor says in an interview with ‘Motorsport-Total.com “. “If we had this year had 20 races, then it would be difficult for us. We can afford no problems at all during the season more,” said the Italian, the order makes it clear how close the Reds for the final sprint of the season to be charitable. In comparison, Renault have both drivers still two fresh engines in the rear.

“It’s funny. In the past two or three years, we always say that the engine development is frozen and will remain the same engines,” says LM. “But it’s only the hardware is frozen, change the environment on the other hand constantly. The engines have to endure nearly double the mileage. This year it is a very different use of the engines, because refueling was banned.”

The Italian expert engine already provides for the coming year bring up new dark clouds. “There are more races,” said Marmorini. “This is really funny: The engines are to remain the same, but the conditions are changing. This makes it difficult for us.” At Ferrari’s we are not sure if it was eight engines per season is the right number. And for the years from 2013 it gets even thicker.
When equipped in three years, the formula with a little turbo machines, then the term should be again raised considerably – for cost reasons, as they say. “Originally, there should be four engines per year, but in the first five years of the new regulations,” said LM, which urgently needs an adoption of the new engine regulations. “This is an enormous step. To develop reliability is extremely difficult and expensive.”

“One should not underestimate the real”, said the Italian, who – as is probably many at Ferrari – not a big fan of small four-cylinder turbos. “Even if we had hinbekommen the new term with us for years known motors, then the effort would be substantial. This issue is particularly important and should be addressed quickly.” As a solution might look like, leaves Marmorini. The number of four or five engines per year, but seems far from set in stone to be.

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh would even be disappointed if the new parts on the McLaren “We would not be a big step further forward.” The goal was, in every race for a quarter-second to be faster. Compared to ‘Reuters’ he gave on record that he certainly does not underestimate Red Bull, but “we have already fought several world championships and have therefore probably a little more experience than Red Bull to be the come back strong, so we have to develop the car well or we do not win races, and no World Cup. ”

His driver showered with compliments and Whitmarsh already designated it as the best drivers in the world. “This is a huge compliment. He has to bring in any event, two drivers, a solid performance. I am also glad and happy happy about Jenson’s performances,” says Hamilton, who expressed the first time about a possible second title: “He would have a much higher value, but to win in his second year, the World Cup is a great achievement. ” Button shows also highly motivated: “I had a good season so far, but there is more to come.”

Hamilton also said that it was now more difficult than in past years to take the title. “In the past three drivers have competed for the title, this year there are fewer than six or seven. One must always give his best. It used to be good enough and we got away with it. But now you have to be at the highest level, so that one before the other remains. Currently, I am as constant as never before in my career, “said the Briton, adding:” There will be some opportunities for me and I will grab with both hands. “

Last season Heikki Kovalainen stuck his way. Twin with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren for a second year, he struggled to get the most out of the MP4-24 and finished the championship 12th, 27 points adrift of his illustrious team mate.

This season Kovalainen have a different challenge as he competes for one of 2010’s four new teams – Lotus. Following is the interview that the official F1 have done to Kovalainen.

Q: Heikki, you have switched from massive manufacturer team to small, private outfit this year. How are you finding the change?

Heikki Kovalainen: Obviously McLaren is a very big team, but as we saw last year, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will always be quick. They can obviously turn it around quickly, but I see a lot of potential at Lotus and that’s why I decided to come here. At the beginning it will be tough, we’ll have a hard first few months, but once we get going, I think I’ll have a better opportunity here than I would do with anyone else.

Q: You are so familiar with the inner workings of McLaren. How do you think the departure of Mercedes will change the team?

HK: I don’t really know. It’s obviously a big change for them but they’re a big team and, to be honest, it’s not really my business anymore!

Q: While McLaren’s image is quite reserved, Lotus seems a bit different, especially with the fun and relaxed Tony Fernandes at the helm as team principal. It must be quite a change. Are you already comfortable in the more laidback environment?

HK: I think they are very different teams, but I did have a good time with McLaren. We tried as hard as we could to get the best results, but it just didn’t work out for me as it should have done. However, what I can do is bring what I learnt there. They are highly motivated, and they always push to the maximum to achieve the best result. I think I can bring that here and it will work well at Lotus as well.

Q: There must have been many times during 2009 when you doubted you’d be able to stay in Formula One racing. How did your deal with Lotus come about? When did it all happen?

HK: The deal was eventually signed quite late, but the team first contacted me directly during the season, asking me what my situation was. At that point I didn’t know anything really about Lotus. I was concentrating on finishing the season well. I had a number of options, but with rumours going around about some teams struggling for money, I was interested in talking to Mike (Gascoyne) and Tony, as I knew they had a stable budget for the next three years and a strong technical team joining later. In the end it was an easy decision to make and the best choice available for me.

Q: Have people underestimated your talents as a driver?

HK: I don’t think people have seen the best of me yet, and I don’t think I got the best out of McLaren. My aim at Lotus is to get the best out of the team and the car, and I don’t see any reason why the results won’t come. I don’t think there are any areas I particularly need to improve. Some people think I’m a good qualifier, and not such a good racer, but that’s only been while I was at McLaren. If you look at my time at Renault in 2007 the race performances were actually very strong, and I felt I got more out of the Renault than I did the McLaren. I don’t really care what people think – I’m more determined than ever to do a good job for the team.

Q: Your team mate Jarno Trulli may have an advantage as he’s worked with technical director Mike Gascoyne for many years. How will you muscle into that picture?

HK: I think Jarno and I will fit very well into that picture. I know the direction I want the team to go, and the team obviously wanted to get two experienced drivers on board so we do go in the right direction straight away. Together with Jarno I know we can do that.

Q: The driver announcement in Kuala Lumpur was very emotional and the location and guests were top notch…

HK: I didn’t really know what to expect when I got out there, but I was a little surprised by how well everything went. The team out there are experienced, but not really in terms of F1 so I wasn’t sure how much guidance I’d need to give them. In fact I didn’t have to give them any advice – everything was organised really well, and Tony had made sure all the main people knew what was going on and what they had to do. The Malaysian people were really excited about Lotus coming back as well and the whole atmosphere was very positive.

Q: You are at the factory right now. What is your impression of it? How does it compare to McLaren’s factory in Woking?

HK: It’s obviously very different. In terms of area – Woking and Norfolk – are both very similar. They aren’t big like London, but there are good golf courses around. The facilities are obviously very different. McLaren is a big, hi-tech kind of space centre that nobody else has, and this is where we are building a new operation. When you go from a space station to a building site it’s obviously different, but I know that once the team is fully set up here it will be as efficient as McLaren and we can go for good results.

Q: What is the schedule for the weeks ahead?

HK: We are preparing as well as we can at this time. One thing is that we could possibly join an earlier test. The car would probably be able to run but we wouldn’t have spare parts and we wouldn’t be able to test properly. If we had any problems, the test would be over. So at the third test we know we’ll be able to push the car hard. I can push it to the limit, get a feel for the car and hopefully we can do a lot of mileage. I expect the car to be pretty reliable straight out of the box because Mike and the design team are all experienced people who know how to build a race car. Then the question mark will be how much performance we have. When the factory’s all set up and running we’ll be able to get decent upgrades relatively quickly, and that’s when we’ll see the real performance.

Q: Tony has thrown down the gauntlet to Virgin’s Richard Branson in what could be the funniest bet Formula One racing has ever seen (the loser will spend a day as an air stewardess on the other’s airline). How confident are you that the team will beat Virgin? How much personal pride is involved there do you think?

HK: I’m sure there’s a lot of pride there. They’ve known each other a long time and they’re both very successful, so I’m sure it’s quite personal. I do know Tony will be kicking my ass to beat them, and I fully expect Mike to be doing the same. I think it’s cool – we already have one definite target to aim for. But a lot will depend on how quick the car is. If it’s very quick then we’ll be fighting all sorts of people, but I know that if I see a Virgin car I’ll have to get in front.

Q: When will we see you in the car for the first time?

HK: That will be at the third group test at Jerez. Jarno and I will be sharing the driving equally there, then at Barcelona. It’s not a lot of testing but I’ve done a lot of F1 driving so I’d be ready to go straight to the race if necessary.

source: formula1