Half term report card for Sahara Force India: F1 class of 2015
Team Results- B- Showing improvement: Force India came to Australia with a real case of baptism by fire. They only had a few days of testing under their belts as they ran their A-spec car round the streets of Melbourne. It was actually one of their more successful races in the end as both drivers made it into the points; from their midfield starting positions. But after a strong start in Australia there followed tough times for the team thanks to a run of no points finishes. This was partly due to some bad qualifying pace and some bad luck in the races. In Malaysia the team were unlucky with Sergio as he clashed with Maldonado. But they showed some of the racing spirit they are well known for. China was much the same story. Once again the team didn’t get any points. However they did show some great on track action that the team could be proud of. There was a blip in Bahrain as Sergio managed to score some much needed points. However it was the race in Monaco that was a turning point for the team and they have regularly scored points at every race since. The team were boosted by Nico Hulkenburg’s marvellous 6th place in Austria and again a few weeks later with the debut of their b-spec car at Silverstone. The b-spec car has shown some true raw pace and coupled with the work on the aero of the car it looks like Force India are on their way up. While Hungary was a disappointment in terms of points the drivers both highlighted their pace and talent with their overtakes and defending. If they carry on this way points in the second half of the season should be no trouble for the force India.
Team attitude- A- An amazing attitude shown despite circumstances: It’s easy enough to keep a smile on the teams face when you’re winning and regularly scoring points. But to do it when you know things aren’t going as well as they could is a real talent. Force India though have been able to keep the smiles on their faces even during their dry spell of points. The dedication of the drivers is clear. Nico and Sergio brush off some of their qualifying woes to deliver the best possible result in the race. While the mechanics on both cars have shown a tremendous team spirit and attitude. This can be seen throughout the season but especially in Hungary; where the team worked right to the last minutes before curfew on Sergio’s car. Getting it ready so he could take part in FP3 and Qualifying.
Best race- Austria with 10 points: Austrian has been the team’s most successful race in terms of points. However that doesn’t mean Force India haven’t shown what they are made of in other races. Indeed the on track action that’s come out of Nico and Sergio has been awesome to watch so far this year. And you often get the feeling they’re just getting started. In Malaysia Nico showed his talent dicing with the Red Bull pair. While Sergio put up a good fight against Maldonado. In Canada the team showed a competitive attitude. With Nico making Vettel work for the overtake on him. While Sergio showed his fighting ability in Silverstone against Vettel and Sainz. Overall the attacking and defending from the Force India boys has been first class and is always a joy to watch.
Extra curricula- A-Le Mans: Need we say more? Nico was able to win the Le Mans 24 hour on his first attempt. It was a feat that highlights just what a skilled driver he truly is. Watching Nico on top of the podium was a special moment for everyone. Both Sergio and Nico have shown a genuine passion both inside and outside the car. Their interviews post-race have always been entertaining. They give amusing insights into what happens during a race and they remain positive even on tough weekends. While their appearance at the Amber Lounge fashion show in Monaco in strapping suits were brilliant to see. And it’s not just the racers showing their talent. As recently truckie Neil Dickie raised money for MacMillan cancer support by cycling the London 100. Force India once again are showing that they are a team who are able to have fun as well as be serious. It’s a wonderful trait to have and one few teams on the grid do as well as Force India.
Overall- A- Force India have had a great start to the season so far. The team’s talent has shone through and they seem set to score regular points in the second half of the season.
