In retrospect I am a bit sad I wasn't a bit more bold in some predictions, because the "direction" was right, i.e Mercedes having the best power unit.

But I wanted to comment on one of the pre-season ponderings about midfield teams and what has happened.

Quote Originally Posted by jens View Post
Interesting thoughts about midfield teams. To me one of the main questions is if any of the "standard" midfield teams can impress with reg changes and do what Lotus did in 2012 - break clear of the midfield and become a remote front-runner.
The answer is YES! Williams! Wow, didn't expect that. But they are a "remote frontrunner", half-regular podium contender just like Lotus was. And about to finish third in the constructors championship. Great stuff!

Team-by-team. Results in bold include placings in the previous regulation era (2009-2013)

Force India - 6th, 7th, 6th, 7th, 9th.

Same old, same old. 6th again, now despite the best PU. I personally had thought maybe Force India could have the best chance of becoming a „surprise midfield team“, but didn’t happen. Their chassis department is still not good enough.

Sauber – 7th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 6th

10th (!) this year, by far the worst I can remember. Financial problems compounded by poor power unit have seen them dropping to their greatest low. Can they fight back?

Williams – 9th, 8th, 9th, 6th, 7th

3rd. Wow, this is an opposite example. A turnaround! The last time Williams finished in top3 in the constructors, was... 2003. Can they stay there though? Are their finances good enough for long-term success? Or are they like Lotus of 2012-2013?

STR – 8th, 9th, 8th, 9th, 10th

Toro Rosso is about to finish 7th this year, which is their second best ever results (6th in 2008). But in terms of performance STR is still where it usually has been, point-score is still modest. Their position in WCC has been helped by Lotus and Sauber being as rubbish as they have been.

These current midfield teams have been "status quo" for five consecutive years already. None of them has a huge budget or a significant change in ownership and all leave an impression it could be the same ol' story in the new 2014 V6T regulation era as well. Only to be potentially joined by Lotus in midfield battles.
Well, certainly Lotus has now joined the group of these „firm midfield teams“, while Williams has pulled clear for now.