Thanks for the thoughts.

I find interesting though that despite all the regulation changes our predictions are not too dissimilar, in fact differing only in details. We have the same selected group of drivers going for the championship, certainly the same three 'factory' teams at the top. We have McLaren having a marginally better season and Lotus dropping back at least a little. Force India is expected to have the best chance of doing anything among traditional midfield teams. Marussia and Caterham still at the bottom. Let's see, who or what can truly shock us.

The balance of power between Mercedes v Ferrari v RBR will be fascinating to see. Having played through the whole season, I had the following scenario.
- Mercedes getting the best start of all. Despite leading the championship all season they are not quite able to fully capitalize on their advantage though, a bit like Red Bull in 2010, so rivals run them close until the end. Hamilton edges Rosberg, but there are weekends, where Hamilton struggles and Rosberg capitalizes.
- Ferrari getting a great run mid-season, Alonso almost catching WDC lead. But like in many seasons, they struggle to develop the car in the end with windtunnel issues and drop back. Räikkönen has a few weekends, where he outshines Alonso, but most of the time Alonso finishes ahead.
- Red Bull getting a below-par start like they have done in the past + reliability issues with Renault package. I had Vettel only 5th in the WDC behind Mercedes and Ferrari drivers after Monza. They are strong though and can never be underestimated. They came to top form in the final phase again.

- I got Lotus as one, who gets away slowly with new regs, compounded by financial issues. A bit like BAR was nowhere in early 2005 after getting regular podiums in 2004. In the end of the season Lotus recovers somewhat, like the other cash-strapped Sauber did in 2013.

I think early season can bring us a few fascinating individual race results. The only (usual) midfield runner I predicted to get podium finishes, was Force India, but we might get more than that, like we did in 2012. Bottas? Sauber or Toro Rosso in the wet?