Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have both said that they are hoping the new raft of regulations set to come into force for the 2014 Formula One season cause Red Bull to lose the advantage that they have enjoyed as everyone “starts from zero”.
Ever since the last set of changes to the regulations in 2009, Red Bull have dominated the sport by winning the last four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships. However, a shake-up of the rules in 2014 – the biggest change being the downsize in engines – could allow Mercedes and Ferrari to be competitive once again.
“We are competitive people,” Fernando Alonso explained during the drivers’ press conference on Thursday. “We want to win. This year it was not possible but next year we start from zero.”
With just one world championship to his name, Lewis Hamilton has not enjoyed the groundbreaking career that many expected him to. However, he is confident that the rules changes could allow him to push Vettel next season, but the foundations will be laid by finish this year strongly also.
“I think that a lot of the stuff that you develop on this year’s car, upgrades that we do bring to this year’s hopefully will have an effect on next year’s car,” Hamilton said. “It’s kind of similar but some teams obviously can turn their focus a little bit earlier and some a little bit later, but hopefully, ultimately, we’ll still be competitive next year with these guys.”
However, with Red Bull having little left to play for in the remaining three races, it is likely that they will already have shifted attention to the 2014 car as they look to extend their reign as world champions next season.
