Today marked the start of yet another Formula 1 season. Fans have known about the sweeping changes that have taken place in the technical aspects of the sport; the v8 engines of old have given way for newer more fuel-efficient v6 engines, the cars now have bigger energy recovery systems which will play a greater role than ever. We’ve also known for sometime now, that the pecking order looks very different, with teams on Mercedes power doing the best while those with the Renault systems are lagging the most, in terms of reliability.

When the Australian GP started, the primary question was how many cars would actually finish the race. Fourteen did, and that was more than what many had predicted. It also was a race in which we got to see three new rookie drivers, Daniil Kvyat (RUS) for Scuderia Toro Rosso, Marcus Ericcson (SWE) for Caterham and Kevin Magnussen (FIN) for Mclaren Mercedes, and it seems that all three are excellent drivers. It’s heartening to see real talent getting opportunities instead of pay-drivers with deep pockets and not enough talent. Magnussen in particular drove spectacularly and managed a podium finish in his debut race while Kvyat became the youngest ever formula 1 driver to finish in points. Ericcson didn’t have much of an opportunity, given that he had to retire due to technical problems with his car.

Felipe Massa seems to be a much rejuvenated driver ever since he left Ferrari. Being a number one driver in a smaller outfit seems to suit him so much more than being forced to play second fiddle to Fernando Alonso in Ferrari. Though his race came to a premature end right on the opening lap, due to a dreadful piece of driving from Kamui Kobayashi, he seems more relaxed and enthused than he’s been in recent past and seems to be a solid prospect this year. Hamilton and Mercedes would be ruing what might have been, if he didn’t have to retire with technical problems, given how strong the Mercedes seemed to be for Nico. These are teething issues and Mercedes seem to be the strongest outfit at the moment.

It was also a happy day for Daniel Ricciardo, the Aussie driver who replaced the other Aussie driver in RedBull, Mark Webber. Ricciardo drove a strong race to finish second behind Nico Rosberg, to the delight the local Aussie crowd.

Of those who finished but didn’t seem to have a nice time, Kimi Raikonnen seemed to be in complete and utter discomfort in the Ferrari F14-T. He was overtaken twice by Bottas and was almost passed towards the end, by rookie Kvyat. While it may to too soon to write him off, he’s been a driver who’s quickly lost motivation when not happy with the equipment he’s driven, and Ferrari know that only too well. The next few fly-away races will give a better indication as to whether Ferrari have it in them to be a strong contender, or will have to resign themselves to another year of being the best of those who couldn’t quite make it.