A sad start to the Formula 1 year

Before I go into a few little previews for the 2014 season it’s such a shame that the start of this anticipated new beginning has been tainted by the sad loss of Jenson Button’s father John who was a loved member of the F1 paddock and the appalling skiing accident of Michael Schumacher at the end of last year that still leaves him in an induced coma.

I remember watching as a ten year old when Schumacher claimed his first win in the 1992 Belgium Grand Prix, beating the dominant Williams-Renault of Nigel Mansell. I remember being mesmerised as what seemed like a small green and yellow Benetton was chased down by the mighty Williams, he remained my F1 hero for the next 20 years. The Williams developed a fault towards the end but it was a fantastic race as he held on to win as he went on to do so many more times through sheer determination and fight and a little bit of luck.

As doctors announce there has been no change to his condition since last week, I can only hope that he continues to fight as hard as he ever did on track. It goes without saying that thoughts are with both of their families and friends. 

photo taken from autosport.com