It’s mere hours until the Formula One season officially kicks off in Albert Park, Melbourne, and I thought I’d write down not only my predictions but also that of my girlfriend in the run-up to this Sunday’s exciting opening round.

Hamilton’s performances will be under the microscope even more this year.

In 2013, the F1 field will be closer than ever before, thanks to there being few rule changes between now and last March. The big teams like McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull have their eyes set on the big rule changes coming in 2014, so this season poses a massive opportunity to less prolific teams like Mercedes, Renault and perhaps even Sauber to challenge the top-tier.

If Williams have a car which is competitive, Bottas will make a massive impact in F1 this season.

At the same time we also have a bunch of drivers on the grid who are looking to proof themselves. Be it Lewis Hamilton looking to assert his authority at Mercedes and prove that he can win races in something other than a McLaren or those completely new to the sport like acclaimed Finnish racer Valtteri Bottas who has impressed massively during testing at Williams.

Due to the few rule changes this season, Red Bull’s dominance will inevitably have lessened as the other teams have had ample opportunity to catch up.

Simply put, I’m immensely excited to see how this season unfolds and I suspect all the action will get out to a fascinating start especially as it’s scheduled to rain on not only race day but also qualifying as well! The last time the Australian Grand Prix was hit with wet weather was way back in 1991 and that was when it was held on the streets of Adelaide not Albert Park in Melbourne, so a rainy Aussie GP will prove uncharted territory for majority of people in the paddock.

Despite all this uncertainty both me and my girlfriend are going to chuck some predictions out there. I’ve been watching Formula One for over twenty years, whereas my girlfiend has been watching it for ten. Let’s see who really has their pulse on the world of Formula One.

Andy’s Podium:

1. Button (McLaren Mercedes)
2. Alonso (Scuderia Ferrari)
3. Räikkönen (Lotus-Renault)

Drive of the Day: Valtteri Bottas scores his first championship point on his début drive.

Talking Point: First corner carnage taking out Vettel.

Girlfriend’s Predictions:

1. Alonso (Scuderia Ferrari)
2. Vettel (Red Bull Renault)
3. Hamilton (Mercedes)

Drive of the day: Sergio Perez out performs his teammate Jenson Button in his first appearance for McLaren.

Talking Point:: Inter-term rivalries being discussed in the media again, after two team-mates take each other out.

To make it really interesting we’re going  to keep tabs on who is right the most this Formula One season, the knowledgeable veteran or the pretty newcomer. Ten years of occasional viewing versus two decades worth of motorsport obsession – who’s going to win? We’ll find out over the next eight months! This season is going to be one to remember…

Image Credits: PlanetF1, WikiMedia, SkySports

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Okay, here’s the actual result and needless to say we were both completely wrong. Here’s the result:

Final Result:

1. Räikkönen (Lotus-Renault)
2. Vettel (Red Bull Renault)
3. Alonso (Scuderia Ferrari)

Drive of the Day: Kimi Räikkönen, race win and fastest lap.

Talking Point: Red Bull off the pace.

In all fairness, I did get Kimi on the podium but I had no idea McLaren were going to be on the back foot so much at the beginning of the season. Here’s hoping Malaysia is a bit kinder to them..