The Hottest of F1 Hot Seats for Vergne

Bahrain’s fourth round of the 2013 Formula One World Championship already sees several teams and drivers on the proverbial hot seat. McLaren has woefully underperformed for a team very much used to contending for race wins and championships, in part to the struggles of Sergio Perez; of course, perhaps Perez has struggled in large part to the recalcitrant McLaren chassis. Romain Grosjean has been roundly outperformed by Lotus teammate Kimi Räikönen. Caterham driver Giedo van der Garde’s rookie season now has the long shadow of new reserve driver Heiki Kovalainen looming over it. But, the hottest of seats may well be at Toro Rosso, under the rear of driver Jean-Éric Vergne. 

There’s a lot to race for at Toro Rosso, as it’s the de facto junior team of F1 powerhouse Red Bull, and – news flash! – Red Bull might have an open seat for2014. And, while Räikönen will have something to say about filling that potential front-of-the-field vacancy, Toro Rosso drivers Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo clearly have a large carrot dangling in front of them. Moreover, there is also Toro Rosso’s infamous lack of patience with young drivers – you either prove yourself and do so quickly, or you’ll be moved over for the next young hot shoe. Just ask Scott Speed, Sébastien Bourdais, Sébastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersauri, and others.

In his second season in F1, this much is clear:  Vergne is slower than his teammate Ricciardo. Last season, Ricciardo outqualifiedVergne in 15 of the 20 races, with an average starting position of 14.7 versus 16.7. This year, Ricciardo is again on top, faster in 3 of the 4 qualifying sessions thus far.

Vergne’s saving grace, at least thus far, has been in earning points. In 2012, Vergne outscored his teammate 16-10, the beneficiary of four 8^th place finishes. However, while lower in total points, Ricciardo showed better overall competitiveness and consistency, finishing six total races in points paying positions.

This year, Ricciardo has upped his game, finishing a career-high 7^th in last week’s Chinese Grand Prix, and performing as befitting his pre-season comments stating his goal is to outrace his teammate and earn a drive at Red Bull. Under pressure, Vergne’s response in the face of increased competition has been just a single point.

Toro Rosso has its drivers on a short leash, and it is certain team management is debating whether Vergne is better racer than current reserve, and former driver, Buemi. Buemi has experience with the organization, can assist in the development of the car, and has the experience and track knowledge to be at least as competitive as Vergne on the grid.

Come Monday, F1 teams will have 20% of the season in its rearview mirrors and will begin the European campaign of the 2013 season. If Vergne’s performance doesn’t pick up and pick up quick, he might not be around to enjoy much of the homecoming.

Trying some overtaking on Twitter @RayHartjen.