5 Factors that Will Determine the 2014 Season

Some say reliability, some say chassis performance, some say drivers, and others say engines. Who's right?

Well let's do a good ol' list.

5. The Nose

Well, this one's a tiny bit obvious, but extremely important. Naturally, since the primary difference between cars is the nose, that will probably effect your grid position the most. The only reason this isn't higher up is because the noses will most likely change throughout the season, with rumors of McLaren already having a backup ready making it even more viable.

4. Team Principals

When it comes down to the wire, there are going to be decisions to make on the development front, and these guys have to decide. Each decision is life or death in terms of finishing position in the constructor's championship. The judgement skills of the team principal could be the deciding factor this season.

3. Sponsors

McLaren and Williams don't even have a main one one yet. This also effects their ability to develop during the season. Think I'm stressing development too much? Well consider that engineers are taking a shot in the dark this season without breakthroughs like a double diffuser, double DRS etc. to go off of, so the team that can build of the success of others will be the victor.

2. Drivers

The nerves of every driver on the field will be tested this year since they will most likely be frustrated with having to change their driving styles to accommodate the new engines. Drivers who can focus on improvement rather than the mistakes they've made will fair much better than those who can't get past their mistakes.

1. Red Bull

It's all about the Bulls this season. You can have good drivers, a genius team principal, the givingest sponsor, and one of the most expertly crafted noses in the sport, but when push comes to shove, you don't have Adrian Newey. Whether or not Red Bull succeed will change teams' focus, and interest in this season. It could be that they  have to start from behind and teams like Merc and the Scuderia focus on 2014, or RBR dominates and all heads turn to 2014. Regardless, if one thing is for certain, it's that Australia is going to be exiting this season.