Team Preview: Force India

2015 Drivers:

11: Sergio Perez (2014 finish 10th 59 points)

27: Nico Hulkenberg (2014 finish 9th 96 points)

2014 Constructors' Championship 6th (155 points)

2015 chassis: Force India VJM08

Force India started the 2014 season looking extremely strong and one of the fastest cars besides Mercedes. However, as the season went on, the pace seemed to drop off and they were fighting near the end of the points instead of being near the podium. Force India will be hoping for another strong start in 2015 but will also be hoping  to stay strong throughout the entire season.

Force India has a very strong driver lineup with Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg which should be able to help them get a bit of extra performance out of the cars. Perez has been on the podium multiple times in his career including a podium in Bahrain last season for Force India. Hulkenberg is looking to breakthrough for his first career podium finish despite looking like he could contend given the right car and being connected to top drives in the past.

The major benefit that Force India has is that they have access to the powerful Mercedes engine. This alone should help them stay off of the back of the grid. The difference between if Force India can contend near the front of the grid or be fighting for points will be the chassis and how well it develops throughout the season. If Force India has a good base for a chassis, it would not be surprising to see them have such a strong start as they did last year. Force India will have trouble staying on the same pace of development as Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull though as they do not have as much money to spend.

Force India did not participate at the first test in Jerez and then at the second test at Barcelona ran last year's car. This year's car did not debut until the last preseason test which puts Force India behind before the season even starts. Force India only covered more distance over the three tests combined than McLaren did. Last year when Lotus did not attend all preseason test it did not work out well and hopefully things will not be the same for Force India. Without much chance to develop the chassis it is hard to see Force India getting off too a strong start.

Prediction: I expect Force India will struggle over the 2015 season as there are rumors about them not having much money. Not getting many miles in the preseason will not allow Force India to correct as many issues with the car. At the end of the year, I expect Force India to finish seventh in the Constructors' Championship despite struggling with Perez and Hulkenberg being able to get a few extra tenths out of the car.

How do you think Force India will fare over the 2015 season? Do you think they  can contend near the front of the grid or do you think they will be struggling throughout the year? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.