Fresh hope for fans as F1 pushes limits

IT’S been a tough old time over the past few years for Formula One followers who don’t happen to be Mercedes-Benz fans. The Silver Arrows team have been rampant, winning the last three driver and manufacturer titles, but all that may be about to change now that F1 has entered a new era with technical regulations that radically change the cars. Wider wings and tyres are expected to make the cars 3-5 seconds a lap faster than before, and although this won’t necessarily be readily apparent to the average fan, how the different teams adapt to the new rules could shake up the grid somewhat.

The cars are also more physically demanding to drive, which may place more focus on driver talent and fitness than before.

Already there are signs that Ferrari may offer a stronger challenge to Mercedes this year after the red team topped the timesheets in pre-season tests. Underdogs have flattered to deceive in testing before, only for the status quo to resume once the real wheel-to-wheel action starts, but for those tired of seeing the same old faces on the podium it does seem like there’s genuine hope.

While setting his fastest lap time in testing, Sebastian Vettel lifted off the throttle down the main straight, suggesting his Ferrari has even more pace in hand. But others suggest that Mercedes, too, may have not shown their real speed. The mind games have already begun.

Red Bull, the only team besides Mercedes to win races last year, also look like they may again challenge for podiums and victories.

The questions will be answered when the 2017 season starts this weekend in Melbourne, Australia.

It also remains to be seen what changes F1’s new owners will make to the circus, with old dog Bernie Ecclestone no longer the ringmaster. Though there seems little hope of a South African Grand Prix – it’s simply too expensive – there are plans to begin streaming F1 races online. It means that in future you may not have to buy an expensive DStv subscription to watch your favourite sport. Fingers crossed…