Start your engines
FORMULA One fans around the globe have been ticking off the days one by one on their calendars, and now the wait is finally over. On Sunday the velvet curtain opens on motor racing’s most glamorous show with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Speaking of calendars, there will be a record 21 races in 2018 (up from 20 last year), with the Malaysian Grand Prix dropped but two new events added: France will host its first Grand Prix since 2008 and Germany is back on the calendar.
Mercedes has dominated the sport since Formula One switched to V6 turbo hybrid engines in 2014, winning four consecutive constructors’ and drivers’ world titles – a feat previously only attained by McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.
Pre-season testing suggests the Silver Arrows are once again the team to beat, and if that happens, reigning champion Lewis Hamilton will be the strong favourite to equal Juan-Manuel Fangio’s haul of five world tiles.
Of course, what would Formula One be without some verbal warfare before the first race, and sure enough, Hamilton got the first shot in earlier this week, dismissing criticism from former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg as the product of someone seeking “headlines”.
Many aficionados of the sport will be longing for a return to the glory days for Ferrari – THE glamour team in a world chock full of glamour. And that could happen.
Remember, Hamilton’s arch-rival Seb Vettel is also a four-time world champion, and with him behind the wheel, Ferrari have a realistic chance of capturing the title.
Those hankering for a dose of nostalgia will also be pleased with the return of iconic brand Alfa Romeo, who won the first two Formula One world titles in 1950 and 1951.
But let’s be honest, a new fresh world champion would also be great for the sport – someone like the young charger Max Verstappen, or his Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who would be the first Aussie ever to win a home GP.
One thing is for sure, it’s time to buckle up for what could be a year full of thrills. Enjoy the ride...