FORMULA 1’S BIG THREE

LEWIS HAMILTON (GBR)

Team: Mercedes Car: 44 Age: 34

Starts: 229 Wins: 73 Championships:

5 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018) Hamilton delivered some of the finest performances of his career to clinch a fifth championship last season and lay the foundations for his Mercedes team to win their fifth constructors’ title in as many years. The Silver Arrows will face stiff competition from Ferrari in 2019, but Hamilton will start as the title favourite.

SEBASTIAN VETTEL (GER)

Team: Ferrari Car: 5 Age: 31

Starts: 219 Wins: 52 Championships:

4 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013) Both Vettel and his team made a series of mistakes under the weight of Hamilton’s mighty displays during the second half of last season, but the Italian team will draw confidence from a promising winter and, under new management this year, will be looking to win their first championship in more than a decade.

MAX VERSTAPPEN (NED)

Team: Red Bull Car: 33 Age: 21

Starts: 81 Wins: 5 Talented young Dutchman Verstappen will be determined to build on a thoroughly impressive second half of last year and spearhead Red Bull’s first assault on either championship since 2013. Following their messy divorce from long-term engine partner Renault, Red Bull will be powered by Honda this season.