AS F1 PREPARES FOR ITS BIG RETURN, DAVID COULTHARD RATES TOP RIVALS

MERCEDES

Testing was decent but not perfect. Mercedes have always found a little bit more than the rest during the season and they might have a wee bit more again but it’s going to be close. If they’re going to win a fourth straight constructors’ title they will need Valtteri Bottas to keep cranking out the results and picking up wins when Lewis is not there like Rosberg did. Hamilton has to go in as favourite.

FERRARI

They looked good in testing and I don’t think it was showboating. It would be great for the sport if they’re challenging. If they do have a better car than they’ve had in the last few years then Vettel will be Hamilton’s main rival.

RED BULL

They probably have the best driver pairing on the grid in Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. Max is ready to win the championship and if they give him the car he could do. Certainly mileage-wise they would like to have done more in testing, no question about that. But when I was there we never showed what the car could do before the season started, so they’ll be close.

McLAREN

They’re in a spiralling, downward effect. Honda still don’t have a handle on the engine problems and nobody’s interested in their excuses. Until Honda deliver proper power they’re not going to get results. Watch highlights of the Australian GP from 2pm on Channel 4, the home of free-to-air F1 in the UK with live coverage of 10 GPs and comprehensive highlights of every race weekend.