Eddie Jordan’s F1 preview

Want to know what thrills and spills Formula One holds for viewers this year? Time to consult the oracle...

“When regulations don’t change that much, you generally see a closing up,” Eddie Jordan tells us with a sense more of hope than certainty in his voice. The last four seasons have been dominated by Mercedes, mostly by Hamilton, but as Lewis has bolted away from the feld, so has the spectacle and excitement. At least this year we’ll have the new halos to gawp at in the pitlane, something that has enraged our F1-mad creative director for the way it obscures drivers’ helmets. Ahem.

Back on the track, and, while the technical changes are relatively light, the carousel of engine suppliers continues to turn. McLaren has managed to unshackle itself from Honda and install a much-improved Renault engine instead. Now it’s Toro Rosso’s job to fnd a way to make the Japanese engine work.

Aston Martin’s presence on the Red Bull F1 livery continues to expand, just in time for Adrian Newey and Aston to launch the F1-inspired Valkyrie hypercar, while Alfa Romeo makes a return to the F1 paddock... as a technical and commercial partner for whipping boys Sauber. Still, it could be the coolest-looking car on the grid.

So where will the fght be? “It’ll be about two groups – the top three and then the three after that,” says Eddie. “The second group of Renault, McLaren and Force India is the one to watch.” Remember, you heard it here frst. And if we’re wrong? You can always blame Eddie.