JOLYON RATES 'EM
RENAULT
“They’ve got a hell of a driver line-up. We know how good Ricciardo is and Hülkenberg is the most underrated driver on the grid. Renault have a decent chassis and a bigger budget than the other midfielders, so they should be the best of the rest behind the big three. But they won’t get there without a good engine. I’m told this year’s engine looks strong, but I’ve heard that before only to see little real progress come race day.”
HAAS
“With Mercedes, the only other team to retain their driver line-up [Grosjean, Magnussen]. Haas has done well since joining F1. Not only does it get its engine from elsewhere – Ferrari – but its chassis too, which is made by Dallara. So they can afford to run on a small budget. Renault thinks it’s unfair because the overlap with Ferrari is huge, bigger than that with Toro Rosso and Red Bull B-team. But, overall, Haas is good for F1.”
RACING POINT (FORMERLY FORCE INDIA)
“Should have a stronger year because new ownership means they’ve now got money. Stroll would not be in F1 without the big backing he brings. He needs to step up, but if he can match Perez he’ll be doing well. Perez is underrated: if there’s a sniff of a podium, he’ll find a way to get on it. He made the most of his chances last year.”
WILLIAMS
“Unless they design a brilliant car, it’s hard to see anything but another tough season ahead. Kubica is a gamble: no one has been away from the sport for that long and come back strong, leaving aside the physical limitations of his injury. But it takes pressure off George Russell: he’ll either be quicker than Kubica or slower than someone who was once considered an F1 champ in the making.”
ALFA ROMEO RACING (FORMERLY SAUBER)
“Kimi is a good signing for them. He showed last year he can still win, and while I don’t think he’ll be troubling those up front, I expect he will still be quick and they will learn from him. Antonio Giovinazzi is good: he had two outings for the team at the start of the 2017 season but it’s not fair to judge him on that. On balance, I’d say he deserves his place in Formula 1.”
TORO ROSSO
“Re-signing Daniil Kyvat was a real curve ball. The team already dropped him once, but he is quick on his day and let’s not forget he earned promotion to Red Bull. But still, it’s slightly bizarre. British-thai driver Alexander Albon will be interesting too. He’s not spectacular but could be good.”
JP ON LANDO NORRIS vs GEORGE RUSSELL
“This could be one of the season’s talking points. It’s great to see two talented young Brits coming through. They came first and second in F2 last year, and looking at the results you’d say George was the better driver [Russell won seven rounds, Norris one]. But I don’t see it that way: George is a young Button, quick and super-consistent; Lando is hugely talented, like a young Lewis. But both look the real deal.”
JP ON HIMSELF
“I don’t miss racing. I’m entirely at peace with my racing career, so while I’d never say never, I’m not seeking a drive. But if something good came along – a strong team in Formula E, or a real chance to do well at Le Mans – I’d look at it. To be honest, 2017 sapped a lot of my enjoyment of F1. I was ready to walk away for good when the BBC made me an offer. I really enjoy commentating – it’s relaxed but you have to know your stuff.”