{"id":558,"date":"2018-03-21T10:39:19","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T09:39:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/?p=558"},"modified":"2018-03-22T10:43:00","modified_gmt":"2018-03-22T09:43:00","slug":"f1-2018-team-by-team-guide-to-the-cars-and-drivers-for-the-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/?p=558","title":{"rendered":"F1 2018: team-by-team guide to the cars and drivers for the season"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Mercedes<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Car<\/strong>\u00a0F1-W09\u00a0<strong>Engine<\/strong>\u00a0Mercedes\u00a0<strong>Principal<\/strong>\u00a0Toto Wolff\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0France 1954\u00a0<strong>GPs<\/strong>\u00a0168\u00a0<strong>Titles<\/strong>\u00a04\u00a0<strong>2017<\/strong>\u00a01st<\/p>\n<p>Ominously strong in testing, Mercedes have stuck with last year\u2019s concept and focused on ironing out their weaknesses. Already relentlessly reliable, the drivers believe the car is a step forward and the team are now favourites to equal Ferrari\u2019s record of five consecutive drivers\u2019 and constructors\u2019 titles. Once again the team to beat.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-5 | 1\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-comment--item rich-link--pillar-sport\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__container\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__header\">\n<h1 class=\"rich-link__title\"><span class=\"inline-garnett-quote inline-icon \">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"rich-link__link\">Halo could be most effective method yet devised to reduce F1\u2019s appeal<\/a><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p><strong>Lewis Hamilton (GB, aged 33)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No44\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2007\u00a0<strong>Wins<\/strong>\u00a062\u00a0<strong>Poles<\/strong>\u00a072\u00a0<strong>Titles<\/strong>\u00a04\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>1st\u00a0<strong>Odds<\/strong>\u00a04-6<\/p>\n<p>At the top of his game and now only improving when presented with a challenge. Hugely comfortable with the team, he is motivated and still hungry for a fifth title to equal Juan Manuel Fangio. It will take a vigorous assault to stop him.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Valtteri Bottas (Fin, 28)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No77\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2013\u00a0<strong>Wins<\/strong>\u00a03\u00a0<strong>Poles<\/strong>\u00a04\u00a0<strong>Best finish<\/strong>\u00a03rd\u00a0<strong>Last season<\/strong>\u00a03rd\u00a0<strong>Odds<\/strong>10-1<\/p>\n<p>Still has much to prove. The Finn opened last season strongly but was soundly beaten by Hamilton thereafter. Now must show his pace and ability across the season to keep the seat. Putting Hamilton under pressure would be a major step.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-2\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape  fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"594dca3a303d6ea403bfc6fafbf6d68acebce603\"><figcaption class=\"caption caption--img caption caption--img\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Ferrari<\/h2>\n<div id=\"dfp-ad--inline1\" class=\"js-ad-slot ad-slot ad-slot--inline ad-slot--inline1 ad-slot--rendered\" data-link-name=\"ad slot inline1\" data-name=\"inline1\" data-mobile=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|fluid\" data-desktop=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|620,1|620,350|fluid\" data-google-query-id=\"CIXT8svR_9kCFYWIdwodGpkN6g\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/59666047\/theguardian.com\/sport\/article\/ng_6__container__\" class=\"ad-slot__content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Car<\/strong>\u00a0SF71H\u00a0<strong>Engine<\/strong>\u00a0Ferrari\u00a0<strong>Principal<\/strong>Maurizio Arrivabene\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Monaco 1950\u00a0<strong>GPs<\/strong>\u00a0948\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>16\u00a0<strong>2017<\/strong>\u00a02nd<\/p>\n<p>Have taken last year\u2019s well-balanced car and adopted a new high-rake approach, which has still to prove itself. Have not moved on as far as Mercedes over the winter but retain strong balance through the corners. Potentially have much to come but may open slowly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sebastian Vettel (Ger, 30)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No5\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0USA 2007\u00a0<strong>Wins<\/strong>\u00a047\u00a0<strong>Poles<\/strong>\u00a050\u00a0<strong>Titles<\/strong>\u00a04\u00a0<strong>Last season<\/strong>\u00a02nd\u00a0<strong>Odds<\/strong>\u00a04-1<\/p>\n<p>A strong effort last season marred by costly moments of weakness. Still Ferrari\u2019s No 1 driver but to challenge must be able to match Hamilton\u2019s mental strength and flawless execution.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen (Fin, 38)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No7\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2001\u00a0<strong>Wins<\/strong>\u00a020\u00a0<strong>Poles<\/strong>\u00a017\u00a0<strong>Titles<\/strong>\u00a01\u00a0<strong>Last season<\/strong>\u00a04th\u00a0<strong>Odds<\/strong>\u00a040-1<\/p>\n<p>Wingman to Vettel. If Ferrari harbour any ambition for the constructors\u2019 title (and R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen\u2019s retention suggests they do not) the Finn must be more consistent and less erratic.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-5 | 2\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-feature--item rich-link--pillar-sport\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__container\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__image-container u-responsive-ratio\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__header\">\n<h1 class=\"rich-link__title\"><a class=\"rich-link__link\">Max Verstappen: \u2018I\u2019ve never doubted myself. I just drive as fast as I can\u2019<\/a><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"rich-link__title\">Red Bull<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p><strong>Car<\/strong>\u00a0RB14\u00a0<strong>Engine\u00a0<\/strong>Renault\u00a0<strong>Principal\u00a0<\/strong>Christian Horner\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>Australia 2005\u00a0<strong>GPs\u00a0<\/strong>244\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>4<strong>\u00a02017\u00a0<\/strong>3rd<\/p>\n<p>Brought a far more competitive car to testing and can expect to hit the ground running this season. Remain hampered by the Renault engine but are potentially closer to Mercedes than Ferrari. Early wins and solid reliability are crucial to back up a strong driver line-up.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Daniel Ricciardo (Aus, 28)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No3\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0GB 2011\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>5\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>1\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>3rd\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>5th\u00a0<strong>Odds<\/strong>9-1<\/p>\n<p>Has struggled to get on top of the higher grip and downforce of the new cars and although he outscored Verstappen last season was not as impressive as the youngster. Consistent and aggressive, can be fearsome if he puts it together.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Max Verstappen (Neth, 20)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No33\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2015\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>3\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>2nd\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>5th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>6th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>11-2<\/p>\n<p>Showed far greater maturity last season, especially dealing with some woeful unreliability and was mighty quick when he had the car under him. Fearless and unintimidated, a burgeoning and exceptional talent who will push to the limit against all comers.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-3\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape  fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"1c9def0b5316300e30df135c0c34c0da4bfeb027\"><figcaption class=\"caption caption--img caption caption--img\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Force India<\/h2>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element-rich-link--tag element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link-tag\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-tag\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-news--item rich-link--pillar-sport\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__container\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__image-container u-responsive-ratio\"><a class=\"rich-link__link\" style=\"color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 32px;\">The Recap: sign up for the best of the Guardian&#8217;s sport coverage<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p><strong>Car\u00a0<\/strong>VJM10\u00a0<strong>Engine<\/strong>\u00a0Mercedes\u00a0<strong>Principal\u00a0<\/strong>Vijay Mallya, Robert Fernley\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>Australia 2008\u00a0<strong>GPs\u00a0<\/strong>191\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>4th\u00a0<strong>2017\u00a0<\/strong>4th<\/p>\n<div id=\"dfp-ad--inline2\" class=\"js-ad-slot ad-slot ad-slot--inline ad-slot--offset-right ad-slot--inline2 ad-slot--rendered\" data-link-name=\"ad slot inline2\" data-name=\"inline2\" data-mobile=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|fluid\" data-desktop=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|620,1|620,350|fluid|300,600\" data-google-query-id=\"CNvM_czR_9kCFZWrdwodixYIlg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/59666047\/theguardian.com\/sport\/article\/ng_7__container__\" class=\"ad-slot__content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>May struggle to punch above their weight as they have for the previous two seasons in a tense midfield. Currently focused on developing a strong mechanical platform for this year\u2019s car. Upgrades arrive in Melbourne and subsequent deployment will dictate their real competitive level.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sergio P\u00e9rez (Mex, 28)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No11\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>Australia 2011\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>2nd\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>4th\u00a0<strong>Titles<\/strong>\u00a00\u00a0<strong>Best finish<\/strong>\u00a07th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>7th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>250-1<\/p>\n<p>Has been crucial to his team\u2019s recent success but faces real a battle with Ocon this year as both have a point to prove. Still harbours ambitions of another shot with a top team and putting his highly rated team-mate in the shade is the best way to do it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Esteban Ocon (Fr, 21)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No31\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Belgium 2016\u00a0<strong>Wins<\/strong>\u00a00\u00a0<strong>Best finish<\/strong>\u00a05th\u00a0<strong>Poles<\/strong>\u00a00\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying<\/strong>\u00a03rd\u00a0<strong>Titles<\/strong>\u00a00\u00a0<strong>Best<\/strong>\u00a0finish 8th\u00a0<strong>Last season<\/strong>\u00a08th\u00a0<strong>Odds<\/strong>\u00a0250-1<\/p>\n<p>Now settled at Force India, the young Mercedes driver will expect to prove his worth and potential to replace Bottas at the senior team by roundly beating P\u00e9rez. If he stays out of trouble he should have the edge over his team-mate.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-5 | 3\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-feature--item rich-link--pillar-sport\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__container\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__image-container u-responsive-ratio\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__header\">\n<h1 class=\"rich-link__title\"><a class=\"rich-link__link\">Daniel Ricciardo: \u2018Being in the F1 title fight is the minimum I would ask\u2019<\/a><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Williams<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Car<\/strong>\u00a0FW41\u00a0<strong>Engine\u00a0<\/strong>Mercedes\u00a0<strong>Principal\u00a0<\/strong>Frank Williams\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>Spain 1977\u00a0<strong>GPs\u00a0<\/strong>666\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>9\u00a0<strong>2017\u00a0<\/strong>5th<\/p>\n<p>Adopted the most revolutionary approach on the grid with Paddy Lowe\u2019s new design a drastic change from last year. Their ambitious plan has potential but it may take time to realise, especially given the inexperienced driver line-up.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lance Stroll (Can, 19)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No18\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2017\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>3rd\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>2nd\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>12th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>12th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>750-1<\/p>\n<p>A solid rookie season was a riposte to some of the opprobrium he received for earning his place with his father\u2019s dollars but now he knows the cars and tracks he has nowhere to hide.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sergey Sirotkin (Rus, 22)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No35 Debut season\u00a0<strong>Odds<\/strong>\u00a0500-1<\/p>\n<p>Russian rookie also bringing cash to the seat but has impressed and now has a chance to prove himself. Technically adept, he has a degree in race car engineering. Beating Stroll and bringing on the new Williams would make a major impression.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-4\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape  fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"08ce24f3a6b4cf96f39d245292153d63727948f5\"><figcaption class=\"caption caption--img caption caption--img\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Renault<\/h2>\n<div id=\"dfp-ad--inline3\" class=\"js-ad-slot ad-slot ad-slot--inline ad-slot--offset-right ad-slot--inline3 ad-slot--rendered\" data-link-name=\"ad slot inline3\" data-name=\"inline3\" data-mobile=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|fluid\" data-desktop=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|620,1|620,350|fluid|300,600\" data-google-query-id=\"CLLRhc7R_9kCFRiYdwodRcIK7w\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/59666047\/theguardian.com\/sport\/article\/ng_8__container__\" class=\"ad-slot__content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Car\u00a0<\/strong>RS18\u00a0<strong>Engine\u00a0<\/strong>Renault\u00a0<strong>Team principals\u00a0<\/strong>Jerome Stoll, Cyril Abiteboul\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>GB 1977\u00a0<strong>GPs\u00a0<\/strong>341\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>2\u00a0<strong>2017\u00a0<\/strong>6th<\/p>\n<p>Now fully enjoying the resources a works team requires. Various new concepts on this year\u2019s car will provide a challenge to bring it up to speed. Have focused on reliability first for the engine, with more power expected later. The second half of the season may indicate just how far the team has come and how far they are from the top three.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nico H\u00fclkenberg (Ger, 30)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No27\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Bahrain 2010\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>4th\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>1\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>9th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>10th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>100-1<\/p>\n<p>In his seventh season has perhaps the best chance yet to score his first podium and must perform strongly to reach the expectations of his ambitious team. The German enjoyed the grip of the new cars last year and now has a chance to exploit it and cement a long-term future with Renault.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Carlos Sainz Jr (Sp, 23)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No55\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2015\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>4th\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>5th\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>9th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>9th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>125-1<\/p>\n<p>Also eager to make his mark and Renault\u2019s new car may prove to be just what the Spaniard wanted. He has shown flashes of great skill and undoubtedly has more to come.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-5 | 4\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-feature--item rich-link--pillar-sport\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__container\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__image-container u-responsive-ratio\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__header\">\n<h1 class=\"rich-link__title\"><a class=\"rich-link__link\">Mercedes confidence is an ominous sign after Barcelona F1 testing<\/a><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__read-more\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__read-more-text\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Toro Rosso<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Car<\/strong>\u00a0STR13\u00a0<strong>Engine\u00a0<\/strong>Honda\u00a0<strong>Principal\u00a0<\/strong>Franz Tost\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>Bahrain 2006\u00a0<strong>GPs\u00a0<\/strong>226\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>6th\u00a0<strong>2017\u00a0<\/strong>7th<\/p>\n<p>New partnership with Honda has got off to a good start. Put in huge number of laps in testing, with Honda beginning to deliver reliability. If they can turn up the performance the team may be in for their best finish yet.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pierre Gasly (Fr, 22)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No10\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Malyasia 2017\u00a0<strong>Wins<\/strong>\u00a00\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>12th\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>14th\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>21st\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>21st\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>1000-1<\/p>\n<p>Red Bull-backed and highly rated, the Frenchman has won GP2 and stood up well to being parachuted into Toro Rosso at the end of last season. Has great potential.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Brendon Hartley (NZ, 28)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No28\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0USA 2017\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>13th\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>17th\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>23rd\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>23rd\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>1000-1<\/p>\n<p>Despite being in his first full season in F1, Hartley is hugely experienced at high-level racing. With Porsche he has won the World Endurance Championship twice and the Le Mans 24 last year. Gasly may have the edge in pace but the New Zealander could prove invaluable in developing the car.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-5\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape  fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"66fe9292f00dfbd791da9bc220ed8e3e0efac25e\"><figcaption class=\"caption caption--img caption caption--img\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Haas<\/h2>\n<div id=\"dfp-ad--inline4\" class=\"js-ad-slot ad-slot ad-slot--inline ad-slot--offset-right ad-slot--inline4 ad-slot--rendered\" data-link-name=\"ad slot inline4\" data-name=\"inline4\" data-mobile=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|fluid\" data-desktop=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|620,1|620,350|fluid|300,600\" data-google-query-id=\"CN_f9M7R_9kCFc6MdwodjZ0Jeg\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/59666047\/theguardian.com\/sport\/article\/ng_9__container__\" class=\"ad-slot__content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Car<\/strong>\u00a0VF-18\u00a0<strong>Engine\u00a0<\/strong>Ferrari\u00a0<strong>Principal\u00a0<\/strong>Guenther Steiner\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>Australia 2016\u00a0<strong>GPs\u00a0<\/strong>41\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>8th\u00a0<strong>2017\u00a0<\/strong>8th<\/p>\n<p>Have the potential to threaten the bigger midfield teams, especially early in the season. Consistent and strong on single lap and long runs in testing, the car had pace and good balance. Could be the surprise package of the season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Romain Grosjean (Fr, 31)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No8\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>Europe 2009\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>2nd\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>2nd\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>7th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>13th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>500-1<\/p>\n<p>May benefit from confidence within the team that brake issues are behind them but as the senior driver he may also need to prove he can manage the anchors better by adjusting his style.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kevin Magnussen (Den, 25)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No20\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2014\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>2nd\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>4th\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>11th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>14th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>500-1<\/p>\n<p>Another McLaren refugee looking to impress enough for a second shot at the top. Has settled well at Haas and could now assert himself over Grosjean and become the team leader.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-5 | 5\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-feature--item rich-link--pillar-sport\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__container\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__image-container u-responsive-ratio\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__header\">\n<h1 class=\"rich-link__title\"><a class=\"rich-link__link\">Red Bull\u2019s Christian Horner: we\u2019ve got F1\u2019s most exciting driver pairing<\/a><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>McLaren<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Car<\/strong>\u00a0MCL33\u00a0<strong>Engine\u00a0<\/strong>Renault\u00a0<strong>Principal\u00a0<\/strong>Eric Boullier\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>Monaco 1966\u00a0<strong>GPs\u00a0<\/strong>821\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>8<\/p>\n<p>Highly optimistic of the new partnership with Renault but the team have much to do. The car looks good but was unreliable in testing with a range of issues. Under massive pressure, especially now the Honda money has gone, they must hope the worst is behind them and the upgrades for Melbourne will pay off. Failure will have major consequences.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fernando Alonso (Sp, 36)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No14\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2001\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>32\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>22\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>2\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>15th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>25-1<\/p>\n<p>Signed for another season on the basis that the team had a competitive engine but will not be pleased if compromised by reliability. Still wrestles more from a car than almost any other driver but wants a shot at podiums at least.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stoffel Vandoorne (Bel, 25)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No2\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Bahrain 2016\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>7th\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>7th\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>16th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>16th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>100-1<\/p>\n<p>Escaped major scrutiny last year with the car so far off the pace but now has to impress. If he can match Alonso it would go far in answering critics. With Lando Norris being prepared to step up at McLaren, he needs to deliver.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-6\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape  fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"157fb0fe3faae5559b370c7247dab39f40817f7f\"><figcaption class=\"caption caption--img caption caption--img\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Sauber<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Car<\/strong>\u00a0C37\u00a0<strong>Engine\u00a0<\/strong>Ferrari\u00a0<strong>Principal\u00a0<\/strong>Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Vasseur\u00a0<strong>Debut\u00a0<\/strong>South Africa 1993\u00a0<strong>GPs\u00a0<\/strong>441\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best\u00a0<\/strong>2nd as BMW\u00a0<strong>2017\u00a0<\/strong>10th<\/p>\n<p>Celebrated receiving this year\u2019s Ferrari engine and the technical Alfa-branded relationship that goes with it with a raft of innovative aero ideas. However, they have yet to show any great effect. The car appears to lack grip and pace but the team, in the process of rebuilding, are optimistic they can unlock its potential.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Marcus Ericsson (Swe, 27)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No9\u00a0<strong>Debut<\/strong>\u00a0Australia 2014\u00a0<strong>Wins\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>8th\u00a0<strong>Poles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best qualifying\u00a0<\/strong>9th\u00a0<strong>Titles\u00a0<\/strong>0\u00a0<strong>Best finish\u00a0<\/strong>18th\u00a0<strong>Last season\u00a0<\/strong>20th\u00a0<strong>Odds\u00a0<\/strong>2000-1<\/p>\n<p>Faces his toughest test in the challenge from new team-mate Leclerc and is likely to be overshadowed. Ericsson brings finance but little else.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Charles Leclerc (Mon, 20)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No16 Debut season\u00a0<strong>Odds<\/strong>\u00a01500-1<\/p>\n<p>Talented Ferrari junior driver comes hot from dominating F2 last season but now faces a testing rookie season in an uncompetitive car. Tipped as a replacement for R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen, he is eager to make his mark and should do so, beginning with beating Ericsson.<\/p>\n<p>Source\u00a0https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2018\/mar\/21\/f1-2018-team-by-team-guide-cars-drivers-season<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mercedes Car\u00a0F1-W09\u00a0Engine\u00a0Mercedes\u00a0Principal\u00a0Toto Wolff\u00a0Debut\u00a0France 1954\u00a0GPs\u00a0168\u00a0Titles\u00a04\u00a02017\u00a01st Ominously strong in testing, Mercedes have stuck with last year\u2019s concept and focused on ironing out their weaknesses. Already relentlessly reliable, the drivers believe the car is a step forward and the team are now favourites to equal Ferrari\u2019s record of five consecutive drivers\u2019 and constructors\u2019 titles. Once again the team [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":559,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/558"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=558"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/558\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":560,"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/558\/revisions\/560"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=558"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=558"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/britishdailynews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}