As F1 car launch season is now around the corner, it is worth previewing this year’s championships, especially the world’s premier event, the Formula One Driver’s Championship.
As a Briton, I wish Hamilton to win again, but despite Vettel and Ferrari having dramatically improved last season, they need to up their game again in order to challenge again, particularly with the ever-youthful Red Bull drivers. I can’t see Verstappen winning it this year, but surely his fast rise to the top will warrant a Dutch GP in 2019. A return to Paul Ricard for the French event is welcome: it is one of the most used test tracks in the world.
Outside of F1, the rest of the racing world is growing in strength considerably, as Formula E is very competitive because it is pitting experienced but below-par ex-F1 drivers and those above-par in F2 and F3 against each other. Manufacturers Renault, Audi and Citroen are building substantial teams, and the ease shown to set up a fully-functioning street circuit in most of the world’s major cities is very attractive to anyone looking to boost their tourism. (Go to Weymouth, please!)
2018 will also be important for the GT and touring car worlds, as series that have not been associated at all have had talks in recent years to adopt a single formula, perhaps paving a way for 20-25 race international calendars to be organised. The German touring cars (DTM) have plans to join with the Japanese Super GT, and in the near future hope to have serious discussions with IMSA about their WeatherTech Sportscar Series cars. So, it could be Mercedes v Lexus v Chevrolet at Road America, Suzuka and the Nürburgring. Elsewhere, the World Touring Car Championship will join formulas with the TCR series.
