The Teams

• Mercedes

Ineos Mercedes AMG Petronas. Last seasons record breaking 7 double titles was incredible in itself. However, when you look deeper into how they managed this impressive feat, you begin to realise what an impressively well oiled machine this team is. In preseason, Mercedes had the F1 world up in arms with their “DAS” (Duel Access Steering) system. But the bulk of Mercedes work had been done at the back of the car, restoring their name to the top of the engine charts with immaculate reliability and staggering power. This, plus an immense amount of downforce gave this car a status which we may never see the likes of again as the fastest car in F1 history. Can they maintain much of the downforce the regulations have required them to lose for this season and head for an incredible 8th double championship season?

• Red Bull

Red Bull Racing Honda. How often is it said that Red Bull start slow? Unfortunately for them, too often. If Red Bull wish to take the fight to Mercedes this season they need to start from Bahrain and maintain for all 23 races. Max Verstappen wants a championship winning car, deserves a championship winning car. I feel with Sergio Perez that they have the drivers to give them a run at Mercedes. They’ve definitely got closer to Mercedes in recent years and seem to be the closest team to taking them on. Looking to the future with the engine freeze, you can bet Honda will be putting all they can into making sure their rebranded engine is the best it can be for Red Bull. Do Red Bull have what it takes to match the mighty Mercedes for either championship?

• McLaren

McLaren Mercedes. What a revival for this team. But they’ve not finished yet. They have arguably the most exciting driver line up with Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris. Many believe with the Mercedes engine in the back that McLaren will continue their trajectory up the field, many thinking they’ll be pushing Red Bull at a few races this season. But let’s not forget that this team have made some incredible cars with great chassis. If McLaren want to do well, the drivers will need to be on it from the get go and need to maintain what already seems to be a good friendship off the track, on it if they want to take the fight to the big boys again. Can McLaren with the Mercedes engine push Red Bull this season?

• Aston Martin

Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team. Arguably the worst kept secret in F1 for the last 2 seasons. Aston Martin make their return to F1 after a brief 6 races in 1959 & 1960. A lot of buzz around this team, especially with Chairman Lawerence Stroll coming out and saying they want to take the fight to Red Bull and Mercedes. After “copying” the 2019 Mercedes last season they’ve got a great design basis to build this seasons car round and you just know the Silverstone based team as always will make every penny count. But, they don’t need to scrape the barrel anymore. They’ve got more than enough money so what’s to say they won’t develop more during the season and take the fight to the big guys? Is the rebranded team going to finally change fortunes for this team?

• Alpine

Alpine F1 Team. Another team with a rebranding. Renault Sport seemed to have hit a stall in their quest to become a championship winning team again. But they also had to deal with the fact that Renault were as much in F1 to advertise their vehicles around the world as to win. With Alpine now taking the reigns, the focus is fully on winning in F1 and getting to the top. This is backed up with the fact Fernando Alonso rejoins the team for a third term and he seems re-energised and ready to take another crack against the best of the best. Has Alonso still got enough to make Alpine a force to be reckoned with?

• Ferrari

Mission Winnow Scuderia Ferrari. Oh Ferrari. Abbiamo bisogno che tu torni in cima. The team with the longest, richest and most successful history in the sport are struggling currently and need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. Regardless of the condition of the engine they shouldn’t be finishing 6th in the constructors championship. On a positive, they’re looking towards the future with Charles and Carlos which seems to have the same sort of buzz as the McLaren line up. Mattia Binotto has already stated the car is less draggy and the engine has improved power which all bodes well for the Tifosi. Will Ferrari make strides towards the front once again this season?

• Alpha Tauri

Scuderia Alpha Tauri Honda. A pretty impressive season last time round for Alpha Tauri. A victory for the first time in 12 season at the hands of Gasly, who’s turning into the driver that I think many expected and he’s proven Red Bull we’re wrong a little as well. Many people are excited to see what Tsunoda can do in this car this season, obviously with that Honda backing I think he may be the next on the list if Red Bull feel Perez hasn’t done enough so they’ll be a lot of eyes on Tsunoda and he’s proved he can deal with the pressure in his F2 days. Is this season just a nothing season for Alpha Tauri?

• Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen. Not much to write about here. Another underwhelming season for Alfa Romeo. Kimi seems way past it and is holding a seat up for other potentially quicker younger drivers. Giovinazzi hasn’t been able to hold down good pace for a consistent period and seems to be falling further and further down the Ferrari young driver pecking order. All eyes on 2022 for Alfa Romeo?

• Haas

Haas F1 Team. Haas have had a difficult few months. We’ve heard enough of that now but this isn’t going to be an enjoyable season for the team. All plans have already been turned to 2022 for Haas and we hope to see them taking on the big boys like we did a few years back. Having a Schumacher on the grid has everybody excited, weather you believe Mick is going to be as good as his dad or not. But one thing is for certain that everybody beckons for is that Michael recovers and can one day see his done racing in F1. #keepfightingmichael

• Williams

Williams Racing. Several difficult years for a team which has a rich history of winning races and championships. New investment from American investment company Dorilton Capital is possibly the answer to the teams prayers and propel the team back up the grid. Exciting drivers with George Russell and Nicholas Latifi will maintain the balance they gave the team last season and ensure that the team will be there when it matters and points may be handed out. Is this sleeping giant awakening finally and looking likely to head forward?