By Dylan MacIsaac
Formula one’s 76th season is almost upon us. The short offseason headlined by car reveals and the recent Barcelona shakedown has produced many a story, and hype around the new regulations is high.
With just a month to go until the most significant season in recent memory, let’s take a look at what races we predict will produce the best moments this year.
Australian Grand Prix, 8th March (Albert Park)
The first race on the calendar this year will be veiled by uncertainty. Melbourne is poised to intrigue fans from around the globe as the teams battle for the first time following the recently imposed regulation changes.
Predicting the outcome will be near impossible.
Favourites will be favourites of course. Current constructor’s title holders McLaren along with perennial contenders such as Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari have earned their stripes at the front of the grid.
Mercedes are perhaps the most interesting of the lot. Reports suggest that their much-documented loophole uncovering could gain them as much as four tenths a lap on the field.
Their engine clients: McLaren, Williams and Alpine should then also expect boosts, but with Williams’ failure to prepare their car for recent testing, their momentum has dissipated.
The truth is that we simply don’t know. Anything. And that is why curiosity surrounding this race is at an all-time high.
Spanish Grand Prix, 13th September (Circuito de Madring)
With Barcelona-Catalunya’s contract to host the historic Spanish Grand Prix expiring this year, it will be replaced with a new addition: Madrid’s Madring.
The brand-new circuit will feature a huge, banked corner, similar to that of Zandvoort.
As well as boasting a brand new track, Madrid will be the only major European capital on the calendar.
It will be interesting to see how the new, smaller cars cope with the challenges of what is reported to be a very fast track.
Combining the classic nature of the city of Madrid with the modernity of the track should make for great viewing. The novelty of a new track will bring a fresh feeling to the calendar, and if the name is anything to go by, we can expect some madness in the Madring’s debut.
Canadian Grand Prix, 5th July (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve)
As one of six sprint weekends on the calendar, the Canadian Grand Prix has an added element in terms of the Championship fight. The historic circuit on the Île Notre-Dame in Montreal is one of the sport’s most challenging due to its high-speed straights and heavy braking zones.
The so called ‘Wall of Champions’ has claimed its fair share of victims over the years with the likes of Michael Schumacer, Sebastien Vettel and local hero Jacques Villeneuve all crashing on the final corner.
The famous hairpin bend provides a unique challenge for drivers, making even the greats look foolish.
If last year’s iteration is anything to go by, we should be in for a treat. A collision between the two McLarens was the headline of a race that produced an unlikely winner in George Russell.
On a circuit where overtaking is rife, the new, smaller cars will hopefully provide us with another thriller.
Monaco Grand Prix, 7th June (Circuit de Monaco)
There are few words left to be spoken about what makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special.
Undoubtedly F1’s most iconic track, the Circuit de Monaco contains history at every corner. Its twists and turns through the principalities’ narrow streets have provided some of the most memorable moments in motorsport history.
This year promises to be even better.
Monaco Grand Prix of late have largely been decided on a Saturday. The behemoth cars previously clogged up the track and made overtaking on such a narrow circuit nye-on impossible.
Smaller cars can only be a positive for Monaco. Limits can be pushed further, and in such an unforgiving arena, one tiny slip could open the doors for a crazy race where anyone can compete.
Las Vegas Grand Prix, 22nd November (Las Vegas Strip Circuit)
In terms of sporting spectacles, few can hold a candle to the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Despite dividing opinions among fans over the quality of racing, seeing cars flying around an illuminated Las Vegas strip is a truly special sight.
The glitz and glamour of it all speaks volumes about the current state of Formula One. The sports rapid growth can be largely attested to Drive to Survive’s popularity, and the subsequent commercialization has resulted in huge events like this.
Some have questioned whether the showiness overshadows the race itself. To be expected: it is Vegas of course.
Like it or not, it’s here to stay, and it will continue to be one of the biggest moments in the F1 diary.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 