10 Things To Watch Out For From F1 In 2015

Winter is always a painful time for Formula 1 fans, but fear not, because the new season kicks off in just a few days’ time. Here are some things to watch out for and look forward to from F1 in 2015:

Mercedes still, unsurprisingly, looks to be the team to beat, meaning we could be set for another epic title fight between reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and 2014 runner-up Nico Rosberg. The W06 seems to have an even bigger advantage compared to last year’s car, but testing is always tricky to judge. Hopefully it will be closer in Australia.

2. The return of Honda

The Japanese manufacturer last raced in F1 back in 2008, before pulling out of the sport. Honda and McLaren will rekindle its iconic partnership, but can the two companies reciprocate the success from the late 80s and early 90s?

Pre-season testing has been tough, to say the least, due to a range of power unit problems. The situation is unlikely to improve any time soon, but on the positive side, the car handles well on track. Fernando Alonso will not race in Australia after his testing crash, with reserve driver Kevin Magnussen competing alongside Jenson Button.

3. Manor Marussia’s return

This is a truly incredible story. Having entered administration after the 2014 Russian Grand Prix, it looked like Marussia’s short stint in F1 was over. However, fresh investment means Manor Marussia, as it is now called, will return to the grid in 2015.

Initially the team will run a revised 2014 car adapted to this year’s regulations, before a full 2015 machine debuts later in the season. It will be a difficult and long road, but it is great to see Manor Marussia back on track.

4. Mercedes powering Lotus forward

Lotus has ditched the problematic Renault engine in favour of Mercedes power for 2015. Following a disastrous 2014 season, the change will certainly help lift the Enstone team up the grid. Romain Grosjean remains a fine driver and team leader, but will Pastor Maldonado finally ditch his erratic style? Probably not.

5. Can Ferrari return to the front?

The Ferrari outfit that will compete in F1 this year is a very different beast to the one that failed to score a single victory in 2014, its first win-less season since 1993.

Ferrari has its third team principal in 12 months (Maurizio Arrivabene), has made several high-profile staff changes and also has a new driver, Sebastian Vettel. Testing went well and both Kimi Raikkonen and Vettel sound very positive about the SF15-T, but will it be enough to move F1’s most successful outfit up the grid? Time will tell.

6. F1 back in Mexico

The sport returns to Mexico for the first time since 1992, boosting the calendar to 20 races. It will take place at a revised Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, with the iconic Peraltada being replaced by an interesting, slow stadium section.

With Sergio Perez racing for Force India once again, the Mexican fans will definitely be out in force, and it is fantastic to see another classic venue return to F1.

Daniel Ricciardo was arguably the star of 2014, surprising many by racing to three victories and making Vettel look average at best. He now steps up to the team leader role at Red Bull, and the loveable Aussie will be looking to add more trophies to his collection.

Daniil Kvyat was promoted from Toro Rosso after Vettel’s shock decision to switch to Ferrari, and it will be interesting to see what he can do after a quietly impressive rookie year.

8. Williams back racing at the sharp end

The Grove-based outfit made a very welcome return to the front of the field in 2014. Williams failed to grab the headlines at the first two pre-season tests, but the team upped the pace at the final event, giving us a glimpse at what the FW37 can really do. It all looks very positive so far, but will it be enough to take the fight to Mercedes?

9. The fresh faces

There are several fresh faces on the 2015 grid. The most talked about is undoubtedly Max Verstappen, who will become F1’s youngest ever driver when he makes his debut in Australia for Toro Rosso at the age of just 17. He will race alongside fellow rookie Carlos Sainz Jr.

Felipe Nasr brings plenty of financial backing to Sauber, while Will Stevens raced at the 2014 finale for Caterham but has secured a more permanent drive with the returning Manor.

10. A few new rules

The F1 2015 regulations have gone through a mild evolution over the winter break. There are a few rules to watch out for, with the first being the Virtual Safety Car (VSC). It will be used when double yellow flags are required but the deployment of the safety car is not.

Meanwhile significant helmet design changes have been banned and in-season power unit development will be allowed, after the FIA admitted to there being a loop-hole in the regulations. This could mean we will see higher top speeds and, hopefully, a closer field on track.