Formula 1 Season 2018: What to look out for!
2018 Formula 1 Season Preview
The 2017 Formula 1 Championship gave us everything we could have wanted: controversy, quick cars, and an array of winners. It's no surprise that we're on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the 2018 season getting underway next month!
Formula 1 Rules & Regulations
Once again, we'll see some new rules and regulations introduced throughout the season. Although they're not as drastic as the ones introduced last year, they're still bound to get people talking... dare we mention the dreaded halo?
Engine Limit: Each driver now has a limit of just three engines (rather than four) to use throughout a season. This is in a bid for new owners, Liberty Media, to reduce costs and make power units more reliable. Although this may benefit the smaller teams, it will more than likely cause problems, as it poses the risk of drivers facing hefty grid penalties.
Grid Penalties: The rules concerning grid penalties have been tweaked for the 2018 season, making it easier for stewards and fans to understand. In 2018, if a driver changes a power unit component, they will receive a five to ten-place grid penalty. However, if they replace a second component, they will automatically be moved to the back of the grid. No more drivers starting in 60th place when there are only 22 cars on the track.
Halo Device: Finally, we must say 'hello' to the much-hated halo. Designed to improve driver safety, the protection device will be located over the cockpit, with the intention of deflecting debris and preventing drivers from being hit in the head. Although a necessary feature, the 2018 cars have received backlash due to their appearance.
Formula 1 Races
What we really can't wait for this year is the return of some legendary circuits to the Formula 1 calendar. It takes away some of the pain of saying goodbye to Malaysia after the great races we've witnessed there over the years.
German Grand Prix: The German Grand Prix at Hockenheim will be back on our screens this year after a two-year hiatus.
French Grand Prix: The French Grand Prix returns after ten years away from the sport. The Paul Ricard Circuit, which will host the French Grand Prix, has not hosted a championship race since 1990.
The re-admission of this epic track also means that Formula 1 will see its first-ever tripleheader this year, as the French, Austrian, and British Grand Prix fall on consecutive weekends. Make sure you have full control of the TV remote for those three Sundays.
Team Line-Ups
Finally, we're on to the team and driver line-ups. Thankfully, the Silly Season was not as extended as last year, with all teams having confirmed their drivers for the season ahead.
Torro Rosso: A total revamp with the introduction of two-time Le Mans Champion, Brendan Hartley, and former Japanese Super Formula driver, Pierre Gasly.
Williams: Sergey Sirotkin, former GP2 series driver, has been confirmed as Felipe Massa's replacement.
Sauber: Charles Leclerc joins Sauber, making him the last of the rookies to join the grid in 2018.
Renault: Carlos Sainz Jr moves to Renault to partner Nico Hulkenberg.
With car launches underway and pre-season testing starting on Monday, we can only hope for a positively action-packed season! For a truly unique experience and to witness the season unfolding firsthand, why not join us on one of our European Formula 1 tours?
