The 2018 Formula One season is almost upon us, meaning it won’t be long before epic racing action will be gracing our screens once more. With the Australian Grand Prix kicking off this Sunday, we’re sure to be in for an exciting event, and us here at Karting Nation HQ can’t wait! So, here’s all that you need to know.
When Does The F1 2018 Season Start?
The first Grand Prix event of 2018 is due to take place this Sunday, 25th March. But, due to the time difference, the event will start at 6.10am – quite an early rise for a Sunday, we know! But, we’re sure it’ll be worth it! Practice begins on Friday 23rd March, with qualifying taking place on Saturday 24th March.
What Changes Have Been Made?
Veteran racer Felipe Massa made the decision to retire ahead of the 2018 F1 season, after fifteen years in the sport. Sergey Sirotkin was the man to take his place in the Williams team after the Russian impressed during a half-day test. Meanwhile, Toro Rosso announced that Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley would be their full-time drivers for the 2018 season. Additionally, Monegasque racer Charles Leclerc is due to make his debut with the Sauber team.
21 Grand Prix events form this year’s racing calendar, with the French Grand Prix returning for the first time since 2008. It is due to take place on the 24th June, taking place at the Circuit Paul Ricard, which hasn’t hosted the event since 1990. After this point, the race took place at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours instead. Elsewhere, the Malaysian Grand Prix was discontinued this time round, with the German Grand Prix returning after a one-year absence.
In terms of rule changes, 3 rather than four power units are allowed for each driver over the course of the season, with simplified grid penalties for power unit changes. As well as this, shark-fin style engine covers and ‘t-wings’ have now been outlawed. Furthermore, after controversy surrounding oil-burning last season, burning only 0.6 litres of oil per 100km is allowed, as opposed to the previously allowed higher limit of 0.9 litres per 100km. Don’t think we’ve forgotten about the halo though! After rigorous testing and much debate, the halo cockpit protection device is now here to stay – a safety feature that could be crucial in the event of a crash. Where it might not be to everyone’s tastes, it’s now been made mandatory for all vehicles.
Who Is The Favourite To Win The Title?
Lewis Hamilton narrowly missed out on his fourth F1 title in 2016, finishing just five points behind his then teammate Nico Rosberg. However, Hamilton more than made up for the disappointment by storming to his fourth world title in the 2017 season, with two races in the season left to go. This time round, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lewis storm to his fifth title, with his Mercedes team still proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with – winning their fourth consecutive Constructors’ Championship last season.
Lewis may have won his fourth title by a landslide, but this time round it may not be so easy. With racers such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis’ Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in contention, they might just give Lewis a run for his money. But, that remains to be seen of course!
Conclusion
Whilst the Formula 1 racing action is sure to provide you with plenty of high speed excitement, you certainly don’t need to be a pro racing driver in order to experience some awesome racing action for yourself. With several action-packed Karting Nation venues across the UK and Ireland, there’s sure to be one near you! You can find your nearest venue right here.