Gentlemen, start your engines

After a relatively short winter break, three days of Formula 1 testing starts tomorrow in Bahrain, signalling that the new Formula 1 season is not far away. As a motor racing enthusiast, I am a massive fan of Formula 1. It remains the pinnacle of motorsport and a grand showcase of technology and speed.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact, the teams have been ordered to use the same cars as last year, so little or no technology changes will occur. The Mercedes team will likely dominate again, as they have done since 2013.

The season will consist of twenty-three races, though the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, held in my hometown of Melbourne, will not be the first Grand Prix of the season. That honour will go to Bahrain in two weeks, and the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix will be re-scheduled for later in the year.

As the only Australian driver competing in this year championship, Daniel Ricciardo will move to the Mclaren team. I hope he has a better year this year, though I don’t think he will be in the hunt for too many race wins.

With the season about to get underway, it is gentlemen, start your engines.