2019 Formula One World Championship: Everything you need to know
The 2019 Formula One World Championship is all set to start with the Australian Grand Prix this month. It is expected to be a fascinating season ahead with Mercedes and Ferrari looking to outsmart each other. There is a lot at stake this season with plenty to watch out for. Here's everything about the 2019 F1 season.
There are 10 teams set to battle it out for the Constructor Championship. Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull are the three big teams heading into the season. Force India is now known as Racing Point. Sauber will go by the name Alfa Romeo. McLaren, Williams and Renault will want better shows. Haas and Toro Rosso are the remaining two teams.
Mercedes and Haas are the only two teams not to alter their line-up. Toro Rosso, McLaren, Alfa Romeo and Williams have gone for complete changes. Charles Leclerc joins Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari. Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Ricciardo have shifted to Alfa Romeo and Renault respectively. Pierre Gasly has joined Red Bull. Three debutants Alexander Albon, George Russell and Lando Norris come in as well.
Renault: Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg. McLaren: Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. Alfa Romeo: Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi. Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc. Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Williams: Robert Kubica and George Russell. Haas: Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen. Racing Point: Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll. Toro Rosso: Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon.
The new-for-2019 regulation changes see aerodynamics being expected to play a greater part in for better racing. One major change is the wider and simple front wings in the cars. The wings have been widened by 200mm to reduce turbulence. The taller, wider and simpler rear wings will generate more down force and improve airflow. A simplified front brake duct has come into effect.
Other changes see drivers being required to wear biometric gloves. There will be two additional rear lights to increase visibility of cars. Drivers will also sport stronger helmets this season which should match the new FIA 8860-2018 standard. There is also an increased fuel allowance.
There will be 21 races this season. The 2019 F1 season starts off with the Australian GP on March 15-17. The season will end with the Abu Dhabi GP on December 1. Mercedes finished as toppers last year with 655 points. Ferrari (571) and Red Bull (419) followed suit. Lewis Hamilton clinched the title with 408 points ahead of Vettel (320).
