Formula 1 is guaranteed new this season, with new faces and a record of 21 races, including the first in Azerbaijan, although Lewis Hamilton becomes world champion for the fourth time with Mercedes.
The bets point that 2016 will once again be the year for the Briton. William Hill estimates a 4/7 odds for Hamilton, taking his third title in a row, while aiming 3/1 for his teammate Nico Rosberg and 4/1 for Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
No one else comes close to estimating the bookmaker. Vettel’s Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen, a 2007 champion who turns 37 in October, could compete in his final season this year and has a share of just 40/1.
However, there are reasons to suggest that things could change once the race starts at Melbourne’s Albert Park next week.
Rosberg, runner-up in the last two seasons but winner of the last three races of 2015 from pole position, wants to prove his worth and could be on the verge of something exceptional if he can pick up where he left off in Abu Dhabi last November.
Vettel, who won four straight titles with Red Bull before Hamilton dethroned him in 2014, is going to want to deny the Brit the satisfaction of matching his score and becoming the fifth quadruple champion.
Both Germans made a strong start in the pre-season test at the Barcelona circuit, Mercedes was presented as the most reliable car and Ferrari set the most striking times. (Reuters)
Vettel and Rosberg aim to end Hamilton’s career
