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What to look forward to after the summer break

Published on 20 Aug 2016 16:27
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By: Fergal Walsh

With talk of Formula One beginning to sprout again, teams and drivers will enjoy their last few days of relaxation before concentrating once again on the task of the drivers and constructers championship.

But what can we look forward to in the final nine races of the season?

Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg

The battle for the world drivers championship has always been the main focal point of an F1 season and this year it is no different. 19 points separate the two Mercedes drivers with Hamilton ahead of Rosberg.

This time last year Hamilton had a 21 point lead going into the summer break however this year he is expected to take some grid penalties which will notably impact the title challenge.

Rosberg will more than likely be looking to capitalise on the inevitable penalties awaiting his team-mate and will also continue to search for a way to beat Hamilton on-track.

Ferrari vs Red Bull

Red Bull have really been the surprise package for the 2016 season. Team Principal Christian Horner had stated pre-season that they would only become somewhat competitive after the summer break.

However having claimed seven podiums and one race victory this season, Red Bull are chasing down Scuderia Ferrari for second place in the constructers championship in what should be a captivating battle.

Although it's not as exciting as the battle for first, the teams will relish the opportunity to boast about trumping the other.

Driver market

The top three teams in the constructers championship (Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull) have all confirmed that they are sticking with their current line-up for the 2017 season, but that doesn't mean that interest isn't gathering in the midfield.

A big talking point throughout the season has been the Williams team and their potential line-up for 2017. Many drivers have been linked with the seat after it is expected that the team will not keep the same drivers for a fourth successive season. Wether it will be a complete revamp or a single transferred driver, we will have to wait and see.

McLaren have also been in the news about a new line-up. Jenson Button who has been with the team since 2010 is expected to be replaced by Super Formula driver Stoffel Vandoorne. Fernando Alonso's contract does not expire until the end of 2017.

Force India vs Williams

Yes, another on-track battle. Fantastic, right? It's what F1 is about! Force India are quickly becoming fan favourites. A smaller, budget-limited team, competing against Williams F1, a team that has 114 race victories, 9 constructers championships and 7 drivers championships. Force India have spent money well, they are always improving the components of their car and have a fantastic driver line-up.

Williams had a tough 2013 season and are bouncing back from that. They seem to be in a good position to keep pushing on and developing their car despite seeing their competitors do a steadier and more effective job. They'll be looking to be solidify fourth and make a much more competitive stance in 2017.

F1 News Jenson Button Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg Force India Ferrari Williams Red Bull Racing