Will the pecking order change in 2017?
Ahead of the first pre-season test, Formula 1 Teams have began to reveal their 2017 cars, hoping they can topple the dominance of Mercedes.
Mercedes are still favourites to win the championship even with the changes in the regulations. Red Bull Racing are tipped to challenge the silver arrows as the focus of the sport switches to the aerodynamics rather than the power units which Mercedes have utilised to the greatest affect.
McLaren have shown the biggest change from 2016, as the Woking based team have decided to use the orange livery.
This prompted speculation that the change of livery was inspired by the departure of Ron Dennis and the introduction of Zak Brown.
Can Red Bull Racing challenge for the Championship?
The introduction of new regulations have fuelled rumours that Red Bull Racing could challenge the dominant Mercedes. New aerodynamic regulations give engineers and designers freedom to express themselves to the best affect.
Time will tell if Red Bull are the real deal, as they are one of the last teams to launch their 2017 car. They will unveil their car at the first pre-season test in Barcelona.
What have the 2017 launches shown ahead of the first test?
All the teams are obviously hoping for improvements and to master the new regulations but it is a nervous wait for the teams heading into the unknown first test.
I believe Renault could be a dark horse for Australia, as the French manufacturer have the resources to make a competitive car. The RS17 looks an exciting prospect but nothing is won at the test, so we will see how it will perform in Melbourne.
All the cars look exciting and a lot better on the eye but I believe the team will concentrate on overall speed rather than looks.
The first test is always exciting for fans and teams alike as all the teams will want to see how their cars fair on the track and they compare to their rivals. Fans are excited to see these faster and more exciting beasts, which fans have not seen for over a decade.
