Formula 1 is likely to undergo many changes in the coming years, with many drivers being dropped, swapping teams or retiring. The opening round on the FIA Formula One World Championship will take place at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne on 17th March 2019. The events dates of Austrian Grand Prix 2019 are 14-17 March 2019 and FIA will formally ratify them at the upcoming World Motor Sports Council meeting.
Expect the pedestrian barriers earlier because the dates are one week earlier than the most recent years. Moreover, the AFL Season Opener and the Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix 2019 and Moomba Festival are likely to run for three consecutive weekends alongside the Melbourne Fashion Festival and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (to be held in March). The Minister of Tourism and Major Events, Hon John Eren, said that the Formula 1 Grand Prix is likely to bring many visitors to the sporting capital every year.
The driver line-up
– Mercedes
Mercedes have a team locked down for the upcoming season. Hamilton as committed the team’s future after much speculation while Bottas is his wingman of choice and Mercedes hierarchy. They two will work together for another year.
Lewis Hamilton – Contracted Until 2020
Valtteri Bottas – Contracted Until 2019
– Ferrari
Ferrari has opted for an inexperienced initiate to partner with Vettel this season. It appears that they will give Leclerc a year to prove whether he can operate at a high level. Vettel’s relationship with Monegasque will highly affect his future.
Sebastian Vettel – Contracted until 2020
Charles Leclerc – Contracted until 2019
– Red Bull
Ricciardo has decamped to Renault and Gasly was rewarded for the Toro Rosso performance with a promotion. The dynamic between Red Bull’s drivers is among the interesting things to consider in the 2019 season.
Max Verstappen – Contracted until 2020
Pierre Gasly – Contracted until 2019
– Renault
Renault has secured Hulkenberg for the upcoming two seasons and therefore made their aspirations clear. The constructor has another goal of proving to the Aussie that their vehicle has a capacity of completing at a sharp end on regular basis.
Daniel Ricciardo – contracted until 2020
Nico Hulkenberg – Contracted until 2020
– HAAS
Haas is linked with modernization and has opted for stability and retained Magnussen and Grosjean’s faith. The Frenchman has earned a seat with impressive recovery from the woeful season start. The admirable consistency of Magnussen’s in 2018 landed Dane a two-year deal.
Romain Grosjean – Contracted until 2019
Kevin Magnussen – Contracted until 2020
– Force India
Force India confirmed the deal of Perez before the United States Grand Prix. Lance Stroll switched from Williams having seen the potential mid-2018 move disappear. Ocon will work as a reserve driver for the year 2019 and that has frustrated fans, fellow drivers and fans alike.
Carlos Sainz – Contracted until 2019
Lando Norris – Contracted until 2019
– McLaren
The former world champion has replaced Fernando Alonso with Sainz. Stoffle Vandoorne has not hit the mark and the highly rated Norris will replace him.
Carlos Sainz – contracted until 2019
Lando Norris – Contracted until 2019
– Toro Rosso
Kvyat has returned for another season given the lack of options. Mick Schumacher, Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon were linked to the second seat but it went to Alexander Albon.
Daniil Kvyat – contracted until 2019
Alexander Albon – contracted until 2019
– Sauber
Raikkonen has brought the needed experience to Sauber and his performance might impress his fans. Giovinazzi will partner the Iceman. They hope that the young Italian will follow Leclerc’s trajectory.
Kimi Raikkonnen – contracted until 2020
Antonio Giovinazzi – contracted until 2019