Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel to win the world title and three other Formula One 2017 predictions

Mark Thompson / Getty Images

Diego Azubel / EPA

Nelson Almeida / AFP

Ahead of the first race at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, Graham Caygill makes his selection on who will come out on top in the drivers’ title fight over the coming 20 races.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel to win the world title

The Ferrari has looked quick, and reliable, during pre-season testing in Barcelona, and Vettel should have the chance to push for a fifth drivers’ world title and first with the Italian team since joining them in 2015. He has the experience to handle the pressure and if Ferrari can overcome the strategy errors that ruined their hopes of winning races in 2016, the German has a great chance to end the year at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November as world champion.

Max Verstappen to be best of the Red Bull Racing drivers

The Dutch teenager ended 2016 strongly, finishing ahead of Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo in three of the final four races. Given how highly regarded the Australian is in the F1 paddock that is no mean feat. With a full winter’s pre-season testing with the Austrian team behind him, Verstappen should be even quicker in 2017 and he will have an edge on Ricciardo that translates into more points, podiums and, depending on the speed of the car, race wins.

Farewell to Kimi Raikkonen

The 2007 world champion is starting his 15th season in F1 and this should be his final year in the sport. He has not won a race since March 2013, and while he did improve his speed last year, a motivated Vettel is still far too quick for him. Expect a few more podium finishes from the Finn, but to retire with dignity, on his own terms, at the end of the season to be replaced by a younger driver for 2018.

Renault to be best of the rest

All signs from testing point to Ferrari, Mercedes-GP and Red Bull being the class of the field. Last season was a tough year for Renault as they returned to F1 after taking over the Lotus team. They improved throughout the campaign and will expect to be competitive in the midfield in 2017. Add to that the acquisition of the experienced Nico Hulkenberg from Force India, and they will fancy their chances of pushing for podium places.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport