The 2016 Formula One season is just around the corner with the first race of the season – Australian Grand Prix – set for Sunday. The pre-season testing in Barcelona was an interesting one with Ferrari emerging fastest among a host of other teams, including Mercedes.
Though Ferrari might have shone in pre-season, it is a different thing altogether when it comes to racing for the coveted title. Mercedes are the overwhelming favourites to win the constructors championship, but other teams such as Ferrari, Force India and Red Bull will give whatever they have to stop Mercedes' dominance in the F1 circuit.
Here is a look at all the teams participating in the 2016 Formula One season.
Mercedes
Mercedes have dominated the F1 circuit for the past couple of years, and are looking to clinch their third straight constructors championship this season. They were too good for other competitors last season as they ran away with the constructors championship, with 703 points. With drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg having excelled for the team, Mercedes are the team to beat this season as well.
Drivers: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg
Ferrari
Ferrari were the only team to battle against Mercedes last season, and this year as well, the same is expected. Ferrari, with their improved car for the season, should provide an even stiff challenge to Mercedes. Ferrai have two of the best drivers – Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel – in their ranks, and have it in them to unsettle Mercedes. Vettel fought it out against the Mercedes' duo, but Raikkonen lacked consistency, which made it difficult for Ferrari. Hope Vettel and Raikkonen shine this season for a healthier 2016 F1 season.
Drivers: Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel
Williams
The Williams finished third last season, but their drivers, Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, could have done much better. They have a chance to better upon their last season's record, which is not going to be any easy with Ferrai having improved as well. Though they looked good in pre-season testing, they need to be careful against teams like Red Bull, who will want to clinch the third position.
Drivers: Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas
Red Bull
Without a shadow of doubt, Red Bull possesses one of the most talented drivers in the F1 circuit – Daniel Ricciardo, who will play an important role if his team is to challenge top teams like Mercedes and Ferrari. In Daniil Kvyat, they have another fine driver, who should look to provide some great finish in some of the races this season.
Drivers: Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat
Force India
Force India were one such team last season that impressed with some podium finishes as well. They finished fifth last term, and their main aim this season is to finish in top four, and they are highly dependent on Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez for a positive result. Force India should be a confident unit after their good pre-season in Barcelona.
Drivers: Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez
Renault has completed their purchase of Lotus, who scored 78 points last season. With Renault's return to ownership, interesting times lie ahead for the team, which will rely on Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer, latter having proved in the GP2, it is time to show his class in F1. Their focus this season will be to provide a base for the future, next season included.
Drivers: Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer
Toro Rosso
Toro Rosso finished with 67 points last season. Though it might be an uphill task to finish some races on the podium in 2016, they will be aiming for better points this time around. Max Verstappen, who is one of the most esciting drivers in the circuit, will hold key for the team.
Drivers: Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr.
Sauber
They might have been one of the weaker teams in the F1, but Sauber looked decent as their drivers retired from the race on four different occasions only, which is a positive thing. However, this season, they might want to secure some important points and challenge teams like Toro Rosso.
Drivers: Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr
McLaren
They possess two popular F1 drivers, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, but was poor last season. McLaren drivers retired from more than 10 races last season, which reflects their below par car as well. McLaren have been poor for the last two seasons, and they should be a happier unit if they even climb to fifth-sixth place.
Drivers: Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button
Manor
They were known as Manor Marussia last season, but they will be known as Manor Racing this time around. It remains to be seen if changing their name will help them come with a better performance. They were the last team in the constructors' championship, failing to even score a point last season.
Drivers: Pascal Wehrlein and Rio Haryanto
Haas
They are the new team in F1 this season. It may not be easy to predict their performance, but they had a mixed bag during the first pre-season. With this being their first season, Haas should be happy to get some points in 2016, and understand the dynamics of the sport, and come up an improved performance next season.
Drivers: Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutierrez
