Predictions for the 2015 Season...

*Matt*

With the so called Desert Duel already in the rear view mirror, attention turns to the 2015 season, with this year promising to be one of the most dramatic yet highly political seasons the sport has seen this decade.

Even before rolling into Melbourne, we’ve had court cases, financial issues and doubts as to whether a team is withholding information over a drivers health. Only in the world of Formula One.

The 2015 Mercedes looks set to dominate

But as the racing is far more exciting than all that, let’s focus on that shall we? It’s clear that after pre-season testing Mercedes will once again be the team to beat. The times they set in Barcelona that were faster than their rivals who had the supposedly quicker tyres on are sentiment to this. Hamilton vs Rosberg – The Rematch is highly anticipated with perhaps the most pressure on the German who may still be reeling after just missing out on the ultimate prize. Only time will tell.

The race for second place in the constructors championships looks to be the most competitive with Red Bull, Ferrari, Williams & McLaren looking evenly matched. The latter looked finally like they pulled everything together then Fernando had THAT mysterious crash and is not competing this weekend. Kevin Magnusson, your reprieve has arrived!

With Sebastian Vettel looking more like his old self, Daniel Ricciardo showing further signs of a world champion of the future and Jenson Button getting another season to showcase his driving ability, F1 2015 certainly has the star power to deliver amazing racing. As always though expect roadblocks on the way and political games to be played. One things is clear though to me. If the season pans out like it should do the it’ll be Lewis Hamilton who will be celebrating his third world title.

Predicted Drivers Top 3

1.       Lewis Hamilton

2.       Nico Rosberg

3.       Sebastian Vettel/Daniel Ricciardo (Too close to call at the moment)

Predicted Constructors Top 3

1.       Mercedes

2.       Ferrari

3.    Red Bull

*Rob*

Many doubted it would be possible for Mercedes to be as dominant as they proved last season. With a Drivers and Constructors Championship under their belt it seems like the Silver Arrows are back stronger than ever. More than a second quicker than their rivals during pre-season testing, you'd be an idiot to claim the race for the title will be between anyone other than Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

While not Lewis Hamilton's biggest fan, I honestly believe there are a number of factors at play which could see Nico Rosberg come back stronger and faster this year. While Nico is happily married, Lewis' personal life could prove a distraction. Once again single, he also has to deal with attempting to negotiate a new contract during the course of the season. Nico has none of this drama ahead of him.

Will Seb remain this happy come the fist few races?

The battle for the best of the rest is where the real interest begins. Ferrari look far more competitive this season, and Sebastian Vettel has had a relatively smooth beginning to his career with the Italian powerhouse. Will Kimi Raikkonen be motivated to put up much of a fight? Williams once again will be near the front, building on a very successful 2014 campaign.

As for Red Bull, there is much uncertainty surrounding the Milton Keynes based outfit coming into the new season. A relative rookie in Daniil Kvyat still has much to prove, with F1's hottest property Daniel Ricciardo still lacking in experience. The 2015 car is also the first without any input from Adrian Newey, the brain behind all of their past successes.

Finally a round of applause for Lotus. They've picked themselves up after a tricky 2014 and are back with a competitive chassis in the E23. The Enstone based outfit should expect plenty of top ten finishes this time out.

The least said about McLaren Honda the better...

Predicted Drivers Top 3
1. Nico Rosberg
2. Lewis Hamilton
3. Sebastian Vettel

Predicted Constructors Top 3
1. Mercedes
2. Ferarri
3. Williams