Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global
The F1 Racing Stand
Prime
Analysis

How Formula 1 swerved a pre-season flop

Car unveilings and the build-up to the opening round can be more exciting than many grands prix, so it's crucial that Formula 1 gets 'launch season' right. Had teams not intervened, it could have gone very wrong.

Motorsport.com's Prime content

The best content from Motorsport.com Prime, our subscription service. <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/prime/">Subscribe here</a> to get access to all the features.

With Abu Dhabi's dull season finale thankfully just a fading memory, the steady trickle of announcements last week about 2018 Formula 1 car launch dates marked the official switch-on of excitement for the season ahead.

It's the time of year when things get serious again: teams flat-out getting their new challengers in order; the nerves starting to heighten as the potential for smiles or tears on the first day of testing edges ever closer; plus fans and media getting more excited as the show gears up for getting back on the road.

Previous article Renault wants F1 customers to take its young drivers
Next article Kubica has to "earn" F1 seat for 2019 - Williams

More from Jonathan Noble

Alpine F1 driver Gasly becomes co-owner in French football club

Alpine F1 driver Gasly becomes co-owner in French football club

F1 Formula 1
Alpine F1 driver Gasly becomes co-owner in French football club Alpine F1 driver Gasly becomes co-owner in French football club
What the data tells us about Mercedes’ latest F1 problems

What the data tells us about Mercedes’ latest F1 problems

F1 Formula 1
What the data tells us about Mercedes’ latest F1 problems What the data tells us about Mercedes’ latest F1 problems
Did secret contract move open door for potential Verstappen Red Bull F1 exit?

Did secret contract move open door for potential Verstappen Red Bull F1 exit?

F1 Formula 1
Did secret contract move open door for potential Verstappen Red Bull F1 exit? Did secret contract move open door for potential Verstappen Red Bull F1 exit?
Red Bull says RB20 F1 design was “last big roll of the dice”

Red Bull says RB20 F1 design was “last big roll of the dice”

F1 Formula 1
Red Bull says RB20 F1 design was “last big roll of the dice” Red Bull says RB20 F1 design was “last big roll of the dice”
Wolff doesn't want to fall into Horner "trap" over Red Bull F1 dominance

Wolff doesn't want to fall into Horner "trap" over Red Bull F1 dominance

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Wolff doesn't want to fall into Horner "trap" over Red Bull F1 dominance Wolff doesn't want to fall into Horner "trap" over Red Bull F1 dominance
Norris says next generation F1 cars must address driver comfort issues

Norris says next generation F1 cars must address driver comfort issues

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Norris says next generation F1 cars must address driver comfort issues Norris says next generation F1 cars must address driver comfort issues
FIA evaluating Horner complaint as matter set for appeal

FIA evaluating Horner complaint as matter set for appeal

F1 Formula 1
McLaren Imola March testing
FIA evaluating Horner complaint as matter set for appeal FIA evaluating Horner complaint as matter set for appeal
The Beckham clues as to where Verstappen and Red Bull are heading

The Beckham clues as to where Verstappen and Red Bull are heading

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1
The Beckham clues as to where Verstappen and Red Bull are heading The Beckham clues as to where Verstappen and Red Bull are heading

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global