• 2. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. It is no secret, given the number of car and engine failures they have had, that Red Bull Racing are really not where they want to be ahead of their bid for a fifth successive constructors' title and fifth drivers' title for Vettel. The problematic Renault engine is out of their hands, but the car, when it actually runs, looks OK. It is upto Vettel, while the team get unto speed, to get as much as he can out of the package. It may be a shock to the system for the German to not have the best car in the field, but he is more than good enough to be able to get the best out of what he has. Mark Thompson / Getty Images
    2. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. It is no secret, given the number of car and engine failures they have had, that Red Bull Racing are really not where they want to be ahead of their bid for a fifth successive constructors' title and fifth drivers' title for Vettel. The problematic Renault engine is out of their hands, but the car, when it actually runs, looks OK. It is upto Vettel, while the team get unto speed, to get as much as he can out of the package. It may be a shock to the system for the German to not have the best car in the field, but he is more than good enough to be able to get the best out of what he has. Mark Thompson / Getty Images
  • 3. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. Despite Vettel's run of titles it is Alonso who is still perceived as the best overall driver in F1, given his ability to drag strong results out of average cars. The double world champion won his most recent title in 2006 and been runner-up four times since. His wait for a third title may not end this year, given the Ferrari looks to be down on engine power compared to Ferrari, but the Spaniard will challenge for race wins. Will be expected, given his better qualifying form in the past, to get the better of new teammate, Kimi Raikkonen. Mark Thompson / Getty Images
    3. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. Despite Vettel's run of titles it is Alonso who is still perceived as the best overall driver in F1, given his ability to drag strong results out of average cars. The double world champion won his most recent title in 2006 and been runner-up four times since. His wait for a third title may not end this year, given the Ferrari looks to be down on engine power compared to Ferrari, but the Spaniard will challenge for race wins. Will be expected, given his better qualifying form in the past, to get the better of new teammate, Kimi Raikkonen. Mark Thompson / Getty Images
  • 4. Felipe Massa, Williams. This has the potential to be one of the feel good stories of the season. The Brazilian, who demonstrated great dignity in dealing with the heartbreak of missing out on the 2008 world title by a point, was dropped by Ferrari after eight years as a driver at the end of 2013. He stayed in F1 with struggling Williams, but the British team look like a team reborn with a well designed car, supported by a Mercedes engine. Massa set the fastest time of all in testing in Bahrain, and given how promising the Williams looks, he will be a very popular race winner this season. Clive Rose / Getty Images
    4. Felipe Massa, Williams. This has the potential to be one of the feel good stories of the season. The Brazilian, who demonstrated great dignity in dealing with the heartbreak of missing out on the 2008 world title by a point, was dropped by Ferrari after eight years as a driver at the end of 2013. He stayed in F1 with struggling Williams, but the British team look like a team reborn with a well designed car, supported by a Mercedes engine. Massa set the fastest time of all in testing in Bahrain, and given how promising the Williams looks, he will be a very popular race winner this season. Clive Rose / Getty Images
  • 5. Kevin Magnussen (right), McLaren. The Dane is among the trio of rookies new to F1 this season, but expect him to be the one that makes the biggest impact. The 21 year old won the Formula Renault 3.5 series last year, and such is the regard he is held by McLaren, they fastracked him into the team at the expense of Sergio Perez. The McLaren has showed inconsistent pace in testing, but Magnussen will fancy his chances of making a splash in his debut season. Will fancy his chances of making a good impact against Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, who is his teammate. Mark Thompson / Getty Images
    5. Kevin Magnussen (right), McLaren. The Dane is among the trio of rookies new to F1 this season, but expect him to be the one that makes the biggest impact. The 21 year old won the Formula Renault 3.5 series last year, and such is the regard he is held by McLaren, they fastracked him into the team at the expense of Sergio Perez. The McLaren has showed inconsistent pace in testing, but Magnussen will fancy his chances of making a splash in his debut season. Will fancy his chances of making a good impact against Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, who is his teammate. Mark Thompson / Getty Images
  • 6. Nico Hulkenberg (pictured last season with Sauber), Force India. The German is undoubtedly the best driver in F1 at present to have not had a seat with a top team, having spent seasons at Williams, Force India and Sauber before returning to Force India for a second year. He has consistently made the most of mediocre machinery, fourth place in South Korea last year in a Sauber was a superb effort, and the fact he led the most laps in Brazil 2012 in a Force India is astonishing. The Force India has looked quick in testing, and if the car is capable expect Hulkenberg to end his wait for a first podium finish at some point in 2014. Lee Jae-Won / Reuters
    6. Nico Hulkenberg (pictured last season with Sauber), Force India. The German is undoubtedly the best driver in F1 at present to have not had a seat with a top team, having spent seasons at Williams, Force India and Sauber before returning to Force India for a second year. He has consistently made the most of mediocre machinery, fourth place in South Korea last year in a Sauber was a superb effort, and the fact he led the most laps in Brazil 2012 in a Force India is astonishing. The Force India has looked quick in testing, and if the car is capable expect Hulkenberg to end his wait for a first podium finish at some point in 2014. Lee Jae-Won / Reuters

Sport

In pictures: Six drivers to watch in the 2014 Formula One season

Jake Badger

March 11, 2014

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Graham Caygill highlights his six drivers – from title contenders to impact rookies to F1’s most underrated wheel man – to keep an eye on for the 2014 Formula One season.

Fernando AlonsoLewis HamiltonF1Sebastian Vettel