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Four F1 drivers with a point to prove in 2015

Sebastian Vettel has come a long way since his Red Bull days. (Image: Supplied)
Roar Guru
9th March, 2015
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The 2015 Formula One season is almost upon us, with the first race of a blockbuster year ahead taking place in Melbourne.

2014 saw some interesting narratives unfold on the driver-front, including Sebastian Vettel’s shock departure from Red Bull for Ferrari, and young Max Verstappen’s elevation to the sport after only a year in single seaters.

Here are four drivers with a point to prove in 2015.

Nico Rosberg
After coming oh-so close to claiming his maiden world championship in 2014, 29-year-old Rosberg is the driver with the most to prove in 2015.

Having been dominated by his world champion teammate Lewis Hamilton 11-5 in the races, Rosberg admitted that his area of improvement has to be his racecraft. That and an improved killer instinct during races could see the German topple his teammate and arch rival in 2015.

If not, Hamilton will waltz to a third title.

Sebastian Vettel
During Vettel’s era of dominance at Red Bull, many said he could not win in another car. This was almost proven last year, when the four-time world champion was consistently out-raced by his younger teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

However with the switch to his dream team, Ferrari, Vettel has the chance to prove his doubters wrong.

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Early signs coming from the Ferrari camp is that the 27-year-old is highly motivated, which could point to a resurgence in his form after a winless 2014 campaign.

Max Verstappen
Formula One’s baby-faced rookie will make his debut at the Australian Grand Prix at the tender age of 17, making him the youngest ever driver to compete in the history of the sport.

His age does not mean he will have it easy; rather the pressure will be on for the Dutchman to vindicate his selection by the big wigs at Red Bull.

With his appointment to a full-time drive at the junior Toro Rosso outfit proving controversial, to the point where the sport’s governing body altered the regulations to stop young drivers jumping straight from a junior category to Formula One, Verstappen will need to demonstrate the merits on which he has been elevated by the energy drinks giant.

Valtteri Bottas
Dubbed the new ‘Flying Finn’ of Formula One, Bottas will be out to win races in 2015.

After a successful 2014 campaign which saw him finish on the podium six times, yielding fourth in the championship, the Williams driver is a leading contender to upset the reigning champions Mercedes AMG for race wins.

Daniel Ricciardo stole three race wins from the Silver Arrows for Red Bull in 2014, despite having a car that second fiddle to the mighty Merc. With Williams expected to be the number two team this year, after the positive indications from winter testing, Bottas may find himself in the same position as his Red Bull counterpart did last year.

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Do these drivers then have what it takes to silence their critics, or perhaps gain new admiration? Will their performances exceed, underwhelm or merely satisfy in 2015?

It’s not long now until the lights go out at Albert Park and we get some answers.

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