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Spring is in the air and at Walton Bridge Garage the excitement is starting to build. But it has nothing to do with the smell of freshly mown grass or the impending invasion of Daffodils to flower beds across the nation, oh no.

In just over three weeks time, Albert Park in Australia will be alive with the sound of F1 engines, taking their places on the starting grid for the first race of the 2016 season.

It may seem too early to get excited, but all teams have now confirmed their driving duos for 2016 and, we’ve also had a sneak peak at the cars themselves at a test session in Spain.

With Manor F1 opting for Indonesian Rio Haryanto, along with Pascal Wehrlein, Brit Will Stevens and American Alexander Rossi will not make the starting grid for a team this year.

But so we’re all on the same page here is who is driving for who, in 2016.

But what they will be driving? As aforementioned Spain gave us a sneak peak at the motors for this year’s championship.

Mercedez AMG Pertronas

Not much change for Mercdes as they keep things almost identical to 2015.

Scuderia Ferrari – SF16-H

The iconic red of the Ferrari has been given a modern touch for 2016. The additional white around the cockpit certainly looks fresh whilst maintaining the cars past identity.

Williams Martini Racing – FW38

Williams have made the majority of their changes for 2016 below the body. Obviously they have kept it on the D.L for the large part, but say this latest car will perform much better on slow speed circuits – something they haven’t fared to well at in previous seasons. Either way the Martini livery is still one of the sharpest on the circuit.

Red Bull Racing – RB12

Christian Horner has predicted a tough season ahead and one that could see sister Red Bull outfit Torro Rosso triumph over Red Bull Racing on the track. The two have moved a little closer with RBR’s latest car design as well, with the bigger Red Bull brother opting for a Matte finish for this year’s car. Probably the coolest of the bunch!

Sahara Force India – VJM09

There has been such little change to the latest offering from Sahara Force India that Hulkenberg has had to reassure the press that the car has been improved. In fact he’s confident that the changes made could see the team closer to the front of the pack in 2016. Either way we think we prefer the original Force India design, although this one perhaps says “we mean business” a little more.

Renault Sport – RS16

Renault expect to be title challengers in 2016, so have turned a lot of their focus on the engine of their latest car. Even this black and yellow livery is expected to change before the season kicks off in Melbourne.

Scuderia Toro Rosso – STR11

Whilst Red Bull Racing have opted for a matte finish, Toro Rosso aren’t giving much away. This dark blue base layer will no doubt be adorned with various sponsors, fighting for surface inches, come March 20th. That said, Toro Rosso are yet to officially launch their car for 2016, so it could all change.

Sauber F1 – C35

Sauber will be in for another tough season, having only managed eighth in the constructors standings last year. This isn’t even their latest model of motor, just the updated livery on the old car as the new model isn’t ready until March. Talk about cutting it close. They’re saying their prayers that a new Ferrari power unit could be their saving grace, but it will also depend on how the likes of Haas and Manor perform.

McLaren-Honda – MP4-31

Potentially a knock on of last season, Mclaren-Honda have done little to the aesthetics of their car. They’ve kept the effervescent redish orange design to compliment the dark base coat. Honda have apparently upped their engine game over the winter but this is being played down all round, so only time will tell.

Manor Racing – MRT05

With Bianchi having secured Manor’s only ever points in 2014, they’ll be keen to add to the tally this time round. The outfit have signed a technical deal with Williams and engines from Mercedes, so are optimistic about the coming season.  The design itself has received mix reviews although you can’t blame them for trying something different and, looking at the snooze fest of designs this year, fair play to them for trying something different.

Haas F1 – VF16

This brand new American outfit have kitted themselves out with a lot of Ferrari parts and are hoping for points this season. The design itself seems to scream American, but not in a good way if you ask us. Looks like something sponsored by Nasa.

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