Now things start

to get serious

for F1 2020

As happens every year, it seems to take ages before the new Formula 1 launches arrive and then they all come along at once. And this week all the new machines will hit the track at Barcelona for the first test.

Ferrari claims it has gone ‘extreme’ to address the downforce deficit it has suffered in recent seasons (see page 22), while Mercedes has decided to try a few new paths to give its W11 development potential (p28). Our technical editor Jake Boxall-Legge has been joined by world championship-winning engineer Tim Wright on our F1 team and they cast their eyes over the new challengers in this issue. Look out for more from Wright, including a piece on his illustrious career, in future issues of the magazine and on Autosport.com. We also speak to Red Bull’s ‘other’ driver, Alex Albon, about the challenge he faces in 2020 (p34) and investigate the continuing resurgence of McLaren, following the launch of its MCL35. Much was made of the German invasion before the Formula E season began in November, but now it’s a New Zealander and a famous British name that look strong. As our new series correspondent Matt Kew points out on p54, the performance of Mitch Evans and Jaguar in Mexico City means they have to be considered serious contenders for the championship.

● Many congratulations to Elfyn Evans for his victory on Rally Sweden (p48). The event may have been shortened, but he still had to outrun reigning world champion Ott Tanak and his highly lauded Toyota team-mate Sebastien Ogier. Can Evans now launch a title bid?

COVER IMAGES Motorsport Images; Ferrari; Mercedes; Red Bull Content Pool

PIT & PADDOCK 4 Chinese GP out, Vietnam in doubt 7 Barrichello to race at Australian GP 8 Kubica to DTM with ART BMW 11 Rebellion calls time on racing 12 Hamlin wins chaotic Daytona 500 17 Opinion: Alex Kalinauckas 19 Opinion: Andrew van Leeuwen 21 Feedback: your letters

F1 LAUNCHES 22 Ferrari goes ‘extreme’ to topple Mercedes 26 Ferrari SF1000 technical focus 28 Mercedes looks to the future 32 Mercedes W11 technical focus 34 Albon on his 2020 challenge 36 Red Bull RB16 technical focus 38 Can McLaren continue its revival? 40 McLaren MCL35 technical focus 42 AlphaTauri AT01 technical focus 44 Alfa Romeo C39 technical focus 46 Williams FW43 technical focus

RACE CENTRE 48 How Evans stormed to Rally Sweden win 54 Evans and Jaguar learn their FE lessons 61 World of Sport: Toyota Racing Series;

Asian Formula 3

CLUB AUTOSPORT 72 Masters to clamp down on pro drivers 74 Carlin runs new BRDC Formula 3 updates 76 South African ace to National FF1600 77 Opinion: Kevin Turner

FINISHING STRAIGHT 78 What’s on this week 80 From the archive: 1952 500cc F3 82 Autosport 70: Blomqvist wins in Sweden

SUBSCRIPTION OFFER 60 Special deals for Autosport

VISIT AUTOSPORT.COM For other ways to read Britain’s best motorsport weekly

Kevin Turner Editor kevin.turner@autosport.com

NEXT WEEK 27 FEBRUARY Who’s looking good in testing? Our analysis

from Barcelona

20 FEBRUARY 2020 AUTOSPORT.COM 3