The biggest changes for the 2019 Formula 1 season

There’s been a major buzz around the Red Eye Events office over the past week, and that can only mean one thing; the 2019 Formula 1 season is nearly upon us. Despite the new liveries being on the whole slightly disappointing, they are set to be some of the only consistent factors from last season.

So while the cars take to the track in Barcelona, here’s our guide on what’s new for the 2019 F1 season:

New Regulations

Aimed at making Formula 1 more competitive ahead of the major overhaul in 2021, a number of changes are being made this season which should make the racing closer and more exciting for fans than ever before.

With a simplified front wing, revisions to the rear wing and to barge boards amongst other changes, the objective is to allow cars to follow more closely behind others in the dirty air. We can’t wait to see the impact this has on racing, as it can only lead to more overtaking!

For a full analysis on 2019’s regulation changes, click here.

New Teams (Sort of…)

After 26 years in the sport, 2019 will mark the first year since 1993 that the ‘Sauber’ name has not appeared on the entry list. With Alfa Romeo joining as an official manufacturer, the team takes another step closer to becoming a Ferrari junior team.

Meanwhile, another name will be consigned to the F1 history books in the form of Force India, now officially Racing Point F1, with Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll looking for the team’s first win in 2019.

New Grid

As we noted at the end of last season, only two teams have retained the same driver line-up for 2019. Such a significant shake-up is going to ignite new rivalries throughout the field. With new emerging British talent lining up on the world stage for the first time in the forms of Lando Norris (McLaren) and George Russell (Williams), reigning champion Lewis Hamilton will be eagerly keeping an eye on the next generation of racers looking to take away his crown.

We’re especially excited to see the inter-team battle between Red Bull’s protégé Max Verstappen and the young star Pierre Gasly. Both looking to become Red Bull’s next World Champion, tensions are bound to rise as they seek to assert their position within the team throughout the season. You can watch the sparks fly from within the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Paddock Club™ hospitality by clicking here.

More access to the Monaco GP with Red Eye Events

2019 also sees a number of changes to our offering at Red Eye Events too. We’re delighted to bring the glamour of Monaco to even more fans in 2019 with two new hospitality packages available. The Shangri La Terrace offers amazing views of the starting grid as well as a large majority of the entire circuit. While our Fairmount Spa Hospitality treats guests to some of the principality’s finest cuisine from the hotel’s restaurant, Nobu, as well as overlooking the iconic Monaco hairpin.

As the one Grand Prix every driver wants to win, you can guarantee the racing will be tense amongst the tight and twisting barriers, which you can enjoy in complete luxury. Click here to see our complete list of hospitality options available this season.

New Sponsors

It’s always an exciting time to see new sponsors entering the world of Formula 1. This year we’ve been treated to two in particular that have caused quite a stir within the paddock with their title sponsorship; Rich Energy and Rokit.

The former had previously been linked to a number of teams last season, before settling with the Haas squad for their series debut. Bringing with them a striking black and gold livery, the new energy drinks brand has vowed to take on the established giants Red Bull ‘both on and off the track’.

After their previous title sponsors Martini bowed out at the end of the 2018 season, Claire Williams was thrown a lifeline for her team with the announcement that they had the backing of telecommunications company Rokit. Although not majorly known across European, the brand is already a household name in the USA with its sponsorship of Houston Rockets in the NBA, and Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. Looking to improve its global awareness, Rokit’s chairman seemingly chose to back Williams for 2019 after sharing many common interests.

New Partnerships

One of the most intriguing changes for the 2019 season will be the new partnership between Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and new engine supplier Honda. While its junior team, Toro Rosso, has a year under its belt with the Japanese engine supplier, it's new territory for the Milton Keynes based squad. With two of the sports key talent in its cars, the team cannot afford to languish at the back of the grid either, and must be able to take the fight to both Ferrari and Mercedes as soon as the lights go out in Melbourne.

So with a number of key changes set for the 2019 season, we’re expecting this year to offer fans one of the greatest experiences yet, with fierce battles up and down the grid. Unfortunately, with it looking possible that it could also be the sports last venture to the historic Silverstone Grand Prix amid fears that the venue can no longer afford to host the Grand Prix, we’re eager to see whether Lewis Hamilton can sign off the circuit's illustrious Formula 1 history with a record-breaking sixth win, coming home with the roaring back of the British fans behind him.