We all love Formula One but there is no getting away from the fact that drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton winding their careers down leaves a big hole in the global appeal of the sport. It’s not a void that can be easily filled but it is an ever-moving cycle though.
Here we look at five drivers who could become a household name over the next decade.
Number 5. Dan Ticktum
The life of a professional sportsman generally has its ups and downs. They regularly have controversial moments as well. It just so happens that Ticktum has managed it all in just a few short years. Before he’s hit the big time too. There is little argument that the 21-year-old has talent, which is backed up by his wins at Macau in 2017 and 2018, but his own actions have seen his career swerve off track.
Leaving Red Bull wasn’t exactly part of the plan but it might be exactly what Ticktum needs. If he gets his head down and does his talking on the track for DAMS then someone may well give him the chance to step up.
Number 4. Yuki Tsunoda
Tsunoda, 20, has already won the FIA-F4 championship but his eyes are now on much bigger prizes and he has a black and white set of targets to measure his progress along the way. Not only does he want to claim glory in F2 and F3 before making it to the top but he’s been open in saying he dreams of breaking “all of the F1 records”.
Huge ambitions, yes, but we’re not sure we’d take that bet at any odds. That said, a career in F1 is very much a realistic target for the Japanese driver.
Number 3. Callum Ilott
Ilott is only 21-years-old but he has 13 years of competitive racing under his belt having entered karting contests from the age of 8. He excelled in the karts with several big prizes under his belt long before hitting the UK’s legal driving age.
He missed out on a place in the top 10 last season by just three points but a move to UNI-Virtuosi, who finished runners up in the team’s championship in 2019, should see him even more competitive when things get under way in the coming weeks.
Number 2. Mick Schumacher
If you’re not an avid follower of racing further down the pyramid you might think that Mick Schumacher is in this list purely for the fact he is the son of the legendary Michael Schumacher, who won seven world titles in his time. He’s not though.
In fact, Schumacher Jr. was so desperate to make it on merit that for years he raced under the surname Betsch, which is his mother’s maiden name. He’s a slick racer and already has a title to his name in the shape of the F3 European Championship. A year in F2 has seen his development continue in the Ferrari Academy but he was well off the top pack. Don’t read too much into that though, he’s still tasted the satisfaction of podium finishes and is fully expected to kick on again this season.
Number 1. Robert Shwartzman
That is right, at number one is Schumacher’s teammate, Robert Shwartzman. He’s only 20-years-old – although he looks even younger – but he’s destined for the big time. He dominated F3 in 2019 with three race wins and 10 podiums as the only driver to break the 200 point mark.
He’s known for his ruthless and aggressive style and although he’s stepping up a level for 2020 don’t expect him to be intimidated by anyone. Given half the chance, he’ll be looking for the overtake and, even if he doesn’t win the title, he’s guaranteed to bring some excitement to race day.
There you have it, five names to keep an eye on over the next 12 to 24 months. And if you love the racing part of F1, you might also be interested in horse racing. Take a look at the best Kentucky Derby odds here while you wait for the F1 to return: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/odds
Leave a Reply