9 Things That Definitely Won't Happen In F1 2016

1. Mercedes at the back

Can you imagine that? Mercedes going from hero to zero, first to last within the space of just a few months. Now that would be a turn up for the books. We doubt Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg would be too happy about it though.

2. Smiley, chatty Iceman

Kimi Raikkonen is renowned for his cool, icy demeanour and chilled personality. It is the reason why he is undoubtedly one of F1’s most popular drivers. But sometimes we just want to see him smile and hear an actual, detailed answer to a question. You never know.

3. Quiet year for Verstappen

Max Verstappen was one of the stars of 2015. In his rookie season, he really shook things up, with some great, ballsy overtakes and battles. A quiet, dull and unexciting second year in the sport seems almost impossible for the 18-year-old.

4. A crash-free season for Maldonado (if he's still around)?

Ha. That’s pretty much impossible, right? While Pastor Maldonado may be a quick driver, he just can’t seem to shake off the inconsistent, error-prone reputation. With a tough year ahead for Renault we don’t expect him to suddenly become a calm-headed racer anytime soon, that’s if he isn’t replaced by Kevin Magnussen.

5. Haas F1 victory

Now that would be an amazing result for a team in its debut season. The Haas F1 outfit will join the grid in 2016 with Ferrari engines and technical assistance. It sounds like a pretty decent set-up for the new American squad and a win would certainly be a fairytale start!

6. Hamilton and Button collaborate

We know three-time champion Hamilton is looking to release a music album in 2016. He even played a snippet of two songs during a recent interview. And we also know how ‘good’ Jenson Button sounded during his rendition of “We Are The Champions” in 2009. So a collaboration seems like the natural next step. If that happens, God help us all.

7. Inoue to make shock return

Taki Inoue is best known for being hit by a recovery vehicle during the 1995 Hungarian Grand Prix. But could a reappearance in F1 change his fortunes around? Imagine if he made a surprise return to the grid, replacing Maldonado mid-season. I’m not sure which driver is worse. Actually scratch that, it’s definitely Inoue.

8. Action-packed practice

I think we would all love to see drivers out on track constantly in practice, making full use of the time available to them. But unless changes come into effect - like cutting down sessions or bringing in regulations forcing drivers to run - it will never happen. So we must prepare for more slow-motion replays, garage shots and clips of fans realising they are on camera just as it pans away.

9. Success for McLaren Honda

After such a disastrous start, McLaren and Honda’s journey to success will clearly be a long one. It may never produce race wins and seeing Button or Fernando Alonso back on the top step of the podium in 2016 is definitely a long shot, even though it would be a great turnaround.