F1 2016: IBTimes UK writers give their predictions on the Formula One season ahead

George Flood

World drivers' champion: Lewis Hamilton

Nico Rosberg will be as motivated as ever to overthrow his teammate and rival after a strong finish to the 2015 season, but few would bet against reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton. He took his foot off the gas after sealing the title in Austin last year, but that will not affect his start this time around.

World constructors' champion: Mercedes

The Silver Arrows remain streets ahead of the rest of the field, and although Ferrari set the fastest lap times during pre-season testing they still have a way to go in terms of reliability and consistency.

Signing of the off-season: Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso

For McLaren to have retained the services of former world champions Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso despite their horrendous performance last season must be seen as quite the coup.

Greatest hope

That the sport becomes more competitive in 2016 and Ferrari capitalise on their winter pace to pose a genuine season-long threat.

Greatest fear

Ferrari fail to prove even a thorn in the side and Mercedes cruise unchallenged to yet another championship double. Formula One's reputation has taken a sizeable hit over recent years and there is a desperate need for greater, sustained competition at the front of the grid.

Josh Evans

World drivers' champion: Lewis Hamilton

Despite an ever-increasing number of off-track distractions, it is impossible to look past three-time champion Lewis Hamilton. The Brit has the car, talent and all-important know-how to achieve back-to-back championship wins with the Mercedes AMG Petronas team, just ahead of teammate Nico Rosberg.

World constructors' champions: Mercedes

Ferrari appear to have closed the gap on the Mercedes team during the off-season. However, the Italians are still likely to be trailing in the rear-view mirror of the Mercedes duo, Hamilton and Rosberg, once again.

Signing of the off-season: Joylon Palmer

Sadly, the off-season has been devoid of any huge transfers. But from a British viewpoint, I am looking forward to seeing the former GP2 series champion Jolyon Palmer drive for the reborn Renault team.

Greatest hope

That Ferrari provide a stern test of Mercedes this season. The lack of competition at the summit of the constructor standings last year did little for the sport's reputation in the minds of casual fans.

Greatest fear

Above all else, I hope the off-track narrative is not driven by the childish squabbles between Hamilton and Rosberg. Their petty in-fighting has detracted from their own excellence in recent times.

Nick Howson

World drivers' champion: Sebastian Vettel

Fastest in five of the eight pre-season testing days, Ferrari can be a force to be reckoned with this season. An increasingly tempestuous partnership in the Mercedes garage should allow the German to add a fifth world title, and first since his move to the Italian conglomerate.

World constructors' champions: Mercedes

Even if Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton's relationship does implode, Mercedes showed in Spain they again have the reliability to once again challenge. They may not last the pace in the title race but the foundations remain for another impressive season.

Signing of the off-season: Kevin Magnussen

Undervalued at McLaren, the Dane is back on the grid in 2016 with a new-look Renault. One podium came in 19 races in his maiden campaign two years ago but the exciting 23-year-old can be trusted to lead a new era.

Greatest hope

That someone gets their claws in Hamilton and stifles his path from national treasure to moronic celebrity shoulder-rubbing gloating tax-dodger.

Greatest fear

The FIA continue on their one-body power trip after the new qualifying system was sanctioned without the consultation of the drivers, and continue to ruin a sport whose reputation is in tatters.

Tony Mogan

World drivers' champion: Nico Rosberg

While Hamilton clinched his second consecutive championship with three races to go last season, it was Rosberg who dominated the end of the 2015 campaign, winning pole in each of the last three. If he can avoid the unfortunate mid-season setbacks of last year he can capitalise on any overconfidence from Hamilton.

World constructors' champions: Mercedes

There is little doubt that Ferrari will be the best placed team to dethrone the reigning champions and the signs were clear last season they are making ground. 2016 will be another Mercedes year, however.

Signing of the off-season: Romain Grosjean

Haas F1 will become the first American-based team to take the grid since 1986 and have brought the 29-year-old Frenchman with them to spearhead a hugely ambitious, yet exciting challenge. One of F1's most underrated drivers, the former Lotus man could now have the competitive backing he needs.

Greatest hope

Daniel Ricciardo rediscovers the form of his breakout 2014 campaign and builds on his reputation as one of the most exciting drivers on the grid.

Greatest fear

Nico Rosberg fails to build on his rampaging end to 2015 and the season turns out to be another procession on the grid led by Hamilton.

Pradhan Muthanna

World drivers' champion: Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes' advantage over their rivals in terms of speed and reliability and the Briton's ability to get the best out of the car on a consistent basis makes him the outstanding candidate for a third title in a row. Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel will be his main challengers, if Ferrari have made a significant step forward since last season.

World constructors' champions: Mercedes

Due to the reliability they displayed during their race simulation runs in testing at the Circuit de Catalunya before the start of the season. It will aid them in consistently finishing with a high number of points at every race.

Signing of the off-season: Jock Clear

A senior engineer, who worked as Hamilton's performance engineer and with Michael Schumacher at Mercedes, who has joined Ferrari for the 2016 season as the head of race engineering operations.

Greatest hope

Ferrari and Williams catching Mercedes and challenging them on a regular basis during race days and as a result the title race being between drivers from multiple teams.

Greatest fear

McLaren-Honda having another season battling the cars at the wrong end of the grid. They had a campaign to forget in 2015, and will hope that they can challenge the midfield runners and even score points.