5 things to expect from the 2016 Formula One season

#3 Toro Rosso could give drivers a scare

Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz will have Ferrari engines this year

Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso has seen some of the sport’s best drivers pass through its ranks, most notably among them 4-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel. 2015 saw two strong drivers in Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr,

Verstappen in particular was the standout star of the 2015 season, with former team boss Eddie Jordan comparing the young teen to Michael Schumacher. All of 17 when he made his Formula One debut, Verstappen saw some pacey racing and even a fifth place finish – twice during the year.

What particularly caught the eye of former racers, fans and critics was Verstappen’s consummate skill at overtaking – something Schumacher himself was famous for.

Given that both Toro Rosso and Red Bull were on Renault engines last year, engines that were unreliable and posed both teams serious problems. Both Ricciardo and Kvyat took multiple grid penalties through the season for engine changes, and the Toro Rossos had repeated electrical issues – developments that make Verstappen’s achievements even more significant.

Following a contentious 2015 with the French engine manufacturers, Red Bull looked to sever ties with Renault, with principal Christian Horner approaching both Mercedes and Ferrari for engines. While both rejected Red Bull, Ferrari agreed to provide Scuderia Toro Rosso with engines this season.

With what is likely to be a significantly better engine than last year’s and perhaps that of their teammates, Verstappen and Sainz could shake up the grid and be serious competition for the experienced Ricciardo and Kvyat.