Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

Much is expected of the one-time baby-faced assassin now that he has followed the trail blazed by mentor Michael Schumacher and joined Ferrari. Just as Schumacher made the move after establishing himself a champion with two titles at previously unsung Benetton, Vettel switched from Red Bull after winning four with an unfancied team that sprung to glory from an industrial suburb of Milton Keynes courtesy of the design genius of Adrian Newey. Last year's new regulations ended that domination and exposed both Renault and Vettel's marginal weaknesses, but that should not detract from the fact that he remains one of the greatest and fastest drivers of his generation.

Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)

The Australian with F1's most dazzling grin and sunniest disposition stunned many observers last year with his speed and race-craft in his first season at Red Bull alongside four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. He did so well, out-performing the German comprehensively with unexpected speed and consistency, that Vettel's glossy reputation lost its luster and he was soon lining up his exit to replace Alonso at Ferrari. This season will be a bigger test for Ricciardo as he has a fast new threatening teammate in Daniil Kvyatt to contend with and carries the responsibility of being team leader at the tender age of 25.