Virtually all NR2003 fans appreciate oval racing. It's something most people who still use a NASCAR sim from 2003 are deeply invested in. But across the Atlantic, an entirely different form of motorsport is king: the lean, mean open-wheeled machines of Formula One. Coming into the 2018 World Championship, the paddock was rife with rumours and discussions of the season to come- with the primary story being the title showdown between the top teams of Mercedes and Ferrari.
This mock season will be run as frequently as possible, with practice, qualifying and race sessions occurring in the same post. I will attempt to stay as true to the 2018 schedule as I can, unless the track does not exist for NR2003- in which case I will use a suitable replacement. There will be plenty of info to come, so get ready for us to go lights out with the Australian Grand Prix!
PRE-SEASON HEADLINES:
Vettel and Hamilton Battle for Fifth Drivers' Championship:
With Mercedes and Ferrari set to be locked in a battle for the title, the two drivers in the spotlight would be the teams' main competitors of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, respectively. Both exceedingly talented, they've achieved four championships apiece and both will surely be looking to take home a fifth. Hamilton and Mercedes have dominated the field for the past four years- can Vettel usurp the Silver Arrows' reign and earn title number 5?
Formula 2 Champion Leclerc Looks to Earn Stripes in Rookie Season:
As the reigning champion of Formula 2 (the primary feeder series of F1), rookie Charles Leclerc is ready to tackle the responsibilities that come with racing in the highest tier of open-wheel motorsport. The young Monegasque driver, who has signed with Sauber for the 2018 season, hasn't had it easy despite his F2 dominance- the passing of his father late last year just as he was in contract talks with teams has affected him deeply, but he looks to overcome his struggles and show the world he belongs in Formula One.
Haas Strengthen Ties with Ferrari for 2018
One of the newest teams in the field since their entry into F1 two years previously, the American-based constructor are looking to grow closer to Ferrari this season. Despite being on the third rung of the Scuderia's partnerships, Haas are striving to improve their results with stronger links to the team- already having gathered attention for the unveiling of their 2018 car, bearing stark similarities to Ferrari's 2017 unit. Regardless of potential controversy, team principal Gene Haas has stated their mission "is to continue to grow and move forward as the season progresses" and to "expect good things from both drivers". Expectations will be high for them this year.
FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP- CLASS OF 2018
Front Row (L-R): Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen
Middle Row (L-R): Sergey Sirotkin, Lance Stroll, Stoffel Vandoorne, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz Jr., Nico Hulkenberg, Sergio Perez, Esteban Ocon
Back Row (L-R): Romain Grosjean, Kevin Magnussen, Marcus Ericsson, Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Brendon Hartley
This mock season will be run as frequently as possible, with practice, qualifying and race sessions occurring in the same post. I will attempt to stay as true to the 2018 schedule as I can, unless the track does not exist for NR2003- in which case I will use a suitable replacement. There will be plenty of info to come, so get ready for us to go lights out with the Australian Grand Prix!
PRE-SEASON HEADLINES:
Vettel and Hamilton Battle for Fifth Drivers' Championship:
With Mercedes and Ferrari set to be locked in a battle for the title, the two drivers in the spotlight would be the teams' main competitors of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, respectively. Both exceedingly talented, they've achieved four championships apiece and both will surely be looking to take home a fifth. Hamilton and Mercedes have dominated the field for the past four years- can Vettel usurp the Silver Arrows' reign and earn title number 5?
Formula 2 Champion Leclerc Looks to Earn Stripes in Rookie Season:
As the reigning champion of Formula 2 (the primary feeder series of F1), rookie Charles Leclerc is ready to tackle the responsibilities that come with racing in the highest tier of open-wheel motorsport. The young Monegasque driver, who has signed with Sauber for the 2018 season, hasn't had it easy despite his F2 dominance- the passing of his father late last year just as he was in contract talks with teams has affected him deeply, but he looks to overcome his struggles and show the world he belongs in Formula One.
Haas Strengthen Ties with Ferrari for 2018
One of the newest teams in the field since their entry into F1 two years previously, the American-based constructor are looking to grow closer to Ferrari this season. Despite being on the third rung of the Scuderia's partnerships, Haas are striving to improve their results with stronger links to the team- already having gathered attention for the unveiling of their 2018 car, bearing stark similarities to Ferrari's 2017 unit. Regardless of potential controversy, team principal Gene Haas has stated their mission "is to continue to grow and move forward as the season progresses" and to "expect good things from both drivers". Expectations will be high for them this year.
FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP- CLASS OF 2018
Front Row (L-R): Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen
Middle Row (L-R): Sergey Sirotkin, Lance Stroll, Stoffel Vandoorne, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz Jr., Nico Hulkenberg, Sergio Perez, Esteban Ocon
Back Row (L-R): Romain Grosjean, Kevin Magnussen, Marcus Ericsson, Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Brendon Hartley