Formula 1 makes its return this weekend, with the Australian Grand Prix marking the start of the 2015 season.
Thirteen of the drivers who will be on the grid in Melbourne (some 65 percent of the field) cut their teeth in Formula Renault before stepping up to the highest level. Here is the list:
- Kimi Räikkönen: Formula Renault 2.0 UK champion in 2000
- Felipe Massa: Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Italy champion in 2000
- Lewis Hamilton: Formula Renault 2.0 UK champion in 2003
- Romain Grosjean: Formula Renault 2.0 France champion in 2005
- Pastor Maldonado: third in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2006
- Sebastian Vettel: competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2007
- Valtteri Bottas: Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion in 2008
- Daniel Ricciardo: Formula Renault 3.5 Series rookie of the year in 2010
- Daniil Kvyat: Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 runner-up in 2012
- Kevin Magnussen: Formula Renault 3.5 Series champion in 2013
- Roberto Merhi: third in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2014
- Will Stevens: sixth in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2014
- Carlos Sainz: Formula Renault 3.5 Series champion in 2014