Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that of all the rival teams in the Formula 1 paddock, Renault could prove to be the one to watch in 2018.
He said that recent investment in the team and its new driver line-up of Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz would be a big boost.
"Renault will make the biggest step forward for me," Wolff told Motorsport.com this week, during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
"It will use all its resources, and has ambitious drivers with Hulkenberg and Sainz," he explained.
Wolff also expected that the duel between Force India drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon would be "entertaining" again this season.
"Both want to distinguish themselves for bigger things in 2019 so this season is essential for both," he said.
Wolff said that he was curious to see whether the "bold design" of the new Williams would pay off. But he wondered whether the team's two young drivers, Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin, were up to the task ahead.
"Newcomer Sirotkin has little experience, but his speed can make up for it," he mused. "Stroll must be a team leader at 19 in his second year."
Wolff added that "there could be some surprises" from Toro Rosso in its first season with new engine partner Honda. He was also looking forward to seeing what McLaren could do with a Renault power unit in 2018.
"And Sauber with Alfa Romeo is more than just a marketing gimmick," he pointed out. "It has the best wind tunnel in F1, with Leclerc as driver who is regarded as a star of the future. And with Vasseur, a real racer, as team boss."
Obviously, Wolff's main target for the season is to capture another world championship for Mercedes. But he expects the Ferrari challenge to be greater than ever.
He also believes that Red Bull's "great combination of drivers" could be a big factor in this year's title battle.
"The pairing [of Ricciardo and Verstappen] for sure is top," he commented. "If Red Bull remains friendly with Renault it will be a tough opponent."
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