Nick Heidfeld came to F1 with a reputation that reminded many of fellow German Michael Schumacher.
Robert Kubica started his adventures on four wheels at the age of four when he was allowed to drive a small off-road vehicle on land around at his parents' home.
In spite of his publicity-shy nature, Kimi Raikkonen has been in the spotlight ever since his controversial arrival on the grid.
Once regarded as the 'enfant terrible' of F1, Felipe Massa has come into his own with Ferrari.
Giancarlo Fisichella moves to Force India in 2008 having failed to capitalise last season after being made Renault's number one driver.
Adrian Sutil is set to stay on at Force India, formerly Spyker, in 2008 after impressing his team bosses during last year's Championship.
After the highs of 2006, which saw Jenson Button claim his first grand prix win, the Briton's results hit an all-time low in 2007.
Following the death of Ayrton Senna in 1994, Rubens Barrichello inherited the hopes of Brazil's F1 fans.
Just one season into his F1 career and Lewis Hamilton is already being billed as a future multiple World Champion.
Heikki Kovalainen's F1 career may have had a bad start, but by the end of 2007 he was being billed as a future World Champion.
'Good but not good enough' is perhaps destined to be the epitaph of David Coulthard's F1 career.
Once considered to be Michael Schumacher's heir apparent, Mark Webber has done little so far to live up to those lofty expectations.
Fast becoming one of F1's leading lights, a disappointing 2007 season has left Fernando Alonso's reputation somewhat sullied.
Nelson Piquet Jr. enters his rookie season in F1 with a great deal of expectation resting on his shoulders as the son of a former World Champion.
Takuma Sato may not be the best Formula One driver on the grid, but his tendency to crash into barriers and other cars have certainly made him one of the most talked about.
Anthony Davidson is eagerly awaiting for his second full season in F1 with Super Aguri, but points are needed if he wants to retain his race seat.
Seldom has one driver's arrival in F1 being so hotly anticipated as that of four-time ChampCar Champion Sebastien Bourdais.
Jarno's background, like many of his F1 peers, is in karting, where he was regarded as one of the finest talents to grace the sport.
Timo Glock is making his return to F1 this season with Toyota having clinched the GP2 series in 2007.
Nico Rosberg certainly has the pedigree and the talent to make it in Formula One, but as others have shown life isn't easy when the comparisons start rolling in.
Kazuki Nakajima is gearing up for his first full season in F1 having been appointed Williams' second driver for the 2008 season.
The British driver gives his reaction to Super Aguri's F1 withdrawal.
The best of the action from Sunday's retirement-packed GP in Barcelona
McLaren give us the lowdown on how they hone their pit stop skills.