In 2020, Mercedes and Red Bull Racing were the strongest teams on the grid, and in 2021 that seems to be the case again. However, where Mercedes had the upper hand in 2020, Jolyon Palmer is taking a bold gamble for 2021.
Tough time for Mercedes
Mercedes has had a tough winter test. The team didn't reach the number of laps of the other teams, wasn't fast enough and above all, the car seemed almost undrivable. The problems Red Bull Racing ran into in 2020 now seem to be a problem for Mercedes.
''Mercedes has had a tough test. Lewis (Hamilton) looked totally uncomfortable with his car, whereas Red Bull has gone in the opposite direction. That car is much more stable than in 2020. The rear is very quiet, something we're not used to from Red Bull,'' Palmer says in his video for Formula1.com.
Verstappen the favourite
''That stable car is going to help Red Bull's second driver a lot. Sergio Perez has more confidence in his car than Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon ever had. In the long run this will also ensure that Max Verstappen will be pushed more.'' Palmer also dares to make a bold prediction, although he does admit that he could also be completely wrong.
''Red Bull starts this season as the favourite. Mercedes will be there and they have certainly been sandbagging, but even then I just see a car that is not comfortable for the drivers. Verstappen really flies when he's in that car. Verstappen is the favourite after the winter test'', concludes the former Formula One driver.