Hakkinen: "Mercedes and Racing Point form a strong strategic partnership"

The situation in which Racing Point now finds itself is very interesting. It puts them in a position to compete fairly competitively at the head of the midfield, but at the same time Renault questions the way the car is built. With changes in the team in 2021 and the strong development they have gone through, it could become a fourth top team. At least that's what Mika Hakkinen says in his column for Unibet.

Important development in Formula 1

"Strategically I think the performance of Racing Point is a really important development in Formula 1." Writes Hakkinen referring to the collaboration they now have with Mercedes, which is bearing fruit. From 2021 the team will also be renamed Aston Martin and that party is already working intensively with Mercedes outside the sport. That could make for an exciting future.

"Potentially this means that Ferrari and Red Bull Racing now face a very strong pair of strategic partners in Mercedes and Aston Martin, and we are already seeing signs of how beneficial this relationship is. With Ferrari having a less competitive car, and Red Bull also facing some problems, they now have Racing Point to beat as well as Mercedes."

Business Fight

This could become an even greater challenge next year if the collaboration between Mercedes and Aston Martin intensifies and they continue to have a strong car. By the way, Hakkinen acknowledges that this really is part of Formula 1. It's not just a sporting fight, it's also a business fight.

"The driver’s job is to drive flat out, but away from the racing the business deals between teams, shareholders, engine suppliers and manufacturers have a significant influence on the sport. Ferrari and Red Bull have work to do in every area if they are to challenge Mercedes consistently any time soon", said the former F1 driver and champion of 1998 and 1999.