'Verstappen and Red Bull are favourites for seven of last eight races'

In the analysis of La Gazzetta dello Sport we look at the duel between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes. Who is the favourite at the upcoming circuits? According to the Italian analysis, Sochi seems to be the last big chance for Mercedes.

In 2021, there is once again a real duel in Formula 1. Red Bull Racing can finally compete with Mercedes this year, and that has created a unique duel between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. There are now eight races left on the calendar, but Russia might be the last real chance for Mercedes.

The Italian newspaper analyses every circuit still on the schedule. Mercedes still has the advantage in Russia, where power counts enormously, but after that, according to the pink newspaper, Red Bull always has the advantage. The team should benefit from the technical sections in Brazil, America and Abu Dhabi, and has been strong in the thin air in Mexico for years.

The new circuits also fall in Red Bull's favour according to the Italians. For example, Red Bull should be very good on the street circuit in Jeddah, just as they were in Monaco and Azerbaijan, and a race on the technical Losail circuit in Qatar should also suit Red Bull. The Turkish Grand Prix was won by Hamilton last year, but again Red Bull gets the advantage.

It all bodes well for Red Bull and Verstappen, but this year has shown that there is no single track at which one team is the favourite. Mercedes won in Hungary and Red Bull took the win in France. It is therefore likely to remain exciting until the end of the season.