FIVE Things To Look Out For In 2021 In Formula 1

We may have only just welcomed in the new year but we are already looking forward to the start of a new Formula 1 season. 2020 threw up plenty of surprises but 2021 looks to be just as promising with new drivers, new tracks and new challenges in store. Here’s five things to look out for in the world of F1 this year!

To be confirmed 

With only a few months until the start of the season, we still don’t have a fully complete calendar despite the return to a more traditional schedule. The one remaining slot is on the 25th of April, previously occupied by the Vietnam Grand Prix. The race which was initally due to debut in 2020 was removed from the calendar after a key official was arrested on corruption charges. Portimao and Istanbul Park have both been touted as possible replacements and both would go down well with fans after they provided plenty of drama last season. Or could we go somewhere else? Maybe a return to Germany at Hockenheim or the Nurburgring? Wherever it is fans will be hoping it will provide plenty of entertainment.

The midfield battle

We say it almost every year but the midfield battle is set to be another fascinating one. Last year it went down to the wire as McLaren came out on top. With the new signing of Daniel Ricciardo as well as the continued development of Lando Norris they’re well placed to defend their title of best of the rest. Aston Martin will be hoping to mount another challenge after a strong display in 2020 as Racing Point. Ferrari’s 2020 was lackluster but with Carlos Sainz joining Charles Leclerc they’ll be hoping to return the top end of the grid, let alone challenging for midfield supremacy. And then there’s Alpine who will be welcoming back a familiar face...

Alonso’s Return

Fernando Alonso is back after a two year break and he’ll be hoping to mix things up as he returns with Alpine. The Spaniard’s desire cannot be questioned as he always maintained he’d only return if he had a competitive car, so Cyril Abiteboul and the team at Alpine must be hopeful of some positive results. Alonso will be the second oldest driver on the grid, second only to Kimi Raikkonen and after two years out it remains to be seen if he can still compete with the best. Nevertheless his race craft and ability cannot be questioned and his return provides another fascinating narrative for the upcoming season.

Three new rookies

There are three new rookies in the pinnacle of motorsport, Yuki Tsunoda will drive for Alpha Tauri, whilst Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin. Tsunoda arrives with high praise from Helmut Marko, so it will be interesting to see if he can live up to expectations and thrive in the pressure cooker that is the Red Bull and Alpha Tauri setup. The Schumacher name returns to F1 as Mick makes his F1 debut and it’ll be interesting to see how he goes at Haas who have struggled in the last two season. And then there’s Mazepin who’s position is still in doubt following videos he posted on social media last month. However, if the Russian keeps his place will we see his aggresive style of defending like we did in Formula 2? 

Can Hamilton surpass Schumacher?

And finally the biggest story of the season looks like it will be whether Lewis Hamilton can move out on his own as the most succesful driver in Formula 1 history. The Brit can record an eighth World Championship and pass Michael Schumacher, with the two legends of the sport both tied on seven. In recent years Hamilton has withstood early pressure from Valtteri Bottas to earn his titles so he can expect the Finn to be his nearest rival again. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will be hoping Honda can power them to a challenge, but Hamilton starts as strong favourite!