3 Things to look out for as the 2021 F1 season resumes
F1 in 2021 has been scintillating so far. This year is one for the ages, with past legends returning to glory, new stars rising, and one of the fiercest battles for the championship ever. And we are only half of the way through. Here are the three things that you need to watch out for, from the end of the summer break in Belgium to the curtain falling with a chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.
The Driver Market
‘Silly Season’ has begun - it’s time for those without contracts to sort out what they are doing next year. In this game of musical chairs, the music tends to stop once the most competitive seat is taken. Toto Wolff, therefore, has control of the pause button - when he decides between Valtteri Bottas and George Russell, the puzzle will fall into place. Who will he pick? Most think Russell and I tend to agree.
If that’s the case, Bottas will be in high demand. There only seems to be spaces at Williams and Alfa Romeo, two of the least competitive teams this year. Will the Finn take a risk on the regulation changes next year, shaking up the grid, or will he call it a day in F1 and go rallying? Perhaps the answer to that question will impact the future of another Finn, Kimi Raikkonen. Or perhaps not. I sense that this, sadly, will be his last season in F1. New talent will join F1 next year, and there is plenty to choose from. I can see Nick De Vries going to Williams and Callum Ilott joining Alfa Romeo if there is room at an inn.
When will Toto make the call? Will he leave it late to avoid a demotivated Bottas, or will he announce it early to give his driver time to find a new employer? I suspect Russell’s contract has been signed already, but it won’t be announced until Bottas’ future is sorted.
The Ferrari Resurgence
From what I hear, Ferrari has an engine upgrade on the way, just in time for Belgium and, crucially for them, Italy. The Prancing Horse’s engine being pegged back was why Ferrari lost so much ground to their rivals in 2020, so any improvements for Ferrari may allow them to catch McLarens and even the Mercedes and Red Bulls.
Ferrari has shown decent pace in the first half of the season, but a tendency to go through their tyres too quickly has held them back. Despite these issues, Ferrari could have won in Monaco and Silverstone. F1 needs Ferrari at the sharp end of the grid. If the Scuderia can get their act together, they could add an Italian ingredient to the already exquisite concoction in the battle for Grand Prix victories.
The Title Battle
The bout between the legend of Lewis Hamilton and the pretender that is Max Verstappen has been compelling throughout the season so far, and it doesn't look set to end. We should expect more fireworks between the two drivers and controversy between the two teams. I have already predicted that there will be a coming together at the next race in Spa - you can read or hear more of that in the Hungarian GP report and podcast.
The drivers' championship is on a knife-edge, making it very difficult to call. If I had to choose one, Hamilton just pips Verstappen - he's rich in championship battle experience, meaning that he will play a better percentage game in however many races remain. You've also got to factor in the looming engine penalties that Red Bull and Verstappen seem destined for. That being said, Mercedes could hit similar trouble as the season goes on. I wonder, too, whether a resurgent Ferrari will take points off the rivals, making the supporting cast just as essential to the conclusion as the protagonists.
Whoever comes out on top in this battle of the ages will deserve the title. We have the pleasure of watching how it unfolds, so enjoy it and come back for more news and views from the other analysts and me as Hamilton vs Verstappen resumes.