With 2021 now arrived, attention switches towards the new Formula One season so we take a look at five burning questions set to be answered in coming months.
This season could see F1 history created with a eight-time champion mixed in with new rookies and the return of a motorsport legend amongst various themes.
We therefore are bringing you a glimpse of five burning F1 questions set to be answered throughout 2021, starting with a taste of potential record-breaking history in the sport.
Hamilton Looks to Create History
2021 could well be the year in which Formula One history is made as Lewis Hamilton looks to become a record-breaking eight-time world champion.
Although he is currently out of contract, Hamilton is widely expected to sign a new contract at Mercedes in a season which sees the regulations largely stay the same, with exception of reduced downforce and the ban of Mercedes’ dual-axis steering.
Pirelli are also bringing new tyres next season rather than stick with 2019 compounds for a third consecutive season, which will certainly be a challenge for Hamilton and Mercedes to adapt to after struggling with the prototype tests in Portugal and Bahrain towards end of last season.
You therefore have to seriously bet on Hamilton breaking the all-time F1 championships record because with cars staying relatively similar, he and Mercedes will once again be the pair to beat with only tyres likely to ruin his dreams of an eighth title if he struggles with the new compound.
Perez Takes On Verstappen
Sergio Perez this season switches to Red Bull after achieving his best-ever season in 2020 with a fourth-placed championship finish and maiden victory in his final campaign at Racing Point.
It is therefore little surprise that Max Verstappen is set for a tougher fight because although he is Red Bull’s number one driver, Perez has the experience needed to run the 23 year-old closer than Alex Albon or Pierre Gasly did in the last two seasons.
It is therefore hard to not anticipate a fierce battle between youth and experience because Verstappen will be looking to mount a title challenge, whilst Perez knows that this is his shot at showing his potential in a top car and his overall progress since his failed McLaren stint in 2013.
Throw in Perez’s extensive knowledge of running in a Mercedes powered car and the Mexican could well be a key figure in the development of Red Bull’s car in their final season under Honda power.
McLaren to Push On in Resurgence
After scrapping their way to third in 2020 in a Renault powered car, McLaren will be looking to kick on as they return to Mercedes power after a six season absence.
Although patience will required as the team adapts to their new power unit and consequent car changes, McLaren have two top drivers in Lando Norris and the newly arriving Daniel Ricciardo from Renault who will certainly be tough opposition, particularly once the car is up to full potential yet the perfect combo from a media and sponsor perspective.
2021 therefore might feel like a season of transition for many with all-new technical regulations to come in from 2022, yet it is one which could be key to McLaren’s resurgence given Norris’ potential and Ricciardo’s experience in challenging cars.
Either way, McLaren will be a team to watch throughout 2021 as they alongside Aston Martin (formerly, Racing Point) look to begin pushing Red Bull harder than they did in 2020.
Mick Schumacher Makes F1 Bow
2021 sees all change at Haas with an all rookie lineup but the biggest questions will be swirling around Mick Schumacher, as he looks to follow in his father’s (Michael) F1 footsteps.
Schumacher arrives in F1 as the reigning F2 champion despite views of some fans arguing that Ilott deserves the seat more on overall merit, so the pressure is on the German to prove doubters wrong and especially in terms of qualifying pace after failing to take a single Feature Race pole in F2.
This season though is set to be tough for him at Haas who struggled to extract potential from their cars under the experienced Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen, which adds further pressure for Schumacher to not only justify his seat but also Haas’ double firing of experience in favour of youth.
Schumacher is also set to benefit from the experience of Ferrari’s Jock Clear who takes on a deeper role in 2021, working with every young driver on the Scuderia programme to analyse and work out where each driver needs to improve their skills from braking to tyre management plus more.
With Ferrari also loaning out more of their staff to Haas this season, pressure will definitely be on Schumacher to deliver although the benchmark is likely low given that the American team only amassed three points in 2020.
Alonso Returns
2021 sees Fernando Alonso make his F1 return after a two-season absence as he re-joins Renault for a third stint at Enstone.
Speaking at the time on his return, Alonso described Renault as “my family” but at the age of 39 years-old, questions will be asked of whether Alonso has the speed to again enjoy success seen at the peak of his F1 career.
Add in the fact that Renault have a poor record in promoting their young drivers to the main team, F1 critics certainly will be watching Alonso’s return closer given that some might feel that Renault ought to of promoted Guanyu Zhou or Christian Lundgaard with long-term vision ahead of new 2022 regulations.
Esteban Ocon meanwhile will be expected to match if not better Alonso given that he is set to be the key continuity link from last season, following Ricciardo’s exit and is currently approaching the peak of his career as Renault look to continue their revival.
2021 therefore will provide us with the answer as to whether Alonso still has the quality needed to deliver in F1, or determine that he is wasting a seat that could go to fresh talent.
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