Following two pulsating opening rounds to the 2021 season, Formula One heads to the Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal, for the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix.
With just one point splitting Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship, it is all to play for as F1 returns to Portimao which now could play host to Hamilton’s 100th pole position like it did for his historic 92nd race win in 2020.
Further back, McLaren continue their battle against Ferrari whilst several teams look to ignite their seasons after a shaky start to this season.
Track Guide
Circuit: Algarve International Circuit
Laps: 66
Race Distance: 306.826km
Tyre Compounds: C1, C2 & C3
Schedule
| Date | Session | UK Time (BST) |
| Friday 30 April | FP1 | 11:30am |
| Friday 30 April | FP2 | 3:00pm |
| Saturday 1 May | FP3 | 12:00pm |
| Saturday 1 May | Qualifying | 3:00pm |
| Sunday 2 May | Race | 3:00pm |
Five Key Points
- Having dominated this race weekend last year, Mercedes should expect a tougher battle this time round given how closer Red Bull are in pace this season.
- With very few slow speed corners around this track, we should expect to see McLaren right in the mix this weekend towards the front of the grid.
- Should we see track conditions for Qualifying similar to last October, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some drivers attempt their final Q3 runs on medium tyres.
- Expect to see an interesting race start if the mediums take a while to warm up like in 2020 compared to the softs which were initially quicker off the line.
- Having taken a huge step forward at Imola, Williams will be hoping for another positive weekend to consolidate their improved progress.
Last Time Out
2020 saw F1 visit Portimao for the first time with Hamilton snatching pole on the medium tyre compound, before surviving a damp start in which then McLaren driver – Carlos Sainz briefly led the race ahead of Bottas.
Hamilton eventually forced his way to the front on lap 20 before controlling the race to the flag, thereby clinching his record-breaking 92nd race victory in F1 as Bottas finished second ahead of Verstappen, who survived a first lap tangle with Sergio Perez.
Race Recaps
If missed any of the two previous rounds of the 2021 season, please click on the links below to catch up on the missed action.