I think it's fair to say that the 2020 F1 season was underwhelming, to say the least, with the only 2 major stories being Russell's rollercoaster weekend at Mercedes and Romain Grosjean's immortalisation as the man who walked out of fire. With fans growing increasingly tired of Mercedes dominance, the FIA has finally put a cap on team spending, meaning we should see a much more intriguing F1 season heading into 2021, and if all goes to plan, we might even see new drivers and constructors world champions by the season's end.
Hamilton vs Verstappen
2021 not only represents the worlds hopeful exit from Covid-19 but also could be the year where Hamilton actually has to overtake another car. As the most successful driver in F1 history, most of the past decade has had fans watch Hamilton lead a glorified parade for 60 laps before taking the chequered flag. However, Red Bull and Verstappen see 2021 as their best shot at ending Mercedes 7 year streak as constructors champions. The introduction of the spending cap should theoretically bring the constructors closer together and pitch Verstappen head-to-head with Hamilton in a drivers championship that should hopefully go down to the wire in Abu-Dhabi. I doubt this rivalry will reach the heights of Senna vs Prost or Lauda vs Hunt, but as an F1 fan starved of watchable Grand Prix, I'll take it.
Ferrari Struggles
Disaster. Catastrophe. Tragedy. Just some of the words I could think of when trying to describe Ferrari's 2021 season. However, with a fresh driver line-up and a newfound plucky attitude, is a shot back to the top in the cards for the Italian supergiant? Well, with no additional funding and few changes allowed to be made to last years car, I wouldn't expect a massive turnaround to last years performance. Leclerc expects Ferrari to be battling with the midfield for places against Alpine, Aston Martin and Alpha Tauri, but expects himself to be pushing for podiums. In a recent interview, the Monaco wonder-kind stated "For me, if I've got a car where I feel sixth is the best place we can do - I'm not saying it's the case for this year it's just an example - but if sixth is the best I can do, I'm extremely motivated to try and do third, second or first".
It's a slightly backhanded statement from Ferrari's number one driver but the truth often speaks volumes and sets a harsh reality for Ferrari fans who hoped for a quick return to the top.
Russell's Final Mercedes Audition
Diminishing contracts and a stellar audition in Bahrain has placed George Russell at the very top of Mercedes most wanted list and is the favourite to occupy one of the Silver Arrows from 2022. He has been both consistent and impressive in the Williams for the first two seasons of his young F1 career and many still believe that he is a future world champion. This includes George himself as he has stated "I got a small taste of being at the front. I believe in myself. I believe I am capable". In reality, his name is probably already on a Mercedes contract - all that awaits now is another losing Williams season and for the old guard to move aside.
Outside of battling his team-mate, Russell may have some contention for 2nd to last place against new Haas driver Mick Schumacher. Both drivers are F2 world champions and are highly touted to be the future of the sport - let's just hope we get a taste of this blossoming rivalry in 2021.
Return of the King
The final big story of the 2021 season is the return of 2-time world champion Fernando Alonso and his return to newly named Alpine Racing (formerly Renault). The King of Spain has already issued several controversial comments, mainly directed at championship favourites Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. When asked if he was as good as those drivers, he simply replied "No - I'm better". This is extreme confidence from a man at 39-years old who is about to step foot in an unproven car and take part in a variety of new and unknown circuits, but his return is most comparable to a returning boxing champion. Sure, it's great when he comes back and proves he can still deliver the knock out blow, but it'll be sure to put a strain on his F1 legacy if he spends the entirety of the season up the a** of the nearest stretch of armco.
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