2020. A season like no other.

2020 has arguably been a year to both forget and remember for a lifetime.  

The coronavirus pandemic dawned on us and hit the world incredibly hard. A reality check to a certain extent not only for individuals in the health sector but to all 7.5 billion of us - including F1 fans like myself (and hopefully those of you reading this). 

Amidst all the panic and global spread of a flu we are still yet to combat, Formula 1 was forced to take a break from regular service. This prompted a thorough reflection of what has happened, what is happening, and what is yet to come. 

The last 6 years have seen the rise of a powerhouse like no other in the form of Mercedes Petronas AMG. Led by Toto Wolff, their success has been a result of patience and playing the long game. Investing millions into research and development for the turbo-hybrid era that began in 2014, they emerged as major title contenders following the supremacy brought forward by Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel who had command over the field for the prior 4 years. Furthermore, they were able to sign both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg - 2 aspiring drivers who had shown their class and ability as they came through the ranks of GP3 and F2. This put Mercedes in a pivotal position not only for the 2014 season but every season since then as they have built upon their pre-established success. 

Some may argue that these past 6 seasons have been years to forget as Mercedes has been the only team on top without fear of any competitors however I believe that whilst there may not have been contention for the coveted driver's championship, the midfield battle has been incredibly intense if not the most intense that we have seen for years - an aspect that I hope to touch upon in the coming weeks. 

With regulation changes being implemented for the upcoming seasons, the dominance that Mercedes brought to the turbo-hybrid era seemed to finally have an ending. A light at the end of a long, long tunnel for midfield teams who have had their relative share of success and failures in the last 6 years. These teams being Williams, Mclaren, Racing Point (formerly Force India which I prefer), Renault, Haas, and Alpha Tauri (formerly Red Bull Torro Rosso). 

We are well and truly into the 2020 season having witnessed 3 races filled with drama and intense on-track action. A surprise podium to get the season going, a fall from grace in the form of the Scarlet Prancing Horses and a battle in the midfield nobody really expected with the likes of Racing Point, Renault, and Mclaren fighting it out till the last lap with tenth's of seconds separating them. 

The likes of Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo will be going head to head in the upcoming weeks - a sight for sore eyes as we had to endure a one week break from racing. Don't forget about former rookies Alex Albon and George Russell - the Williams driver seriously impressing with his pace in qualifying over the past few weeks. Esteban Ocon will aim to make his mark on his return to the pinnacle of motorsport, and so will the likes of Magnussen, Grosjean, Gasly, Kvyat, Latifi and Giovanazzi. Meanwhile, Kimi Raikonnen will be enjoying his hobby to the fullest I'm sure. 

As Lewis Hamilton bids for his 7th driver's title to rival the great Michael Schumacher, with Bottas and potentially Max contending that position, there is a lot in store as Silverstone is just around the corner. Looking forward to some more intense on-track action as we go through Copse, Maggotts, Becketts and through to Stowe. 

Picture Credits: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest.html