2021. A Fresh Start.

 

89 days. 16 hours. 57 minutes since the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

We. Are. Back. 

1 year ago today the F1 community was gearing up for the start of an exciting new season in Melbourne only for a global pandemic to throw the world into chaos - including the pinnacle of motorsport. 365 days later we are back, albeit in a different country, for the start of pre-season testing. 

New names, new faces, new regulations and new expectations. The excitement for cars to be back on track can be felt within the F1 community. The number of messages I have personally received about Drive to Survive Season 3, the new liveries, and the new drivers is a testament to the hype that Formula 1 brings to the world. 

Looking back, 2020 was one of the most packed seasons to ever exist as the FIA worked to rebuild a season with enough races to host a world championship amidst the spread of Covid-19. Whilst it was a blessing in disguise for us F1 fans, the immense pressure to meet the demands of driving nearly every week proved why this sport is one of the most intense to exist. 

Similar to the previous 6 years, the 2020 season was dominated by Mercedes Petronas AMG - the powerhouse of Formula 1 at the moment. Achieving the double double for the 7th time, their driver lineup comprising of now Sir Lewis Hamilton - 7 time world champion, and the Flying Finn - Valtteri Bottas showed their consistency and skill to achieve result after result weekend after weekend. It must not be forgotten that the Mercedes success has come from their investments in research and development that began way before the turbo-hybrid era and their constant drive to be better. And with Toto Wolff at the helm - there is no doubt that the drive is still there as they build on their pre-established success. 

Many have argued that the last 7 seasons have been years to forget as the Silver/Black Arrows have been the only dominant team, however with the likes of Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly being able to achieve wins last year, there is plenty on the table for all teams. Don't forget that the incredibly intense midfield battle that we witnessed last year will continue this season with the likes of McLaren, Aston Martin (formerly Force India), Alpine (formerly Renault), Alpha Tauri, and Ferrari all in the running. You'd expect the Scarlet Red Prancing Horses to be further up in the field, but following their sub par performance last year it would be a big step for them to emerge top of the midfield as they continue to strive to be at their best and atop the constructors once again. 

With regulations that have been put in place to slow cars down slightly and improve overtaking abilities, F1 promises to have better, more entertaining races (unlike France and Abu Dhabi) which we all are looking forward to. Looking beyond the on track action, there are new faces on the paddock - Yuki Tsinoda for Alpha Tauri and Nikitan Mazepin and Mick Schumacher both racing for Haas. Exciting times for the Schumacher family as the legend's son finally begins his F1 career exactly 30 years after his father raced in his very first Grand Prix. Here's wishing all 3 debutants all the best and hope they achieve the success that the previous debutants (Norris, Russel and Albon) experienced. 

The likes of Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo will all be tested to the limits in their new liveries at Sakhir this week as we look to see who will set the pace. 3 months of no racing has also brought us a gem in the form of Fernando Alonso who returns to Formula 1 with the Alpine racing team as he bids for a 3rd world title - a bit unlikely if you ask me. However it is great to have the legend back in the paddock. Don't forget George Russel, Pierre Gasly, Raikonnen, Giovanazzi, and Latifi all of whom have a lot to prove in this jam packed season. 

As Lewis Hamilton bids for his 8th drivers title to be the outright leader in Formula 1 history, with Bottas and Max hot on his tail, there is a lot in store as we approach Sakhir for the opening race of the season. Can't wait for some more intense on track action as Formula 1 returns to the desert in 2021.