The 2021 Formula 1 season has without a doubt been one to remember, and we are left with just two rounds remaining. After the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen leads Lewis Hamilton by just eight points, but it is Hamilton and Mercedes all have all the momentum heading into the final rounds. Can Verstappen hang on to secure his first Formula 1 title, or will Hamilton achieve his record breaking eighth?
It is an interesting moment in the Formula 1 world. Everybody wanted a title fight between these two drivers – arguably the two best in the world. However, we have been treated. Momentum has swung throughout the season, but it seems like Hamilton and Mercedes have it in their hands when it is needed. There can be a thousand arguments debating why the battle is as close as it is, and you can be sure these arguments are taken to a new level of toxicity on social media.
The intriguing thing about the end of this season, away from the actual fight itself, is the fact that the final three rounds are new tracks – with Abu Dhabi having quite the face lift. Hamilton dominated Qatar, and the street track of Jeddah, along with the finale, will share similar conditions for the race – being hot and under the lights. There are beliefs that Jeddah will favour Mercedes more then Red Bull.
And with their new found speed, that is difficult to argue with. But their new advantage is not without drama. Toto Wolff has already revealed that Mercedes will use the power unit from Brazil in Jeddah, a ‘spicy’ piece of machinery. That new ICE unit gives them more of an advantage over the Honda engine in the Red Bull, and with Jeddah being the fastest street track that we have seen – it could be all sunshine and rainbows for the German team.
Remember though, this is Formula 1. It is a drama.
That did not include all the drama around the Mercedes rear wing. It is expected that a new technical directive to be put in place before the penultimate round, which could see Mercedes having to replace their controversial flexible rear wing. Which, is believed, to flap under a certain load to reduce drag down the straight, something that is incredibly effective without the DRS. If it does fail the new expected tests, that could bring Red Bull and Verstappen back into it – as they have been battered in the last two rounds.
Yet, Verstappen can actually wrap up the title in Jeddah. A win with the fastest lap for the Dutchman, and a sixth place finish for Hamilton means he is the champion. Just a win, with Hamilton seventh means he is the champion. A second place finish with the fastest lap, and Hamilton in tenth means he is the champion, or a second place finish and a no score for Hamilton means Max Verstappen would become the World Champion.
Fernando Alonso’s return to the rostrum
After seven long years, Fernando Alonso returned to the Formula 1 rostrum to the delight of many. It was a drive that deserved to be rewarded, although they can be said multiple times this season with the racing veteran.
Hungary 2014 was the time and place for his his 97th podium, and finally he achieved his 98th in Qatar.
Despite qualifying fifth, which was impressive in itself, the Alpine man was promoted to third on the grid after penalties for Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas. Known for his rocket starts, Alonso aimed to lead into turn one because why wouldn’t he – it is Fernando Alonso.
He did not lead into turn one, and actually maintained his position. Turn two was when he made his move, and he made Pierre Gasly look like a fool. Using the momentum of the outside line, Alonso swept past the Frenchman into second place. Arguably, move of the race. The second however would quickly become third as Verstappen made his way past.
It wasn’t a drive that produced countless overtakes, it did not need that. It was about consistency. Before he made his one and only pit stop, he pulled the gap to his chasers behind to near eight seconds. He did have some fortune of course. The dramatic puncture and following retirement from Bottas took some pressure away from his shoulders, there was a position up for grabs. That position was fourth. Then, Red Bull made the choice with Sergio Perez to adopt a two stop strategy, with the one stop becoming very risky, as punctures took precedent.
Alonso and Alpine bit the bullet and stayed on their strategy. Even when being closed down by the Mexican, Alonso was able to improve his times on wearing hards, whilst avoiding the kerbs and in turn avoiding the dangerous tyre wear. The question is could he have kept that up if the VSC was not called.
Nicholas Latifi was forced to park his car after a puncture, and the VSC was deemed to be required in order to clear the Williams. For the relief of ‘Nando’ and his team, it was a rather long interval for a VSC period. It left Alonso with a lap and a half to go.
Of course he pulled it off.
Christian Horner’s rogue moment
Christian Horner is a bit like marmite, like most bosses. People either enjoy his comments, or call him a ‘Karen’.
It has got quite tasty in the paddock between Red Bull and Mercedes, especially with Horner and Wolff. It seems to be a war of words every race meeting, whilst the drivers are getting on with it. The real stars. However, Horner appeared to cross the line with some of his comments at Qatar after his driver, Max Verstappen, was penalised for a yellow flag infringement
Horner seemed to imply that a ‘rogue marshal’ was the reason for the yellow flag, whilst adding that the FIA have “got to take control of their marshals”. Despite later saying that his frustration was voiced at the circumstance rather then the marshal after making it clear the marshals do a wonderful job, race director Michael Masi did not take too kindly to the comments.
In a strange situation where a team principle was called to the Stewards room and placed on the naughty step, Horner offered to apologise to the marshal, whilst offering to participate in 2022 FIA International Stewards Programme.
A slap on the wrist for Mr Horner. A rare occasion, but it is not a surprise. A warning has been coming to one of the team principles, but it is entertaining watching grown ups fail to hide their distain.
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