We have completed 12 rounds of Formula 1 2021, with the season resuming this weekend at the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. It is the halfway point of the season, and that is a good time to take stock of how things have progressed thus far.
First, let us begin with Mercedes. This team has dominated for the last seven seasons, but now Red Bull Racing is giving the Silver Arrows something to think about. The clash between seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen came literally to a head at the British Grand Prix. Hamilton muscled and willed his way to a win, beating a Ferrari piloted by Charles Leclerc. But the big news was that Hamilton and Verstappen collided, which sent Verstappen to the hospital.
The competition with Red Bull is only one headline matter for Mercedes. The other is who will be Hamilton’s partner next year.
Red Bull, without question, will keep Verstappen no matter how many teams try to poach him. But like Mercedes, the team will have to sign another driver to partner with the Dutchman. This could come down to Sergio Perez, who already has won a Grand Prix this season at Azerbaijan, or it could be up-and-coming Pierre Gasly. Gasly had his chance, so it could that Perez will retain his seat.
As the battle for supremacy is waged between Mercedes and Red Bull, an unusual but delicious battle is going on for third place. It is between surprising McLaren and old-guard Ferrari. These two teams have at least one thing in common–neither will sign a new driver. Both Lando Norris (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) are doing well for their respective teams. That said, Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) and Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) are struggling. Each will try to turn his season around as the teams also battle away for the #3 spot.
Sebastian Vettel (photo, REUTERS/Florion Goga)
Unlike in many previous seasons, the competition for the midfield is also interesting. Alpha Tauri is achieving good results with Gasly, but teammate Yuki Tsunoda is another matter. The Japanese got off to a good start but then got impatient. Rumors are that there are “temperament issues,” and that the team may give Tsunoda the boot if things don’t work out for the rest of the season. It is also the tale of two cities, so to speak, at Aston Martin. Lance Stroll is improving, and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has had an up-and-down year–doing really well and then disappointing. If not for the disqualification at Hungary, Vettel would have taken two podiums this season. It can be more if the German can keep his focus.
Alpine may be the most improved of the three, even though the French squad got off to a slow start. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso proved that a slow car could do well at Baku, and Esteban Ocon won at Hungary with support from the Spaniard. These two will certainly be back next season, but the big issue is related to the car they drive. Can Renault give them something they can improve on? Time will tell.
At the bottom of the list, there is not much to talk about except where several drivers might land next season. With Williams, it is a question of who will join Canadian Nicholas Latifi and his money. If Russell leaves, it is anybody’s guess who will take his spot. For Alfa Romeo, Antonio Giovinazzi is certain to remain thanks to the Ferrari owners, but veteran Kimi Raikkonen could depart. If this happens, it is unclear who might take his seat.
Finally, there is the American team, Haas. Both drivers will return next season, but the bigger matter is about money. Dimitry Mazepin’s sponsorship money and Mick Schumacher and Ferrari’s cash have kept the team from dissolving. The team has invested heavily in next season, and there may be one or two surprises yet in store for Haas this year. Ferrari, like Alfa Romeo, has control of this team, and the assistance with the chassis and engine could make this team move up the grid.
With that, it is time to get back on the track. You can watch Sunday’s race live on ESPN2 at 9a U.S. Eastern time.
