Bye.
Wednesday, 23 December 2020
Happy Christmas for 2020
Basically the last post for 2020 as I am taking over a week off till January 4th with my family and try to enjoy Christmas. All that means is a Happy Christmas/Holidays to you all and see you in 2021.
Bye.
Bye.
Five predictions from 2020, did I got any of them right?
During my first post of 2020. I did a post on five racing predictions for 2020, and the post was really a fun post on five predictions that may happen in 2020. But the main question is did I got any right? lets see:
Number 1, McLaren to score three or more podiums in 2020. McLaren took two podiums, Lando Norris took a third place at the Red Bull Ring, and Carlos Sainz, Jr. took a second place finish at Monza. After the Italian Grand Prix, McLaren couldn't scored that third podium I predicted in January meaning I got this prediction Wrong.
Number 2, An LMP2 team to finish in the top three positions in this seasons 24 Hours of Le Mans.
No, top LMP2 team at Le Mans this year was United Autosports team finished fifth in the race. Second prediction I got Wrong.
Number 3, Williams to score at least 25 points in the F1 Constructors' Standings in 2020.
Third prediction I got Wrong. No points at all for Williams F1 Team during 2020 season.
Number 4, Jorge Lorenzo back in MotoGP as a Ducati/Yamaha test-rider then confirmed as a rider for 2021.
Lorenzo did sign a test-rider deal with Yamaha for 2020, but no full-time return in 2021. Meaning I got this prediction half-right?
Number 5, Porsche to win two races in Formula E this season in Season 6 (2019/20). Fourth prediction I got Wrong. Highest finish for Porsche that season was two second place finishes for André Lotterer at Diriyah and at Berlin.
So basically I got 0.5 out of five predictions right. More fun predictions in 2021.
Number 1, McLaren to score three or more podiums in 2020. McLaren took two podiums, Lando Norris took a third place at the Red Bull Ring, and Carlos Sainz, Jr. took a second place finish at Monza. After the Italian Grand Prix, McLaren couldn't scored that third podium I predicted in January meaning I got this prediction Wrong.
Number 2, An LMP2 team to finish in the top three positions in this seasons 24 Hours of Le Mans.
No, top LMP2 team at Le Mans this year was United Autosports team finished fifth in the race. Second prediction I got Wrong.
Third prediction I got Wrong. No points at all for Williams F1 Team during 2020 season.
Number 4, Jorge Lorenzo back in MotoGP as a Ducati/Yamaha test-rider then confirmed as a rider for 2021.
Lorenzo did sign a test-rider deal with Yamaha for 2020, but no full-time return in 2021. Meaning I got this prediction half-right?
Number 5, Porsche to win two races in Formula E this season in Season 6 (2019/20). Fourth prediction I got Wrong. Highest finish for Porsche that season was two second place finishes for André Lotterer at Diriyah and at Berlin.
So basically I got 0.5 out of five predictions right. More fun predictions in 2021.
Tuesday, 22 December 2020
Top six worse Ferrari F1 cars ever! (Redux)
With Formula 1 2020 season finished for the season, last season was one of McLaren Ferrari seasons in Grand Prix history with just 131 points and sixth in the constructor standings. So this post is the top six worst Ferrari F1 cars ever! revisited.
Starting with number 6:
Number 6: 1986 Ferrari F1/86
Story: Ferrari F1/86 was designed by Harvey Postlethwaite, the Ferrari F1/86 had the 1.5 litre Turbo V6 engine underneath. The Ferrari F1/86 only managed five podiums in 1986, which includes a second place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix with Michele Alboreto behind the wheel. To give Ferrari only 37 points to take fourth place in the constructors championship. The Ferrari F1/86 wasn't a fast car, and not was a reliable car too.
Number 5: 1993 Ferrari F93A
Story: Ferrari F93A was designed by designed by John Barnard and Jean-Claude Migeot, the Ferrari F93A had the 3.5 Ferrari V12 engine underneath. The Ferrari F92A only managed three podiums in 1993, which included a second place finishes for Jean Alesi at the Italtian Grand Prix. Ferrari F93A only took 28 points in that season and a fourth place finish in the constructors championship. Despite, the Ferrari F93A had Active suspension to catch the likes of Williams that time, the Ferrari was just too slow.
Number 4: 2014 Ferrari F14 T
Story: Ferrari F14 T was designed by James Allison, Pat Fry, Nikolas Tombazis and Dirk de Beer, the Ferrari F14 T had the 1.6 litre Turbo V6 power-unit underneath. The main reasons the Ferrari F14 T was bad due to a slow power-unit and a poor chassis altogether. The Ferrari F14 T only managed two podiums in 2014, which includes a second place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix with Fernando Alonso behind the wheel. To give Ferrari only 216 points to take fourth place in the constructors championship. The Ferrari F14 T wasn't a fast car at all.
Number 3: 1992 Ferrari F92A
Story: Ferrari F92A was designed by Steve Nichols and Jean-Claude Migeot, the Ferrari F92A had the 3.5 litre Ferrari V12 engine underneath. The Ferrari F92A only managed two podiums in 1992, which includes two third place finishes for Jean Alesi at the Spanish Grand Prix and at the Canadian Grand Prix. Ferrari F92A only took 21 points in that season and a fourth place finish in the constructors championship, so the Ferrari F92A wasn't that fast than previous Ferraris', and very unreliable as-well.
Number 2: 2020 Ferrari SF1000
Story: Ferrari SF1000 was designed by Simone Resta, Enrico Cardile and David Sanchez, the Ferrari SF1000 had the 1.6 litre Turbo V6 power-unit underneath. The main reasons the Ferrari SF1000 was bad due to a slow power-unit and a poor chassis altogether. The Ferrari SF1000 only managed three podiums in 2020, which includes a second place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix with Charles Leclerc behind the wheel. To give Ferrari only 131 points to take sixth place in the constructors championship. The Ferrari SF1000 wasn't a fast car at all.
Number 1: 1980 Ferrari 312T5
Story: With the Ferrari 312T (also named as Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari 312T3, Ferrari 312T4,) is possibly the most dominating Ferraris' race car ever in Ferrari's Formula 1 history taking 27 victories between 1975 and 1979. Also, took four Constructors' Championships in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1979. And finally three Drivers' Championships for Niki Lauda in 1975 and 1977, and for Jody Scheckter in 1979. In 1980 Ferrari 312T5 wasn't that fast it was basically slow.
The Ferrari 312T5 was designed by Mauro Forghieri, the Ferrari 312T was powered by the 3 litre Ferrari Flat-12 engine. And with the wide 312 "Boxer" engine did not suit the aerodynamic needs of 1980 with the ground effect Cosworth engine teams or the teams with turbo engines. The car was unreliable, slow and was not effective against the competition. The other constructors' cars got better throughout the season whereas the 312T5's development virtually went nowhere, the car became less and less competitive over the season. For the first time since 1973, Ferrari did not win a race for an entire season, Even 1979 F1 Champion Jody Scheckter even failed to qualify in Canada, after only managing 2 points, retired from the sport at the end of the year.
So the Ferrari 312T5 only took 8 points that season and took Ferrari to tenth place finish in the constructors championship that season, the Ferrari 312T5 wasn't a fast Ferrari at all and very unreliable Ferrari then the pervious Ferraris of the 1970s'. To give the 1980 Ferrari 312T5 is still the worse Ferrari F1 car ever!
Starting with number 6:
Number 6: 1986 Ferrari F1/86
Story: Ferrari F1/86 was designed by Harvey Postlethwaite, the Ferrari F1/86 had the 1.5 litre Turbo V6 engine underneath. The Ferrari F1/86 only managed five podiums in 1986, which includes a second place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix with Michele Alboreto behind the wheel. To give Ferrari only 37 points to take fourth place in the constructors championship. The Ferrari F1/86 wasn't a fast car, and not was a reliable car too.
Number 5: 1993 Ferrari F93A
Story: Ferrari F93A was designed by designed by John Barnard and Jean-Claude Migeot, the Ferrari F93A had the 3.5 Ferrari V12 engine underneath. The Ferrari F92A only managed three podiums in 1993, which included a second place finishes for Jean Alesi at the Italtian Grand Prix. Ferrari F93A only took 28 points in that season and a fourth place finish in the constructors championship. Despite, the Ferrari F93A had Active suspension to catch the likes of Williams that time, the Ferrari was just too slow.
Number 4: 2014 Ferrari F14 T
Story: Ferrari F14 T was designed by James Allison, Pat Fry, Nikolas Tombazis and Dirk de Beer, the Ferrari F14 T had the 1.6 litre Turbo V6 power-unit underneath. The main reasons the Ferrari F14 T was bad due to a slow power-unit and a poor chassis altogether. The Ferrari F14 T only managed two podiums in 2014, which includes a second place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix with Fernando Alonso behind the wheel. To give Ferrari only 216 points to take fourth place in the constructors championship. The Ferrari F14 T wasn't a fast car at all.
Number 3: 1992 Ferrari F92A
Story: Ferrari F92A was designed by Steve Nichols and Jean-Claude Migeot, the Ferrari F92A had the 3.5 litre Ferrari V12 engine underneath. The Ferrari F92A only managed two podiums in 1992, which includes two third place finishes for Jean Alesi at the Spanish Grand Prix and at the Canadian Grand Prix. Ferrari F92A only took 21 points in that season and a fourth place finish in the constructors championship, so the Ferrari F92A wasn't that fast than previous Ferraris', and very unreliable as-well.
Number 2: 2020 Ferrari SF1000
Story: Ferrari SF1000 was designed by Simone Resta, Enrico Cardile and David Sanchez, the Ferrari SF1000 had the 1.6 litre Turbo V6 power-unit underneath. The main reasons the Ferrari SF1000 was bad due to a slow power-unit and a poor chassis altogether. The Ferrari SF1000 only managed three podiums in 2020, which includes a second place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix with Charles Leclerc behind the wheel. To give Ferrari only 131 points to take sixth place in the constructors championship. The Ferrari SF1000 wasn't a fast car at all.
Number 1: 1980 Ferrari 312T5
Story: With the Ferrari 312T (also named as Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari 312T3, Ferrari 312T4,) is possibly the most dominating Ferraris' race car ever in Ferrari's Formula 1 history taking 27 victories between 1975 and 1979. Also, took four Constructors' Championships in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1979. And finally three Drivers' Championships for Niki Lauda in 1975 and 1977, and for Jody Scheckter in 1979. In 1980 Ferrari 312T5 wasn't that fast it was basically slow.
The Ferrari 312T5 was designed by Mauro Forghieri, the Ferrari 312T was powered by the 3 litre Ferrari Flat-12 engine. And with the wide 312 "Boxer" engine did not suit the aerodynamic needs of 1980 with the ground effect Cosworth engine teams or the teams with turbo engines. The car was unreliable, slow and was not effective against the competition. The other constructors' cars got better throughout the season whereas the 312T5's development virtually went nowhere, the car became less and less competitive over the season. For the first time since 1973, Ferrari did not win a race for an entire season, Even 1979 F1 Champion Jody Scheckter even failed to qualify in Canada, after only managing 2 points, retired from the sport at the end of the year.
So the Ferrari 312T5 only took 8 points that season and took Ferrari to tenth place finish in the constructors championship that season, the Ferrari 312T5 wasn't a fast Ferrari at all and very unreliable Ferrari then the pervious Ferraris of the 1970s'. To give the 1980 Ferrari 312T5 is still the worse Ferrari F1 car ever!
Monday, 21 December 2020
Part 2 of Formula 1 2020 Season Review (Top Formula 1 drivers of 2020 and final thoughts of Formula 1 2020)
Second part of my Formula 1 2020 Season Review, this post will includes my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2020. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2020.
Starting of with My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2020, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes the likes of Alexander Albon, Esteban Ocon or Sebastian Vettel to name a few, its just only opinion folks.
Anyway, here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2020:
10. Lance Stroll (Racing Point) - Improvement from last season, includes a Pole at Istanbul and leading half of the race; and two third place finishes at Monza and Bahrain II.
9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - Despite a slow Ferrari he drove this season, he took results that package never deserved to achieve includes a second place finish at the Red Bull Ring and a third place finish at Silverstone.
8. Lando Norris (McLaren) - Consistently fast in his second season, which include two fourth place finishes at Monza and Bahrain; and a third place finish at the Red Bull Ring.
7. Carlos Sainz, Jr. (McLaren) - Consistently fast and some impressive performances this season, which include a fourth place finish at Bahrain II and a second place finish at Monza.
6. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) - Some impressive performances this season, which includes a fifth place finish at Portimão; and a Grand Prix win at Monza.
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) - Consistently fast which include some impressive performances this season, which include three third place finishes at Nürburgring and Imola.
4. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Hamilton, two Grand Prix wins at the Red Bull Ring and Soshi.
3. Sergio Pérez (Racing Point) - Best of the rest finishing fourth in the Drivers' Standings, some impressive performances this season, consistently fast which includes two fourth place finishes at Sochi, Nürburgring; a second place finish at Istanbul; and a Grand Prix win at Bahrain II.
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives this season, which includes two Grand Prix wins at Silverstone II and Abu Dhabi.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season, eleven Grand Prix wins, to concluded with his seventh Drivers' World Championship equalling to Michael Schumacher seven titles.
The 2020 season and the world itself has been effect by the COVID-19 pandemic, with drivers, management and mechanics catching the virus which resulted cancelled Grand Prixs' like Monaco, Singapore, Montreal and Zandvoort to name a few, starting the season in July when the virus calm down in Europe. Old tracks returning to Formula 1 at short notice like Imola, Nurburgring and Istanbul and new tracks like Portimão and Mugello and even second Grand Prixs' at the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone and Bahrain (on a different and quite frankly on a better layout) in a bizarre year I have ever witness.
Overall, possibly one of the most exciting and dominating seasons I have seen in Formula 1, new winners like Pierre Gasly and Sergio Pérez. Exciting races at the Red Bull Ring, Monza and Bahrain II to name a few.
Despite all that, it was still a dominating season from Mercedes, thirteen Grand Prix wins out of seventeen wins from Mercedes which include five one-two finishes to conclude winning their sixth F1 Constructors' Championship in a row.
While in the Drivers' Championship it was Lewis Hamilton to win the off winning eleven Grand Prixs', to win this seasons Drivers' Championship for his seventh F1 Drivers' title and becoming only the second driver in Formula 1 history to join Michael Schumacher to win seven F1 Drivers' Titles to conclude Formula 1 in 2020 and becoming the record holder of most Grand Prix wins with 95 wins and counting.
Bring on Formula 1 2021 and a safer year. Stay safe everyone.
Starting of with My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2020, this is the part who was in my top 10 this season, not in championship order, not in championship order, so his list doesn't includes the likes of Alexander Albon, Esteban Ocon or Sebastian Vettel to name a few, its just only opinion folks.
Anyway, here is my list below.
My Top Formula 1 drivers of 2020:
10. Lance Stroll (Racing Point) - Improvement from last season, includes a Pole at Istanbul and leading half of the race; and two third place finishes at Monza and Bahrain II.
9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - Despite a slow Ferrari he drove this season, he took results that package never deserved to achieve includes a second place finish at the Red Bull Ring and a third place finish at Silverstone.
8. Lando Norris (McLaren) - Consistently fast in his second season, which include two fourth place finishes at Monza and Bahrain; and a third place finish at the Red Bull Ring.
7. Carlos Sainz, Jr. (McLaren) - Consistently fast and some impressive performances this season, which include a fourth place finish at Bahrain II and a second place finish at Monza.
6. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) - Some impressive performances this season, which includes a fifth place finish at Portimão; and a Grand Prix win at Monza.
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) - Consistently fast which include some impressive performances this season, which include three third place finishes at Nürburgring and Imola.
4. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) - On his day faster driver than his team-mate Hamilton, two Grand Prix wins at the Red Bull Ring and Soshi.
3. Sergio Pérez (Racing Point) - Best of the rest finishing fourth in the Drivers' Standings, some impressive performances this season, consistently fast which includes two fourth place finishes at Sochi, Nürburgring; a second place finish at Istanbul; and a Grand Prix win at Bahrain II.
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - Some impressive drives this season, which includes two Grand Prix wins at Silverstone II and Abu Dhabi.
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - Best driver on the grid this season, eleven Grand Prix wins, to concluded with his seventh Drivers' World Championship equalling to Michael Schumacher seven titles.
The 2020 season and the world itself has been effect by the COVID-19 pandemic, with drivers, management and mechanics catching the virus which resulted cancelled Grand Prixs' like Monaco, Singapore, Montreal and Zandvoort to name a few, starting the season in July when the virus calm down in Europe. Old tracks returning to Formula 1 at short notice like Imola, Nurburgring and Istanbul and new tracks like Portimão and Mugello and even second Grand Prixs' at the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone and Bahrain (on a different and quite frankly on a better layout) in a bizarre year I have ever witness.
Overall, possibly one of the most exciting and dominating seasons I have seen in Formula 1, new winners like Pierre Gasly and Sergio Pérez. Exciting races at the Red Bull Ring, Monza and Bahrain II to name a few.
Despite all that, it was still a dominating season from Mercedes, thirteen Grand Prix wins out of seventeen wins from Mercedes which include five one-two finishes to conclude winning their sixth F1 Constructors' Championship in a row.
While in the Drivers' Championship it was Lewis Hamilton to win the off winning eleven Grand Prixs', to win this seasons Drivers' Championship for his seventh F1 Drivers' title and becoming only the second driver in Formula 1 history to join Michael Schumacher to win seven F1 Drivers' Titles to conclude Formula 1 in 2020 and becoming the record holder of most Grand Prix wins with 95 wins and counting.
Bring on Formula 1 2021 and a safer year. Stay safe everyone.
Part 1 of Formula 1 2020 Season Review (the teams)
Two parter Formula One season review of the 2020 season. In this post I will review each team of 2020. Which, I will say one sentence that will be positive with each team. And one sentence that will be negative for each team. So starting with Mercedes below.
Mercedes:
+ As you were from 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019; Best car and driver on the grid with the W11 EQ Power+, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with 15 poles, 13 race wins, a Constructors' Title and a Drivers' Title with Lewis Hamilton.
- Pit-stop errors at both Monza and Bahrain II, cost Hamilton a race win at Monza while a tyre mix-up cost George Russell and Bottas an one-two finish at Bahrain II; apart from that another great season from Mercedes.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Max Verstappen includes race wins for Verstappen at Silverstone II and Abu Dhabi.
- Some of Alexander Albon performances wasn't good enough include races at Monza, Portimão and Imola, so much so Albon's performances cost him his drive for 2021 resulting the team to sign Sergio Pérez instead; the news that Honda are withdrawing from Formula 1 after 2021 season.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris, which includes second place finish for Sainz Jr. at Monza and a third place finish for Norris at the Red Bull Ring; only 145 points at this stage last season, 202 points this season at this stage a much better improvement from McLaren resulting third place in the Constructor's standings; going into 2021 Mercedes power once again.
- Despite McLaren finished third in the Constructor's standings this season and best of the rest, there are still long way behind the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull in race form; also cash-flow problems from the start of the season due to Covid-19 pandemic issues resulting a £150 million loan from the National Bank of Bahrain, although investment has come from an American-based investors company recently resulting a 33% stake of owning the team.
Racing Point:
+ Impressive season from Racing Point (renamed Aston Martin Racing going into 2021) includes Grand Prix win at Bahrain II for Sergio Pérez, second place for Pérez at Istanbul, Pole position at Istanbul for Lance Stroll and leading half the race, also two third place finishes for Stroll at Monza and Bahrain II resulting a fourth place finish in the Constructor's standings this season.
- Should have finish third in the Constructor's standings if they wasn't deducted 15 points after coping Mercedes rear brake ducts on their RP20, missing out on Grand Prix wins at Monza and Istanbul for Stroll and a third place finish for Pérez in Bahrain.
Renault:
+ Two third place finishes for Daniel Ricciardo at Nurburgring and Imola; second place finish for Esteban Ocon at Bahrain II.
- Despite 181 points this season compare to 91 points last season, being much faster this season than last, the team still finished fifth place in the Constructor's standings with gearbox problems early in the season costing the team third in the Constructor's; if the team does the same errors in 2021, Fernando Alonso (who's coming in next season) will easily criticize those problems without fail.
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
+ Some impressive performances from Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly this season which includes a Grand Prix win for Gasly at Monza, a fourth place finish for Kvyat at Imola.
- Gasly could have finish third at Imola for a water pressure problem; just like sister team Red Bull the news that Honda are withdrawing from Formula 1 after 2021 season despite signing Yuki Tsunoda for Kvyat who is a Honda academy driver.
Alfa Romeo:
+ Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi finishing ninth and tenth at Imola.
- 57 points last season only 8 points this seasons says it all, eighth best car all season is not good enough at all (although a poor Power-Unit from Ferrari doesn't really help); the team need to do better going into the 2021 season.
Haas:
+ Ninth place finish for Romain Grosjean at Nurburgring and a tenth place for Kevin Magnussen at Hunganoring.
- Like Ferrari where to start, currently the the team finished ninth place in the Constructor's standings again; 3 points this season compare to 28 points last season shows the team has gone backwards once more, sacking both Grosjean and Magnussen going into 2021 who are experience and replacing them with Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin who have not got Grand Prix between them both, this will not help them going into the 2021 season.
Williams:
+ Four eleventh place finishes for George Russell at Mugello and three for Nicholas Latifi at the Red Bull Ring, Monza and Imola is the teams only highlight this season.
- Where to start, the team scored 0 points compared to 1 point last season (first time as team haven't scored points in a season in their history), although Russell should have scored points at Mugello and Imola, concluded with tenth in the Constructors' once again; the teams main sponsor quitting before the start of the season due to the Covid-19 pandemic resulting Frank Williams and his family selling up the team in the summer to an American-based investors company; overall another disastrous season from Williams, nothing positive to say from the team this season once again.
In part 2 of Formula 1 2020 Season Review my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2020. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2020.
Mercedes:
+ As you were from 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019; Best car and driver on the grid with the W11 EQ Power+, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with 15 poles, 13 race wins, a Constructors' Title and a Drivers' Title with Lewis Hamilton.
- Pit-stop errors at both Monza and Bahrain II, cost Hamilton a race win at Monza while a tyre mix-up cost George Russell and Bottas an one-two finish at Bahrain II; apart from that another great season from Mercedes.
Red Bull:
+ Impressive performance from Max Verstappen includes race wins for Verstappen at Silverstone II and Abu Dhabi.
- Some of Alexander Albon performances wasn't good enough include races at Monza, Portimão and Imola, so much so Albon's performances cost him his drive for 2021 resulting the team to sign Sergio Pérez instead; the news that Honda are withdrawing from Formula 1 after 2021 season.
McLaren:
+ Some great race performances from Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris, which includes second place finish for Sainz Jr. at Monza and a third place finish for Norris at the Red Bull Ring; only 145 points at this stage last season, 202 points this season at this stage a much better improvement from McLaren resulting third place in the Constructor's standings; going into 2021 Mercedes power once again.
- Despite McLaren finished third in the Constructor's standings this season and best of the rest, there are still long way behind the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull in race form; also cash-flow problems from the start of the season due to Covid-19 pandemic issues resulting a £150 million loan from the National Bank of Bahrain, although investment has come from an American-based investors company recently resulting a 33% stake of owning the team.
Racing Point:
+ Impressive season from Racing Point (renamed Aston Martin Racing going into 2021) includes Grand Prix win at Bahrain II for Sergio Pérez, second place for Pérez at Istanbul, Pole position at Istanbul for Lance Stroll and leading half the race, also two third place finishes for Stroll at Monza and Bahrain II resulting a fourth place finish in the Constructor's standings this season.
- Should have finish third in the Constructor's standings if they wasn't deducted 15 points after coping Mercedes rear brake ducts on their RP20, missing out on Grand Prix wins at Monza and Istanbul for Stroll and a third place finish for Pérez in Bahrain.
Renault:
+ Two third place finishes for Daniel Ricciardo at Nurburgring and Imola; second place finish for Esteban Ocon at Bahrain II.
- Despite 181 points this season compare to 91 points last season, being much faster this season than last, the team still finished fifth place in the Constructor's standings with gearbox problems early in the season costing the team third in the Constructor's; if the team does the same errors in 2021, Fernando Alonso (who's coming in next season) will easily criticize those problems without fail.
Ferrari
+ Some great race performances from Charles Leclerc, which includes second place at the Red Bull Ring and a third place at Silverstone.
- Where to start,what went right? nothing, the worst Ferrari season since 1980, 131 points in 2020 compare to 504 points in 2019, SF1000 has not been fast enough at all, also a very poor Power-Unit from Ferrari (around 50-60bhp less than the Mercedes Power-Units); also, not renewing Sebastian Vettel contract going into 2021 and before the start of the 2020 season which resulted kicking Vettel confidence to the curb from the Ferrari management, resulted a very poor season from Vettel with his best result a third place at Istanbul, Vettel only getting 33 points to Leclerc 98 points, anything else I have forgotten.
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
+ Some impressive performances from Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly this season which includes a Grand Prix win for Gasly at Monza, a fourth place finish for Kvyat at Imola.
- Gasly could have finish third at Imola for a water pressure problem; just like sister team Red Bull the news that Honda are withdrawing from Formula 1 after 2021 season despite signing Yuki Tsunoda for Kvyat who is a Honda academy driver.
Alfa Romeo:
+ Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi finishing ninth and tenth at Imola.
- 57 points last season only 8 points this seasons says it all, eighth best car all season is not good enough at all (although a poor Power-Unit from Ferrari doesn't really help); the team need to do better going into the 2021 season.
Haas:
+ Ninth place finish for Romain Grosjean at Nurburgring and a tenth place for Kevin Magnussen at Hunganoring.
- Like Ferrari where to start, currently the the team finished ninth place in the Constructor's standings again; 3 points this season compare to 28 points last season shows the team has gone backwards once more, sacking both Grosjean and Magnussen going into 2021 who are experience and replacing them with Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin who have not got Grand Prix between them both, this will not help them going into the 2021 season.
Williams:
+ Four eleventh place finishes for George Russell at Mugello and three for Nicholas Latifi at the Red Bull Ring, Monza and Imola is the teams only highlight this season.
- Where to start, the team scored 0 points compared to 1 point last season (first time as team haven't scored points in a season in their history), although Russell should have scored points at Mugello and Imola, concluded with tenth in the Constructors' once again; the teams main sponsor quitting before the start of the season due to the Covid-19 pandemic resulting Frank Williams and his family selling up the team in the summer to an American-based investors company; overall another disastrous season from Williams, nothing positive to say from the team this season once again.
In part 2 of Formula 1 2020 Season Review my top 10 Formula 1 drivers of 2020. And my final thoughts of Formula 1 2020.
Saturday, 19 December 2020
Confirmed: Red Bull Racing retains Alexander Albon for 2021 as a reserve driver, while signed Sergio Pérez to partner Max Verstappen in 2021 on a one-year-deal
It was confirmed on Friday (18/12/20) that Red Bull Racing will retain Alexander Albon for the 2021 Formula 1 season as a reserve driver, while Red Bull signed Sergio Pérez to partner Max Verstappen in 2021 on a one-year-deal, with an option for the 2022 F1 season.
Red Bull decided Albon had not performed strongly enough in his 18 months with the team to justify continuing in a race seat.
And Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said it had been "impossible to ignore Sergio's performance in Racing Point, particularly in the second half of the season" which include a Grand Prix win at Bahrain. Pérez finished fourth in the Drivers' Standings this season, While Albon finished seventh in the Drivers' standings with two third place finishes.
He added that Albon was still a potential contender for a race seat in 2022.
Pérez was in danger of losing his seat in the sport following Racing Point's decision to sign Sebastian Vettel on a multi-year deal from 2021 to partner Lance Stroll.
The Red Bull seat offered him a lifeline which many will feel his performances this season justified.
It is the first time since 2013, when Mark Webber departed, that Red Bull’s senior team has fielded a driver from outside of its Red Bull Academy.
Overall, not a surprise with the news, it has been rumoured the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from last week that Sergio Pérez has sign for the team. Gutted for Alexander Albon at this late stage of the year with his demotion to reserve driver. No change of a return to AlphaTauri for 2021 as the team sign Yuki Tsunoda to keep Honda happy, hopefully helps both teams out on a deal for 2022 onwards.
Anyway, good luck for both Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez next season at Red Bull.
Red Bull decided Albon had not performed strongly enough in his 18 months with the team to justify continuing in a race seat.
And Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said it had been "impossible to ignore Sergio's performance in Racing Point, particularly in the second half of the season" which include a Grand Prix win at Bahrain. Pérez finished fourth in the Drivers' Standings this season, While Albon finished seventh in the Drivers' standings with two third place finishes.
He added that Albon was still a potential contender for a race seat in 2022.
Pérez was in danger of losing his seat in the sport following Racing Point's decision to sign Sebastian Vettel on a multi-year deal from 2021 to partner Lance Stroll.
The Red Bull seat offered him a lifeline which many will feel his performances this season justified.
It is the first time since 2013, when Mark Webber departed, that Red Bull’s senior team has fielded a driver from outside of its Red Bull Academy.
Overall, not a surprise with the news, it has been rumoured the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from last week that Sergio Pérez has sign for the team. Gutted for Alexander Albon at this late stage of the year with his demotion to reserve driver. No change of a return to AlphaTauri for 2021 as the team sign Yuki Tsunoda to keep Honda happy, hopefully helps both teams out on a deal for 2022 onwards.
Anyway, good luck for both Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez next season at Red Bull.
Thursday, 17 December 2020
Confirmed: Yuki Tsunoda races with Scuderia AlphaTauri F1 Team for 2021
It's been confirmed yesterday (2/12/20), Formula 2 driver Yuki Tsunoda will race with the AlphaTauri in Formula 1 next season, bringing to an end Daniil Kvyat’s third spell at the team.
Yuki Tsunoda will be the first driver born in the 2000s to race in Formula 1 and the first Japanese representative to drive in F1 since Kamui Kobayashi did in 2014, when he raced for Caterham.
Tsunoda finsihed third in FIA Formula 2 Standings this season, is stepping up to a race seat alongside Pierre Gasly for next season.
In my opinion, this was no big surprise this news happen, rumoured since October that Tsunoda was going to get one of the seats.
Hopefully AlphaTauri team will have a stronger 2021 F1 season with its line-up complete going into 2021.
Yuki Tsunoda will be the first driver born in the 2000s to race in Formula 1 and the first Japanese representative to drive in F1 since Kamui Kobayashi did in 2014, when he raced for Caterham.
Tsunoda finsihed third in FIA Formula 2 Standings this season, is stepping up to a race seat alongside Pierre Gasly for next season.
In my opinion, this was no big surprise this news happen, rumoured since October that Tsunoda was going to get one of the seats.
Hopefully AlphaTauri team will have a stronger 2021 F1 season with its line-up complete going into 2021.
Wednesday, 16 December 2020
Porsche announces Le Mans return
It was announced on Tuesday (15/12/20) that Porsche it will return to all new Hypercars class that will replace LMP1 class in 2023 with a full-factory assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Though the manufacturer has had a sporadic involvement in sportscar racing in recent times, this announcement will see it go head-to-head with factory rivals Peugeot, Toyota and Audi and with privateers Glickenhaus and ByKolles also set to join in the growing Hypercars category of Le Mans and WEC when the cars will introduce at the start of the 2021 WEC season.
Porsche has previous experience racing at Le Mans, including wins in 1970, 1971, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2015, 2016. Porsche's last Le Mans outing as a manufacturer came in 2017.
Overall, it will be a very tough challenge ahead for Porsche in 2023, challenging the likes of rivals Audi, Peugeot and Toyota in technology and imagination.
Though the manufacturer has had a sporadic involvement in sportscar racing in recent times, this announcement will see it go head-to-head with factory rivals Peugeot, Toyota and Audi and with privateers Glickenhaus and ByKolles also set to join in the growing Hypercars category of Le Mans and WEC when the cars will introduce at the start of the 2021 WEC season.
Porsche has previous experience racing at Le Mans, including wins in 1970, 1971, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2015, 2016. Porsche's last Le Mans outing as a manufacturer came in 2017.
Overall, it will be a very tough challenge ahead for Porsche in 2023, challenging the likes of rivals Audi, Peugeot and Toyota in technology and imagination.
Monday, 14 December 2020
2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Review
Review of the seventeenth and final round of the 2020 F1 season at Yas Marina Circuit on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It was a dominating race weekend from Max Verstappen. Verstappen was on pole for Sunday's race. In the day to night Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen took the advantage at the start and comfortably lead the race throughout, leading all the fifty-five laps to win this seasons Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Max Verstappen's second race win of the season.
While, Valtteri Bottas finished in second place in the Mercedes, Bottas was twelve tenths of a second behind Verstappen at the end.
Meanwhile, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in third place in the other Mercedes to complete the podium, Hamilton was eight seconds behind Verstappen at the end of the fifty-seven lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (finished third)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished second)
Ferrari - 5
Sebastian Vettel - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Charles Leclerc - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Max Verstappen - 10 (pole, race win)
Alexander Albon - 8 (finished fourth)
McLaren - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished sixth)
Lando Norris - 9 (finished fifth)
Renault - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished seventh and fastest lap)
Esteban Ocon - 6 (finished ninth)
Alpha Tauri: - 6
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Pierre Gasly - 7 (finished eighth)
Racing Point - 6
Sergio Pérez- 6 (DNF, Power unit)
Lance Stroll - 6 (finished tenth)
Alfa Romeo - 5
Kimi Räikkönen - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Haas - 5
Pietro Fittipaldi - 5 (finished nineteenth, two laps down)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished eighteenth, lap down)
Williams - 6
George Russell - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Nicholas Latifi - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Now bring on 2021, for another season of Formula 1. Only three months to go.
It was a dominating race weekend from Max Verstappen. Verstappen was on pole for Sunday's race. In the day to night Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen took the advantage at the start and comfortably lead the race throughout, leading all the fifty-five laps to win this seasons Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Max Verstappen's second race win of the season.
While, Valtteri Bottas finished in second place in the Mercedes, Bottas was twelve tenths of a second behind Verstappen at the end.
Meanwhile, Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton finished in third place in the other Mercedes to complete the podium, Hamilton was eight seconds behind Verstappen at the end of the fifty-seven lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 7
Lewis Hamilton - 7 (finished third)
Valtteri Bottas - 8 (finished second)
Ferrari - 5
Sebastian Vettel - 5 (finished fourteenth, lap down)
Charles Leclerc - 5 (finished thirteenth, lap down)
Red Bull Racing - 9
Max Verstappen - 10 (pole, race win)
Alexander Albon - 8 (finished fourth)
McLaren - 8
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished sixth)
Lando Norris - 9 (finished fifth)
Renault - 7
Daniel Ricciardo - 8 (finished seventh and fastest lap)
Esteban Ocon - 6 (finished ninth)
Alpha Tauri: - 6
Daniil Kvyat - 6 (finished eleventh, lap down)
Pierre Gasly - 7 (finished eighth)
Racing Point - 6
Sergio Pérez- 6 (DNF, Power unit)
Lance Stroll - 6 (finished tenth)
Alfa Romeo - 5
Kimi Räikkönen - 6 (finished twelfth, lap down)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 5 (finished sixteenth, lap down)
Haas - 5
Pietro Fittipaldi - 5 (finished nineteenth, two laps down)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished eighteenth, lap down)
Williams - 6
George Russell - 5 (finished fifteenth, lap down)
Nicholas Latifi - 5 (finished seventeenth, lap down)
Now bring on 2021, for another season of Formula 1. Only three months to go.
Friday, 11 December 2020
2020 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Predictions part two
With the recent news that Lewis Hamilton is available for this weekends Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Mercedes, George Russell back at Williams. I am altering my predictions for this weekend for the late change possibly the only time on the blog.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit outside of Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2020 Formula 1 season.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, Valtteri Bottas for the win in the Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and Max Verstappen third in the Red Bull. Don't forget Alexander Albon, the McLaren drivers, the Renault drivers, the Ferrari drivers, the AlphaTauri drivers, the Racing Point drivers as well for a podium place.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit outside of Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2020 Formula 1 season.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, Valtteri Bottas for the win in the Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton second in the other Mercedes, and Max Verstappen third in the Red Bull. Don't forget Alexander Albon, the McLaren drivers, the Renault drivers, the Ferrari drivers, the AlphaTauri drivers, the Racing Point drivers as well for a podium place.
Thursday, 10 December 2020
2020 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Predictions
These predictions are valid if Lewis Hamilton does not race at this weekends Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, no news if his racing this weekend or not as of this writing.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit outside of Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2020 Formula 1 season.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, George Russell for the win in the Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas second in the other Mercedes, and Max Verstappen third in the Red Bull. Don't forget Alexander Albon, the McLaren drivers, the Renault drivers, the Ferrari drivers, the AlphaTauri drivers, the Racing Point drivers as well for a podium place.
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit outside of Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2020 Formula 1 season.
So Predictions for the race, for the win, I predict that, George Russell for the win in the Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas second in the other Mercedes, and Max Verstappen third in the Red Bull. Don't forget Alexander Albon, the McLaren drivers, the Renault drivers, the Ferrari drivers, the AlphaTauri drivers, the Racing Point drivers as well for a podium place.
Tuesday, 8 December 2020
2020 WRC Round 7 recap - Rally Monza, Sébastien Ogier 2020 World Rally Champion! Hyundai 2020 WRC Manufacturers Champions! Mads Østberg 2020 WRC-2 Champion! Jari Huttunen 2020 WRC-3 Champion! Tom Kristensson 2020 J-WRC Champion! Champion!
Recap of the last round of WRC from this weekends Round Seven of Rally Monza.
Last weekends was the seventh round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Monza (3rd–6th December), and was won by that was won by Sebastien Ogier in his works Toyota Yaris WRC.
It was enough to give Sébastien Ogier the 2020 WRC title, contracts to Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia for winning their seventh WRC drivers title and becoming the second WRC driver to achieve seven WRC drivers' championships.
While, outgoing WRC champion Ott Tänak finished second in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Tänak was fourteen seconds behind Ogier at the end. Meanwhile, Dani Sordo finished third in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Sordo was fifteen seconds behind Ogier at the end of the rally.
With the double podium finish that was enough for Hyundai retain the manufacturers' champions for another season for Hyunadi's second WRC Manufacturers title, congrats to Hyunadi for winnings this years title.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Manufacturer entries competing in cars built to Group R5 specifications), that was won by PH-Sport driver Mads Østberg in his Citroën C3 R5. Mads Østberg finished in ninth place overall, he was over five minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. That was enough to give Mads Østberg the 2020 WRC-2 championship in his Citroën C3 R5; contracts to Mads Østberg and co-driver Torstein Eriksen for winning this years WRC-2 championship.
While in WRC-3 class (Open to privately-entered cars; Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Andreas Mikkelsen in his own backed Škoda Fabia R5 Evo. Andreas Mikkelsen finished in sixth place overall, he was under four minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.
Meanwhile Jari Huttunen finished eighth place in his own backed Hyundai i20 R5. Jari Huttunen was five minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. With that result, Jari Huttunen was enough to clinched the WRC3 Championship this season in his own backed Hyundai i20 R5, contracts to Jari Huttunen and co-driver Mikko Lukka for winning this years WRC3 championship.
Meanwhile in Junior-WRC class (Competing in identical one-litre Ford Fiesta R2s built and maintained by M-Sport) that was won by Tom Kristensson. Tom Kristensson finished in twenty-seventh place overall, he was twenty minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. That was enough to give Tom Kristensson the 2020 J-WRC Championship this season, contracts to Tom Kristensson and co-driver Joakim Sjöberg for winning the J-WRC championship.
And so this years champions, WRC champions: Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, WRC Manufacturers' Champions: Hyunadi. WRC-2 Pro Champions: Mads Østberg and Torstein Eriksen, WRC-3 Champions: Jari Huttunen and Mikko Lukka. And J-WRC Champions: Tom Kristensson and Joakim Sjöberg.
Contractions to the Champions this season.
Last weekends was the seventh round of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Monza (3rd–6th December), and was won by that was won by Sebastien Ogier in his works Toyota Yaris WRC.
It was enough to give Sébastien Ogier the 2020 WRC title, contracts to Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia for winning their seventh WRC drivers title and becoming the second WRC driver to achieve seven WRC drivers' championships.
While, outgoing WRC champion Ott Tänak finished second in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Tänak was fourteen seconds behind Ogier at the end. Meanwhile, Dani Sordo finished third in his works Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, Sordo was fifteen seconds behind Ogier at the end of the rally.
With the double podium finish that was enough for Hyundai retain the manufacturers' champions for another season for Hyunadi's second WRC Manufacturers title, congrats to Hyunadi for winnings this years title.
Meanwhile in WRC-2 class (Manufacturer entries competing in cars built to Group R5 specifications), that was won by PH-Sport driver Mads Østberg in his Citroën C3 R5. Mads Østberg finished in ninth place overall, he was over five minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. That was enough to give Mads Østberg the 2020 WRC-2 championship in his Citroën C3 R5; contracts to Mads Østberg and co-driver Torstein Eriksen for winning this years WRC-2 championship.
While in WRC-3 class (Open to privately-entered cars; Group R5, R4, Super 2000 and Group N4 spec cars), that was won by Andreas Mikkelsen in his own backed Škoda Fabia R5 Evo. Andreas Mikkelsen finished in sixth place overall, he was under four minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally.
Meanwhile Jari Huttunen finished eighth place in his own backed Hyundai i20 R5. Jari Huttunen was five minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. With that result, Jari Huttunen was enough to clinched the WRC3 Championship this season in his own backed Hyundai i20 R5, contracts to Jari Huttunen and co-driver Mikko Lukka for winning this years WRC3 championship.
Meanwhile in Junior-WRC class (Competing in identical one-litre Ford Fiesta R2s built and maintained by M-Sport) that was won by Tom Kristensson. Tom Kristensson finished in twenty-seventh place overall, he was twenty minutes behind Ogier at the end of the rally. That was enough to give Tom Kristensson the 2020 J-WRC Championship this season, contracts to Tom Kristensson and co-driver Joakim Sjöberg for winning the J-WRC championship.
And so this years champions, WRC champions: Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, WRC Manufacturers' Champions: Hyunadi. WRC-2 Pro Champions: Mads Østberg and Torstein Eriksen, WRC-3 Champions: Jari Huttunen and Mikko Lukka. And J-WRC Champions: Tom Kristensson and Joakim Sjöberg.
Contractions to the Champions this season.
Monday, 7 December 2020
2020 F2 and F3 champions news
This post is all about the new 2020 F2 and F3 champions.
Mick Schumacher won the Formula 2 championship at last weekends Bahrain International Circuit, Mick Schumacher won this years Formula 2 championship ahead of both Callum Ilott and Yuki Tsunoda in the standings. So where going to see Mick Schumacher next season? Already confirmed to race at Haas F1 Team next season alongside Formula 2 driver Nikita Mazepin.
Meanwhile at Mugello in mid-September, Oscar Piastri won this years Formula 3 championship, ahead of both Théo Pourchaire and Logan Sargeant in the standings. Oscar Piastri is stepping up-to Formula 2 next season with the Prema Racing team doing some mid-season testing with Alpine (Renault) as Oscar Piastri is currently a Renault Sport Academy driver.
So, contractions to the new champions. Bring on 2021.
Mick Schumacher won the Formula 2 championship at last weekends Bahrain International Circuit, Mick Schumacher won this years Formula 2 championship ahead of both Callum Ilott and Yuki Tsunoda in the standings. So where going to see Mick Schumacher next season? Already confirmed to race at Haas F1 Team next season alongside Formula 2 driver Nikita Mazepin.
Meanwhile at Mugello in mid-September, Oscar Piastri won this years Formula 3 championship, ahead of both Théo Pourchaire and Logan Sargeant in the standings. Oscar Piastri is stepping up-to Formula 2 next season with the Prema Racing team doing some mid-season testing with Alpine (Renault) as Oscar Piastri is currently a Renault Sport Academy driver.
So, contractions to the new champions. Bring on 2021.
2020 Sakhir Grand Prix Review, Sergio Pérez WINS!
Review of the sixteenth round of the the 2020 F1 season at Bahrain International Circuit on their Outer Circuit, Sakhir for the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Overall, it was a thrilling Grand Prix from start to finish and possibly the best race of the season. The race that George Russell should have won.
Valtteri Bottas was on pole for Sunday's race, it was new team-mate Russell took the lead at the start ahead of Russell. First lap chaos when Charles Leclerc collided with both Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez, resulting both Leclerc and Verstappen out of the race instantly and Pérez relegating him down to eighteenth place and last.
With George Russell set to win, until the Safety Car was deployed on lap 62 when Jack Aitken front wing came off after a spin, forcing and possibly unnecessary from Mercedes for Russell and Bottas to pit for fresh medium tyres. But, Russell had Bottas allocated medium tyres on not his, forcing Bottas to stay on his Hard tyres till the end, which resulted Russell forcing to stop again, this next time around to fit his medium tyres, relegating Russell to fifth at the restart with Sergio Pérez now leading the race.
At the restart, Russell overtake Bottas, Stroll and Ocon to go into second place, but a slow puncture when he was trying to chase down Perez forced Russell once again to pit for tyres sending him to the back. He carved his way back up to ninth for his first F1 points.
Despite all that Sergio Pérez took the advantage, comfortably lead to the end, from eighteenth place after lap 1 and help from two Safety Cars it was Sergio Pérez day to win this seasons Sakhir Grand Prix for Sergio Pérez's first ever Grand Prix win. Becoming Mexico's first Grand Prix winner since Pedro Rodríguez winning the Belgian Grand Prix in 1970. And Racing Point their first win as a constructor and fifth win as a team since Giancarlo Fisichella won the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix as Jordan.
While, Esteban Ocon finished in second place in the Renault, Ocon was ten seconds behind Pérez at the end.
Meanwhile, Lance Stroll finished in third place in the other Racing Point to complete the podium, Stroll was twelve seconds behind Pérez at the end of the eighty-seven lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
George Russell - 10 (finished ninth, fastest lap)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (pole, finished eighth)
Ferrari - 5
Sebastian Vettel - 5 (finished twelfth)
Charles Leclerc - 5 (DNF, Collision with Verstappen)
Red Bull Racing - 6
Max Verstappen - 6 (DNF, Collision with Leclerc)
Alexander Albon - 6 (finished sixth)
McLaren - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished fourth)
Lando Norris - 7 (finished tenth)
Renault - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 7 (finished fifth)
Esteban Ocon - 9 (finished second)
Alpha Tauri: - 7
Daniil Kvyat - 8 (finished seventh)
Pierre Gasly - 6 (finished eleventh)
Racing Point - 9
Sergio Pérez- 10 (race win)
Lance Stroll - 9 (finished third)
Alfa Romeo - 5
Kimi Räikkönen - 5 (finished fourteenth)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 5 (finished thirteenth)
Haas - 5
Pietro Fittipaldi - 6 (finished seventeenth)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fifteenth)
Williams - 6
Jack Aitken - 6 (finished sixteenth)
Nicholas Latifi - 6 (DNF, Oil leak)
Next stop Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi in a weeks time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the last round of the 2020 Formula 1 season.
Overall, it was a thrilling Grand Prix from start to finish and possibly the best race of the season. The race that George Russell should have won.
Valtteri Bottas was on pole for Sunday's race, it was new team-mate Russell took the lead at the start ahead of Russell. First lap chaos when Charles Leclerc collided with both Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez, resulting both Leclerc and Verstappen out of the race instantly and Pérez relegating him down to eighteenth place and last.
With George Russell set to win, until the Safety Car was deployed on lap 62 when Jack Aitken front wing came off after a spin, forcing and possibly unnecessary from Mercedes for Russell and Bottas to pit for fresh medium tyres. But, Russell had Bottas allocated medium tyres on not his, forcing Bottas to stay on his Hard tyres till the end, which resulted Russell forcing to stop again, this next time around to fit his medium tyres, relegating Russell to fifth at the restart with Sergio Pérez now leading the race.
At the restart, Russell overtake Bottas, Stroll and Ocon to go into second place, but a slow puncture when he was trying to chase down Perez forced Russell once again to pit for tyres sending him to the back. He carved his way back up to ninth for his first F1 points.
Despite all that Sergio Pérez took the advantage, comfortably lead to the end, from eighteenth place after lap 1 and help from two Safety Cars it was Sergio Pérez day to win this seasons Sakhir Grand Prix for Sergio Pérez's first ever Grand Prix win. Becoming Mexico's first Grand Prix winner since Pedro Rodríguez winning the Belgian Grand Prix in 1970. And Racing Point their first win as a constructor and fifth win as a team since Giancarlo Fisichella won the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix as Jordan.
While, Esteban Ocon finished in second place in the Renault, Ocon was ten seconds behind Pérez at the end.
Meanwhile, Lance Stroll finished in third place in the other Racing Point to complete the podium, Stroll was twelve seconds behind Pérez at the end of the eighty-seven lap race.
Highlights of the race below, enjoy.
Rate the Teams and Drivers
Mercedes - 8
George Russell - 10 (finished ninth, fastest lap)
Valtteri Bottas - 7 (pole, finished eighth)
Ferrari - 5
Sebastian Vettel - 5 (finished twelfth)
Charles Leclerc - 5 (DNF, Collision with Verstappen)
Red Bull Racing - 6
Max Verstappen - 6 (DNF, Collision with Leclerc)
Alexander Albon - 6 (finished sixth)
McLaren - 7
Carlos Sainz Jr. - 8 (finished fourth)
Lando Norris - 7 (finished tenth)
Renault - 8
Daniel Ricciardo - 7 (finished fifth)
Esteban Ocon - 9 (finished second)
Alpha Tauri: - 7
Daniil Kvyat - 8 (finished seventh)
Pierre Gasly - 6 (finished eleventh)
Racing Point - 9
Sergio Pérez- 10 (race win)
Lance Stroll - 9 (finished third)
Alfa Romeo - 5
Kimi Räikkönen - 5 (finished fourteenth)
Antonio Giovinazzi - 5 (finished thirteenth)
Haas - 5
Pietro Fittipaldi - 6 (finished seventeenth)
Kevin Magnussen - 5 (finished fifteenth)
Williams - 6
Jack Aitken - 6 (finished sixteenth)
Nicholas Latifi - 6 (DNF, Oil leak)
Next stop Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi in a weeks time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the last round of the 2020 Formula 1 season.
Thursday, 3 December 2020
F1 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix Predictions
Predictions for this weekends Formula 1 Sakhir Grand Prix back at the Bahrain International Circuit this time on their Outer Circuit layout, Sakhir, Bahrain.
So Predictions for the race, for the win I predict Max Verstappen for the race win in the Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas second in the Mercedes, and third place for Lando Norris in the McLaren. Don't forget George Russell, Alexander Albon, Carlos Sainz Jr., the Renault drivers, the Ferrari drivers, Pierre Gasly, the Racing Point drivers as well for a podium place.
So Predictions for the race, for the win I predict Max Verstappen for the race win in the Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas second in the Mercedes, and third place for Lando Norris in the McLaren. Don't forget George Russell, Alexander Albon, Carlos Sainz Jr., the Renault drivers, the Ferrari drivers, Pierre Gasly, the Racing Point drivers as well for a podium place.
Confirmed: Mick Schumacher races with Haas F1 Team for 2021
It's been confirmed yesterday (2/12/20), Formula 2 driver Mick Schumacher will race with the Haas F1 Team, for the 2021 Formula 1 season on a multi-year deal.
Schumacher, who has spent 2020 as a reserve driver with Ferrari and driving for their Ferrari Driver Academy, while currently sits first in FIA Formula 2 Standings, is stepping up to a race seat alongside Nikita Mazepin for next season.
Mick Schumacher, son of former seven-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, will be the third person from the Schumacher family to race in Formula 1 after his father Michael and Uncle Ralf during 1990s and 2000s.
In my opinion, this was no big surprise this news happen, rumoured since October that Schumacher was going to get one of the seats. Mazepin will bring in money from his father's chemical company who is a billionaire, while Schumacher will more than likely helping the team getting discounts from Ferrari for using their Power Units in 2021.
Hopefully Haas team will have a stronger 2021 F1 season with its line-up complete going into 2021.
Schumacher, who has spent 2020 as a reserve driver with Ferrari and driving for their Ferrari Driver Academy, while currently sits first in FIA Formula 2 Standings, is stepping up to a race seat alongside Nikita Mazepin for next season.
Mick Schumacher, son of former seven-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, will be the third person from the Schumacher family to race in Formula 1 after his father Michael and Uncle Ralf during 1990s and 2000s.
In my opinion, this was no big surprise this news happen, rumoured since October that Schumacher was going to get one of the seats. Mazepin will bring in money from his father's chemical company who is a billionaire, while Schumacher will more than likely helping the team getting discounts from Ferrari for using their Power Units in 2021.
Hopefully Haas team will have a stronger 2021 F1 season with its line-up complete going into 2021.
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