In late October, Formula 1 released an official 23-race schedule for 2021, bringing a new race to Saudi Arabia, and featuring races ranging from Australia to China, through Europe, and North and South America. Assuming that all 23 races take place, the 2021 slate will be the longest in the history of the sport.
As we move toward the start of the year, let’s take a look at some of the latest rumors and news items that have emerged in the sport, as you consider your online Formula 1 betting choices for 2021.
Formula 1 News: Rumors, Teams, Builders…
Red Bull Replaces Alexander Albon with Sergio Perez
Alexander Albon had replaced Pierre Gasly in the top team for Red Bull, paired up with Max Verstappen. However, Albon had a difficult time keeping up with Verstappen in terms of points and pace, and Sergio Perez became an option when Sebastian Vettel, four-time drivers’ champion, moved to Racing Point in September. Perez signed a one-year deal with Red Bull and will drive on the top team, with Albon moved to reserve driver. Perez was facing few options with other teams, and Albon remains under contract with Red Bull, so the team had some time to consider its decision. Perez won the Sakhir Grand Prix and ended up finishing fourth in the driver standings with 125 points.
Albon has vowed that he will move to a team that will get him a place in the drivers’ grid in 2022, as he is not looking forward to working as a test and reserve driver. He came in seventh in the 2020 standings, even with Carlos Sainz of McLaren. Sainz will drive for Ferrari in 2021.
Ferrari Targets a Return to the Top Three in 2021
Ferrari ended up finishing sixth in the 2020 constructors’ championship, failing to win a single race, the worst overall finish for the team in 40 years. Sebastian Vettel’s departure for Racing Point shows the outcome of his battle with Charles LeClerc for supremacy. LeClerc had refused to settle into a support role with the top group, battling with Vettel to a point that reached the ridiculous when they crashed into each other early in 2020, with neither team able to finish. LeClerc now has Carlos Sainz alongside him; both drivers will race in the SF21.
Max Verstappen Runs Away with Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Verstappen beat Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton said that he was not feeling his best in his first race after a layoff due to his case of COVID-19. He said that he feels “lucky to be alive” and had already clinched his title at the Turkish Grand Prix back in November. Verstappen had also clinched the pole position, the first Red Bull pole driver of 2020. Verstappen has emerged as the best of the F1 driver field outside the Mercedes team, with two wins and nine other podium appearances on his resume for 2020. Bottas came in second in the drivers’ championship, but he was 124 points behind Hamilton.
Also of interest at Abu Dhabi was the midfield race for third in the constructors’ championship. Racing Point had led McLaren by 10 points and Renault by 22 points. However, Sergio Perez’s engine went out on the ninth lap, hurting Racing Point’s chances. Lance Stroll settled for tenth, getting Racing Point just one point. Lando Norris (fifth) and Carlos Sainz (sixth) looked to have brought McLaren into third. Daniel Ricciardio came in seventh for Renault; next year he will race Sainz at McLaren. Ricciardo had the fastest lap of the race, earning an extra point. Charles LeClerc and Sebastian Vettel came in 13th and 14th, bringing a dismal year for Ferrari to an end.
Formula 1 Betting Odds
Love betting on motor sports like F1? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date Formula 1 betting Odds
