F1 2021 Preview

F1 is BACK

by Owen Lawton

Many will agree that in the midst of the pandemic last year, F1 was a familiar friend that got us through each week. Seeing the teams jetting off to far flung destinations was the closest we could get to going on holiday. This off season has felt longer than normal with restrictions being imposed as a second wave of infections sweeps Europe, but now F1 is back with testing resuming today (Friday 12th March).

While last season was a condensed and mostly European based season that favoured Mercedes, this season is 23 rounds long and spread across 4 continents with races such as Saudi Arabia being added. Since there is a greater variety in circuits again with season, racing is expected to be closer. The rule changes carried over on the 2020 cars should also encourage closer racing as the FIA hoped to have cut around 10% of the downforce with new rear floor regulations, shorted diffusers and smaller rear brake duct winglets.

Mercedes' 2021 Challenger the W12

It will be odd to start this season in Bahrain, especially with two races there that are fresh in the memory, however needs must and we can hope that we can get all of the races on this years calendar. One thing is for certain though,. As with any season there will be drama, both on and off the track. Testing will give a much better idea of where all the teams are at before lights out in Bahrain on Sunday 28th March.

Owen Lawton
Owen Lawton is a student at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, reading materials science. He became interested in watches and the use of materials in watchmaking in his late teens and enjoys applying his studies to the hobby.