Red Bull has a reputation for ruthlessly axing drivers that it doesn’t think are performing to the right standard - most recently when Alex Albion replaced Pierre Gasly in the middle of the 2019 season - but it has been uncharacteristically supportive of the Anglo-Thai driver this year, despite his pace, which has fallen well short of Verstappen’s.Īlbon was given until the end of the season to prove himself but, despite a stronger performance in Abu Dhabi, it proved impossible to overlook the availability of Sergio Perez who will race alongside Verstappen in 2021. Max Verstappen signed a three-year contract extension to stay with the team until the 2023 season, ending speculation that he would be courted by Mercedes this year.īut the identity of his team-mate provided more than enough gossip. Read more: Sebastian Vettel to leave Ferrari at end of 2020 season
Leclerc impressed in just his second year in F1, taking on and beating team-mate Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ championship and scoring three wins to the German’s one, and has been the quicker of the two so far this season. The Monégasque driver has signed a five-year deal until the 2024 F1 season, and is seen as the team’s number one.
His second F1 podium at the Italian Grand Prix was just the latest bit of proof that the Spaniard has finally hit his stride in F1, and Leclerc will have a more than capable team-mate alongside him next season.
Sainz is expected to be the team’s number two driver but, after an impressive season with McLaren last year, is unlikely to be intimidated by the formidable competition on the other side of the garage. “We have total trust in Valtteri and loyalty as we’ve always had – and that is our position.”Ĭarlos Sainz has been announced as Sebastian Vettel’s replacement after the four-time champion said that he would be leaving the team. Ahead of the Sakhir race, Wolff said: “If George does well it’s an indication that one day he’s going to be in a good car and hopefully race for victories and World Championships – but that is far away. George Russell’s strong stand-in performance at the Sakhir Grand Prix prompted suggestions that Mercedes could change its plans but Wolff moved to quell speculation in Abu Dhabi by confirming that Bottas would be driving for the team next year.Īs for 2022, he’s under pressure. Negotiations were wrapped up much earlier on the other side of the garage where Valtteri Bottas signed a one-year deal for 2021 several months ago. Team principal Toto Wolff has also committed his future to Mercedes, so the winning duo head into the ninth year of their collaboration. His new contract includes a pledge to launch a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in motor sport. “I feel like we have a lot of work to do here,” he said. However, after sealing a seventh championship in Istanbul, Hamilton said that he wanted to remain Formula 1 with Mercedes where he could continue championing diversity and sustainability. Following his victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “I don’t even know if I’m going to be here next year.” With just over a month to go before preseason testing, Mercedes finally confirmed that Lewis Hamilton would remain with the team in 2021 - but only on a year-long contract.Īt the beginning of last season, a new deal was presented as a formality but doubts crept in as the season went on. Mercedes: Valtteri Bottas & Lewis Hamilton
F1 2021 driver lineup full#
Click on any team for more information or scroll down for full details on the entire grid 2021 F1 driver and team line-up Team Yuki Tsunoda replaces Daniil Kvyat at AlphaTauri. Haas has replaced Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen with fresh F2 talent in the form of Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin - despite the Russian facing disciplinary action just days after signing. Carlos Sainz was announced as his replacement, which triggered Daniel Ricciardo’s deal to move to McLaren and then Fernando Alonso’s return to Renault - which will be rebadged Alpine next year.Īlso being rebranded is Racing Point, which will be Aston Martin next year, and is also Vettel’s new team the displaced Sergio Perez finally finding a berth at Red Bull after a stellar season, in place of Alex Albon. It was clear that next year would bring a significant reshuffle on the grid when Ferrari announced in May that Sebastian Vettel would leave at the end of the season. There have been surprises, disappointments and nail-biting decisions, not to mention the constant bubble of rumour, but the announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s one-year contract with Mercedes means that the final piece of the jigsaw is in place. Sign-up now for access to a limited number of articles.
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