As we edge closer to the 2021 Formula One season, drivers have been switching teams and constructors are in the final stages of testing, eager to make every improvement count ahead of the new campaign. News from the Ferrari camp is one of cautious optimism, with the iconic Prancing Horse team eager to make a cavalry charge back to their best form.
After the 2010’s produced a decade of being also-rans in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships, the new Ferrari engine being tested for 2021 could put the team back in serious contention for Grand Prix wins. Now the SF1000 car will be adapted and updated to become the Ferrari SF21 variant, the improved power unit could give the team a real fighting chance, as they seek to provide Mercedes and Red Bull with some genuine competition.
Charles Leclerc remains at the team and will hope his patience is rewarded, becoming the alpha driver now that Sebastian Vettel has departed. Joining the famous Scuderia team after proving his worth at Torro Rosso, then Renault, and most notably with McLaren over the last two years, Carlos Sainz (Junior) now gets the opportunity of his career with Ferrari. On paper, this looks a formidable driving partnership to help the team back where it belongs.
What the sportsbooks are saying
Congratulations, Sir Lewis!
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 30, 2020
Lewis Hamilton has been awarded a knighthood in the latest UK Honours list 👏https://t.co/D8amm4hOeQ
Heading into the 2021 F1 season, it will undoubtedly come as no surprise that Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are expected to dominate again. They are the clear favorites with every sportsbook around, tipped to make a clean sweep of the Formula One World Drivers’s Championship and the Formula One World Constructors’ Championship. But can anyone stop them?
Well, after checking through some of the leading sports betting sites, Max Verstappen is tipped to be the closest challenger for the Drivers’ Championship, with his Red Bull team also expected to be the most likely team to rival Mercedes for the Constructors’ Championship in 2021. From there, things get a little more interesting when it comes to odds for both championships. With a greater choice of Formula One betting options available than ever before, checking site reviews ahead of the 2021 season will be increasingly important. From welcome bonus deals to which sites have the biggest number of F1 betting markets available, it certainly pays for the savvy motor racing punter to shop around. Even more so when it comes to markets for individual races, as the 2021 season could bring plenty of surprise results.
Season of growth for the Scuderia team
A fresh start is on the horizon 🌅#essereFerrari 🔴 pic.twitter.com/jExbnXDRI9
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 2, 2021
Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes can expect plenty of podium finishes, while Sergio Pérez at Red Bull will have the same ambitions with his new team. However, beyond those two leading teams and their four drivers, many F1 pundits are predicting a return to competitive form for Ferrari. Despite slumping to 6th in the Constructors’ Championship last season, their worst position since 1980, a buoyant return is predicted.
The general consensus amongst all major sportsbooks is that Ferrari should be pushing for third spot in the Constructors’ Championship, aided by their new power unit. If that can dovetail with overall chassis improvements, the iconic red cars will enjoy a much-improved campaign. Of course, a quality car needs to have the right talent behind the wheel, with the duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz tipped as a winning combination.
Given that Leclerc will have a much more competitive car at his disposal, the man from Monaco will hope to match or exceed the excellent performances registered in 2019. Meanwhile, although the wingman role is ideally suited to Sainz, having finished 6th in the Drivers’ Championship standings with McLaren in 2019 and 2020, the Spaniard will have ambitions of climbing higher with a much better set of wheels at his disposal.
Ferrari remain cautiously optimistic
This is only one part of the team.
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) December 13, 2020
But a Huge Thanks to all of my team that have been working day & night to improve the car and find the tinniest gains.
I can see we are heading the right way, it’s a long way but we’ll get there.
Thank you for your dedication and passion ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Wf57OsJIj8
Having failed to register a single win and just three podiums in 2020, two for Leclerc and just the one for Sebastian Vettel, it shouldn’t be too difficult for the Scuderia Ferrari team to improve on those numbers. They are conscious that catching both Mercedes and Red Bull will be a tall order, therefore the 2021 season will principally be one of progress.
Ferrari should be aiming for third in the Constructors’ Championship and anything better will be a bonus. Likewise, should the driving partnership of Leclerc and Sainz click into place, both are genuinely capable of finishing within the top six of the Drivers’ Championship.
Ahead of the rule changes to come in 2022, the 2021 campaign appears to be one of transition at many teams, although playing the long game, it’s one that Ferrari can use to their advantage.
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