Formula One 2021 Motor Sport

[Franco Pinion]

Now that F1 2020 is officially over, why not have a new 2021 thread?

Yuki Tsunoda has been confirmed at Alpha Tauri for the new season, replacing Danii Kyvat

So the only seat we are now waiting on confirmation for is Red Bull. Will Albon keep his seat or will Perez get it?

Mercedes - Hamilton and Bottas
Red Bull - Verstappen and Albon/Perez
McLaren - Norris and Ricciardo
Aston Martin - Stroll and Vettel
Renault - Alonso and Ocon
Ferrari - Leclerc and Sainz
Alpha Tauri - Gasly and Tsunoda
Haas - Schumacher and Mazepin
Alfa Romeo - Raikkonen and Giovinazzi
Williams - Russel and Latifi

Formula 1's governing body the FIA has confirmed the calendar for the longest season in history next year. There will be 23 grands prix held, starting in Australia on 21 March and ending in Abu Dhabi on 6 December.

The date previously allocated for the Vietnamese GP, 25 April, is still empty, pending a host country being found.

2021 Formula 1 calendar​

21 March Australia (Melbourne)
28 March Bahrain (Sakhir)
11 April China (Shanghai)
25 April TBC
9 May Spain (Barcelona)
23 May Monaco
6 June Azerbaijan (Baku)
13 June Canada (Montreal)
27 June France (Le Castellet)
4 July Austria (Spielberg)
18 July Britain (Silverstone)
1 August Hungary (Hungaroring)
29 August Belgium (Spa)
5 September Netherlands (Zandvoort)
12 September Italy (Monza)
26 September Russia (Sochi)
3 October Singapore (Marina Bay)
10 October Japan (Suzuka)
24 October USA (Austin)
31 October Mexico (Mexico City)
14 November Brazil (Sao Paulo)
28 November Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
5 December Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

 

[Micro Dave]

Alpine seem optimistic that Alonso will be fine for testing

He was taken to a local hospital where Alpine reported that he was “conscious and well in himself” with various outlets claiming he had suffered multiple fractures while others said it was his jaw and mouth that took the brunt.

Alpine issued an official update on the Spaniard’s condition on Friday, saying: “Following his cycling accident yesterday, Fernando Alonso was kept under observation in hospital in Switzerland.

“Medics discovered a fracture in his upper jaw and a conducted successful corrective operation. The attending medical team are satisfied with his progress.

“Fernando will remain under observation in hospital for a further 48 hours.”

They say he'll be ""fully operational to undertake preparation for the season".

 

[Tom]

Car launch dates confirmed so far:

McLaren: 15th of February.
Alpha Tauri: 19th of February.
Alfa Romeo: 22nd of February.
Mercedes: 2nd of March.
Williams: 5th of March.
Ferrari: 10th of March.

 

[Best]

McLaren MCL35M launch today, 15th Feb at 19:00

 

[Franco Pinion]

So, the new McLaren looks....the same as the old one.

Edit: Actually, on second look, the rear looks a bit tighter

 

[Spikey]

So, the new McLaren looks....the same as the old one.

Edit: Actually, on second look, the rear looks a bit tighter

Was never going to be massive changes with all their development tied up the engine swap. Air pods look a good bit tighter.

 

[Tom]

So, the new McLaren looks....the same as the old one.

Edit: Actually, on second look, the rear looks a bit tighter

Nose of car a lot more like the Mercedes. Diffuser and rear floor won't look like the photos come race time.

 

[Welshy]

Looks very narrow! More Mercedes-esque now.

 

[Dylan]

Red Bull power train confirmation. From 2022 to 2025

Following Honda’s decision to exit Formula One as a power unit manufacturer at the end of the 2021 season, Red Bull has reached an agreement with Honda Motor Co Ltd to use Honda F1 power unit technology from the beginning of the 2022 season.

Today’s announcement follows the FIA’s introduction of a Formula One power unit development freeze that takes effect from the beginning of the 2022 season. The Red Bull / Honda agreement covers the duration of the development freeze, enabling the use of Honda power unit technology in both Red Bull Racing and, sister team, Scuderia AlphaTauri’s cars until the next generation engines are introduced in 2025.

In order to run the project, a new company named Red Bull Powertrains Limited has been formed. This new division will be housed and operated from Red Bull Racing’s F1 Team base on the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes.

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor, Dr Helmut Marko, said:

“We have been discussing this topic with Honda for some time and following the FIA’s decision to freeze power unit development from 2022, we could at last reach an agreement regarding the continued use of Honda’s hybrid power units. We are grateful for Honda’s collaboration in this regard and for helping to ensure that both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri continue to have competitive power units. The establishment of Red Bull Powertrains Limited is a bold move by Red Bull but it is one we have made after careful and detailed consideration. We are aware of the huge commitment required but we believe the creation of this new company is the most competitive option for both teams.”

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal, added:

“This agreement represents a significant step for Red Bull in its Formula One journey. We were understandably disappointed when Honda made the decision to leave the sport as an engine manufacturer, as our relationship yielded immediate success, but we are grateful for their support in facilitating this new agreement. Honda has invested significantly in hybrid technology to ensure the supply of competitive power units to both teams. We now begin the work of bringing the power unit division in-house and integrating the new facilities and personnel into our Technology Campus. In the meantime, we are fully focused on achieving the best possible results in what will be Honda’s final season as an official power unit supplier.”

 

[Franco Pinion]

AlphaTauri launches 2021

AlphaTauri launched its AT02, complete with a new livery, as it bids to home in on an already-tight midfield battle.

 

[Son Of Jack]

Alfa Romeo launches today in Warsaw followed by Red Bull tomorrow.

I always used to look forward to car launches, but I'm feeling pretty much 'meh' about them this year.