Will Ferrari recover? Can Perez seize his chance? 20 questions for the 2021 F1 season

65 comments on “Will Ferrari recover? Can Perez seize his chance? 20 questions for the 2021 F1 season”

1. 

   Balue (@balue)
   20th March 2021, 8:52

   1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 23
   2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? Yes
   3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1? 2nd
   4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? Obviously
   5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? Saudi Arabia
   6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship? 3
   7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? Yes
   8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place? None
   9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points? McLaren
   10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? 4th
   11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Verstappen
   12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year? Hamilton, Raikkonen
   13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021? Schumacher
   14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine? Ricciardo
   15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year? No-yes
   16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points? Mazepin
   17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points? Schumacher, Mazepin, Latifi, Giovinazzi
   18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided? The 23rd
   19. Who will win the constructors championship? Mercedes
   20. Who will win the drivers championship? Hamilton
   1. 

      Chris Wright (@chriswrig)
      20th March 2021, 9:00

      Sounds about right. I’m keeping a copy to check at the end of the season.
      1. 

         cdfemke (@cdfemke)
         20th March 2021, 10:05

         Except for the numer of races. Zandvoort wont take place if no spectators are allpwed. And dutchland will still be in lockdown for sire, vaccination is way behind schedule
   2. 

      Sensord4notbeingafanboi (@peartree)
      20th March 2021, 11:19

      1:21
      2:No
      3:3rd
      4:yes
      5:ham
      6:2
      7:no
      8:Hamilton
      9:McLaren
      10:4th
      11:Hamilton
      12:Giovinazzi
      13:perez
      14:ricciardo
      15:yes
      16:perez
      17:schumi, latifi, georgie, mazepin
      18: 17
      19:merc
      20:ham
2. 

   Mashiat (@mashiat)
   20th March 2021, 8:57

   1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 23
   2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? They will be slower initially, but by the end of the year be on par, perhaps even quicker in some tracks.
   3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1? 4th
   4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? Yes
   5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? The engine rules for 2025.
   6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship? 3
   7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? Yes
   8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place? Antonio Giovinazzi. Replaced by Calum Illot.
   9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren, and Williams – will score the most points? McLaren
   10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? 3rd
   11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Max Verstappen
   12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year? Nicholas Latifi, Antonio Giovinazzi, Kimi Raikkonen and Esteban Ocon
   13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021? Lance Stroll
   14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine? Daniel Ricciardo
   15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year? No.
   16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points? Yuki Tsunoda
   17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points? Nikita Mazepin, Mick Schumacher and Nicholas Latifi.
   18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided? Saudi Arabia
   19. Who will win the 2021 F1 constructors championship? Mercedes
   20. Who will win the 2021 F1 drivers’ championship? Max Verstappen

   The realist in me thinks Hamilton will wrap up number 8, but I just want to be a bit hopeful for the first time in years that someone else will win it.
3. 

   Wachuwey (@wachuwey)
   20th March 2021, 9:03

   1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year?
   All of them
   2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s?
   Yes, but not by a lot.
   3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1?
   4th
   4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022?
   Yes
   5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021?

   6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship?
   3 (Mercedes, RedBull, McLaren)
   7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season?
   Yes
   8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place?
   Due to Covid, none of them.
   Substitute driver – Hulkenberg again??
   9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points?
   McLaren
   10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021?
   4th
   11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix?
   Verstappen
   12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year?
   Raikkonen, Bottas,
   13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021?
   Mazepin
   14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine?
   Ricciardo
   15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year?
   No
   16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points?
   Mazepin
   17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points?
   Mazepin, Latifi, Giovinazzi
   18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided?
   The 20th
   19. Who will win the constructors championship?
   Mercedes
   20. Who will win the drivers championship?
   Hamilton
4. 

   JohnH (@johnrkh)
   20th March 2021, 9:08

   1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year?
   Likely 23
   2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s?
   Not a noticeable difference
   4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022?
   Yes and they want to
   9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points?
   McLaren.
   12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year?
   Räikkönen is the most likely one but also Bottas, Hamilton possible
   14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine?
   Ricciardo
   15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year?
   Does anyone think that likely?
   Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points?
   Both Haas drivers probably both Williams drivers.
   1. 

      JohnH (@johnrkh)
      20th March 2021, 12:50

      Whoops meant to say is that likely for Bottas.
5. 

   black (@black)
   20th March 2021, 9:14

   1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year?
   21-22, expect 1 or 2 rounds to cancel
   2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s?
   Yes
   3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1?
   3rd
   4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022?
   They will for 2021 and they will be OKish, but they will be dropped for 2022
   5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021?
   COVID… again
   6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship?
   3, Mercedes, Red Bull and in a chaotic race one of the McLaren-Alpine-Aston Martin-Ferrari
   7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season?
   Yes
   8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place?
   Vettel for 1-2 races due to COVID… which means Hulkenberg is back
   9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points?
   McLaren
   10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021?
   2nd unless they manage to win in a chaotic race
   11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix?
   Verstappen
   12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year?
   Raikkonen will retire
   13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021?
   Hamilton (he’s had far too much reliability these last years, so all the bad luck will strike this year)
   14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine?
   Ricciardo
   15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year?
   No, Russell will replace Bottas
   16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points?
   Mazepin
   17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points?
   Mazepin-Latifi-Schumacher
   18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided?
   Australia
   19. WCC
   Mercedes
   20. WDC
   Hamilton
6. 

   F1 frog (@f1frog)
   20th March 2021, 9:44

   1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year?
   23
   2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s?
   Yes, but not by much
   3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1?
   3rd
   4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022?
   Unfortunately, yes
   5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021?
   Special exemptions from COVID rules for F1
   6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship?
   3 – Mercedes, Red Bull, and one freak result from the midfield
   7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season?
   Yes
   8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place?
   Nikita Mazepin for Pietro Fittipaldi (for one race)
   9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points?
   McLaren
   10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021?
   3rd
   11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix?
   Lewis Hamilton (feels like a long time since the last Monaco GP)
   12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year?
   Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi
   13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021?
   Esteban Ocon
   14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine?
   Daniel Ricciardo
   15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year?
   Yes – they are practically the perfect duo
   16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points?
   Nikita Mazepin
   17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points?
   Nicholas Latifi, Mick Schumacher, Nikita Mazepin
   18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided?
   Saudi Arabia
   19. Who will win the constructors championship?
   Mercedes
   20. Who will win the drivers’ championship?
   Hamilton, although Bottas and Verstappen will be closer. I have £10 on Bottas as champion.
7. 

   Ruben
   20th March 2021, 9:49

   1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 22
   2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? Only slightly (on some tracks)
   3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1? 2nd
   4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? Yes and maybe
   5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? Mazepin
   6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship? 4
   7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? No
   8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place? Nikita Mazepin by Calum Illot.
   9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren, and Williams – will score the most points? McLaren
   10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? 2nd
   11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Sergio Perez
   12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year? Hamilton, Bottas, Latifi, Raikkonen.
   13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021? Sebastian Vettel
   14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine? Daniel Ricciardo
   15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year? No.
   16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points? Nikita Mazepin
   17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points? Nikita Mazepin, Mick Schumacher and Nicholas Latifi.
   18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided? Second to last
   19. Who will win the 2021 F1 constructors championship? Mercedes
   20. Who will win the 2021 F1 drivers’ championship? Max Verstappen
8. 

   ColdFly (@)
   20th March 2021, 9:57

   I’m surprised that in this poll Mercedes has a bigger chance to win the WCC than Hamilton the WCC.
   Normal logic would support that, as a Mercedes walk over still has 2 theoretical candidates for WDC. But let’s not fool ourselves and be blind for what happened the past four years; Bottas will never (is extremely unlikely to) beat Hamilton to the WDC.

   On the other hand RBR seems to be closer at the start of the season, and is widely believed to have a better line-up than the past couple of years.
   RBR doesn’t need a better car to win the WCC, as with 2 solid drivers, split strategies (long runs for Perez), and a few wins, I see them be a good contender for the constructors title.
   I’d rate the WCC chance for RBR higher than the WDC for Verstappen.
   1. 

      bosyber (@bosyber)
      20th March 2021, 10:52

      Yep, I decided to go with Red Bull for WCC for that reason @coldfly; sure could all turn out to be like 2019 but Red Bull instead of Ferrari, sure, but at least Perez looks like a solid 2nd driver to Verstappen so if this time they start good (or even ahead?!), instead of behind Mercedes, could see them 1 HAM, 2 VER, 3 PER, 4 BOT, so I went with that, just for some variance.
      1. 

         petebaldwin (@)
         20th March 2021, 12:56

         I’m personally amazed so many have gone for Red Bull. I don’t think they’ll even get close – it’ll be Mercedes winning with several races to go. Same for Hamilton.
9. 

   ColdFly (@)
   20th March 2021, 10:23

   It will be tumultuous year with 26 races after a successful CAS appeal by The Independent Team from Haas promoted the Quali Sprints to full Race status. Especially Alonso‘s car was be faster than last year (as he did not participate) in his upset win in Monaco after Bottas reversed in quali to upset Hamilton’s potential pole lap and a lapped Ocon spun into race leading Verstappen when trying to unlap himself. Bottas actions cost him 12 penalty points in total after the video appeared of him reversing before Rosberg’s condominium and apparently taking instructions from Rosberg shouting from his balcony. Bottas didn’t return after that race and lost his seat for 2022.
   All drivers were awarded points this season as a gift from the organisers of the inaugural Saudi GP. However Norris points were cut after being vocal against the regime on Twitch and asked to visit the London embassy.
   1. 

      bosyber (@bosyber)
      20th March 2021, 10:53

      Nice narrative there @coldfly, made me smile. Some things seems a tad unlikely there, but why not.
10. 

    bernasaurus (@bernasaurus)
    20th March 2021, 10:44

    Can Yuki Tsunoda see over the steering wheel, or will he have to sit on someone’s lap whilst they do the pedals for him?
11. 

    Alex (@arobbo)
    20th March 2021, 11:14

    1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 23
    2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? I don’t know, depends on track
    3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1?
    3rd
    4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? Likely yes
    5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? Haas livery, Saudi Arabia race taking place?
    6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship?
    3 or 4, Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren and a midfield team.
    7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? Probably not
    8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place?
    Mazepin at Haas, replaced by Illott
    9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points?
    McLaren
    10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? A win or a podium.
    11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Verstappen
    12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year?
    Raikkonen finally retires, and maybe, though unlikely, Hamilton.
    13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021?
    Mazepin
    14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine?
    Ricciardo
    15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year?
    One of the two will leave after the end of this year, so no.
    16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points?
    Mazepin
    17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points?
    Latifi and Mazepin
    18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided?
    Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi don’t exist as races for me.
    19. Who will win the constructors championship?
    It’ll be close, but Mercedes
    20. Who will win the drivers championship?
    Verstappen, I’ve a feeling this year will be abit like 2006, albeit with very different teams. Red Bull start strong with Max winning most of the early races like Renault did, then Mercedes will fight back in second half with the better car but Max will edge it in the end.
12. 

    S
    20th March 2021, 11:22

    At which point will the championship be decided?
    Preseason testing. We all know it…
    1. 

       S
       21st March 2021, 13:53

       Perhaps I should have been more bold, and said it was decided the moment they extended the current technical regs.
13. 

    Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
    20th March 2021, 11:23

    1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 22
    2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? No
    3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1? 3rd
    4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? Regrettably, yes, and, regrettably, yes.
    5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? The new engine formula for 2025.
    6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship? Three
    7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? No. (I rate Perez but I thought everything about the way Red Bull handled his appointment last year screamed reluctance. I don’t think he’ll keep the seat unless he hugely out-performs expectations.)
    8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place? Lewis Hamilton, by George Russell.
    9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points? Aston Martin
    10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? 1st
    11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Bottas
    12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year? Giovinazzi, Latifi
    13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021? Tsunoda
    14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine? Ricciardo
    15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year? Hamilton will, Bottas won’t.
    16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points? Mazepin
    17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points? Latifi and Mazepin
    18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided? Round 20, the Sao Paolo Grand Prix (in Sprint Qualifying if points are awarded)
    19. Who will win the constructors championship? Mercedes
    20. Who will win the drivers championship? Hamilton
    1. 

       Robbie (@robbie)
       20th March 2021, 14:37

       @keithcollantine Had to chuckle at your LH winning with two races to go of your one race shorter season, but in the Sprint Qualifying if there’s points. Something tells me you really really want Brawn and Domenicali to have to eat their words about not wanting SQ to affect the Championships, and thus potentially drawing enough protest about it to see it dropped.

       I admire your cleverness.
    2. 

       PaulK (@paulk)
       20th March 2021, 18:33

       @keithcollantine, curious by your answer to question 8. Why would Russell need to sub for Hamilton again this year?
14. 

    Bob C.
    20th March 2021, 11:24

    1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 20
    2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? Yes, initially
    3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1? 5th, maybe a very lucky third in a high-attrition race.
    4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? Yes, no matter how much fans complain.
    5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? Mazepin Sr. attempting to buy Haas, while mixed up in new US economic sanctions against named Russian individuals and cooperations. It will be a mess, far from convinced that Haas will be there for 2022 – sadly.
    6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship? 3, Mercedes, Red Bull and in a chaotic wet some wildcard (being a sucker for a redemption story, I am hoping for that wildcard to be VET)
    7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? No, he will prove too independent.
    8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place? Mazepin, substituted (not replaced) by Fittipaldi
    9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points? McLaren, Aston Martin close by, Williams a distant third
    10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? a lucky-punch 2nd
    11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Hamilton
    12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year? Raikkonen, Latifi
    13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021? Ocon
    14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine? Ricciardo
    15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year? yes. Wolff is too classically risk-adverse to change something that works for the team.
    16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points? Mazepin, most but not ALL fully deserved; his previous record may work against him
    17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points? Schumacher, Mazepin, Latifi, Giovinazzi, Raikkonen
    18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided? at (n-3), n being whichever number of races get held.
    19. Who will win the constructors championship? Mercedes, by a country mile
    20. Who will win the drivers championship? Hamilton, by another country mile
15. 

    Keith Campbell (@keithedin)
    20th March 2021, 11:30

    1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 21
    2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? Slightly, but will probably recover he difference by the end of the year.
    3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1? 4th
    4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? Yes, seems inevitable.
    5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? Mazepin Sr buying Haas
    6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship? 2.
    7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? Yes
    8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place? None
    9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points? Aston Martin
    10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? 3rd
    11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Hamilton
    12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year? None
    13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021? Mazepin
    14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine? Ricciardo
    15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year? Bottas replaced by Russell. Possibly a straight seat swap with Bottas going back to Williams.
    16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points? Mazepin
    17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points? Schumacher, Mazepin, Latifi
    18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided? 3rd last race.
    19. Who will win the constructors championship? Mercedes
    20. Who will win the drivers championship? Hamilton
16. 

    Imre (@f1mre)
    20th March 2021, 11:31

    1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year?
    23

    2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s?
    No.

    3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1?
    3rd.

    4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022?
    Yes and no.

    5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021?
    Power unit freeze.

    6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship?
    3

    7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season?
    Yes.

    8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place?
    Mazepin. Grosjean.

    9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points?
    Aston Martin.

    10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021?
    2nd.

    11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix?
    Verstappen.

    12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year?
    Mazepin, Latifi, Bottas

    13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021?
    Tsunoda

    14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine?
    Ricciardo

    15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year?
    No.

    16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points?
    Mazepin

    17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points?
    Latifi, Schumacher, Mazepin

    18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided?
    Saudi Arabia
17. 

    TFLB (@tflb)
    20th March 2021, 12:02

    1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year?

    23. I can’t forsee any more Covid cancellations, and hopefully by the mid-point vaccinations should be progressing well in the host countries.

    2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s?

    At most circuits, yes.

    3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1?

    2nd

    4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022?

    Sadly yes.

    5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021?

    I suspect it’ll be something that has not yet reared it’s head.

    6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship?

    3

    7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season?

    Yes

    8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place?

    Depending on how big Ocon’s gap to Alonso is – I can see him being shown the door late season, Gasly coming in for the final rounds and 22, and Albon back in at AT.

    9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points?

    McLaren, but the AM will be a better car. Worse drivers.

    10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021?

    3rd.

    11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix?

    Sergio Perez – he’s very quick in Monte Carlo.

    12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year?

    Hamilton, Bottas (hopefully), Ocon, Latifi, Vettel.

    13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021?

    Vettel.

    14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine?

    Alonso.

    15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year?

    No.

    16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points?

    Leclerc.

    17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points?

    Russell, Schumacher, Mazepin.

    18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided?

    23.

    WCC: Red Bull

    WDC: Perez (bold, I know…)
18. 

    Srdjan Mandic (@srga91)
    20th March 2021, 12:14

    1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 19
    2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? Yes, but not by much.
    3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1? 3rd
    4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? 2021 – yes; 2022 – no
    5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? WDC title gets decided by COVID.
    6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship? Two
    7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? Yes
    8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place? Nico Hülkenberg replaces Lewis Hamilton
    9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren, and Williams – will score the most points? McLaren
    10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? 2nd
    11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Sergio Perez
    12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year? Kimi Raikkonen and Esteban Ocon
    13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021? Sebastian Vettel
    14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine? Daniel Ricciardo
    15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year? Hamilton – yes; Bottas – no
    16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points? Lance Stroll
    17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points? Nikita Mazepin, Mick Schumacher
    18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided? 17th (wherever it will be)
    19. Who will win the 2021 F1 constructors championship? Red Bull
    20. Who will win the 2021 F1 drivers’ championship? Max Verstappen
19. 

    David BR (@david-br)
    20th March 2021, 12:46

    19. WCC: Mercedes
    20. WDC: Verstappppeerrrrhhamilton.
    If it’s a more or less even contest over the year, Mercedes edging it over Red Bull say, I can see Verstappen winning the championship, just because he’ll be far hungrier for that first title, and I don’t think Lewis will be focused enough to match him. Could it happen? Yes. But it’s not going to is it. The Mercedes machine will recover from any setback and provide enough of a buffer to secure Hamilton the title. As for the WCC, I think Bottas is stronger than an overrated Perez.
20. 

    Jere (@jerejj)
    20th March 2021, 12:57

    Finally, I had been waiting for this:
    1. 23, 22, or 21.
    2. Most tracks don’t have last season as the most recent reference, so difficult to judge, but out of the rest: Some yes, some not.
    3. 4th.
    4. Yes for this year, no for next.
    5. Sprint qualifying races’ possible impact on the championships.
    6. Two (Mercedes and Red Bull). Maybe a third one (Mclaren, AM, Alpine, or Ferrari) once if circumstances favor.
    7. Yes, unless they were willing to give Gasly another chance in the senior team.
    8. None or Alonso if the possible cycling accident after-effects were to hit, in which case, Kvyat to substitute or someone tests positive for COVID.
    9. Mclaren, although could equally be AM.
    10. 3rd.
    11. HAM.
    12. RAI, maybe also OCO (if he underperforms), GIO, and BOT, depending on how the driver market goes this year.
    13. MAZ.
    14. RIC.
    15. Maybe, maybe not. The former at least, but the latter is less clear-cut in my view.
    16. MAZ.
    17. SCH, MAZ, and LAT. Definitely the Haas drivers, at least.
    18. Hopefully, the last, but based on the recent past, more likely in either Brazil or Australia.
    19. Mercedes.
    20. HAM.
21. 

    Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
    20th March 2021, 14:02

    1. A record 23 races have been scheduled on the 2021 F1 calendar. How many rounds will be held this year? 23
    2. Following the latest aerodynamic rules changes, will this year’s cars be slower than last year’s? Yes
    3. What will Fernando Alonso’s best result be during his first year back in Formula 1? 1st
    4. Will F1 trial its Sprint Qualifying races in 2021 – and schedule more for 2022? Yes-Yes
    5. What will be the biggest political story during 2021? Another Mazepin scandal
    6. How many different teams will win races over the course of the upcoming championship? 5
    7. Will Red Bull retain Sergio Perez for the 2022 F1 season? Yes
    8. Who will be the first driver to be replaced or substituted for a race – and who will take their place ? Bottas and his replacement will be Russel
    9. Which of Mercedes’ three customer teams – Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams – will score the most points? McLaren
    10. What will be Ferrari’s highest finishing position during 2021? 1st
    11. Who will win the Monaco Grand Prix? Max Verstappen
    12. Which drivers will leave F1 at the end of the year? Raikkonen, Giovinazzi, Bottas
    13. Which driver will suffer the most retirements during 2021? Mazepin
    14. Who will score more points: Daniel Ricciardo following his move to McLaren, or Fernando Alonso after taking over his vacant seat at Alpine? Daniel Ricciardo
    15. Will Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas continue as Mercedes drivers for another season after this year? No
    16. Which driver will collect the most penalty points? Mazepin
    17. Which drivers, if any, will fail to score any championship points? Latifi, Russel, Mazepin
    18. At which race will the drivers’ championship be decided? Australian GP
    19. Who will win the constructors championship? Mercedes
    20. Who will win the drivers championship? Hamilton
22. 

    Balue (@balue)
    20th March 2021, 14:57

    The reason I thought the race would go down to the last race and Hamilton not winning with 2 or 3 races to go as could just as easily happen, is a combination of good Red Bull start, Bottas talking more points off Hamilton than before + refusing to play wingman, and a luck change for the Mercedes drivers which they’re due.
    1. 

       Balue (@balue)
       20th March 2021, 14:58

       ..and Perez now stopping the usual Mercedes’ check mate strategy
    2. 

       Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
       20th March 2021, 17:01

       @balue
       Bottas refusing to play wingman will lead Mercedes to drop him at the end of the season which will make my prediction of him leaving F1 at the end of the year will come true !
       1. 

          Balue (@balue)
          20th March 2021, 17:09

          @tifoso1989 Yes they will likely drop him, and he probably knows it. That’s why he has said he will be selfish and demanding this year.

          But that doesn’t mean out of F1. By anyone’s standards, he is still a good driver and his experience at Mercedes worth a lot. Can’t think of a team who would not want him. Maybe even Red Bull.
          1. 

             Balue (@balue)
             20th March 2021, 17:11

             ..but if Hamilton leaves, ey’ll keep him for continuity’s sake
             1. 

                Balue (@balue)
                20th March 2021, 17:11

                they’ll
          2. 

             Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
             20th March 2021, 17:25

             @balue
             I agree with you but that depends on what the other drivers are doing. Russel and Ocon are tied with Wolff, if they will not get that Mercedes seat, they will remain in their seats. Giovinazzi is at risk, however Ferrari will still try to have one of its junior drivers in that Alfa seat. While I don’t expect Latifi to improve, however he still brings loads of cash and as for Perez he will be safe as long as he replicate his 2020 form.
23. 

    Pat Ruadh (@fullcoursecaution)
    20th March 2021, 15:30