Sports Articles: Formula 1: Abu Dhabi Talking Points

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Formula 1: Things To Think About After Abu Dhabi

1. McLaren Selling Off 30%

In recent years McLaren have been struggling to compete financially with the big boys, that may be all about to change due to a new deal where they have sold 30% of the company to a US-based investment company. With the cost cap arriving as well into F1 for next season, that should allow them to compete on a level playing field. Despite that, they are still looking to re-finance their headquarters to raise even more working capital. How much is intended for the F1 team and how much for their Indy Car team or the new World Sports Car and Formula E teams they are intending to launch is questionable.

2. Qualifying

The qualifying turned out to be the most exciting part as at least it was a race, rather than a procession! Nice to see someone other than Mercedes on pole, though it was not entirely unexpected as Red Bull were the team that continued to develop their current car until right at the end, while Mercedes had long since stopped focusing on it to work on next season's. Hopefully that will not leave them too far behind when it does come to next season.

3. The Procession

This race was such an anti-climax at the end of the most entertaining season I can remember. There were a few overtaking maneuvres but the race just seemed to lack any real excitement. Such a shame that a track with such beautiful visuals creates such boring races. The closest thing to excitement was Vettel's performance, who, for once, had the beating of Leclerc. It is telling that my notes on the race were just a couple of lines, when usually I have a couple of pages! Sadly even Perez could not make it exciting being at the back, as his car conked out early on. That was probably the most exciting moment of the entire race as it led to a safety car.

4. Mercedes

An almost perfect season for the Silver (Black) Arrows this year. They had such an advantage they were able to turn their attention to next year's car nice and early. Though it might not give them the edge it might appear to do, mainly because their DAS system (which allowed them to toe the wheels in and out to suit need) has been outlawed and that gave them a big help in keeping tyres warm during safety car periods. The big question for them for next season is whether to go with Russell or stick with Bottas? While Bottas is fine to support Hamilton to a title cruise, if the racing is closer, as expected, next season, they will need a number 2 driver who is actually competitive.

5. Red Bull Racing

This was a season that basically just promised much for next time around, rather than offered much this time around. Sadly that is set to be Honda's final season in the competition, so RBR will have to make the most of it before they lose an engine that will improve as the season goes on. You do have to wonder if next season is their last chance to win the title with this current generation of engines. They were a clear second best and their developments on the car enabled them to close the gap completely on the final weekend, but have they focused too much on this season at the expense of next? Also there is a big question mark over the second seat, should they keep Albon? Personally I would go for Perez, even though I like Albon.

6. McLaren

Despite running with a customer engine McLaren managed to clinch third place in the constructor's championship on the final weekend. There are clear signs of a revival there, added to the better finances, it is looking good for them next season. Though I wonder if they have chosen to change powerplant at the correct time, as Renault's engine was a match for the Merc in the second half of the season. Will they miss Sainz or is Ricciardo the better choice?

7. Racing Point/Aston Martin

The influx of cash to the team from the new owner, though clearly intended to just support his son, helped the team to make a major step forward this season. They will rue letting Perez go for next season though. The Mexican was clearly faster than Stroll, and nepotism is not a good way to win trophies. It is difficult to see them being able to maintain this place next season. At least they will have a more appealing name for fans to get behind in the shape of Aston Martin, but Vettel looks a long way off the level he once was. Will they regret replacing Perez with Vettel?

8. Renault/Alpine

Beaten by a customer team and bringing back Alonso for next season, I am not sure Renault have taken the right tack here. Alonso has been away a long time and spent his last few seasons ruining his legacy with constant whining and bitching over the radio. It was embarrassing hearing him moaning about things that were completely beyond the team's control and did nothing but create problems with the engine supplier. They do say to never go back in sports as well, so did they make the right choice?

9. Ferrari

A disaster of a season that even Leclerc could not rescue. There were signs as the season went on that the engine was catching up the rest on power, which bodes well for next year. However they have a massive amount of work to do to get anywhere near the front of the pack, where they expect to be. It will be interesting to see if Sainz can get any closer to Leclerc than Vettel did.

10. AlphaTauri

There were times when they were faster than their bigger brother, the Red Bull team, yet somehow they finished just 7th in the constructor's. It seems they struggle to turn pace into results far too often. A lot depends on who is driving for them next season as Kvyat looks likely to be leaving. Who can they get to help them move forward?

11. Alfa Romeo

They really need a cash influx to move up the table. There is likely to be little change there for next season with a team that rarely gets out of the midfield battle other than when they are too far behind to reach the midfield.

12. Haas

They have been trying to do something similar to Racing Point/Aston Martin, unfortunately they chose to copy Ferrari and so ended up as a backmarker battling Williams in the hope that enough cars drop out to enable them to snatch a point. With two rookie drivers for next season and even more technical help from Ferrari, including personnel and Mick Schumacher as a driver, they could be a surprise package or just as hopeless next season.

13. Williams

Despite being unable to get a point this season, the future looks much brighter for Williams. New owners with a bigger wallet and a top driver in Russell and a very good one in Latifi could see them being much more competitive next season. Even if they do end up losing Russell, it will be in return for a large fee which could go towards developing the car, so they are in a win/win situation. Though it would be difficult for them to do anything other than improve considering the mess they have been in over recent years.

Written by Tris Burke December 14 2020 09:25:50