Formula 1 has a massive global following. Despite the fact that the racing series includes only twenty drivers and ten manufacturers, and a driver’s ability to land a position racing is slim to none, viewers can’t get enough of the speeding cars and intrigue.
First, there’s an air of class associated with F1. Though the exact numbers aren’t clear, the series’ official spending cap for manufacturers in 2021 was $145 million, which some groups considered too low.
Second, the series moves all around the world, stopping over in places like Monaco, Barcelona, and Bahrain. The race changes with each track and inter-team drama only increases the stakes.
But since racer Lewis Hamilton began his dynastic run with Mercedes, fans and punters alike have stuck to prediction which driver and manufacturer would place in second, third, and fourth. Though apps like Unibet mobile have brought wagers straight into the pocket of most F1 fans, there’s been little action worth betting on.
But now, for the first time in nearly a decade, the odds for another driver to beat Hamilton aren’t just an underdog pipe dream. Will Max Verstappen and Red Bull be able to keep their momentum and stay ahead of the English star? It’s a bit too early in the season to be certain, but here are three reasons it’s a real possibility.
Reason One: Biting at the Chomp
Hamilton races with scientific precision. This, coupled with his fearlessness to bend the rules (and piss off other drivers), has made him an unbeatable driver. Even Valtteri Bottas, with almost the same car and resources, hasn’t been able to take a bit out of Hamilton’s cake.
Hamilton has more experience than Verstappen—but the Belgian racer isn’t convinced that Hamilton is a ‘more complete’ driver than he is. He also insists he’s not jealous of any other driver. But that doesn’t mean Verstappen doesn’t want to be the unequivocal champion.
Hamilton is certainly pulling to take home one last world champion title to surpass Michael Schumacher for the all-time record. But, with none to his name, Verstappen will be biting at the chomp to prove himself at last.
Reason Two: Manufacturing Might
Aside from Alpine’s suspiciously good replication of a Mercedes car model in 2020, not even Ferrari has been able to create a vehicle capable of besting Mercedes. This year, Red Bull finally managed to create an F1 model that can outmanoeuvre Mercedes.
Given the manufacturer’s rivalry with one another, this is a huge deal. So, how did Red Bull do it? Last year, fifteen crucial Mercedes engineer specialists switched over to Red Bull’s team, and the difference has been tangible.
Reason Three: Mercedes is Wavering
Hate it or love it, Red Bull has an efficient and cut-throat way of dealing with drivers who aren’t performing well—it cuts them. Halfway through the season, if the team is feeling particularly fiery. Meanwhile, rivals Mercedes have opted for a more even-handed approach to both its long-term drivers, Hamilton and Bottas.
However, there seem to be clear rifts in the Mercedes team. In 2020, Bottas spoke out against the perceived advantages being handed to Hamilton. Even a hairline fracture within Mercedes could be enough to disrupt Hamilton’s routine.
In the past, drivers like Nico Rosberg (the only driver to beat Hamilton in 2016) have advised that it’s possible to get under the English driver’s skin. So, if Verstappen’s own attitude could be responsible for bringing him his first title, then Hamilton’s faltering could be just as responsible.
