Lewis Hamilton Returns
Leading off our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix prep we have Formula 1’s most marketable star, Lewis Hamilton. The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will see the return of Formula 1’s top driver and reigning champion. Hamilton missed out on his chance to compete in Sakhir last weekend due to a ten-day stint on the Covid-19 list. George Russell, a young driver from Mercedes’ sister team, Williams took Hamilton’s seat for the Sakhir Grand Prix. To the joy of the team, Russell was overwhelmingly successful in his Mercedes debut. The Brit was leading for much of the race before an unfortunate pit stop incident put him out of contention. This performance, as well as his week out of the car, should give us a very motivated Lewis Hamilton come Sunday morning.
A Story to Watch: George Russell and Mercedes
Let’s be honest. Who doesn’t like to have options? The overall success of George Russell in a Mercedes last weekend has added a new wrinkle to the future of their driving lineup. Mercedes has yet to sign Hamilton to a contract for 2021, a problem that won’t be solved until the offseason. Now it would be foolish for the Silver Arrows to play hardball with the greatest driver the sport may ever see. However, this performance will no doubt be in the back of Hamilton’s mind as he returns. It’s not often that a driver like Hamilton gets a reminder that the car can often mean more than the driver.
Remember, keeping a driver out of their car for a week is often like keeping Lou Williams away from strip club chicken wings. They won’t like it and they will be antsy. This is shaping up for a motivated Hamilton to make a statement.
Russell is not very pleased with Hamilton’s early return. His disappointment was visible and vocal when he found out he wasn’t getting a second week in a Mercedes. How could Russell have anticipated Hamilton’s return in just ten days?
As Bahrain did go so well from a performance perspective, part of me was like you know what, I think it was a good weekend, obviously I really wanted to win and I would have had a great opportunity this weekend.
George Russell on his time with Mercedes, F1i
Where Could Russell Go?
Russell proved that he deserves to be in a competitive car. The strong showing in a Mercedes cemented that. The question is when and where? Mercedes is the team with the clearest cut path for the young driver. The problem is that the Silver Arrows lack a seat for Russell soon. Hell will freeze over before Mercedes lets Hamilton walk away. That seat will not be an option for him. The more likely scenario is that Russell replaces Hamilton’s bridesmaid, Valtteri Bottas. Bottas is one of the best drivers in the world, a wonderful luxury for the top team. The thing is, sports organizations love nothing more than winning more with a smaller investment. It may be the smarter move for Mercedes to sacrifice experience for youth and a smaller salary than you may have to pay Bottas going forward.
Of course, Russell could also try to wade into the murky waters of another competitive car. He could go after the second Red Bull seat.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Prep: Question of the Race
Is There Anything Alexander Albon Can Do in Abu Dhabi to Deserve His Seat?
In short, no.
Alexander Albon’s tenure with Red Bull has been a failure. During a time where there is little parody at the top, Albon’s inability to keep up with his teammate Max Verstappen has increased the gap between Mercedes and the rest. Red Bull will have to make a move soon if they wish to remain relevant.
The solution to this is a man who has found himself in the public eye this past week. Sergio Perez, the winner of the Sakhir Grand Prix remains a free agent after this weekend’s race. While he has contemplated retirement, Perez has also expressed a desire to move out of the midfield and into a competitive car. Red Bull matches this description.
Perez’s retirement would be a travesty as he will be coming off career numbers this season. Perez currently sits in fourth place in the driver’s standings. That’s just below potential teammate Verstappen, and four places higher than the unreasonably underperforming Albon. You cannot argue with the numbers and frankly, Perez shouldn’t settle for anything less than that Red Bull seat. It’d be better to retire on a high note then jump into any old car.
Red Bull needs to move on from Albon and make the right choice before it is too late. As the second-best car on the track, they can’t have their second driver barely above the points line. They need to make a big move here or they will only find themselves falling back in the pack. It matters not at this point whether you prefer to promote from within. You will need the best driver possible to keep up with Mercedes and keep things interesting for the folks at home. Perez is the solution and he’s waiting for them.
That’s why it is so imperative that Perez has a strong race in Abu Dhabi. He will either earn himself his new ride, or go out in glory.
Podium Picks for Abu Dhabi
- Lewis Hamilton- Mercedes
- Max Verstappen- Red Bull
- Carlos Sainz- Renault
As I wrap up the Abu Dhabi race prep I would be remiss to not mention that they will be racing on the softest combination of tires possible and in one of the hotter races this year. This will play directly into the hands of teams like Red Bull and Renault who are more capable of handling the heat. We can’t forget Verstappen’s near-win in Great Britain where the Mercedes tires couldn’t last on the hot day. With that being said, I still think Hamilton’s return will be fruitful and he will pull out another victory in Abu Dhabi.
My pick to struggle this week is a usual suspect, Ferrari. It’s been seen time after time that this car has below average straight-line speed. The two long straights on this track will give them fits all day, especially when they are in the middle of the pack. Their drivers, Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel qualified ninth and thirteenth respectively.
Carlos Sainz will be an intriguing driver to watch. Sainz will most likely be willing to take more chances in his last race with Renault and that could easily result in success. He will be joining Leclerc at Ferrari next season.
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