Formula 1 is steadily approaching the end of an era with Kimi Raikkonen, the newest driver, to announce his retirement. Now there are only Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso left, the only drivers who competed in the 2000s.
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Of course, it’s pretty painful to see such legendary drivers finally saying goodbye to F1 after massive stints. However, this sad transition has a better perspective. Looking at the next-generation riders who have emerged as their successors, it certainly feels like the sport is in safe hands.
Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain and Mercedes GP and Fernando Alonso from Spain and McLaren F1 speak in the drivers press conference during the previews before the Formula 1 Grand Prix of the United States at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, USA. (Photo by Clive Mason / Getty Images)
Four of the drivers who could be the future stars of F1 are Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and George Russell. Four drivers drive for four different legendary outfits; Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams and McLaren. Hence, here is our prediction for their respective F1 future.
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Lando Norris (McLaren F1 Team)
The Brit entered Formula 1 at the age of 19. Despite the fact that he’s already crossed 50 starts, he’s still only 21 years old and has over a decade left in the race. Plus, Norris has built an impeccable relationship with McLaren that will always be celebrated as the sport’s famous outfit.
Formula 1 F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 23, 2021 McLaren’s Lando Norris celebrates third place after the match pool over REUTERS / Sebastien Nogier
Hence too many positive things to look at. Not to forget, the Briton has proven to be a stronger team-mate than Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo. Amid these positives, including strong McLaren and Mercedes support, all Norris needs is a fast car.
Unfortunately, 2022 may not be the year. Red Bull and Mercedes should remain the favorites until next season. However, it is about the consecutive years that McLaren could potentially improve their performance and give Norris the chance to battle for podiums and wins.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
Like Norris, Verstappen is not going anywhere. The Dutchman will most likely stay with Red Bull until at least the end of 2024.
Looking ahead to 2021, Verstappen is already in the title race against seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. And what’s interesting is that he’s leading the fight right now. Hence, one can only imagine the confidence that would be gained from defeating one of the greatest of all time.
Formula 1 F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4, 2021 Max Verstappen of Red Bull celebrates victory in the REUTERS / Leonhard Foeger race
And should Verstappen win the title this season, the Dutchman will remain the favorite in the years to come. After Hamilton’s resignation, Verstappen could be the next heir to the throne.
George Russell (Mercedes F1)
Russell has finally landed the dream seat at Mercedes for the upcoming F1 season and will drive alongside Hamilton. The current Williams driver has had enough track record to prove that he is a worthy driver to compete in a top team like Mercedes.
And now that he has taken over the Mercedes seat, the next few years will be very decisive for Russell. Why could you ask?
Formula 1 F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 28, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates qualifying on pole position with Williams’ George Russell as he talks about REUTERS / John Thys for the second pool qualified
Well, Hamilton is close to the end of his business career and barely a year or two under his belt. Therefore, Russell will have the big job of filling the team void that Hamilton may have left behind.
Of course, it will be difficult for Russell to enforce the influence of the 7-time world champion on the team. Therefore, the 21-year-old needs to improve his game because if Russell fails to match Mercedes’ ambitions after Hamilton’s retirement, the team could break up and title hopes could feel a bit aloof.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Well, a place at Ferrari as the number 1 driver and two victories under my sleeve. This is certainly a strong start for Leclerc to his Ferrari campaign amid massive fighting. Hence, since going down in 2020, the Maranello outfit has remained motivated to make a comeback in 2022 by sacrificing developments in 2021.
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Formula 1 F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – Ferraris Charles Leclerc after qualifying in the pole position pool over REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov
Interestingly, despite assumptions that 2021 could be another battle-related season, Ferrari has shown a breakneck pace against its midfield rivals. There is therefore a chance that Ferrari could advance to the top field in the next season, with the regulations bundling the starting line-up.
If that’s the case, Leclerc’s current form can challenge Verstappen, Hamilton, and possibly even Russell for the title. Therefore, the Monegasque is one of the few drivers to watch out for in the years to come.
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Overall, the foundation looks perfect for all 4 drivers to shine in F1. But which of the 4 will dominate the sport in light of the upcoming regulatory changes?
View history: Biggest pit lane breakdowns with Hamilton, Raikkonen & Verstappen
The post Max Verstappen vs Charles Leclerc vs Lando Norris vs George Russell – bold predictions for the future of Formula 1 first appeared on monter-une-startup.
