The Formula 1 schedule shifts to Portimao after two epic races to start the 2021 campaign. The Portuguese Grand Prix is where Lewis Hamilton became the all-time wins king last season. But as expected, he’ll face stiff competition this time around.
After claiming the first victory of the year in the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton wasn’t able to repeat in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as Max Verstappen landed the second punch.
These two juggernauts meet again this weekend as both are looking to claim solo leads both in the drivers and constructors standings. As of the moment, Hamilton only leads Verstappen by a solitary point.
With Red Bull and Mercedes leading the pack, McLaren and Ferrari are entangled in a fight for the best of the rest. Both of their drivers performed well in Imola and they’ll be seeking momentum this weekend.
The blossoming rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen is obviously the biggest story on Sunday. But here at SBOTOP, we’ll keep an eye on the other notable Portuguese Grand Prix 2021 updates.
Checking in with Valtteri Bottas and George Russell
While the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix featured another mouthwatering clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, there was also a fight between two other drivers.
Valtteri Bottas and George Russell crashed out in Imola and both drivers were clearly pissed, although the latter was more demonstrative about it.
Bottas edged slightly to the right to defend when Russell was fast approaching him in the Tamburello chicane. But the latter collided with the former, bringing the race to a temporary halt.
Fortunately, both drivers were unharmed and they expressed their apologies after the match.
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas have a huge coming together in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix two weeks ago
Interestingly, Bottas and Russell were once teammates for the Silver Arrows when Hamilton had to sit out due to COVID-19 and there have been rumours about Russell being considered as a future Mercedes racer.
Both sides appeared to have moved on from the incident, but it will be fascinating to see how these two go head-to-head this weekend.
Ferrari are flying under the radar
After languishing for much of last year, Ferrari kicked off the 2021 season with significant optimism.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. finished sixth and eighth in Sakhir. However, they fared much better in Imola – finishing fourth and fifth.
The 2019 Mexican Grand Prix was the last time that Ferrari got two cars in the points for a second straight time. And while finishing in the midfield isn’t exactly up to their lofty standards, at least they have shown to everyone that they’re not chopped liver.
Ferrari’s 2021 car is still a work in progress. But with two young and hungry drivers eager to prove doubters wrong, better days are ahead for the Italian-based outfit.
Lando Norris showing glimpses of potential
Lando Norris continues to defy expectations with his first two outings. The 21-year-old finished fourth in Sakhir and then he grabbed the third podium spot in Imola.
Coming into the qualifying in Portimao, Norris should’ve learned his lesson in Imola in order to be put in a better position on Sunday.
Norris admitted that he “effed up” during the qualifying in Imola. He led over Max Verstappen for the third position by a fine margin, but eventually he was handed a track limits penalty for having crossed the white line with his whole car during a turn in his final lap.
He, however, made amends with his stirring comeback in the last time out to finish third and he’ll be a name to watch out for this Sunday.
It was the second time in Norris’ Formula 1 career that he earned a podium spot, nearly a year after he placed third in the Austrian Grand Prix last July.
History
2020 marked Portugal’s return to the Formula 1 calendar since 1996, and the league committee has managed to secure a deal for another go-around this weekend.
Lewis Hamilton claimed his 92nd career victory in last year’s edition, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record of most wins by a single driver.
What are the odds?
Lewis Hamilton has the slight edge over Max Verstappen in the latest Portuguese Grand Prix 2021 odds, as the Mercedes driver is priced at 1.30 to win while the Red Bull driver is not far behind at 1.35.
But what’s going to be interesting is on who will take home the final podium spot in Portimao since several racers have a great chance in doing so.
Imola’s third and fourth placers Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are the leading candidates since they’re priced at 1.55 and 1.45 respectively, while Valtteri Bottas is also a viable threat at 1.85.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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The post Portuguese Grand Prix: McLaren and Ferrari Aim to Disrupt the Status Quo appeared first on SBOTOP.