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Portimão (dpa) - After two thrilling races at the start of the new season, Formula 1 wants to perform the next spectacle in Portugal.

At the top of the World Cup, defending champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are close, which gives fans hope for a long World Cup duel between the top stars.

Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher are betting on a sporting upward trend at the Grand Prix on May 2nd (4 p.m. / Sky) after their difficult debut with their new employers.

Why is Formula 1 driving in Portugal again?

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The racing series only made its first stop in the Algarve last autumn.

Even then, the Corona crisis helped the track to make its debut in the premier class because there was an urgent need for further hosts in Europe.

This time too, Portimão is something of a substitute.

Neither in China nor in Vietnam could Grand Prix be held in April as originally planned, so the Italian Imola and Portugal were awarded the second and third rounds of the season.

In view of the recently low number of new infections in the country, Formula 1 should see its choice confirmed by the quick return to Portimão.

Who is the favorite this time, Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen?

The sovereign victory in Imola gave Red Bull driver Verstappen a further boost.

The feeling of finally fighting for pole position and first place in the race at eye level with Mercedes and Hamilton enables him and his team to have a “different mindset,” said the Dutchman.

"We have really learned a lot over the years, I'm really looking forward to what's coming," assured the 23-year-old.

World Cup leader Hamilton, however, knows the feeling of victory in Portimão.

Last year he exceeded Michael Schumacher's record with his 92nd Grand Prix success.

"We expect another close fight with Red Bull, but McLaren and Ferrari could also play a role," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

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Will Sebastian Vettel make the turnaround at Aston Martin?

Twice 15th place and a long breakdown list - this was not how Vettel had imagined the start with the new team.

Unlike Mick Schumacher, who has also been left behind, for whom a year of apprenticeship is planned at Haas, Vettel should actually ride much further ahead.

But the company car still bucked, plus bad luck and my own mistakes.

The 33-year-old now wants to regain driving pleasure in the Algarve.

"The track is fun, and I think it's a good place to better understand the limits of the AMR21," said the man from Hesse.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210428-99-392948 / 2

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