The engines finally roar, but in front of empty stands. After the false start from Melbourne in March, with a grand prix canceled at the last moment due to the Covid-19, Formula 1 takes back its rights this weekend, with the start of the season in Austria. At 3.10 p.m., Mercedes from Finland's Valeri Bottas will start in pole position just in front of his illustrious teammate Lewis Hamilton. This last favorite part to win a new world title, but Charles Leclerc could play the holiday troubles.
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"The motivation to go get the 7 titles by Schumacher"
When they get out of their racing car, the pilots exchange the helmet for the mask. F1 applies strict health guidelines to start its season. Only the first eight grand prizes are known for the moment. All are in Europe, starting with a double ration in Austria, this weekend and the following.
On the Spielberg circuit, Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes has abandoned its silver color for black, in support of the fight against racism. The Briton hopes to equal the world title record, currently held by Michael Schumacher. "He has an incredible motivation because it is difficult to win every year as he does," says Alain Prost, thus French king of the tracks, today in the management of the Renault team. "He has the motivation to go after the seven Schumacher titles with a competition that will be quite formidable".
Verstapen, Leclerc, Vettel, Ocon
In an attempt to thwart Lewis Hamilton's plans, the Dutchman Max Verstapen, in his Redbull with Honda engine, is capable of bursts. There is also Ferrari with the young Monegasque Charles Leclerc, promoted to number 1 driver at the expense of Sébastien Vettel. The German, pushed towards the exit, hopes, him, always to win a fifth crown like Fangio.
As for the French team Renault, it is targeting the fourth place manufacturer, and its rookie, the Normand Esteban Ocon, hopes to climb on the podiums.