F1 2021: Drivers To Watch

2020 threw up more surprises and drama than we could have wished for. Ferrari fell way down the field, Renault finally showed up, McLaren took third in the Constructos' and Racing Point raced with what many joked was 'Mercedes 2.0'. We were treated to some phenomenal racing last year as Lewis Hamilton made history, now I take a look at which other drivers you should watch out for in 2021.

Daniel Ricciardo

The Aussie's time at Renault certainly didn't go as well as he - or they - planned and he was pretty quick to move to McLaren after turning them down when he left Red Bull in 2018. If you told me that McLaren would only be behind Mercedes and Red Bull in last year's Constructors' standings before curtain call, I would have called you crazy, but Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz put on a real show. We all know Daniel can do just that - probably better than anyone both on and off the track - so I'm expecting a big push from him this year.

Sergio Perez

From one ex-Red Bull man, to the new one. Christian Horner's team have tried and failed to replace Ricciardo with a consistently quick driver, but they may have found their man in Sergio Perez. If it wasn't for so many failures on his Racing Point last year, the Mexican would have ran his new teammate, Max Verstappen, close in the drivers' Championship. He's never had a car that can challenge for race wins throughout a season, but now he does you wonder whether he may just give Verstappen a shock.

George Russell

I feel for Williams and I feel for George Russell. It's so sad to see them at the wrong end of the tables and I'm praying for some kind of miracle and see them become competitive again. He had one shot at a race win last year and it was taken away from him by factors out of his control. If he puts in another solid season, surely he'll be onto bigger and greater things in 2022. Valterri Bottas' seat maybe? He's got to prove himself again first, though.

Carlos Sainz

Rather like Perez, Sainz impressed in a team that defied the odds in 2020 and earned his dream move to Ferrari. The Spaniard's committed yet controlled driving style has gained the love of millions of fans around the world and is considered a future world champion. He may not get the crown this year - unless Ferrari somehow produce a monster of a car - but he should catch the eye in every race.

Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian, Sebastian. What to say about him? Everyone expected him to win a title at Ferrari, or run Hamilton much closer than he did at least. Last season's capitulation to young teammate Charles Leclerc was the nail in the coffin and paved the way for Sainz to take his place. Aston Martin will have a quicker car, though, so maybe he can regain the form that saw him win four consecutive championships with Red Bull - the last of which came TEN years ago. How time flies...

Charles Leclerc

Almost done with the Ferrari talk, I promise. This man (is he old enough to call him that?) is a rising star that continues to shine. The Godson of Jules Bianchi, Leclerc is definitely doing himself and his friend justice. I absolutely love him and can't wait to see the dynamic of his relationship with Sainz. I reckon it'll be more harmonious than with Mr. Vettel. I want to see the famous red car on the podium much more frequently and I'm backing Charles to put it there.

Mick Schumacher

I couldn't write this list and not talk about Mick. Son of Michael, arguably the greatest ever Formula 1 racer, the motorsport world has been waiting for this moment for a very long time and now we finally get to see it. Obviously, don't expect him to be winning or challenging at the front in a Haas, but you can bet he's got his dad's grit, bravery and skill. Bring it, Mick!