The Late Braking F1 Podcast - Are Red Bull championship contenders? F1 2021 Predictions | Episode 107

Episode Date: March 17, 2021

It's that time of the year - it's prediction time! With testing done, and the first race just over a week away, the LB boys make their predictions for the season ahead.Make sure to SUBSCRIBE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast is part of the Sports Social Podcast Network. Thank you for listening to the Late Breaking F1 podcast. Make sure to look out for new episodes every Thursday and Grand Prix Sundays. Hello and a very warm welcome to the late breaking F1 podcast. Today is Predictions Day. We are done with testing for this year. We are about 10 days away from the first race of the season. So it is time for our predictions.

Constructors predictions. coming your way. Driver's predictions. Coming your way. Of course, Sam Sage and Harry Ead with me. But we're going to start before we get into the predictions with the news because this is our first podcast since Saturday night when Murray Walker, the famous F1 commentator, died at the age of 97. So Murray Walker commentated on F1 throughout four different decades. He was someone who is known by pretty much every single member of the F1 community. formed great partnerships with James Hunt, the BBC, formed great partnership with Martin Brundle at ITV before retiring

in the early part of this century, 2001. I know he's had such an impact on all three of our F1 lives and our lives generally, so Sam, I'll bring you in here. How much did Murray mean for Formula One? Murray was almost the reason why I knew what Formula One was as a child. Obviously, I don't know if you remember being a good. child, listeners. But there's only so many memories you have growing up, of course. And the fact that Murray retired about six, seven years after I was born, and his voice is what I can

distinctly remember happening on the screen of watching that race, many races, all those historic moments that happened in my first seven years of life. I was born in 95 from other cares. The fact that Murray was for me is the most iconic part of all of that. He's, I can't put it into words what Murray Walker means to me in terms of someone that loves Formula One, that loves the sport, that remembers the sport fondly. He's everything I idolise about F1, his morals, his humour, his silliness, the way he got silly things wrong because it's like such a static tack.

And for everything that we did, I'm being awe of him and every moment that he produced for our sport. he's a true hero i think to to formula one lovers and it's so so sad that he's not with us anymore and i really hope that somewhere he gets a tribute somewhere on a track a corner a building he deserves it out of all the people that i can think of that are related to formula one that man thoroughly deserves it and i am really quite sad in the last few days that he's he is gone i'm going to go on too long about it because i know that everyone else here feels exactly the same as i do um but i am absolutely gutted

he's not going to be here anymore. And Harry, bringing you in here, I mean, yeah, I'm going to assume that a similar sort of impact for you. Yeah, I mean, it's the same as Sam, really. The thing it's struck me, and it's not something I didn't, I didn't realize before, but it's very hard to be, I mean, very hard to be loved universally, and especially hard to be loved universally in the world of F1, I think. But he's probably the only one he's managed it. And which, you know, test is a huge testament to the character of Mori. There's a, this is very UK-centric, but on BBC I player, for any of you who are in the UK, there's a nice little documentary on there, which is old, it's like 10 years old,

but it's worth going back. It's just a documentary about Murray. And he's in the paddock in like 2011, Australia, 2011. And like every driver comes up to him. It doesn't matter who it is. It could be Schumacher, Weber, Alonso, Hamilton, Button, etc. They'll come up to say hello to Mori Walker. He was just having a little wander around.

So, yeah, it's, you know, it's very sad. And I guess we could take heart in the fact because he had a hell of a good innings, had basically two careers. He only retired when he was 77 from F1 commentary, and he's still been floating about for 20 years. Yeah, and I think the most strange thing is that the Bahrain GP next week will be the first ever Formula One race

that Murray Walker has not watched, which is bizarre. Yeah, so hopefully it's a good one. But yeah, it's very sad. But, you know, there's so many, you know, go on F1 TV. There's so many races with his iconic commentary on there. So, you know, he'll still be around in some form just in your ears. But yeah, very, very sad to hear that news like that today. Yeah, hopefully they do am proud at Bahrain.

And I'm sure they will. Yeah, Murray's influence on F1 is so difficult to capture because it's so large. You know, I think it was Corinch Chandok at the launch of Channel 4 when they started doing F1, you know, full races at that point, but obviously did the highlights now. There was a video of him commentating on Mark Weber and David Poulthard doing Scale Electrics. And I forget how old Murray would have been at that. that time, but it had been in his early 90s and the enthusiasm and the passion was just as there at that point as it was like 25 years ago. And that's who Murray was. He was so brilliant

at enhancing the viewing experience and the listening experience for those who had the pleasure of enjoying what he did. I think I get caught in the trap and I think many people, whether they admit it or not, will also get caught in this trap, that it can be easy to think that commentary is easy, you know, and because at its most basic is describing what's happening in front of you. And if you look at it through that lens, it's really easy to think that commentary is really straightforward and simple. And it isn't. It really isn't. And I think one of the reasons why people think it is so easy is because of how easy Murray made it look. And he was a lot more, he was so skilled at his job. You know, people rightly remember some of the very fond memories Murray is.

as we like to call them. And, you know, I'd never stop anyone remembering them, and they're great to look back on. But don't let that take away from what a brilliant commentator he really was. I was trying to think how many people he might have influenced throughout his career, bearing in mind that he started commentating for the BBC in the late 70s and didn't stop until the early naughties.

Think of how many people in Formula One he has influenced and helped. even people who started watching after 2001, who have been able to go back on on F1 TV or wherever and listen to his commentary, the amount of people that he has positively impacted is going to be in the millions. And that's just ridiculous to contemplate. And just to round off, because one of Murray's most sort of famous phrases about his career is saying that he has been incredibly gigantically lucky.

and I don't want to go against the man at all and I'm sure he does feel very lucky but there's a lot more to it than that he was incredibly skilled at what he does and actually the people who were listening to him can be considered the ones who are lucky in that scenario so rest in peace Murray Walker and like I say I really hope Bahrain

next week the drivers go out there put on a show for him the great race in the sky finally has its lead commentator I saw someone say and that is that sums it up for me. It's absolutely lovely. As much as I'd love to talk about Mary Walker literally forever, we do have some other important and pressing matters to discuss.

So shall we kindly move on? Yes, we'll move on to our predictions. We decide to do these after preseason testing, just because we've got a bit more of an idea of the lay of the land. Of course, you can't read too much into testing, but at the same time it does give some glimpses into where the performances might be. So we're going to make our predictions. First of all, the Drivers' Championship predictions.

We're going to go through our top six drivers. We're then going to look at the biggest surprise outside of the top six, the biggest letdown outside of the top six, and who's picking up the wooden spoon in 20th place. And I'm sure when we get to the end of the season, we'll be able to go back and laugh at these. Anyway, let's move on. First place, Harry, we'll go to you first of all.

Who have you got winning the 2021 Drivers Championship? famously you never go for Hamilton. Well, this year, I'm going to defy tradition here, and I am going to go for Lewis Hamilton. So, Lewis, wherever you are, I'm very sorry. You're not going to win this here,

obviously, because I've picked you. Yeah, I'm going to have Hamilton because, quite literally, I keep not picking him, and I'm always wrong. So this is the year. Yeah, I don't buy any of the Mercedes struggles in testing.

And even if they are, I think Hamilton must still be on for his eighth title this year. I think it's an eighth title and potentially at a Swan Song. But, yep, I've got Hamilton first. Sam, opportunity for history for Hamilton. Do you think he'll make it? I do. Mosegis had some scares in testing.

But if you look through the course of history, the Sengis have not been the fast in testing many times, have had some scares, and then have come back to be one of the most dominant seasons that they've had. many times. So I don't think that's a tell-tale sign. I do think that testing is maybe shaking a few predictions here and there. You never really know what the teams are up to. And I'm the same as I've had another shakedown since then after testing and have a filming day for promo. And they've made some changes to the car, rumourses. So I am going to say that Hamilton is going

to take home its eighth. And I very much agree with Harry that this could be a big of a swan song. This could be kind of the end of greatness, I suppose. So yeah, Hamilton at the top. Yeah, I'll make it a trio. of Hamilton going first and winning the eighth driver's championship he's looking for this year. I think in terms of catching Lewis Hamilton, it's almost a two-step phase, and neither of those steps have happened. So the second phase is really getting him in a, taking the title away from him. But the first part that needs to be done is even a championship battle, which Hamilton hasn't had to deal with really since 2016. You could argue that Vettel pushed it a little bit further in 17 and 18,

but particularly in the last two years, you know, it's not like Hamilton has won the title in the battle. Hamilton has dominated. So, you know, even if Vestappen or Bottas make things a bit closer this year, that's only part of the problem in terms of beating him. So I've seen nothing to suspect that Hamilton will lose. He's got to slow down at some point, but I just don't think it's yet. I'm going with Hamilton for the win.

It's the trio. Yeah, I feel like that one was quite likely, but it might differ from here. Who knows? Second place, who have you got, Harry? Nice little segue from your point there, Ben. I do think there is going to be a battle this year. We've said this is fair over the year, haven't we? But I actually genuinely do. I'm putting Vastappen into second for 2021.

Whether it will be 2016 levels of closeness, I don't know, but maybe he'll give Hamilton at least a slight run for his money, kind of potentially Vettel style, like you say, in 2017-18. But yeah, I think the Red Bull looks the strongest it's looked for a while. So, yeah, Maxie Verstap in second place. Maxi Vastap for you in second place, Sam. Oh, for goodness sake, it's meant to be interesting. Yes, Max McSaintiff's in second place.

I think this is going to be the closest championship fight that we've had in the hybrid era. I think just because of the slight tweak in how the car is, I think that teams are able to make more games on the Mercedes. I think the staff is rare in to go. And I think now we've got the support of Perez,

that team is going to be a lot more solidified, to be a bit more stable, it's going to work, it's going to be what it needs to be, and I think that the staff is going to really take the fight to Hamilton. So yes, I'm actually the stab in the big second place. Ugh.

Oh, no. Vastafin second. Oh, no. I mean, there's a case for Bottas here. It depends what you think Mercedes are going to do, whether you think Mercedes are going to be at the level they were at last year. But even the level they were at last year, Vastappan and Bottas were in that fight together for P2.

So theoretically, if the Red Bull is any closer to what it was last year, which definitely seems to be the case, Vestappen should have the advantage for this P2. position. I didn't fall into the trap last year of thinking Red Bull would be close. I am falling into it this year though. I do think it will be closer. Again, I'm not sure how close, but I do think it's going to be closer than it was last year. And I think of the two Red Bull drivers is Max Verstappen, who's in prime position to make that challenge. So I've got him, P2. P3, any differences? Harry, what are you saying on this one?

going for Walter Porridge Man Botas yeah I think it's going like I said already I think it's going to be close and you know

I think the difference between second and third will be slim you know bearing mechanical issues etc yeah I'm putting Bottas so because he's still

in that Mercedes I just think I don't know what more you know what more he can do he cannot is it possible

to version up anymore I just don't think it is. I just don't think it is. Like, can he eat any more porridge? I don't know. Yeah. So I think it's going to be a third place in the championship for him this year. But again, I think it's going to be a close call. Additional prediction for that, Harry. Is that enough for him to stay around at Mercedes? Depends what Mr. Hamilton does. If Hamilton stays, then

potentially not, but we'll have to see. What's your thoughts on third place in the championship, Sam? If my career, depending entirely on whether Lewis Hamilton walks to drive a car for a bit or not, I feel so pants. Because it's not bad, is he? Really? If you took Hamilton out of the equation, he's not bad. I must think he's a little bit bad, though, because he isn't third on my list. And I am falling a little bit into the Red Bull trap.

I think Sergio Perez will be in third place backing up Max of Staff in this. I think the Red Bulls have got the team and the car to really challenge the Sagan. I think Bossass is going to flounder a little bit under the pressure. The season is too long. He's never won back-to-back races. Sergio Perez is the most consistent man since consistency was invented. So I think Sergio may not have a groundbreaking season. He may not be setting records alike.

But I think he's always going to be there backing up his teammate. is what we've asked for from Red Bull teammates yearing, year out. I think Perez can deliver that. So Sergio, the Checo Man is in third. That is pretty interesting for when we get as Constructors predictions because you've now got a Mercedes winning the driver's championship, but the Red Bull drivers in second and third. So it could be interesting for what we expect there.

I'm going to go with Harry on this. I'm going to go with Bottas in P3. I actually think Bottas and Perez are very evenly matched in terms of their ability. I just trust the Mercedes a little bit more. I know at this point in the year, and I think we'll get on to this a bit more in the constructors' predictions,

but even with Red Bull looking pretty good after testing, it is only testing, and also it is only the beginning of the year. Where they are in terms of pace right now doesn't necessarily mean where they're going to be, you know, six races down the line or ten races down the line. And Bottas does have that experience at Mercedes. I do genuinely believe that Lewis Hamilton

makes Bottas look worse than more a year, he could still do more. I've said that multiple times, but he does a solid job. And whilst I think Perez will do a good job at Red Bull, I just have more trust that BOTAS can get the job done, considering that he's got that experience edge at the team. So I'm going to Bottas P3.

P4. Harry, who are you going for? I'm going for Checo Perez, unsurprisingly, I think. Yeah, I think it's going to have an absolutely solid year. Pick up a couple of wins on the way. you know, whether that sees him into another year in Redbourne 22, I have to see. But, yeah, this is his best chance at, you know, consistently fighting for podiums rather than having to scrape for them like he's had to do in it, you know, for the past fair few years.

Yeah, so Perez definitely and fourth for me. I think it's going to be crucial in, you know, Red Bull's challenge to Mercedes this year. I think having that driver there, even if, you know, not necessarily on Saturday. but even on our Sunday, we know he can deliver then. I think it's going to be really important for Red Bulls. So, yeah, easier fourth place for me there. Are you going to Bottas in fourth, Sam? I'm going to flip reverse it on your baby,

and it is Valtry Bottas in fourth place. Flip reverse it on your body. No, that sounds like that way. No, let's not do that. No, no. No bodies, please. Valtry, Votty. version not point seven, I think, is going to be in fourth place.

I think he's just going to settle. I think if Hamilton takes another year, this is Bottas's last year in the Sagi tribe. I think this is do or die for him. Yeah, I won't spend too much time on this because I think Perez is going to be fourth. Unsurprisingly, I think those two teams are going to be clear of everyone else. I will say this. I think this will be enough for Perez to gain another year in the seat in 2022. and I give Red Bull credit for the move that they made in terms of bringing in Perez for

Album because it would have been easy for them to keep Album for this year. Bearing in mind that having Albon last year didn't actually cost the team, even though it cost Albin personally. It didn't really matter if they had two Max Verstappans in the car. They still would have finished second place in the championship. Now, we have to wait until our reign to see exactly where the pace is, but at least according to testing and what we're seeing, there is a good chance that Red Bull are in and more of a championship.

fight, in which case, having a driver like Albin as he was performing last year would have cost the team this year. But they had the foresight to prevent against that. So, yeah, I think Perez is fourth, but I think it's a respectable fourth. This is where it could get very interesting. We're going to do fifth and sixth place now. And theoretically, there are a number of drivers that could appear in these spots. So, Harry, interested to know who you've got in fifth. Yeah, I mean, it could be literally anyone from the midfield, couldn't it? But I am going to go for the resurgence. Resurgence of Mr. Sebastian Vessel.

I think he's going to have a tip-chop year, and he's going to end up in fifth place. Best of the rest. Pick up a few podiums in the Astridan, and, yeah, and prove that he's still got it. He can still, you know, do the do, as they say. I don't know who says that, but someone says it. someone probably

where's my notepad of weird things to say I mean Sam you could you have not got one not one notepad you have not got one notepad do the do

yeah do the do yeah that it yeah so uh... Sebby vet in fifth place all right Sam have you got

do time well champ do time hello Vera Alonso, the Alpim. He's coming home. Alo's coming home. We're going to see Alonso on a podium.

Alonso's going to absolutely relish here. He's going to destroy Okon, end of O'Conn's career. And I think Alon's back, baby, bring on the Al-O-Vira. And it's going to be very embarrassing for O'Con. So, yeah, I think Al-Oxo has got... It's going to be close. That big field is close. But I think Al-Logso just got that raw, get out of my way, mentality.

That means that he walks at fifth place. so I think he's job it. Wow. I've gone for someone completely different. So three different drivers, three different teams. Did someone call for a god? Charles LeClair is going to finish P5 this season. No chance, mate.

Charles LeClaire P5. I mean, he wasn't far away from it last year. And that Ferrari was pretty awful last year. I'm not saying it's going to dramatically improve to the point where they're winning chance. championships, but even a slight improvement, I think, gives him a chance at this. We know what he's capable of. And I think significantly, compared to drivers of his ability, I'd put Ricardo in the same camp as him. He's the only one that doesn't have to deal with some sort of turmoil. So,

you know, Ricardo is moving teams. Leclair is in his third year at the same team. You've also then got Alonzo and Vettel, the two names that you've mentioned, who definitely have the ability to be there, but are still both question marks to an extent, you know, is Alonzo the same driver that he was in 2018? I think yes, but still a bit of a question mark. Vettel, is he the driver he once was? Question mark there as well. I think LeClaire's a bit more of a surefire bet. So I've got LeClaire of P5. The problem is he drives for Ferrari. They might be a bit better this year. Crystal ball, crystal ball. P6, who how have you got, Sam?

I have gone for the man that you just mentioned this might be having some turmoil and that is feeling all good, always. Danny Rick, Danny Rick is going to drive that Macca back up the field, he's going to outdo Landau-Norris in his debut year at the Maca. He looks so good in Orange, making me feel so good.

I love that man. I love him so much. And I think that he's bringing, he's bringing his great field-go factor to a team that just harnesses and nurtures at the moment feel good fact. Who thought we'd be saying

that about McLaren now? Go about 12 years and you'd be like that is the team of fear but now Reciro's there like I'm having a great time

I'm sending caps to everyone in my team just because I like him Ricardo he wants it I really think he's going for it this year so I think Ricardo

P6 interesting stuff Harry are you going Honey Badger or someone else real tough on this one because on the one hand I'm really encouraged by the McLaren in testing. I mean, considering they had a new engine in that car,

they had not one glitch, and their pace was really impressive. On the other hand, I also believe in Fernando Alonzo, which one is better? I'm not entirely sure. However, I am going to have to agree with Mr. Sage and go for Danny Rick. I think Alonzo and McLaren,

and Vessel and Aston, Martinique, etc. All going to be mega close. But I just think that McLaren looks so spicy in testing. And Ricardo's just Ricardo, isn't he? So, yeah, as I'm sorry, I forgot about Norris in this. I think Norris will be close to. But I'm going to settle for Danny Rick in the papaya maca.

I think McLaren are set for a good year. And as a result of that, I also have McLaren in P6. No way. But as you remember, one of my quite bold predictions from teammate wars was that Lando Norris will beat Daniel Ricardo this year. Therefore, I've got Norris in P6. Yeah, I agree with the points you make. Look pretty good in testing. Norris is in his third year at the team now.

I think he's going to make a step forward. I do actually, well, we're not going to go down to seventh, but I do actually have Ricardo in seventh place. So I think those two are fairly evenly matched actually this year. But I'm going to give it to Lando. Now let's move on to, let's go to a positive, first of all. The biggest surprise outside of the top six, who have you got here, Harry? I've got little Yuki Sonoda, the little child of that one. Yeah, I think, you know, it's not that he's underrated.

I think that Yuki's built up a pretty good reputation for himself already. And, you know, he looked pretty impressive in testing. Yeah, I think it's going to be the surprise of the season. I think I'm not going to make a prediction he's going to beat Gassley, but I think it's going to make Gatsley's life more difficult than perhaps even Gassley imagined. And then Red Bullard are going to be in another weird young driver issue problem again. They always seem to be in because I don't know which driver to promote.

Yeah, I think Eukesonoda, surprise of the season. Although, did you see that he was opening his DRS? like before the DRS turns in testing. I don't know what that's about Yuki, but he wasn't cheating. Hopefully, let's just say he was accident. Maybe he couldn't see the line because he's so small, not sure. Who have you got as your surprise of the season, so?

Folks, we all need to sing it with me now. It's Yuki Singoga. A wonderful game. I mean, I'm actually quite annoyed that Harry's picked him. I thought I was going to be quite nifty there. You know, as the small. man of late breaking. If you've ever seen a photo

of the three of us, folks, I only come up to their knees. So, I'm, Carol, I was rooting for the little guy here, and I think that Gazley is going to have his life made very difficult. Do I think the single will beat Gassley? The funny thing is I'm saying, I don't

know. I think that Alford Tower has been very competitive, surprisingly. I think they've got a good engine in the car. They seem to have adapting a lot of that aerodynamic ability from Red Bull, obviously, further up the field. Snoga is a great driver, which seems some great FD performances. I really think he is going to be the rookie of the year by far

and the surprise of the season. I'm really excited to see him in an F1 car competitively. Got some big channel news. We're going to be changing our name. We are now known as Yuki Breaking. I have all aboard the Yuki Sonoda train. I've gone for him here as well. I think he is going to have a really impressive season. I don't think he's going to be Ghazley but I think he's going to run him very, very close. I think he'll stay at the team for 2022. And we're going a bit further on from this season. But I think at the end of 2022, Red Bull are going to have a decision between Perez and

Sonoda and who they go ahead with at that point. I think he is a brilliant talent. And I just have an instinct that he's going to, he's going to hit it from the off. I don't think he's going to be one of those drivers where it takes years to click. I think he's just going to get it straight away. Future wog champ. Spicy. Love it.

from the positive to the negative, who is going to be the biggest disappointment outside the top six this year, Harry? I feel for it for this person because they've already been slightly slagged off by Mr. Sage, but I'm going for Esteban Okon. I just think, and this isn't, I don't think he's a bad driver at all.

I think it's a solid driver. I just think in the competitiveness of that midfield this year, I think he's going to get left behind, especially with Tomaso, Fernando Alonzo, sat next to him all season, wearing him down. Yeah, I just think he's going to just drop off the back of, or be at the back, sorry, be at the back of that midfield group.

Yeah, I think it's going to be a tough year for him, which I'm not, this is not me wishing it. I just got a feeling it's going to happen because, yeah, that midfield group is so competitive with so many good drivers in it now. It's going to be a real struggle for Estaband. I hope I'm wrong. One time I actually hope I'm wrong, but I just think it's going to happen. Sorry, Estabam.

I'll tell you what, I mean, O'Conn has the motivation for this year because from a lot of people, because you're not the only one. A lot of people are doubting him this year. So if he goes out there and performs, he's going to be shutting a lot of people up, I think. Sam, what's your view on this? Who's going to be the biggest disappointment? I'm not agreeing with Harrow. Well, we have God on one side of the cockpit, and with God you need the right hand.

And I do think that he will very much be the right hand man. I don't think Carlos Sykes is going to be on a match Charlotte Clare in this first season. Ferrari is super difficult to integrate into. It's so hard to get hold of that culture. I know that he kind of fits what they like to do. That doesn't mean it's going to click straight away. Sikes, I think he's just going to be a little off the pace. He was a teammate.

I think that's going to drag down Ferrari overall in their championship standings. I think you'll just literally be okay. I don't think we'll see the Sikes that we were seeing last time out in McLaren. That McLaren was really great. It really suited his driving ability. I don't think he's used to dealing

with the dynamic that Ferrari bring and that Charlotte Clure brings. Charlotte Clare is that team leader. Sykes has got a lot of mental difficulties to overcome there, you know, a lot of hurdles to get through, to really feel confident that he's got his place in that team. A lot of people think he's a play

Togger for Schumacher. You know, that's possible. He does that way on the mind. I want Science to succeed. But for me, I think he could struggle. So, science is my biggest leg down. I'm going to go with Vettel here.

What? Yeah, I don't think it's going to happen for him this year. I don't think it's going to click. And, I mean, this is a slight spoiler. I don't think it's going to click for the whole team, actually. but yeah, I don't see it happening. He had a tough pre-season testing, which isn't going to help for the first few races.

On the other hand, he's a 23 race season and he's got enough experience that I think he'll overcome that deficit. But I don't know. I'm an evidence guy. You know, show me the money. And he hasn't shown the money in a long, long time. So if he comes out in the first race of the season,

claims a podium shuts me up, then fair play to him. but I have my doubts. This prediction set has been wild so far. Well, let's round off the driver's championship predictions then. Who is going to be last place overall? Now, we'll just pick from the 20 drivers that are on the grid. Of course, last season we had a few reserve drivers.

So, Sam, feel free to pick Mika Hackinen if you want to. Who have you got in 20th, Harry? I felt this was kind of tough as well because I think there's going to be four drivers vying for last place but I'm going to go for Mr. Mazabin himself. I think, yeah, Hars and Williams are going to be the ones vying for that last sport

and I guess it's whoever gets sneaky point here and there. Hassan aren't developing that car at all. So, you know, I wouldn't be shocked to see Schumacher in 19th and Mazbin 20th, but I'm going to put Mazbin in 20th. I think the Williams could sneak a point or two maybe this year, but again, it's going to be close. Yeah. So, I mean, I would say sorry, Nikita, but I'm not that sorry.

Sam, if you got in 20th place. FIA, I know you can hear me. I know I don't understand a lot of things in life, but how does an egg drive a Formula One car? It's a great question. Just anyone actually, no. He's going to be laugh because he hasn't got arms. So he's going to make an absolute yoke of himself.

And he's just going to sit there on the grid and a leg shell. And he's going to, I guess, be like, all right? What do I do? Maz, Mazap is going to be laughed. That's as much as I have to say on the topic. Wow. It's such a shame that you don't have more to say. I'm actually also going to go for Mazapin in the last place.

To be completely honest, it could be either of the Williams drivers. It could be either of the hash drivers, and I would not be shocked in the slightest. The only reason I've gone for Mazapin here is that I have the least amount of confidence in him gaining a point out of the four. Latifi's got a year under his belt. Russell, for me, is the best of the four by far at the moment, at least. Schumacher for me is a better driver than Mazepin. so, you know, it only makes sense to put out of the four the one who I think has the disadvantage last.

What fair and sensible reasoning, Ben? I had to balance yours out slightly. Classic Ben. And also, I mean, the other reason I think. There is also the possibility that, you know, Mazapin gets 50 laps into a race where he's got a chance of scoring points and then can't control the car because he's an egg. So there's that.

There's that fact. He just realizes he's an egg 50 that soon. Oh, no. Exactly. Sometimes that happens. Where's my shell gun? Okay, so Constructors' Championship, of course, we've got 10 teams on the grid.

We'll be running them through first till 10th, working out where we think they're going to finish. Could be some very interesting ones in the midfield there. Also, for first and second place, maybe we'll get a difference of opinions. So Sam, kick us off here. Who have you got first in the Constructors' Championship? Well, for podcasts, of course,

who have just heard what we've just said about drivers, for those on YouTube, go back and watch the drivers. I state that I think it's going to be the closest fight for first place that we have seen in the hybrid era, and I mean that across the entire top four. And because of that,

I think that Mercedes are going to just take the title. And that's how close I think first or fourth are going to be. you, if you've seen the last video I saw that Hamilton will win the drivers. Bossass wasn't in the first three. That's how close it's going to be. I guess I think Merck have that ability. They have that ability to be consistent. And Lewis Hamilton is Lewis Hamilton.

So I guess have that place. Hashtag blessed. In case you're aware that Lewis Hamilton is Lewis Hamilton, can confirm that he is Lewis Hamilton. And that gives Merck first place. But I think it's going to be less than a race win between Red Bull and the Sagan's. Interesting. So you reckon last race of the season, it still might be up for grabs?

Yeah, completely. be a while since that's been the case so that'd be very interesting Harry who have you got finishing first unfortunately I am agreeing with Sam I have Merck in first place I mean you know we're all agreeing that we think it's going to be closer this year

but Lewis Hamilton won the Constructors Championship on his own last year and he missed the race so he did have a day off he was so good he had a day off so yeah I I don't see, even with the consistency being brought in by Sergio, I think it's still going to be difficult for Red Bull to win.

I kind of agree with Sam, it could be taking down to the wire, but, you know, I think Mercos still got this. I think Mercedes have a right to be concerned after testing, because whilst it is definitely true that they haven't been the quickest in testing for plenty of years in the hybrid era, I think overall, all, you know, they've won seven championships and they've only been fastest in preseason testing twice. So I wouldn't necessarily be concerned about that. But what I would be concerned about is the lack of mileage that they did compared to what they usually do. Mercedes have always been the best getting together those laps so consistently, which they didn't do this time out. And also, regardless of low fuel, high fuel, whatever settings they were on, The car did look unstable, and regardless of what settings you're running, it should be stable to a degree even if you're on high fuel.

So, you know, I think they have a right to be concerned, but I have got them going first here. You know, Hamilton, having him on your team is a pretty good thing to quote a bit of an understatement there. And they might be in a slightly tough spot going into the first few races of the season. Maybe they will be. but they haven't won seven championships in a row from being a bad team, and they haven't won seven championships in a row without overcoming difficulties. It's easy to think that because they are so good and they win the championship by such a long way every season

that they don't have to deal with these problems, but they do. They just eradicate them so quickly that no other team can take advantage of it. So even if they're in a bit of a quandary, I trust Mercedes enough to get themselves out of it. Now, second place, I don't think there's going to be a difference of opinion here either, but we'll see, Harry, who have you got second? Yeah, we've already said it. It's going to be Red Bull.

I've already said it. Yeah, I think there's going to be more consistent based on testing. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, Sam, wrapping up. Yeah, Red Bull. That's moving along, folks. We all go, I agree. I'm saying it. It's Red Bull. Yeah, I've got Red Bull as well. The only thing I'll mention here, actually, is that I think that Red Bull do have a bit of a tough choice from the outset here, where do they completely attack 2021, knowing that this might be the best championship opportunity they've had since 2013, possibly, or do they bank on them getting a good start to 2022

and possibly winning a few championships in a row, similar to what Mercedes did at the start of the hybrid era? No one was able to catch up to them because they had such a good start to that era. us. So they might have a bit of a decision to make, because you could make an argument for both, but I've got them finishing second. Third place, this is likely where

we're going to see some differences in opinion. Harry, who've you got? Well, on my little list here, and you can't see this, guys, I put a team, and I put a team, and I crossed it out again. And I put the other team that put first, and crossed it out again, repeat several times. But I eventually

settled before Macca, McClan, Oh, hard-like Macca, never mind. It won't be a year. Yeah, I put McLaren in third. You know, we've already said it. They've had an impressive testing. But other than that, I've got nothing else to base on because I just think it's going to be far too close to cool.

So, yeah, there's complete guesswork. No idea. What have you got, Sam? Well, it's like Harry's in my mind. Because I've also written a team down, I scribbled it out, make a team down and then scribble it out and then scrimble it out and then pull it back again

and I've also come to the conclusion that I've even written the words Macca will be in third place same. I'm sorry right. Fair up it's common knowledge that they're called Macca as a gink game and I have got something a little more to base it on there Harry

just going, oh I like orange I think that's orange yeah it's nice colour I believe that Lando and Danny Rick are going to be a great partnership together and I just think Danny Rick is a bit of a step up to Carlos Sikes. I think Danny Rick can really bring that extra little bit of more caliente, a little bit of spiciness,

you know, that Maca Nguyen to get those extra results. And Lando is in his third year. I really think he's going to start, you know, rolling into the form, I think he's going to be able to pick up those extra points, making those extra moves. We know he's feisty behind the wheel, and I think he's going to be so confident to do so.

Pair that with their culture and the fact they've got a Mercedes engine on board now, consistency, the absolute raw power that they have. We know that it doesn't fail very often. I guess if this is a good year from Macca, I think they're going in the right direction. I think this is the start of a successful period for McLaren. So that's why I've got them in third. This is going to go badly.

Oh, this is going to go badly. I've got Ferrari in third place. This has the potential to blow up. I think that they will recover to third place. And I don't think it will be by much. But they were in the midfield fight last season, despite having a 65 brake horsepower disadvantage.

And apart from the really high speed circuits of SPAR and the like, they were competitive with the rest of the midfield to an extent. And Leclair did get podiums. And that's with that engine deficit, which seems to have gone this year. It seems to have been

eradicated. So a team spending that much money, Leclair is a great driver as we know. Signs, I think we'll do a good enough job. They don't need to recover to the point where they were at. They just need to somewhat recover, and they should have enough to be in that fight for third.

This is Ferrari. So this could very well backfire, and they might be in the same position as they were last year, in which case they really don't have any excuses. And I know that the power unit is not the only problem the team has, but even with the power unit being fine, they were in second place. They were still fighting for championship.

So I think they can do enough to get third here. Fourth place, Harry, have you got? Fourth place, I've put Aston Martin. And contrary to what Ben said earlier, I think that I don't believe that pink green Mercedes has become a bad car over the winter. Obviously, it's going to be tough. And I crossed him out.

I had him in third, and then sixth and fifth, and then the back and fourth. but I do think I know they've struggled over the winter well the three days we had that winter testing but you know I think that car is still a good car underneath those problems so yeah I put them in fourth place who have you got in fourth so

so this is where it gets really difficult and this is why I think the next few teams are all so close together and that's partially because of their driver lineups one half of the grid for me is pretty great the other half of the grid is pretty question could have a great season, might have a terrible season. I've gone for Alpine,

two-time World Champ, is, of course, in fifth place on my constructors. I'm going to do it forever. And I think that that Renault look good in testing. That Renault engine is coming along. They can focus on themselves.

I generally think that this car has got something to it. I'm hoping that Ocon, yes, I don't think he's going to match up to Ongs. I really think a lock so can I deliver. I don't think Ocon's going to be that bad. I think O'Con wants to prove himself. And I think it's just,

can be enough to get them in front of a few of those other very close 14. And I mean very close. It's going to be touch and go, possibly right down to that 20 third race and to where they actually finish. Whereas you've gone for McLaren in third. I've gone for them in fourth. So I think they're going to have a good year again. I haven't got it quite being enough for where they finished last season.

But at the same time, I would not be surprised if they finished third. And I think they will be in that fight. They've got a great lineup. Ricardo and Norris, I mean, it's largely the points that you've raised really. Testing went pretty well. I think Norris is going to improve. And I think good times are on the horizon for McLaren. I'm not quite sure if it's going to be a return to the championship years.

Maybe it will. Maybe it won't. But it's certainly already significantly better than where it was a few years ago. And they just seem to have clicked and geled as a team. And yeah, Ricardo and Norris is a great lineup. So I've got them in fourth. I mean, a few years ago, McLaren at one point had some old English bloke fretting to we in one of their seats.

So it possibly couldn't get much worse for them. Ah, you know, Fred Alonzo or something like that, wasn't it? That old English chap. Yeah, I think it is. Who knows? P5, who've you got, Harry? I've gone for two-time world jump. I've gone for Alpine in fifth place.

drags they're probably by Lundso yeah I think they're going to have another solid year but I don't think they're going to quite reach Macker slash Aston but a tough choice once again but yeah fifth place for the blue boys

Sam you're going for here I'm proud to say that it's not going to be a blue car it is going to in fact be the prettiest car on the grid that is Aston Martin. That's right. There's no mention of the boys in Reg just yet.

Sebastian Vettel, Larkstrol. I don't think it's going to be groundbreaking. I do think it's still going to be a good car. I think Vettel's can just take a minute to settle and I think Lank Stroll is almost at his ceiling. Good, not great. And because of that, I think that they are going to survive well in the midfield.

They're going to be close with the cars around them. I just don't think they've got that little spark right this second to take that extra leap back up the grid. They got a little bit lucky with that Sergeo Perez wing. That was a mix of, you know, situation falling into their lap and Sergio Perez being Sergio Perez. I don't think they'll get as lucky in a 23 race season this year like they did last year. But I do think they're going to be good.

I think they're going to be competitive, and I'm excited to see them go toe to toe to toe with the likes of McLaren and Fernando Alonzo. So, I mean, in the battle of the A's, Astor Martin and Alpine, I was genuinely torn about which one to go for here in fifth place. and I went back and forth whether it should be Alpine, whether it should be Aston Martin. So I've gone with Al-Fa-Tauri here. I like that.

They look really good in testing. I think that Al-Fa-Tauri are going to have a really good year. And I'll tell you why. I think, of all the teams, they are the one who have the most to gain from going all out this year. I think if you look at Aster Martin, they've got ambitions to win a championship within the next three to five years, which, who knows, maybe they'll achieve it.

But if they want to achieve it, it doesn't make a great deal of sense to attack this year and then be behind from the start of 2022. It's not going to work. Really, it should be the same for the other midfield teams. Alpine, you know, they've got championship aspirations. Again, if they spend too much time on this year and don't think about the future, they're going to be in trouble. McLaren are going to want to get back up there.

Ferrari are going to want to get back up. there. And really, the odd one out is Alpha Tauri, who don't really have any championship ambitions themselves because they, you know, their primary focuses to act as that development team for Red Bull. And as such, I actually think they'll have a very good second half of this year where other teams might look to focus away from the end of 2021. Gansley has been brilliant the last two years. If he continues that, he's going to be good. And just to actually read you my note, word for word, I've got YT. Will Bosset

Y-T being Yuki Sunoda. Not me. Yeah, there you go. Yeah. I've got our Vatari finishing fifth. Might be a bit of a surprise, but there you go. P6. Second half of the championship now.

Harry, who have you got? I'm going to go for those cheeky Italian boys. The ones in red. Sorry, I should have clarified that. Yeah, I'm going for the ones in red. I'm going for Ferrari. in a mp6 this year i think i mean this is completely different to ben isn't it but i think they'll have made gains but i don't believe it's going to be enough and they'll probably

just do something pretty ferrari about it and screw it up even if the car is better but uh and also a car with that monstrosity of a green logo on it shouldn't doesn't belong to finish in the top three So it's got to be in P6, to be honest. I don't know about the first few points you made it were rubbish, Harry, but that last point was really convincing. Yeah, you almost got me to turn. They start on minus 100 points because of that disgusting spray paint on the back of it. Anyway, it's not blue, Sam, there's that.

That's true. That is true. I go 20 points back for that, actually, because it's not boring. Minus 80. If you got sixth, Sam? Just, I'm going to get. C, Ben's answer for fifth. Control C.

Control V. Alpha Tauri. Again, I'll be in sixth place. I am absolutely thrilled by that team. They got a win. Last time out, again, it was circumstantial. It fell into their laps a little bit, but they still delivered. The engine is proving to be good now.

The Honda really is coming to fruition. Little Yuki is I'm almost a fan boy at this point and you have to be a boy because if you're a man you'll get into trouble with the law and honestly I think that Ghazly P Gazzal is one of the best drivers on the grid

at the moment. I really am excited by what Alpha T and that lovely blue livery are bringing it's one of the few that I do like so Alpha T are in P6 I have got Astor Martin in P6 as I've already said I have a few

concerns with their line up you know, Stroll and Vettel, I think they both have the capability to put together a great season, but there are question marks about both of them, whereas I think I've got a bit more confidence in the other teams, so I have more confidence in Gassley doing a good job at Alphotari. Again, I've got more confidence in the McLaren lineup. I've got more confidence in LeClaire at Ferrari. I don't have that same, assure, you know, real certainty that Vettel and Stroll are going to perform. and I do think that with Aston Martin's quite lofty ambitions for Formula One

and it's absolutely brilliant that they've got them and I wish them all the best in their hope for a championship but it's not happening this year. So what's the point in spending all of their resource on a fourth place finish this year or a fifth place finish this year? And I think that might just cost them a place or two. But I should preface all of this. I think third to seventh is going to be so close.

So I would not be surprised. if some of these are completely the other way around. But as to Martin 6th. Seventh, Harry. Savon. Samud. Thank you. I've gone for Alphotari.

Yeah, look, I don't think it's nothing against Alphotari. I just think that they are going to be... Yeah, that's it. I hate them. No, I just... It's going to be so close. And, you know, I would not be surprised if... Pierre and Little Yuki get some great results. But yeah, I just got a feeling that Alftari as a team

will just sneak into the bottom place of that midfield bunch. But again, as Ben said, it could be entirely wrong. They could be four. I've just realised what your tactic is, Harry. You're reading the 2020 championship. They've all been exactly the same so far. Have they? Yeah.

Unbelievable things. Oh, I think that's great. Well, Sam, you've got four teams left. You've got the three back market teams and also Alfa Romeo, so it would be interesting to see which one you go for. I was going to say, I think you're into four bat market teams. I'm going to have to finally concede that the people that spend a lot of money that don't really seem to have a clue what they're doing are going to finish in seventh place.

They've got God literally driving a car for them. And yeah, I still don't think they're going to be able to pull it out. And it's going to be close. Like we said, you know, one DMF could see one team go from here all the way up to here, and it will do the old switcheroo. But Ferrari, for me, I just, I just think that it's not going to be all there. I think that Ferrari engine is still going to be down on power, not to the same extent that it was,

but Ferrari have also never been particularly well known for their downforce capabilities. And I think that's going to show on some teams that are very much working either with the sameies, who are the kings of the kings, or with Red Bull, who are the queens of the kings, or they're Alpine. Fernando Alonso, who is actually God. So Ferrari, sorry, it's going to be close, but they are going to be seventh place.

And no surprise, Zerra, I've got Alpine in seventh place, leaving us with all the same three teams from 8th to 10th. It says a lot, actually, that in my driver's predictions, I've got Alonzo in the top 10, yet their teams standings,

I think, is going to still be seventh place, just because, again, I think it will be that close. Yeah, my trust in Ocon is iffy. I think this season is actually really important for Esteban Ocon. I think how well he does this year will decide whether Ocon is in Formula One for the next one or two years or whether he's in F1 for the next 10 years. I think this season is going to play a huge factor in which way that goes.

If he goes out there and puts on a good show against Fernando Alonzo, I think he's got the next 10 years or so wrapped up. if he goes out there again and performs poorly after what happened last year, maybe he's out of F1 in a couple of years. I'm not too sure. Similar thing with Aston Martin, really. I think Alpine have got loftier expectations than just this year. And as such, I would not be surprised that if they don't get a great start,

I think they might just go, do a has really, and just say, next year, we're moving on. So. Yeah, I've got Alpine seventh, which does now leave. us with the three actual back market teams or who knows maybe you think that they're actually going to be in the fight um eighth place who have you got harry i have got alpha rameo in eighth place um not not much reason other than i just think there'll be a bit better the williams and has so alpha rameo in eighth same for you sam or one of the others oh i mean who really

cares at this point before i turn off um i could be dancing on my head people will still be like, what's the point? Yes, Alpha Amayo will be an eighth. I mean, they're getting a score like four points. Kimmy Rikings, probably going to do a world-class switchback on Lewis Hamilton itself of winning the title. And we're all going to have a great time. Yeah, they'll pick up pretty less than 12 points as a whole team.

I'm going to agree and disagree. I agree that Alpha Romeo will finish eighth. I think they'll actually be more respectable than that, though. I've got them picking up about 30 points this year. I think they'll be much closer to the... the back end of the top seven, then they will be to Williams and Hasse. I think they've made a bit of a jump, but we'll see on that.

Ninth place, Williams or Hasse, Harry? Williams, I believe in you, Williams. Only because I think they have some upgrades and Hasse don't. So, yeah, I think I read that Williams have got some first race upgrades, and I guess they might have some more during the year. and we know that Hass not going to do that. So, yeah, Williams for me, because I think they might at least score a couple of points this year.

Well, I mean, I thought your reasoning here would be to do something different to the 2020 standings because, I mean, that is the difference there. 19th and 10th, which way round have you got them, Sam? Williams will get ninth place. And I'm going to give you four words as to why Williams will beat Hasse. Romang, Grosjean,

Kevin Magnuson. Oh, I didn't know where that four form was going. That was a tricky one. Deceptive there, the little trickster eye. I'm like a whip it.

You have to catch me. That was a Louis Spence reference, by the way, for anyone that hasn't called a niche British reference. Yeah. Basically, they brought experience

to that harsh team. They brought knowledge. They brought the ability to cut through traffic, for a couple of different strategies in there. Something I don't think Schi-Mackera, Mazda has been able to do right now. They might be able to do it in a few years' time.

They're just not able to do so. Williams have brought some upgrades. They've got all new owners, of course. They've got a new team principle. I think they're going to struggle, but I think they're going to want to make enroads. They're going to show that they are progressing for their fans. And Russell Latifie,

I think they're a good pairing on that grid. I think they're by far one of the better pairings on the grid currently this season. And I think one of them, if not both them, will score points this year. So Williams Knight, past him. And to round things off, I've also got Williams in ninth and Hasse in 10th, although, and I'm not sure if this is a old prediction or not, I actually think this is going to be a nil-nil drawl. I think both teams will not score a point this year. Yeah, I don't, the Williams might have made a bit of progress. At the same time, they need to make a bit more than that. So, you know, I don't see much. You know, it's 23 races in a season, so they might pick up a point here or there. But, I'm actually going nil-nil here.

And Hasse have already given up for 2021. Gunter just moved on. So, yeah, I understand what Hasse are doing. We've spoken about this on a previous podcast, about their objective for their two rookie drivers to gain their year of experience and then go ahead into 2022 with a bit more of a fresh outlook. I completely understand what they're doing there. But the casualty of that will be this season.

and I just, nil-nil for me. But I've got Williams finishing higher due to a George Russell 11th place or something like that. Higher and higher! Beautiful. So to recap on that then, Harry, you've gone for 2020. You've gone for Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren as the top three.

Then Aston Martin, Alpine Ferrari, Alphatari, and 7th, Alfa Romeo, 8th, and then Williams 9th, has 10th. Sam, you've gone for the same top three, so Mercedes, Red Bull, then McLaren. You've then switched the Aston Martin and Alpine around, so Alpine 4th, Aston Martin, 5th. Then the Alphatari guys,

Ferrari are having a great year by your reckoning in seventh, and then that same bottom three of Alfa Romeo, Williams and Hasse. And then I've gone pretty rogue, actually, and I've gone Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpha Tauri round out the top five, Aston Martin Alpine, Alpha Romeo, Williams and Hass.

I've just noticed I've put all the A's together. Maybe that's why I've done it. He's gone rogue, Jeremy. I got a British reference there. Oh, I know. It is actually fairly useful because we know when we need to finish a podcast

or a video because there are too many British references sleeping in. I am tired. Well, it's predictions day. So it's always a big one. And we'll really, review them all at the end of the season and laugh at ourselves. But, okay, that's going to do it for our constructors' predictions and our driver's predictions.

Hopefully you've enjoyed those ones. And we will review those at the end of the year and then laugh at how wrong we are. Of course. We'll be back for our, I can't believe I'm saying this. We'll be back for our Bahrain preview podcast next week because F1 is back. I'm too excited. I'm too excited. Sam, who's clearly more excited than me.

Get us out of here. I'm thrilled. I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to be here until next week. The other two, though. See you later. I've been standing the stage and I will be for the next seven days until we talk again.

I'm Ben Hocking and I will be for the next seven days until we talk again. And I'm not entirely sure. I might be Harry Ed. I'm not quite sure, but I've been Harri-Ead for now. And remember, keep breaking late. Podcast is part of the Sports Social Podcast Network.