F1 News
Alonso predicts: 'Then they will see Verstappen in the rear-view mirror'
- GPblog.com
Fernando Alonso's much-discussed and long-awaited return to Formula 1 will take place in March this year. In an interview, the hugely experienced Spaniard looks ahead to his first season with Alpine, and adjusts expectations; not just for himself but for everyone not operating under the Mercedes flag.
For those hoping Alonso will win the title in 2021, the driver has some bad news. He expects the upcoming racing season to be largely the same as in 2020, and predicts that things will only get really exciting in 2022, when the regulations will shift the existing powerbalance between teams.
Speaking to Italy's RaiSport, Alonso predicted that Mercedes and Hamilton will be dominant in 2021: "In 2021 Mercedes will win again, Hamilton will win again. Red Bull will fight for second place, it remains to be seen who will finish third.”
Given that the distribution of power between the teams will remain the same, Alonso argued, the battles on track will also follow the same book. "If we consider who Hamilton and Bottas see most often in their rear view mirrors, we find Verstappen," Alonso said.
Concrete goals
Asked about his conditions for a successful season in 2021, Alonso said the following: "Renault has collected three podiums in 2020, I would like to improve the balance sheet. For a year. Then, much more."