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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren F1 walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren F1 walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
The 2021 F1 season is soon approaching us, and fans are expectant to see how it will pan out. Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton stormed home to win both titles last season, and it was quite a straightforward affair for Red Bull Racing as they finished finish runners-up.
But in the upcoming campaign, an exciting title race might just be on the cards. Considering Red Bull showed some serious pace in the season finale at Abu Dhabi, the battle could get closer than it was the last time around.
However, two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso thinks it will be business as usual for Mercedes and Hamilton. The only change, according to him, could occur in the third spot in the Constructors’ Standings.
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Red Bull will fight for second place, predicts Fernando Alonso
Speaking in an interview, Alonso stated, “I think I am mature like never before. The psychophysical tests show that I am as fit as in 2010. I analyzed how I was driving to correct any defects, my speed remained intact, the experiences at Le Mans and Indy provided useful data.” (translated from Google Translate)
2020 saw McLaren emerge strong enough to claim P3 in the end, with both Racing Point and Renault facing disappointment. But considering the latter teams have undergone a few changes, it is anybody’s guess as to who will finish third at the end of the season.

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MONTMELO, SPAIN – MAY 14: Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda during the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“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,” concluded Alonso.
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Mercedes could face a much tougher challenge from Red Bull in 2021
Consistent reliability with the Honda power unit and a competitive second driver is what Red Bull dearly missed in the 2020 season. With the signing of Sergio Perez and positive indications from the Japanese manufacturer, they will look to make a statement of intent in the very first race.

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Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
Hence, Mercedes, who have dominated for some time now, will have to themselves be at their mighty best again to retain the titles.
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Regardless, the on-track battles over the 23-race calendar will be intriguing to watch as this could be the year where Red Bull can put an end to Mercedes’ long-standing domination.
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