via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal – October 25, 2020 Racing Point’s Lance Stroll and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Armando Franca
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal – October 25, 2020 Racing Point’s Lance Stroll and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Armando Franca
Next weekend, the Formula One fraternity heads to the Algarve Circuit for the Portuguese Grand Prix. This is the second year in succession that F1 is visiting Portugal. In the buildup to the race weekend, several eyes will be on the skies, especially after last weekend’s chaotic rain-hit race.
Had the drivers been racing this weekend, they would have faced similar conditions to Imola. Luckily for them, the track conditions will likely stay mostly dry, though the cloudy skies are expected.
Temperature-wise, the Formula One paddock can expect the range to be between 19°C and 21°C on Saturday. Meanwhile, Sunday faces temperatures between 20°C and 23°C, with cloudy skies again.
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Read More: Portuguese Grand Prix: Why Is F1 Racing in Portimao?
How will the Portuguese Grand Prix pan out next weekend?
To be perfectly honest, it may be a good thing that there is no rain on the horizon. The Algarve International Circuit is practically a rollercoaster, with several elevations and dips. Adding rain to the mix would only ramp up the difficulty in spades. Nevertheless, all the drivers will be keen to tame the circuit.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal – Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas during practice Armando Franca/Pool via REUTERS
Heading into this weekend, it is clear that Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are the main title protagonists. Both drivers have notched up a win each, and one point separates them in the championship. Of course, the season is still long and there is plenty of time for either driver to surge ahead or for a new contender to jump in.
However, the prospect of a new player spoiling the party maybe a little bit unlikely. Valtteri Bottas does put up a valiant fight on occasion but has rarely been able to sustain it, especially this year.
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Meanwhile, Sergio Perez is also in a similar trajectory, and the bad news is that he is still getting used to the car. Meanwhile, the Ferraris and McLarens are getting in the mix occasionally, but are still not on Mercedes and Red Bull’s level.
READ MORE: Portuguese Grand Prix Reportedly Set to Return to 2021 F1 Calendar
