With events in Portugal still very much on everybody’s minds, drivers and teams alike must already turn their attention to race number four of the 2021 Grand Prix Calendar. It’s Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes who lead the way in both championships so far, but what will the situation look like after the Spanish installment of Formula 1? Wheel2Wheel’s Joe Murphy yet again gives a preview with some rather outlandish predictions.
Lewis to extend his lead further at the top of the tree…
Most people go to Spain to relax in the sun. In some respects, Lewis Hamilton has been able to win this race repeatedly whilst doing this very action. He has won the last four races from this circuit easily, twice by over twenty seconds. On his current form, and the way Mercedes seem to dominate this race, you can bet on Lewis Hamilton to make it three wins from the opening four races of the season, and extend his lead at the top of the standings. The way this track is up to the first corner, keep on eye for whoever qualifies P3 on Saturday to make a move on the driver in second place. Much like Russia, they seem to get off the line quicker behind the pole sitter. The 100 pole positions achievement is set to be seen this Saturday, if Lewis performs as he previously has done, at this venue.
Spaniards to score well…
In their home race, drivers often disappoint when expected to do well. Lewis Hamilton has won Silverstone enough but this is more an anomaly. Cases in point include the French Grand Prix of 2018 saw two French drivers in Pierre Gasly and Estaban Ocon crash out before the end of the first lap and Seb Vettel’s now infamous Ferrari crash in Germany. However, this week, you should expect Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz to score well. Fernando has now had more time to get used to his Alpine car, as shown with his improved showing in Portugal. With Carlos, he may have slipped down the order last time out, but he has not looked out of place in a Ferrari and is more than capable of challenging for a decent position in the points.
Williams and Haas a certain back 4…
A car that was even described by its own driver George Russell as “undriveable”, the Williams has been punching above its weight in Q2. The fact George got his car to P11 in qualifying last week says more about the superb driving effort from the Brit than the team making progress. It is by far the second slowest car on the grid and you can be assured that Russell or Latifi will manage no heroics this week. As for the unfortunate Haas, despite making apparent “steps in the right direction”, you will still see the team finish P19 and P20 in qualifying and last in the race, with only DNF’s improving their position. The Williams is slow. With regards to the Haas, you’re quicker walking.
Yuki and Kimi to battle for points…
After looking so promising in Bahrain, reality seems to have hit Yuki Tsunoda hard in the two races since. No additional points and more mistakes being made, audiences needed reminding that this year is a huge step up for the Japanese rookie. Like many others on the grid, he has now had more than adequate time to settle into his Alpha Tauri, a car which is more than capable of challenging for points in Spain. To another kind of Alfa, Kimi Raikkonen will want to rectify his incident from raceweek three. After starting well in Portugal for the second year running, the Finn made an uncharacteristic error which saw him retire from the race. This weekend, although near certain to qualify in the mid-teens, expect the veteran driver to use his experience to push his Alfa Romeo into the points, albeit narrowly.
A Mexican party for a Perez Podium…
This may be a repeated prediction from earlier on in the season, but it is surely a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’. Sergio Perez is too good and experienced a driver to not put that Red bull in amongst the pigeons. If Max and Lewis tangle with each other or even Valtteri (as has happened before with Mercedes at this track), expect the Mexican, more than anyone else, to capitalise and seize a podium spot. He is a good enough driver in a good enough car to beat anyone on the grid and he knows this racetrack well. You can expect to see Checo spraying champagne Sunday afternoon.
Qualifying predictions…
1. HAM
2. VER
3. BOT
4. PER
5. SAI
6. LEC
7. NOR
8. GAS
9. RIC
10. ALO
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WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 
Norris to qualify 3rd!
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