Will Hamilton beat Schumacher’s record
The best thing about a new season in Formula 1 is that no-one ever knows what will happen until the lights go out and the action starts. So before the cars hit the Melbourne circuit for next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix. These are the burning questions we can’t wait to find out the answers to as the 2020 season unfolds…
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of mathematical immortality. Only eight more wins would see him exceed the 91 F1 victories of Michael Schumacher, and if he returns this year he will draw on titles equal to the great man.
Given that since 2014 Hamilton has averaged over 10 wins a season, winning all-but-one of the titles at the same time. His odds of becoming the statistical G.O.A.T. of F1 look high.
By the end of 2020, most drivers are out of work. But none have the same amount of attention on their next steps as Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. Despite five seasons, the German’s hopes of winning a championship with the Scuderia remain unfulfilled.
Charles Leclerc’s spectacular presence at the squad in 2019. The resulting hints of tension between the two – brought Vettel’s success under ever greater scrutiny.
Of sure he will stay. But should Ferrari and Vettel part ways, it will start a big old bun battle for his place, with Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo–who turned a very red Ferrari-shade when asked how involved he was in switching to the Prancing Horse at the pre-season testing–perceived by many to be the front runner.
If Bottas 2.0 was the Bottas that romped to an emphatic victory at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, can the Finn turn it into 3.0 in 2020? At the pre-season. He didn’t seem to like answering that particular question. Growling that “you don’t get a lot of talk points.” But he has outlined. One key area he needs to improve. If he is actually going to overcome Hamilton this year.