Formula 1: 2020 Power Rankings
By Asher Fair
Formula 1 Power Rankings: #6 and #5
#6. . No. 23. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, Honda. ALEXANDER ALBON
2019 finish: 8th place (92 points)
Alexander Albon was certainly an upgrade over Pierre Gasly when Red Bull Racing called him up from Toro Rosso during the 2019 season, as he finished outside of the top six only once in nine starts, and that was only because Lewis Hamilton spun him out late in the Brazilian Grand Prix. But he still did not measure up to teammate Max Verstappen, and he finished higher than fifth place just once. He was lined up to finish on the podium in the Brazilian Grand Prix before Hamilton spun him out, but that race was arguably the craziest race of the season. Among the six Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, Albon is the one who enters the 2020 season with the most to prove.
SEBASTIAN VETTEL. #5. . No. 5. Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari
2019 finish: 5th place (240 points)
Sebastian Vettel has made numerous unforced errors over the last several seasons, and with all things considered, they cost him his seat at Ferrari following the 2020 season, as the team have already signed Carlos Sainz Jr. to replace him beginning in 2021. That’s what makes this season unique. For Vettel, there really isn’t a whole lot on the line. His options for next year have already dwindled. How seriously will he take his final year with Ferrari? Will he be willing to obey potential (okay, inevitable) team orders? But on the other hand, the pressure on him should be at an all-time low, and let’s not forget the fact that he is a four-time world champion and the third winningest driver in Formula 1 history. If he can stay out of trouble, he is capable of leaving the Italian team with a fifth title.