Formula 1: Early 2021 driver lineup prediction
By Asher Fair
Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen – Amid rumors that a move to Mercedes or Ferrari was brewing, Max Verstappen signed a contract extension to remain with the Honda-powered Red Bull Racing team through the 2023 season this offseason as he prepares to challenge Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton for his first world championship.
Alexander Albon – While Alexander Albon was not spectacular after getting the call to replace Pierre Gasly at Red Bull Racing with nine races remaining in the 2019 season, he performed well, as it would understandably be challenging to hop in the car and immediately give Max Verstappen a run for his money. Most importantly, he looks like the best Red Bull driver among the non-Verstappen trio, and the team have said that they have no desire to look outside of their organization for new drivers at this point.
McLaren
Lando Norris – McLaren are a team that have completely confirmed their driver lineup for 2021, having done so this offseason. Lando Norris signed a multi-year contract extension last summer, and the Woking-based team confirmed that he will be back next year amid rumors of him potentially being able to utilize an opt-out clause.
Daniel Ricciardo – The deal that almost came to fruition in August of 2018 came to fruition in May of 2020. With Carlos Sainz Jr. set to move to Ferrari to replace Sebastian Vettel, that opened the door for Daniel Ricciardo to leave Renault and make the move to McLaren. Before Sainz’s Ferrari deal was even confirmed, McLaren confirmed Ricciardo as Norris’s teammate next year.