Formula 1: 5 things at stake in the 2021 season finale

2. Constructor championship: Mercedes dominance vs. Red Bull opportunism

Everyone remembers the abysmal return of Honda in 2015 with McLaren. It was a complete disaster with McLaren from 2015 to 2017. After leaving McLaren and partnering Red Bull sister team Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) in 2018, the Japanese engine manufacturer replaced Renault at Red Bull in 2019.

Fast forward two seasons, and Honda have provided a potential championship-winning engine for the famous energy drink brand.

The Honda-powered Red Bull team have a chance to dethrone Mercedes and end their dominance in the V6 engine era. Mercedes have won every constructor title since this era began in 2014, and they have the chance to finish this era with a clean sweep via what would be a record eighth consecutive title before Formula 1 enters a new era in 2022.

Mercedes enter the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a lead of 28 points. Realistically, Red Bull seem to be a little bit too far behind to overcome this gap in one race, but mathematically, it is still possible.

For that to happen, Mercedes will probably need to have a shambolic race with Red Bull winning and securing a double podium result. Despite the Silver Arrows having finally been challenged throughout the year, it is their title to lose now.