Mercedes-Benz and the 2021 Formula 1 Races
Mercedes-Benz and its manufacturer, Daimler AG, have been involved in Formula One since 1954, when they won their first race at the French Grand Prix. The brand acts as both team owner and engine manufacturer. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is often referred to as the “Silver Arrows.”
Who are the Current Drivers for the Mercedes F1 Team?
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton hails from Stevenage, England and holds the record of youngest driver ever to win a Formula One World Championship. At just 26 years of age, Lewis won the 2008 final race in Brazil, overtaking the lead driver in the very last lap. Following his World Championship victory, Hamilton went on to complete six successful seasons with McClaren.
Since 2013, Hamilton has been a champion Formula One driver for Mercedes-Benz. Starting in 2014, after the newly mandated turbo-hybrid engines, Hamilton began the start of a record-setting career for Mercedes. He has won six additional titles, including four consecutive titles between 2016 and 2020.
As a black driver, Hamilton has actively campaigned against racism and promoted increased diversity in motorsport. In addition to his social activism, he is also an environmental activist, amateur musician, and fashion designer. Thanks to his many pursuits, Lewis Hamilton is credited with bringing the world of racing to a younger and broader audience.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas joined the Mercedes Formula One team in 2017 after several years with Williams. He replaced Lewis Hamilton’s long-time partner, Nico Rosberg, who retired in 2016. Since joining Mercedes, he has won ten races and contributed to four constructors championships.
Bottas is Finnish and races under his home country’s flag. He is only the ninth Finnish driver to compete in the Formula One races. In 2017, he established the Valterri Bottas Duathlon, a sporting event held annually in Finland. Proceeds from the event go to benefit various charities.
Bottas had extended his contract with Mercedes to 2021. However, after a difficult race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy earlier this year resulted in a retirement. For 2022, he will continue with Alfa Romeo.
What Kind of Mercedes Is Used for the 2021 Formula One Races?
This year, the F1 team is driving the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance. It is designed and constructed by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The W12 is what is known as a “low rake” design, which means its nose points downward at a lesser angle and the wheelbase is longer.
This is the typical Mercedes design, and it has done well in recent years. However, changes to aero regulations in 2021 have presented challenges for the low rake designs, with the W12 rating lower than its predecessors during testing and at the season opener in Bahrain.
Nonetheless, both Hamilton and Bottas placed first and third on the podium at the Bahrain Grand Prix, giving Mercedes a huge lead in the Constructor’s Championship. Mercedes remains the gold standard for low rake racing designs, and it will be exciting to see how the team’s skilled drivers adjust to the new aero regulations.
When is the Next F1 Race for 2021?
Round 18 is scheduled for November 5-7 in Mexico, with the race taking place on 11/7 at 12:00pm. The remainder of the 2021 F1 schedule is as follows:
Round 19: Sao Paolo Grand Prix
Dates: 11/12-11/14
Race: 10:00 am on 11/14
Round 20: Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix
Dates: 11/19-11/21
Race: 7:00 am on 11/21
Round 21: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix
Dates: 12/3-12/5
Race: 10:30 am on 12/5
Round 22: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Dates: 12/10-12/12
Race: 6:00 am on 12/12
Times displayed are local. For a full list of how and where to watch the live events, you can consult formula1.com’s Worldwide Broadcast Information for F1 2021. Simply scroll to find your country and select the station where you would like to view the race.
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