Pilot Episode: Reracing through F1 calendar 2020

In this very first episode, we talk through the constructor's championship table for the F1 calendar year 2020. We talk about our memories, opinions on the unusual year that 2020 was or wasn't.Topics included in this podcast:Hopes from the Year 2020Thoughts when the season wasn’t/was going to happenThe (so called) title fight between Mercedes and Redbull RacingThe surprising Mclaren(T)Racing point aka Pink MercedesRenault’s ComebackTroubles at FerrariAlphaTauri – Peirre Gasly’s redemptionAlfaRomeo’s WoesUnfortunate HaasWilliams bring WilliamsOutro

**2020 Formula One Season Review**

* **Pre-Season:**
* Mercedes dominated testing with their DAS (Dual-Axis Steering) system.
* Ferrari's struggles continued, with rumors of cheating and engine power reduction.
* Expectations were high for Red Bull to challenge Mercedes.

* **Season Start:**
* COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.
* Revised calendar featured 22 races, including several classic tracks like Imola and Mugello.

* **Mercedes Dominance:**
* Mercedes continued their dominance, winning both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.
* Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh world title, equaling Michael Schumacher's record.
* Valtteri Bottas played a crucial role as Hamilton's teammate, securing podium finishes.

* **Red Bull's Challenge:**
* Red Bull emerged as the closest challenger to Mercedes.
* Max Verstappen showed impressive consistency and racecraft, winning two races.
* Alex Albon struggled to match Verstappen's pace, leading to his replacement by Sergio Perez for 2021.

* **McLaren's Resurgence:**
* McLaren had a remarkable season, finishing third in the Constructors' Championship.
* Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr. both contributed to the team's success with consistent performances.

* **Racing Point's Controversies:**
* Racing Point faced accusations of copying Mercedes' car design, resulting in a 15-point deduction.
* Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll delivered strong performances, helping the team finish fourth.

* **Renault's Comeback:**
* Renault showed signs of improvement, finishing fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
* Daniel Ricciardo joined the team and secured two podium finishes.

* **Ferrari's Struggles:**
* Ferrari had a disappointing season, finishing sixth in the Constructors' Championship.
* Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc failed to challenge for wins consistently.

* **AlphaTauri's Redemption:**
* AlphaTauri, formerly known as Toro Rosso, had a strong season, finishing seventh in the Constructors' Championship.
* Pierre Gasly secured his first Formula One win at the Italian Grand Prix.

* **Alfa Romeo's Woes:**
* Alfa Romeo endured a difficult season, finishing eighth in the Constructors' Championship.
* Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi struggled to score points consistently.

* **Haas' Unfortunate Season:**
* Haas had a disappointing season, finishing ninth in the Constructors' Championship.
* Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen failed to score points in the majority of races.

* **Williams' Struggles:**
* Williams endured another challenging season, finishing last in the Constructors' Championship.
* George Russell and Nicholas Latifi failed to score any points.

## **Mercedes Dominance and Title Fight**
Mercedes continued its dominance in the 2020 season, with Lewis Hamilton securing his seventh World Drivers' Championship and the team claiming its seventh consecutive Constructors' Championship. The podcast discusses the factors contributing to Mercedes' success, including their superior car design and Hamilton's exceptional driving skills. While Red Bull Racing posed a challenge at times, Mercedes' consistency and reliability ultimately proved too much for their rivals.

## **McLaren's Resurgence**
McLaren made a significant leap forward in 2020, finishing third in the Constructors' Championship. The podcast highlights the contributions of Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris, who consistently outperformed their car and scored impressive results. The team's resurgence is attributed to a combination of strategic decisions, driver talent, and improved car performance.

## **Racing Point's Controversial Performance**
Racing Point, also known as the "Pink Mercedes," drew attention for its car's striking resemblance to the 2019 Mercedes. The podcast examines the controversy surrounding the team's performance, including allegations of copying Mercedes' design. While Racing Point ultimately avoided serious penalties, the incident sparked debates about intellectual property and fair competition in Formula One.

## **Renault's Comeback and Daniel Ricciardo's Move**
Renault experienced a resurgence in 2020, finishing fifth in the Constructors' Championship. The podcast praises the team's progress and the consistent performances of drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon. Ricciardo's move to McLaren for the 2021 season is also discussed, with the hosts expressing optimism about his future prospects.

## **Ferrari's Struggles and Vettel's Departure**
Ferrari endured a challenging season, finishing sixth in the Constructors' Championship. The podcast analyzes the team's struggles, including car performance issues and driver errors. The departure of Sebastian Vettel, who moved to Aston Martin for 2021, is also examined, with the hosts reflecting on his legacy at Ferrari.

## **AlphaTauri's Redemption and Pierre Gasly's Success**
AlphaTauri, formerly known as Toro Rosso, enjoyed a successful season, with Pierre Gasly claiming a surprise victory at the Italian Grand Prix. The podcast applauds Gasly's remarkable turnaround after his struggles at Red Bull and highlights the team's overall improvement.

## **Alfa Romeo's Woes**
Alfa Romeo endured a disappointing season, finishing eighth in the Constructors' Championship. The podcast discusses the team's lack of competitiveness and the challenges faced by drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi.

## **Haas' Financial Troubles and Driver Changes**
Haas faced financial difficulties in 2020, leading to the departure of drivers Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen. The podcast examines the team's struggles and the impact of the budget cap on smaller teams.

## **Williams' Ownership Change and Hopes for Improvement**
Williams underwent a change of ownership in 2020, with the team being acquired by Dorilton Capital. The podcast discusses the potential implications of this change and expresses hope for Williams' improvement in the upcoming seasons.

## **Overall Season Rating and Expectations for 2021**
The hosts provide their personal ratings for the 2020 Formula One season, considering both the excitement of the races and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss their expectations for the 2021 season, including potential title contenders and teams to watch.