Albon, Renault and Williams - Narratives to look out for in the 2020 F1 season #1
F1 News
The countdown to the 2020 Formula 1 season is on and as always the world of motorsport is speculating as to what could unfold in the pinnacle of motorsport. In this series, we'll take a look at some of the key storylines to look out for in the first season of the new decade.
Can Alex Albon keep up with the top dogs?
When Alex Albon replaced Pierre Gasly at Red Bull not much was expected of him given the standard Gasly had set. Some impressive recovery drives for Toro Rosso, combined with the fact he was a part of the new crop of rookies meant there was quite a lot of optimism when he was finally given a car capable of challenging for podiums.
The Thai driver was steady during his nine races with Red Bull, scoring a best finish of fourth at the Japanese Grand Prix, only finishing lower than sixth on one occasion when he was cruelly denied P2 during the chaos at Interlagos. His collision with Lewis Hamilton ironically gifting Gasly the second step on the podium.
With half a season under his belt, and assurances of his place at Red Bull (for now) Albon will be expected to step up and take points off Red Bull's rivals as they manoeuvre a World Championship bid for Max Verstappen. Albon will want to prove a point as well. Red Bull's eggs are clearly in Verstappen's basket so why not go out and get some results of your own?
Will Renault to return to the form?
2019 was massively underwhelming for Renault. After finishing best of the rest in 2018, they were expected and hoped to kick on, establish themselves as the midfield leaders as well as close the gap to the front runners. On top of this, the arrival of Daniel Ricciardo only increased the expectation on the team.
However, they were surpassed by McLaren, who were running their engine, and had to battle right to the end in Abu Dhabi to hold off an impressive Toro Rosso team, who actually scored more podiums.
Renault have lofty ambitions with a podium finish targeted by their former president, Jerome Stoll and their new driver, Esteban Ocon matching that ambition. The arrival of the former-Force India driver means they have one of the hottest prospects on the grid and a very exciting partnership in prospect.
Renault will hope to they can achieve their aims and return to the front of the midfield. However, they face a resurgent McLaren if they want to achieve this and they may target 2021 development.
Can Williams score more than one point?
Williams endured a hellish, 2019. Late to pre-season testing, way way off the pace of the rest of the field, and only one point to their name it was far from ideal. For the former champions.
George Russell made the step up after being crowned Formula 2 champion in 2018 whilst Robert Kubica made a fairytale return when his F1 career looked over just a few years ago. However, the return soon turned sour as the Pole found himself off the pace of even his teammate. Despite this, he was the scorer of their only point when he finished P10 in chaotic circumstances Germany.
2020 marks another new lineup as Nicholas Latifi will partner Russell following Kubica's departure. The Canadian brings plenty of money with him but his performances in Formula 2 leave a lot to be desired. Russell meanwhile, will be hoping he can have a better season than last despite showing his potential in an incredibly limited situation.
Williams look to be on course to arrive on time this season and this should stand them in better stead but it could be a case of relying on more races like Germany last year if they want more points.