What can we expect from the Mercedes and Alpine presentations?

Fight against racism

Mercedes have been described as the Silver Arrows since their arrival in Formula 1. The silver colour belongs to the German brand and was also seen for years when the McLaren-Mercedes combination dominated the sport. In 2020, however, that silver livery disappeared, but for a good cause.

Mercedes wants to draw attention to the fight against racism with the black livery. Lewis Hamilton has worked hard for this in recent years, and after the death of George Floyd, Hamilton asked his team for support. That support came in the form of, among other things, the black livery, which will remain in 2021.

Mercedes have problems with the engine

Mercedes have won the world title for the past seven years and with only minor changes to the regulations, chances are good that the Germans will again be the big favourite in 2021. Yet in the winter it seeped through that there would be problems with the Mercedes engine, which is also in the car at Aston Martin, Williams and McLaren.

However, we know those problems with Mercedes. In recent years, the team would often have to contend with setbacks in the winter and in preparation for the season. It seems that Mercedes likes to get into that role of underdog and doesn't want to blow too high off the tower. Every year they were there at the start of the season. With and without those problems.

Alpine winter livery

With the Renault team, we can expect a few things from the presentation in 2021. First of all, the name has changed to Alpine, which of course also brings a new livery. The team already showed a livery at the earlier presentation, but this would be the "winter livery".

Alpine is not only a new name, but the entire organization has also been addressed. With the arrival of Davide Brivio and Luca de Meo, the organisation has changed considerably, with the result also the dismissal of Cyril Abiteboul. He will be replaced at the pit wall by Marcin Budkowski.

Alonso absent

There is also a big change to be noticed among the drivers. Daniel Ricciardo left the team for competitor McLaren, which meant that Renault had to look for a new driver for 2021 before the start of the 2020 Formula 1 season. That "new driver" became an old acquaintance of the team: Fernando Alonso.

However, Alonso will not be present at Tuesday's presentation, which focuses on his recovery after an accident while on a bike. In all likelihood, the Spaniard will make the winter test, but will leave this presentation to his new teammate, Esteban Ocon.

This article was written and originally published by Tim on the Dutch edition of GPblog.com.