If Shakir's tests have proven his worth and future projection it is clear that confirmations and surprises will have some meaning in the 2021 Formula 1 calendar.
The confirmation goes on the side of Mercedes. Years pass, more or less significant improvements are incorporated and the car is always in the foreground. Hamilton is usually a little flustered. He always does. and Bottas tries to prove that he is second to none. Although later the races confirm it.
On the side of surprises, a renewed Fernando Alonso has awakened the joy of many F1 fans in the Spanish-speaking world. To confirm that the quality is always there. Sometimes the medium is missing. Or the mood conditions. But the quality remains intact.
1st day of test.
The first test session in the current 2021 F1 season shows a consistent Verstappen and Red Bull commanding times (1: 30.6) and laps (138), a remarkable regularity.
Mercedes, on the other hand, suffers from gearbox problems in the morning and does not get good times.
It is also an auspicious start for McLaren and Alpine and Ferrari's hopes are reborn with Sainz's 5th time after 57 laps driven.
A curious detail was the various entries of the Safety Car on the track, not due to accidents, but due to tests carried out by the FIA to have all its systems ready. The tests are for them too.
2nd day of test.
On the second day of testing, the Mercedes comes to life with Bottas who is apparently the first of the two drivers of the German team to find perfect compatibility with the new model. Only in the second session does Hamilton obtain a 5th position that does not conform too much.
Very good testing and very regular Alpha Tauri with the two riders Gasly and Tsunoda always second in both sessions.
And a surprising Mick Schumacher who sets the third fastest time in the second session with Has.
McLaren, Aston Martin and Williams also get outstanding times.
3rd test day.
The last day of testing is usually not only the final day, but the one that most of the teams and drivers aim at, who up to that moment have simply done completely experimental tests and the drivers have turned many laps to simply hold the hand of the new cars .
On the last day of testing, generally each driver tests the machine in the best conditions to compete.
With the particular one that this year marks the end of the preseason.
Verstappen and Red Bull are confirmed when it comes to showing their muscles as the most fierce adversary that Hamilton and Bottas' Mercedes will surely have in this 2021.
To confirm in the fight that there will be a good third place for Sainz with Ferrari in the second peloton and good work for Tsunoda's Alpha Tauri and Raikkonen's Alfa Romeo. McLaren always constant. From 5th Hamilton to 10th Leclerc only 5 tenths of difference. Notable parity.
In two weeks we will see how much the real candidates have been saved and how much you have shown.
