4 reasons to be excited about the new Scuderia Ferrari line-up

After Sebastian Vettel’s surprise departure, Ferrari have since confirmed Carlos Sainz Jr as the German’s replacement at the Formula 1 team for the 2021 season. We look at 4 reasons to be excited about the line-up and what we can look to expect from the pair in the near future.

1.   The youngest ever Ferrari line-up

Traditionally driver changes were few and far between at the Scuderia, which makes Sainz’s arrival even more fascinating. The team has clearly stuck to its guns by continuing the promotion of youthful talent after the success of Leclerc in his first year. The pair boast a combined age of just 49, making it the youngest full season line-up Ferrari has ever seen.

After the touchy relationship between Vettel and Leclerc, the Tifosi will be relieved to see a youthful pair who can challenge for honours and bring the championship home in a more civilised manner.

2.   A return to the team’s ‘old ways’

As one of the sport’s most famous teams, it’s important for Ferrari to uphold heritage and stick to the same principles which made them the brand they are today. In years gone by, Ferrari boasted serial winners in the shape of the Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio, the late Niki Lauda and, of course, the unsurmountable Michael Schumacher.

Much of the success of these was down to the hierarchy of a clear ‘number one’ and ‘number two’ driver - best demonstrated by Schumacher and Barrichello in the early 2000s. In recent times, Vettel and Leclerc have battled it out for the top spot, each taking turns to make costly mistakes, thus damaging the team’s chances of success. With Vettel leaving, this leaves Leclerc to make the top seat his own and lead the team to more success.

3.   Sainz has a chance to prove himself at a top team

In 2019, Carlos Sainz was one of, if not the most, standout drivers in the paddock. In fact, back in December we made him our unofficial driver of the season. He managed sixth in the Driver’s Standings, ahead of the Red Bull pair of Gasly and Albon in just his first season at McLaren. He even claimed his first podium at the Brazilian GP, having started in 20^th following an engine problem in qualifying.

The Spaniard has been consistently performing above the ‘best of the rest’ pack and, as such, is getting the drive he’s long waited for since graduating to F1 in 2015. Will this be his chance of claiming silverware?

4.   New challengers

With Sainz’s move to Ferrari, it’s clear that there will be a shakeup in many of the top teams on the grid. Daniel Ricciardo has already stepped into his shoes in McLaren; Mercedes are still to announce their line-up for 2021 and Fernando Alonso has stated his desire for a comeback.

All this could mean a completely new and intriguing set up for the grid in 2021. Big changes will result in big challenges and even more on-track action as teams and drivers get used to their new set ups.

This move is sure to have the Tifosi excited and as one of the stablemates of F1, Ferrari need to be pushing for titles every season. Luckily with Red Eye, you can be sure we will be there every step of the way.