Talking points heading into the last part of the 2020 F1 season

The first 10 rounds of the 2020 calendar have had many a talking point, from the COVID regulations, Racing Point’s topsy turvy season and the struggles of Ferrari. As we head into the business end of the season, Red Eye look at some of the biggest talking points to look out for.

Honda’s withdrawal

The biggest shock in recent weeks was the announcement that Honda will be leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2021 season. For most, the news comes as a massive surprise, with the Japanese company comfortably securing a second place with Red Bull in the Constructors’ championship last year. According to reports, Honda want to allocate resources elsewhere in a bid to tackle carbon emissions across a global scale.

This decision has a direct effect on Red Bull. If the team can’t find another deal, they will have to return to Renault, of whom they left a couple of years ago. At the back end of their last partnership, things turned a little sour, leaving both sides a little cautious in partnering together for the second time. But will there be any other option?

Driver changes

There are a multitude of young prospects available for the 2021 season, all of which will be vying for spots on the F1 grid next season. Schumacher will be looking to follow in his father’s footsteps after excelling in F2 this season, with Callum Ilott also impressing teams with his performances in the second championship.

There are also a few experienced drivers who are available next season, Hulkenberg and Perez will be looking to grab a seat in one of the top teams with impressive performances across the season. 

Could COVID hamper teams?

After news emerged that two of the Mercedes team members had returned positive Coronavirus tests, could we see an increase in positive cases across the paddock? If so, this will surely hamper teams’ preparations with replacements having to be flown in and out to cover the capacity.

The World Champions said as many as six replacements had already flown out from their base in the UK to take over the roles. "We have worked in close collaboration with the FIA and F1 throughout this process and will continue to do so," the statement said. The nature of the virus will surely have implications going into the colder months, and this could have an impact on the sport as a whole.

A competitive constructors’ championship

The fight for 3^rd place in the constructors’ championship is all to play for, with the first two places seemingly sewed up by Mercedes and Red Bull. Ferrari’s struggles have wedged the door wide open for teams like Renault, McLaren and Racing Point to stake a claim for P3 in the standings.

Only 7 points separates the teams going into Round 11 of the season and all three will fancy their chances in claiming 3^rd place for the 2020 season. After Ferrari’s recent upgrades and a seemingly on-form Leclerc however, they can’t be counted out just yet.

2020 has already been a season to remember, and we’re sure there will be many more talking points going into the latter part of the season. We look forward to seeing how it all pans out!