Page 105 - Car South Africa (February 2020)

2019 was McLaren’s rapid return
PRODIGIOUS
to form; a team consigned
NEW TALENT to the darker side following
some appalling performances
in previous years. This was
One of the most exciting pros- fortunate for Carlos Sainz be-
pects is the rise of a clutch of cause it enabled the Spaniard to TECHNICAL while, will invariably focus
gifted young drivers. Alexander continue showcasing his talent on next year when it becomes
Albon showed impressive confi- and be the “best of the rest” TERMINUS clear 2020 will bring little
dence by not only being quick in outside the top three teams. All change to their existing state
the Toro Rosso, but also able to of which helped Lando Norris of effectiveness.
withstand the pressure of promo- quite brilliantly announce his The 2020 season will be the As for status at the front, it
tion to Red Bull halfway through arrival in F1 as he out-qualified last before sweeping chang- won’t take much for Ferrari or
his first season. Red Bull’s Dr Hel- Sainz on several occasions. The es next year. In theory, you Red Bull to reduce the narrow
mut Marko does not suffer fools Englishman put himself in the would be correct to assume gap to Mercedes. If they can
gladly; yet, Albon remained calm running alongside Albon for the competitiveness across the run closer, Mercedes will have
and got himself to within frac- Rookie of the Year. With one teams should remain the same. no room to operate those risky
tions of Verstappen’s lap times season under their belts, the The divide between the haves strategies they used so suc-
on several tracks the British-Thai rise of the young guys can only and the have-nots – due to be cessfully. Should Hamilton fail
driver had never seen before. continue in 2020 and give the reduced in 2021 by a budget to win a seventh title, chances
Setting drivers aside for the established drivers something cap, but that’s another story – are he may not be around for
moment, a welcome surprise in to think about. will increase. The well-heeled a 15th season. But if he equals
teams will be able to afford to Michael Schumacher’s record
An exciting prospect is the rise of develop this year’s car while in the next 10 months, expect
focusing on a fresh start for a continuing rise as he aims for
a clutch of gifted young drivers 2021. The lesser outfits, mean- an eighth in 2021.

CARmag.co.za CAR FEBRUARY 2020 103