Mercedes F1 are the prime candidates to win the 2021 Formula 1 season, even though the campaign is two months away from getting underway. Such has been the German team’s dominance that fans expect the team to breeze to their eighth title win by the end of this year. Their closest competitor will most likely be Red Bull, or rather Max Verstappen.

However, the Silver Arrows’ team boss Toto Wolff expects Red Bull to be more than a one-car team this season.

Ever since Daniel Ricciardo left the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Red Bull have struggled to find a second driver who can take the fight to Mercedes, or at least give Verstappen a run for his money.

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But with the signing of Sergio Perez, Wolff expects this to change. He said (translated via Google), “I think Red Bull has become a lot stronger with the arrival of Perez. Red Bull will appear much stronger in the battle for the constructors’ championship.”

The Mexican brings to the team invaluable experience of over 190 F1 races. Moreover, he has been in the form of his life in the last campaign. Checo ended the 2020 season in fourth place with 120 points and two podiums, which includes his maiden Grand Prix win.

Wolff is interested to see how Perez fares against the Dutchman. After all, Max is known to be quite the teammate killer now.

“I see Sergio as a strong driver and that is why I am also curious about the battle between him and Max Verstappen. I am curious about how he will fare against Max.”

Mercedes wary of Red Bull F1’s challenge in final Honda-powered season

With Red Bull‘s power unit suppliers Honda leaving the sport after this year, the Mercedes boss believes the team will be even more motivated than before to ensure Honda gets a proper send-off – a title win.

He said, “Honda is entering its senior year as an official engine supplier in Formula 1 and I think they will do everything they can to compete for the title. So it will be a very interesting season.”

No doubt, Red Bull would want to give Mercedes a title challenge this year. However, there are other headaches to contend with that could affect their focus. Chief among them being the proposal for the engine freeze. Red Bull would hope that matter gets sorted as soon as possible so they can address the racing action that’s set to begin on March 28.