Today, Mercedes have launched their newest challenger for the 2021 F1 campaign, named the W12. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas were at hand to unveil the striking new black-and-silver car during the virtual launch event.

As has been the case for some time now, the defending champions will once again start off as favorites in the upcoming season. Mercedes have emerged victors for seven consecutive years and once again, it is up to the rest of the pack to stop their dominance.

But that said, there are quite a few outfits that can pose a challenge to Mercedes. Speaking at the launch event, Hamilton has named a particular German driver and his team as one to watch out for.

Lewis Hamilton mentioned Aston Martin’s success in the Turkish GP as an indicator

Hamilton said, “Looking at the other teams, you’ve got a stronger setting. I think you’ll probably see at the Red Bulls, you’ve got the Ferraris, again a really great, fresh setting.”

The Racing Point cars looked absolutely sharp for most of the 2020 season, including a fantastic win in Sakhir. Lance Stroll’s pole and an eventual podium for Sergio Perez meant that the team enjoyed a great outing in the 2020 Turkish GP, something Hamilton has taken note of.

“And they you’ve got Sebastian taking over all of his great experience and expertise, and they are ramping up. They’ve had some, they nearly won in Turkey last year. So yeah, I’m excited too,” concluded the seven-time F1 champion.

Sebastian Vettel will target wins and podiums with Aston Martin

While Hamilton would still have a dominant W12 at his disposal, one cannot count out Vettel’s experience. In collaboration with a good Aston Martin car, expect the four-time F1 victor to give the drivers out in front a very hard time.

Vettel would obviously need a time period of adaptability to understand different procedures with his new team. But once that is done, there is no doubt that he can recapture some of his best form from earlier days, and tantalize racing audiences again.

Therefore, the 2021 F1 season is fast approaching, which is set to commence with the Bahrain Grand Prix first up on March 28. An intriguing storyline that F1 fans might relish witnessing, though, is one where Hamilton and Vettel get the opportunity to battle each other on track.

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