How F1 pulled off its second pandemic season and its 2022 implications
OPINION: The Formula 1 season just gone was the second to be completed under the dreaded shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in many ways it was much more ‘normal’ than 2020. Here’s the story of how the championship’s various organisers delivered a second challenging campaign, which offers a glimpse at what may be different next time around
Compared to the year before, the 2021 Formula 1 season was much more 'normal'. Not 'completely back to normal', as we've all said and hoped for so many times during these infernal pandemic times, but closer than many may have thought this time 12 months ago.
There was no mass cancellation of events – only five of the originally planned calendar had to be dropped (China, Canada, Singapore, Japan and Australia) – and just one repeat track visit this time around. Two drivers tested positive and missed races, down from three in 2020, and at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a record was set for the first F1 pandemic event being completed without a single positive case recorded. The calendar expanded back to a record level, and this time the championship visited four continents (in 2020 races only took place in Europe and Asia, specifically the Middle East).
Ten things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Ten things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Ten things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen tops first F1 practice from Perez, Alonso
Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen tops first F1 practice from Perez, Alonso Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen tops first F1 practice from Perez, Alonso
Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen
Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen
Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety
Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety
Sainz: Ferrari fixing "bad situation" with early 2023 F1 engine problems
Sainz: Ferrari fixing "bad situation" with early 2023 F1 engine problems Sainz: Ferrari fixing "bad situation" with early 2023 F1 engine problems
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination
How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination
Aston ready to evaluate wing choices to counter Red Bull F1 top speed
Aston ready to evaluate wing choices to counter Red Bull F1 top speed Aston ready to evaluate wing choices to counter Red Bull F1 top speed
Tandy, Jaminet complete Porsche LMDh driver line-up for Le Mans
Tandy, Jaminet complete Porsche LMDh driver line-up for Le Mans Tandy, Jaminet complete Porsche LMDh driver line-up for Le Mans
Stroke victim Hutchinson forced out of 2023 Isle of Man TT
Stroke victim Hutchinson forced out of 2023 Isle of Man TT Stroke victim Hutchinson forced out of 2023 Isle of Man TT
Why MotoGP's new format can't be solely blamed for Portugal chaos
Why MotoGP's new format can't be solely blamed for Portugal chaos Why MotoGP's new format can't be solely blamed for Portugal chaos
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023 The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The state of play in F1's technical silly season
The state of play in F1's technical silly season The state of play in F1's technical silly season
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
Why Red Bull's biggest F1 adversary is now itself
Why Red Bull's biggest F1 adversary is now itself Why Red Bull's biggest F1 adversary is now itself
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.