Not since 1996 has the Formula One circus touched down in this Iberian nation and although Estoril was previously granted the hosting rights, it is the relatively new racetrack at Portimao which will be the next port of call. If Hamilton and Mercedes can show their dominance in Portimão, it will mean more misery for Red Bull and with engine supplier Honda also pulling out of the sport in 2021, it leaves the energy drink backed team with something of a headache. A deal with Red Bull’s ‘b-team’ is one thing, but a tie-up with the main outfit is another and this is why it is highly unlikely that the Christian Horner led outfit will be powered by Ferrari engines in 2022. However, with any new engine, there would be undoubted teething problems, and this may end up being a pipe dream.

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