Why a boring 2021 season is better for F1's future

Why discomfort and distancing is worth it for F1's return This weekend's grand prix is being staged in abnormal circumstances amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But the strict measures and protocols F1 has introduced to ensure the event goes ahead is a price worth paying 1593734400 F1

The reverse experiment we will still get in Austria Although hopes of Formula 1 experimenting with a reversed grid in the second of the two Austrian grands prix have fallen by the wayside, keeping things the same will still provide an indication of what to expect in future double-headers 1593561600 F1

Could F1 take lessons from the Bundesliga's return? Formula 1 might not be the first sporting competition to restart after the COVID-19 stoppage, but it will be the first truly global category to get going again. The German football league's resumption efforts offer some insight to what can be done 1593043200 F1

The bombshell departure that will test Mercedes' depth Mercedes' powertrains have been a constant source of strength during its spell of turbo hybrid era dominance. So with its engine head Andy Cowell set to step away, the team will need to minimise disruption and continue his legacy of pushing boundaries 1592352000 F1

How reliability overshadowed developments at the Austrian GP Mercedes had the fastest car in Austria, but the developments it brought to the Red Bull Ring were overshadowed by concerns with the gearbox sensor that required it to conserve for much of the way 1593993600 F1

How Bottas won F1's survival of the fittest in Austria After a 217-day wait, Formula 1 returned at the Red Bull Ring with a thriller that reminded everybody what they had been missing during the COVID-enforced hiatus. Mercedes crossed the line 1-2, but that hardly told the whole story 1593993600 F1

Tim Wright: Safety cars saved a boring Austrian GP OPINION: As feared, Mercedes proved the class of the field as F1 resumed in Austria, but ironically problems for others requiring safety car interruptions helped to keep them in range. Despite the exciting finish, omens point to a similar result next week 1593993600 F1

How F1’s B-teams steered away from the precipice Like all professional sports, motor racing was driven into hibernation by COVID-19. But to survive, it's had to return before the storm has passed. So how will Formula 1 cope with racing in a pandemic? And why does it have to, asks STUART CODLING 1593907200 F1