Top 5 bold predictions for the 2021 season

#4 Esteban Ocon to beat Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso will find it hard to match Esteban Ocon on his return to Formula One. Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Fernando Alonso is making a return to Formula 1 with Alpine F1 Team. He's expected, for all the right reasons, to be the lead driver of the team and guide it towards the front of the grid. In all likelihood, if we look at the odds, Alonso is well expected to beat Ocon across the season.

But, there are a few things that we need to take into consideration. Alonso is coming back after a gap of two years away from the sport. He's also had a horrible accident recently, which is sure to hinder his preparations before the start of the year. He also makes his return as one of the eldest statesmen on the grid alongside Kimi Raikkonen.

To add to this, we must not forget the reason why Esteban Ocon is rated so highly. Ocon went head-to-head against Sergio Perez in his very first season in Formula 1 and did a great job of matching the Mexican.

Last year, Ocon was caught off-guard by the pace and consistency that Ricciardo was able to display, but by the end of the year, Ocon was more or less a match for Ricciardo. In his second year with the team, he would be expected to improve even further.

Will a prime Fernando Alonso be able to beat Esteban Ocon in the 2021 season? We don't think there would be too many doubts about that. But with so many things stacked against Alonso in 2021, there's a chance we see Fernando Alonso lose to the young Frenchman.