After a much-needed break in Montenegro, soaking up the sun, of beautiful sunsets and indulging in family time, I’m back in the editor’s chair, taking over from Jad Malak, who kept the momentum going through the early weeks of the summer shutdown. A big thank you, enjoy your time off and take a bow Jad! As we look forward to the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, it’s clear that the season’s 2024 Forrmula 1 World Championship narrative has been anything but predictable, and yet, there’s a sense of the calm before the storm as the racing world collectively takes a breather. 2024 F1 World Championship Battle: Max’s to Lose Among the media, the quiet also means digging for stories.
So expect a flurry of mid-term report cards, and half-season retrospectives sproutting about. But the drop ten drivers and constructors in the graphic above are all you really need. Looking at the , it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Max Verstappen claiming the title at the end of this season.
His dominance has been relentless, but the sport is never short of surprises. Red Bull’s internal dynamics and McLaren’s resurgence have added layers of complexity to what might have otherwise been a straightforward march to victory for Verstappen. While the gap in points seems insurmountable, Formula 1 is notorious for throwing curveballs when least expected.
Yet, barring a major collapse, Verstappen’s path to a fourth F1 world title seems almost assured. Red Bull’s Conundrum: Max versus the Rest In the F1 Constructors’ championship battle, Verstappen has been carrying Red Bull almost single-handedly this season, with Sergio . This dynamic has opened the door for teams like McLaren to eye the Constructors’ Championship, despite Verstappen’s brilliance.
McLaren, under the leadership of Andrea Stella and Zak Brown, have made remarkable strides. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are proving to be a formidable duo, with Norris in particular showing that he could be the one to challenge Verstappen consistently, given the right machinery. And Oscar, perhaps a tad more aggressive, is also here for the long term.
The Lewis Hamilton Factor: Ferrari in his future The internet melt-down created by surrounding Lewis (announced on 1 February!) added yet another layer of intrigue to the season. Hamilton’s stature and competitive spirit is likely to inspire Ferrari as the confirmation did its shares. It also raises questions about Mercedes’ future as they get better and better.
Is Lewis jumping ship at the wrong time? I as a long-time fan ask. I still say a resounding: Yes! The sport’s most successful drivers, Mercedes and Ferrari collectively need a breath of fresh air. Nothing lasts forever.
And the final chapter for Lewis so apt, with F1’sd greatest team. Could Verstappen eventually make a similar move, after Red Bull Mercedes and then Ferrari? Verstappen following Adrian Newey, wherever he goes is what I would do. Newey to emerge where? Wherever the pair end up together would be a mortal blow to the F1 teams that could not get their services, and that’s everyone in the paddock from Williams to Ferrari and all in between.
Who might Newey move his drawing board to? Aston Martin and Big Bucks Lawrence Stroll is reportedly in the ring and willing to swing big dough, as is Ferrari supposedly, and Williams a lot less dough one imagines. Etc. Etc.
Only Adrian, probably his missus knows and ! On track, it’s been woeful for Team Stroll. After last year’s podium-winning form went AWOL when Aston Martin lost the plot with their car once fine AMR23, their 2024 F1 season has been marked by inconsistency. Fernando Alonso’s frustration is palpable as the team struggles to deliver a car capable of matching his talent.
Lance Stroll’s underperformance only compounds the team’s woes. McLaren and Others Next Best: The Pursuit of Excellence As a former photographer for the sponsors of the team ‘back in my day’ (aka Marlboro), has been one of the most satisfying highlights of the season. Their focus on challenging for the F1 Constructors’ Championship, even in the face of Verstappen’s dominance, speaks volumes about the team’s ambition.
They still have a lot to learn. The Ron Dennis heyday of winning has long faded for the Woking outfit. But too many years in nowhereland are ending, with the Zak Brown era now ensconced after half a dozen years.
It’s the team Zak and, of course, Andrea Stella built and it’s firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, Ferrari, despite moments of brilliance, seems unable to sustain a consistent challenge. Mercedes, on the other hand, has found its footing, with Hamilton finally enjoying a car that allows him to compete at the sharp end of the grid and win races again.
George Russell has also won and with it is likely to be the leader of the team with prodigious teenager Kimi Antonelli. Unless Toto Wolff can snare Max..
. The Rest of the Grid: Shifting Sands As we move down the order, teams like Williams and Sauber (soon to be Audi) face different but equally significant challenges. could be a game-changer, offering the team a shot at climbing the ranks.
Alfa Romeo, on the other hand, appears to be treading water until Audi’s full takeover, with performances sadly slipping as the transition looms. The summer shutdown has brought a much-needed pause to the frenetic pace of the first half of the 2024 F1 season. But before we know it, things will get busy with the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen’s home race is going to be epic.
Expect the Lion King to be ready to devour in front of his subjects, but the prey is starting to fight back<<< My Netflix moment;-) Stay tuned, enjoy the holidays and be safe wherever you are. And check in here from time to time too!.
