Discover what to expect as F1 returns from its summer break. Explore the latest updates, key factors for the final races, and driver market dynamics for the 2024 season.
As Formula 1’s summer break draws to a close, it’s time to gear up for the final chapter of the 2024 season. With the upcoming races at Zandvoort, Monza, and beyond, let’s catch up on what’s happened so far and what to anticipate as the championship heats up.
The 2024 F1 Season So Far
The 2024 Formula 1 season kicked off with high expectations, and Red Bull Racing appeared set to dominate. Max Verstappen led the Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position, signaling what many anticipated: a likely runaway championship for the Dutch driver.
However, the Australian Grand Prix shook things up. Verstappen, who had been almost invincible, retired early due to a dislodged brake disc—his first retirement since 2022. This unexpected turn allowed Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. to claim a surprising victory after missing the Saudi Arabian GP due to appendicitis.
As the season progressed, it became clear that the competition was fiercer than anticipated. Verstappen still secured wins in Japan, China, Imola, Canada, and Spain, but new contenders emerged. McLaren’s Lando Norris clinched his first F1 win in Miami, Charles Leclerc triumphed in Monaco, and George Russell added victories in Austria and the British GP. Even rookie Oscar Piastri earned his maiden win in Hungary.
Seven different winners in the first 14 races have proven the unpredictability of the 2024 season when F1 Returns. If you had predicted this in your F1 2024 forecasts, a lottery win might be on the cards!
What to Expect in the Final 10 Races when F1 Returns
As we approach the final 10 races of the 2024 season when F1 Returns, it’s essential to keep an eye on several key factors:
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Car Upgrades: Teams continuously evolve their cars throughout the season. McLaren and Mercedes have been proactive with upgrades, improving their performances significantly. Ferrari’s recent upgrade in Spain, however, backfired, exacerbating their “porpoising” issues. Red Bull, too, has faced challenges keeping pace with rivals’ advancements. Tracking which teams are introducing upgrades can provide insights into upcoming race outcomes.
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Team Dynamics: McLaren could pose a serious threat to Red Bull’s dominance. The gap between McLaren and Red Bull stands at just 42 points, leaving ample room for McLaren to close in. Keep an eye on how McLaren’s performance evolves as the season progresses.
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Driver Market: Red Bull’s decision to retain Sergio Perez despite his underperformance may impact the driver market. With Red Bull’s history of mid-season changes, Perez’s future remains uncertain. This could lead to a tumultuous “silly season” with potential seat swaps. Teams like Alpine, Sauber, Mercedes, and VCARB have open spots, and drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and Logan Sargeant are in contention.
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Midfield and Backmarkers: The battle for fifth place is heating up among Aston Martin, VCARB, and Haas. Meanwhile, Alpine, Williams, and Sauber are fighting to avoid the bottom of the standings. Haas, under the guidance of Ayao Komatsu, has shown surprising improvements, and Williams is slowly regaining performance. Alpine’s ongoing instability and Sauber’s struggles make them teams to watch.
Key Races and Upcoming Events when F1 Returns
As F1 returns from its summer break, expect thrilling races and strategic shifts. The upcoming races will feature a mix of classic circuits and new venues, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for teams to showcase their upgrades.
In summary, the 2024 Formula 1 season has been a rollercoaster of surprises and fierce competition. With the final races approaching, anticipate unexpected twists and turns as teams and drivers strive to finish the season strong. The unpredictability and excitement of F1 Returns keep fans on the edge of their seats—proof that in motorsport, anything can happen.