Hopes and Expectations for the 2024 F1 Season
The 2023 Formula 1 season was good, with great races at Singapore, Silverstone, Monza, Las Vegas and Zandvoort, but it missed a close championship fight. We didn't see much competition for either the driver's or constructor's titles.
Right from the start, Max Verstappen and Red Bull looked too strong for the rest. After the Bahrain race, George Russell said, "They should win every single race this season is my bet. With the performance they’ve got, I don’t see anybody challenging." And he was almost right, except for Singapore.
So, what do we want from the 2024 season? We're hoping for a more competitive season, with closer races and a real fight for the championships. Let's talk about what could make the next F1 season more exciting and unpredictable.
Who Can Challenge Red Bull in 2024?
Red Bull, led by Max Verstappen, dominated the 2023 Formula 1 season, leaving their rivals in the dust. Verstappen won an astonishing 19 of 22 races, with his teammate Sergio Perez winning two of the remaining three. This begs the question, who can step up to challenge Red Bull in 2024?
Mercedes - Despite finishing second in the constructors' championship, Mercedes had a tough season. They realized their car's design concept was wrong and are planning a complete overhaul for the next season's car. If they can successfully reinvent their car, they could be contenders.
Ferrari - Ferrari's car was competitive, but not enough to consistently challenge Red Bull. With Carlos Sainz securing a win at the Singapore Grand Prix. They sometimes looked like the second-fastest car but were held back by inconsistency. With new team principal Fred Vasseur bringing stability, a great winter development might close the gap with Red Bull.
McLaren - McLaren experienced one of the most significant transformations, especially after a dreadful start in Bahrain. Their revamped car, quickly became competitive, earning Lando Norris six second-place finishes. If they continue this upward trajectory, they could challenge the top teams.
Aston Martin - There was a lot of excitement around Aston Martin at the season's start, especially with Fernando Alonso's strong performances. However, they couldn't maintain their early momentum. If they can resolve their development issues, they might come out challenging for wins.
Changes to 2024 Sprint Format
In 2024, Formula 1 may continue to evolve its sprint race format, building on the varied experiences from 2023. The upcoming season will see sprints hosted at six venues: Brazil, Austria, Austin, Qatar, China, and Miami. Brazil is set for its fourth sprint weekend, Austria its third, while Austin and Qatar return for another year. Notably, China and Miami will host sprints for the first time.
The sprint races in 2023 resulted mixed responses. In Azerbaijan, it was okay, while rainy conditions in Austria and Belgium presented challenging scenarios. The Qatar sprint, marked by Oscar Piastri's victory, gave a sense of excitement. However, the sprint at COTA again led to questions about the format's overall appeal and effectiveness.
A particularly memorable moment from last year (2022) was the sprint race in Brazil, which stood out for both fans and drivers. Kevin Magnussen's pole position in rain-affected qualifying led to an unusual grid lineup. The race itself offered plenty of action, with the track's design and tire choices contributing to numerous overtaking opportunities.
Looking ahead to 2024, the sprint races are expected to bring more excitement. With the ongoing adjustments and refinements to the format, there's a strong possibility that these sprints will become even more integral and thrilling parts of the Formula 1 season.
