F1 2024: Hamilton's Farewell, Verstappen's Quest, Midfield Battle Heats Up
March 2, 2024 Sport
Lights Out for a Record-Breaking Season-Formula One returns this week with the Bahrain Grand Prix, kicking off the longest season in F1 history with 24 races. Here's a breakdown of the key storylines to keep an eye on:
Hamilton's Farewell Tour with Mercedes
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton embarks on his final year with Mercedes before joining Ferrari in 2025. The legendary driver aims to end his Silver Arrows tenure on a high note, but Mercedes faces an uphill battle against Red Bull after struggling to adapt to the new regulations in 2022.
Verstappen's Quest for a Historic Fourth Title
Max Verstappen enters the season as the clear favorite after dominating 2023 with a record 19 victories. Red Bull's RB20, dubbed one of the best F1 cars ever, will be crucial in their attempt to maintain their supremacy.
Can Anyone Challenge Red Bull?
While Red Bull appears dominant, Mercedes and Ferrari hope to mount a challenge. Initial testing hints at continued Red Bull dominance, but the season remains unpredictable.
Driver Market Frenzy for 2025 Awaits
With no driver changes for 2024, attention turns to the "silly season" for 2025. Numerous potential vacancies and big names like Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo with expiring contracts set the stage for an exciting driver market next year.
Midfield Battle Heats Up
McLaren and Aston Martin aim to break into the "Big Three" of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari. With Alpine receiving significant investment and a strong driver pairing, the battle for midfield supremacy promises to be fierce.
Don't Miss the Season Opener!
Catch the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, with qualifying at 11 AM ET on Friday and the race at 10 AM ET on Saturday (both times adjusted for the Ramadan schedule).