The 2024 Formula One season has reached its final quarter. It has been a historic season as a record number of races have been scheduled to be completed. A total of 24 races have formed the season, and we have just six left.
The Driver’s Championship looks a little different this year regarding the positioning of some racers and the gap in points between those at the top. While we have a familiar name in Max Verstappen at the top, he is only 52 points ahead of Lando Norris in second and 86 in front of Charles Leclerc.
Last year, the Red Bull team dominated the standings, with the Dutchman and his teammate Sergio Perez holding a commanding one-two position at the top. Verstappen is nowhere near the 575 points this time, sitting on 331. If he were to win each of the last six races, he’d finish on 481.
It’s worth noting that Perez has had a difficult season, sitting eighth in the standings ahead of the US Grand Prix (144 points). Other drivers haven’t had the best season, while others have shone. Norris is one, as is Oscar Piastri (237 = 4th position).
Nonetheless, this season’s business-end might be more about the Constructors Championship more than it is about the drivers themselves…
Three Key Battles in the Drivers Constructors Championship
As noted, the Driver’s Championship has usually been a forgone conclusion in recent years at this stage of the season.
Verstappen has made it look easy, although he is being pushed this year. This has been great for the sport, but it would be difficult not to see him win gold again.
This season’s focus should be on the Constructors Championship. Three key battles have started to emerge. It has become extremely interesting to see each of these unfold, and those who have been keeping up to date with the latest Formula 1 news may want to consider it if they are thinking about placing a wager on the events that take place over the final few races.
First & Second Places
As we head into the final stretch of the season, the Constructors Championship is hotting up and becoming extremely exciting – even at the top of the leaderboard.
While we’ve become used to seeing Red Bull run away with it, this year could provide us with something different. McLaren currently lead the table, sitting with 516 points following the Azerbaijan GP. Red Bull are 41 points behind with 475 points. Ferrari can also be in contention for one of the top places, as they are on 441 but they have some work to do.
Red Bull has won the championship as a team in the last two seasons, ending the dominance that Mercedes had between 2014 and 2021. However, it could be the beginning of a new era in the sport if McLaren can hold on for their first since 1998 when they had Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard driving for them.
Sixth Position Isn’t Assured
Sixth might not usually be something that race fans will look at, but there is an exciting battle brewing. RB Honda and Haas are both fighting for this spot, with 34 and 31 points, respectively.
There might not be the appeal that the clash at the top of the Constructors Championship offers. However, it could make for something interesting for the neutrals. The two teams aren’t ever really in contention for much when they race, thus providing something a little different for fans to sink their teeth into as the season reaches its finale.
Eighth Can Provide An Interesting Battle
Eighth is another spot in the Constructors Championship that is producing a little battle that has become more interesting as the season is coming to its conclusion.
Williams, Alpine, and Sauber are the three teams in contention for this spot. There are only three points between the first two (16 and 13), and Sauber has yet to score a single point on the season. Nonetheless, a surprise result for the team could propel them into eighth.
Each team is continuing to look for ways to progress and become more competitive. Finishing high up in the Constructors Championship can be a great way for them to gain some momentum and start pushing on further.
