As the 2024 Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, the battle for the two coveted titles—the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships—is intensifying, with McLaren and Red Bull going head-to-head. Max Verstappen remains in the lead for the Drivers’ Championship, but McLaren’s Lando Norris has mounted a serious charge. However, with only six races left, it may be too little, too late for Norris.
McLaren is currently on a high, leading the Constructors’ Championship for the first time in years, thanks to the work of team principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown. The team’s package is delivering for both drivers, Norris and Oscar Piastri, making McLaren the team to beat as the season comes to an exciting conclusion.
For Red Bull, the Constructors’ Championship seems out of reach, primarily due to Sergio Perez’s underperformance. While Verstappen has racked up nearly 200 more points than his teammate, Red Bull’s reliance on one driver has hampered their campaign. In contrast, McLaren’s duo is firing on all cylinders, which is why many see the Constructors’ Championship as theirs to lose.
On the Drivers’ side, while Norris has closed the gap, Verstappen remains the favorite to secure his fourth consecutive title. The upcoming races, particularly those with sprint formats, offer valuable points. Still, Verstappen only needs to finish behind Norris to lock up the title, barring any major upsets.
The McLaren internal dynamic is also one to watch. With both Norris and Piastri performing well, questions arise about how they will work together in the final races. Will Piastri support Norris’s title bid, or will he look to make a statement of his own?
Meanwhile, Perez’s future at Red Bull is under scrutiny. His lackluster performances this season mean these last six races are critical for his career. If Perez can recover and finish strong—especially with the spotlight on him at his home race in Mexico—he might still secure his place at Red Bull for 2025.
Beyond the title contenders, Ferrari and Mercedes are also in the mix. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will look to capitalize on any mistakes from the top teams, while Mercedes will bid farewell to Lewis Hamilton, who joins Ferrari next year. Hamilton’s move marks the end of an era at Mercedes, and the team is expected to build around George Russell and newcomer Kimi Antonelli for the future.
Aston Martin remains a wildcard, with Fernando Alonso continuing to deliver stellar performances despite the car’s limitations. The team will be looking forward to 2025, when Adrian Newey officially joins, though his influence won’t be felt until then.
Further down the grid, Williams has impressed with rookie sensation Franco Colapinto, who has turned heads since his promotion. With Sainz joining the team next season, Williams has high hopes for a strong 2025 campaign.
As the season approaches its thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi, all eyes will be on the remaining races at iconic venues like Austin, Mexico City, and Interlagos. With multiple storylines unfolding, from Verstappen’s bid for a fourth title to McLaren’s resurgence, the 2024 season promises an unforgettable finish.
