We are nearing the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, with only 3 races to go.
This season has seen 7 different drivers display their skill and talent to stand on the top step of the podium. 6 of these drivers have won 2 Grand Prix’s in this season.
The Constructors’ Championship fight is absolutely bonkers
The season had started pretty much like the last two years. Max Verstappen winning races and Red Bull leading the Constructors’ race. Red Bull remained on top till the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
On its heels, the papaya coloured car and its team McLaren was gunning for 1st place. Right behind McLaren, in the Signature Red, the Maranello based outfit called Ferrari was also vying for at least a second and maybe a first place in the Constructors’.
Then came the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
The only race where Sergio Perez had great pace. He is the only driver to ever win that race twice, emboldened by that fact, Sergio drove an amazing race.
Alas! Right at the end of the race Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez collided which ended both their chances of even finishing the race.
While that was happening, the young Australian, Oscar Piastri took his second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. McLaren jumped 20 points ahead of Red Bull. And now Ferrari was close to surpassing Red Bull as well.
Sad end to Red Bull’s past dominance
Red Bull has been at the top in the last two years by a huge margin. In 2023, Red Bull was 451 points ahead of second place Mercedes. In 2022, Red Bull was ahead of second place Ferrari by 205 points.
These massive points lead were a direct result of both Perez and Verstappen’s continued dominance on track. Even as Perez isn’t nearly the driver he once was- isn’t it?
However, the 2023 season of Formula 1 saw only two different winning Constructors’. Red Bull and Ferrari, in which, Red Bull won 22 out of the 23 races, and Ferrari took away the Singapore Grand Prix win.
This year, Red Bull have suffered losses upon losses.
Max Verstappen was not on the top podium since the Spanish Grand Prix and only managed a win at Brazil die to the torrential rain, while Sergio Perez was nowhere near a podium finish.
Its the time of the underdog!
McLaren, the underdog last season, bounced back hard this season. Since Miami, McLaren has had at least one driver on the podium in almost all races. Red Bull’s lead quickly diminished and now McLaren is leading the Constructors’ Championship.
A win win for Formula 1
All the drama between different drivers has been always a welcome addition to racing as it heats up the excitement of Formula 1.
This season is the most exciting season since probably 1982, which saw 11 different Grand Prix winners. This year’s beginning did not belay its end.
It seemed like a repeat of last year, Red Bull would soar ahead of everyone, and Max Verstappen would become an unopposed 4-tine World Champion.
But this year has been anything but.
Constructors’ Title still up for grabs
This is no ordinary fight, either.
Previously, Formula 1 has had 18 seasons in which the Constructors’ title fight was decided in the last race. This year the fight for the Constructors’ title will be extended till the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship with 593 points, Ferrari in second has 557 points and Red Bull in third has 544 points.
In the last 3 races, including the Sprint Race at the Qatar Grand Prix, a max of 147 points can be scored if any team finishes first and second in all remaining races.
Thus, the fight for the Constructors’ Championship will go on and neither team is one to back down. That is how it should. Each year. That is how fans want it. To see races go down the wire. Every single time.
Red Bull have finally improved their car again. They’re on top of the world right now given Verstappen’s manic drive and a bloodshot victory in the wet of São Paulo.
Then, we have a McLaren, who clearly have the fastest car and two good drivers. One- running in contention to win a maiden title and the other, an Oscar-worthy material given how he’s driven with maturity beyond his years.
And Ferrari have two great drivers and an amazing car at their disposal, their only job is to provide a good race strategy. One is a certain world championship material, hopefully in red. And the other, who’ll drive his last three races in red with red hot passion, with the hope of garnering maybe one more win, in the very least.
What remains to be seen is which team will take the Constructors’ trophy and with it the badge of winning one of the hardest fought battles in Formula 1’s history.