I generally feel like it was only yesterday I was making my F1 predictions for 2023. But, with the first race of 2024 season just days away, it's about time I made some more.
If you've followed my blog for some time, or if you're familiar with what I predicted last year, then you will know that I suck at this kind of thing, with only my more obvious predictions coming to any sort of fruition. Although, I am known for accidentally predicting Daniel Ricciardo's first race win at the Canadian Grand Prix, all the way back in 2014. Proof that some of my more crazy predictions can turn into reality. Anyway, are you ready?
Max Verstappen Wins His 4th Title
This one is pretty obvious. He won it in 2021 and 2022, before obliterating the rest of the grid in 2023. With no real changes to the rules and regulations surrounding car and race technicalities this season, what's stopping the Dutch driver from doing it all over again for a 4th consecutive year?
At Least 4 Race Winners
In 2023, there were three race winners - Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and, eventual Champion, Max Verstappen. In all honesty, it would be a lovely sight to see more or different winners in 2024. And, with several teams, such as McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes, looking like they could all be battling for "best of the rest," there could be plenty of opportunities for a non-Red Bull winner. That's if Red Bull slip up, of course.
A McLaren Rivalry
Things at McLaren were looking, somewhat, interesting before the end of 2023, with team boss, Andrea Stella, commenting that their drivers - Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, could give McLaren a "headache" in the coming season. And, with Piastri getting ever so close to Norris, in terms of performance, in the latter stages of the 2023 season, 2024 might just mean that the Norris/Piastri rivalry will be the one to keep a beady, little eye on!
The Battle For 2nd In The Constructors
One thing that pre-season testing showed us was that there could potentially be a nail-biting battle for 2nd in the Constructors Championship. Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin all showed glimmers of promise that could make this season an interesting one. Let's just hope they can take it a step further and threaten Red Bull also.
Mid-Season Swap
Could we see a driver (or team principle...) get the axe during the season? If past Formula One seasons are anything to go by then anything is possible. In 2023, we saw Nick de Vries be dropped at Alpha Tauri and was replaced by the returning Daniel Ricciardo. There were also rumours a plenty surrounding Sergio Perez and his future with the Red Bull team. If this were to happen, it would most likely involve the Red Bull teams, where even their team principle, Christian Horner, is currently under scrutiny.
Struggles for Alpine
Alpine have made a major concept change for 2024 and pre-testing proved to fans that it may take some time for the changes to work. Although the team weren't the slowest on track over the three testing days, it was evident that they were far from where they need to be, with driver, Pierre Gasly, stating: "I don't think we look great." Maybe, just maybe, they could be sandbagging. But, in reality, their pace going into the first race of the season looks bleak.
Bonus: I Mix Up RBR and RB
Here's a bonus for you. With Red Bull's sister team now known as Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, or RB for short, just how long will it take for me to confuse them with the main Red Bull team? RBR (who I sometimes call RB, anyway) and RB? Oh help me. This prediction is inevitable.
So, there we have it. My 2024 predictions have been made and sealed. Do you agree with me? Do you disagree with me? Do you have any different ones? Let me know in the comment section below!
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