My 2024 F1 Predictions Have Landed!

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!

5 Things We’re Talking About After F1’s Pre-Season Testing

With the wrap of pre-season testing, the countdown to the first race of the season is officially a go! And, as always with testing, we have come away with numerous talking points that have gotten us completely and utterly hyped up for the season ahead. Shall we dig in to a few of these?

Red Bull's Advantage

Let's kick things off with Red Bull. The team that obliterated the pack in 2023 have had, bar a few technical niggles here and there, a dream testing session, topping the time sheets on Day One with a time that was over a second quicker than the next car behind. Of course, this quickly diminished F1 aficionados hopes of a Championship battle in 2024 and Max Verstappen's comment of "a very positive test" didn't help when it comes to the perceptions fans may have of the upcoming season. However, the reckless optimists in us will be believing anything can happen, while keeping a close eye on Ferrari who, so far, could be the ones to challenge the dominant force of the Bull.

The Raging Bull vs The Prancing Horse

Remember the 2022 Formula One Season that gave us some incredible racing between Red Bull and Ferrari? Well, listen up folks, we could be getting a repeat of that in 2024. Ok, testing is a funny one when it comes to the pecking order, but with Carlos Sainz topping Day Two, Charles Leclerc topping Day Three, and an overall positive few days of testing, maybe there is some pace in that car to take the fight to Red Bull? Even both Sainz and Leclerc have commented on their revived confidence that they are feeling compared to this time last year. That, in itself, is a positive sign. Let's keep everything crossed that Ferrari can max out their strategies without the odd blunder that we've come to regularly expect.

Hope for McLaren

This time in 2023 was dismal for McLaren. Their car was slow and completely unreliable. Not what you want going into a Formula One season. However, as we remember well, towards the end of 2023 they found their footing and became Red Bull's "main pain in the backside," so to speak. Luckily for the Papaya team, they have managed to continue where they left off, with "overall grip" being their main priority to remain in the chasing pack. Even driver Oscar Piastri was heard talking about how this year's test was completely different - in a positive way, when compared with 2023. Surely, this team has what it takes to keep fighting onwards and upwards!

No Shock Surprises

In previous years there has usually been at least one team that surpasses all expectations for the upcoming season. Take Aston Martin last season. Before testing, you'd be crazy to gamble on a podium for the British team in the first race of the season. After testing, you would have been mad not to! Alas, in 2024 the pecking order is looking eerily similar to 2023, in that Red Bull's domination continues and the pack behind is made up of the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin. Not the best news for those who are crossing everything in the hopes of a season that isn't dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull for a third/fourth consecutive season.

Drains

It may be a new season, however the talk of lose drain covers is still milling around the Formula One community after two stoppages during the second and third days due to, you guessed it, drains. You would think that after numerous issues with drain covers in races such as Las Vegas in 2023 and others that have preceded that, the FIA and FOM would do something about it. But, I guess not. Could this be a subject that is revisited again later on in the year?

As always with pre-season testing there is usually tonnes to talk about. I could have easily included Alpines struggles and Fernando Alonso's claim that "19 out of 20 drivers" already believe Verstappen will make it a fourth WDC in 2024. But time is off the essence, with less than a week before the first race weekend of the season gets underway. I am so excited, I've really missed having Formula One in my life over the Winter Break. You'd think that after twnety-odd years I would have found something to fill that void! Anyway, see you next Saturday for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Yippee!

What In The F1 Is Going On?

Ok, you got me, I am completely lost as to what is going on in Formula One. From shock driver announcements, to the first of ten livery reveals, rule changes and a team principal under investigation? Give me that wine. So, if, like me, you've been hiding under a rock - a big rock I must add; then here is everything that you, I and everyone needs to know.

Starting with the biggest news that has literally been impossible not to miss - Lewis Hamilton is ditching Mercedes for Ferrari. Ok, this isn't until 2025 but still, it's a surprise I didn't see coming. Like many, I was under the impression he would see out his career with the Silver Arrows but alas, 'twas not meant to be.

So, what's in it for the most success Formula One driver of all time? Well, a multi-year contract, millions and millions of £,$,€, and a chance to race for the most prestigious teams in Formula One history. Interestingly, Hamilton's move to Ferrari will be the first time he races in F1 without a Mercedes power unit, ending the longest and most successful partnership in F1 history. Stay tuned because 2025 is going to be one not to miss!

With Hamilton joining Ferrari, it leaves us with the question as to where current Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, will be for 2025. Could he go to Mercedes? Red Bull? Stake? Sure, there's options but with only 20 seats available, and a rumoured Sainz x Audi partnership from 2026, he could be left in limbo for 2025. I hope this isn't the case. Team principals should be queuing at his door. You can read more about Sainz's options here!

We finally find ourselves in February - the month that F1 returns to TV screens all around the world. And, with a new season comes ten car launches - or should I say livery launches? Car launches are a thing of the past, it seems. So far we've seen the 2024 challenger for seven out of ten teams, with Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull yet to show off their most prized possessions. I won't go into too much detail as I'm planning a full article once all has been revealed. Until then, carbon fibre.

F1 Sprints. Yes, they are still a thing, but come with a yet another a new format for 2024. I'll let Williams F1 Team explain this one for you! "The format of an F1 Sprint weekend has changed for the 2024 season. In the season just gone, Saturday would act as a Sprint-exclusive day, but the two specific Sprint sessions will now be spread across Friday and Saturday. Friday will begin with FP1 before it's time for the Sprint Shootout." So, never fret employed people, like myself, we can watch the main qualifying session live once again. Could this new format change the perceptions surrounding the sprint? Possibly.

Ok, let's talk race locations. Madrid will be joining the race calendar from 2026 with a new street circuit. I heard plenty of collective sighs there. This could put the current Spanish Grand Prix under threat of loosing their slot on the calendar. Silverstone has signed a new 10-year deal to hold the British Grand Prix and, there is talk of Chicago being added at some point in the future. It's no secret that I detest street circuits but they are looking like the future of Formula One. I mean, it's not like there's already a motorsport series that races predominantly on street tracks... *eye roll*

And, finally, could Christian Horner's time at Red Bull be reaching it's end as the team principal finds himself under investigation by the team for alleged inappropriate behaviour. As we await the verdict from the hearing, Horner has been back at work with the team as they prepare for the 2024 season. Is this a sign of what is to come for Red Bull this season? Time is the essence.

Phew, it's all kicking off. If the pre-season is anything to go by, 2024 could be fascinating in more than one way! I, definitely, will be coming out from under my rock now. Formula One is back, good and proper.