Sophie BartholomewRounding up some 2024 Formula One Season predictions as we run down into race week
1. Red Bull’s Car is still the one to beat.
Red Bull Racing, with 3 time world champion Max Verstappen, are leading the grid with what seems like dominant car. If the RB20 poses no issues with pace or reliability, it will definitely be the car the beat
2. Could Mercedes be back on top?
The Mercedes 2024 (W15) car has had claims that during the pre-season tests they were sandbagging their real pace. 2024’s W15 seems to have completely changed direction with the shape, noticeably mimicking the dominant RB19 from the previous year but adding side pods after previously sticking with the infamous ‘zero-pod’ design.
3. Ferrari show good pace ready to be fighting red.
After the 2023 season in which the team finished 3rd below previously dominant Mercedes, Ferrari show the new SF-24. The new car is said to be a mix of Red Bull’s ‘solutions’ and new innovations made by Scuderia. Many people have made the prediction of a world championship for Ferrari
4. McLaren hoping for a better season?
After the 2023 season of what seems like some positive races, the Woking based team McLaren are looking to add to the fight at the top amongst the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari. Unlike some of the other cars on the grid, the MCL38 has deviated away from the copy-cat RB19 side pod and opted for a forward facing inlet. However, Driver Lando Norris has been quoted candidly saying that the team have not made has much progress as they would have liked.
5. Alpine could shake up the middle
Alpine Racing revealed the A524, an aggressive new upgrade. The car driven by the all French team, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, the team is hoping to go into this season fighting back. 2023’s season saw them fall in the drivers championship from fourth to sixth but with hopes of continuing positive development throughout the season.
6. Williams and Haas: heading up the rear
Although known to be the teams most struggling in Formula One, Williams and Haas may be battling it out for positions at the back of the grid but neither team will see many improvements until they make considerable strides for 2024. We might be able to some predictions about how this season will go for both teams.
