Formula 1 2024: Verstappen Dominates as Sainz Shines Amid Contract Speculations

As the 2024 Formula 1 season passes its first five rounds, Max Verstappen continues to assert his dominance on the track, putting on a near-flawless display of racing prowess. The reigning champion, driving for Red Bull, has snagged all five pole positions this year and clinched victory in four of the five races, the only miss being due to a brake failure at the Australian Grand Prix.

Amid the high-speed drama, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari has emerged as a strong contender and perhaps the most talked-about driver in the paddock due to his impressive start and looming contract uncertainties. Despite missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to appendicitis, Sainz has managed to secure significant podium finishes and outperform his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, whose season has been lackluster in comparison.

Sainz’s performance has been crucial as it comes at a time when more than half of the drivers on the grid are facing expiring contracts. His results have not only established him as a formidable free agent for the 2025 season but also as a principal player in the sport’s shifting dynamics, especially with the announced shake-up at Ferrari that sees Lewis Hamilton set to take his seat in 2025.

On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes continue to struggle with what is reportedly Hamilton’s worst start to a Formula 1 season. This downturn in performance is particularly significant given it’s expected to be his final season with Mercedes before a much-speculated retirement or shift. Mercedes’ inability to provide a competitive car this season has raised eyebrows in the financial community, particularly with respect to the team’s marketability and the impact on merchandise and sponsorship deals.

Further down the grid, Lando Norris has been making waves in his McLaren, showing signs of returning to his late 2023 form. His performances, including two podiums in the last three races, have revitalized McLaren’s hopes and may significantly impact their commercial partnerships and share in F1’s prize money distribution.

The financial implications of this season’s driver performances are vast. For teams like Red Bull and Ferrari, continued success can secure and enhance lucrative sponsorships and partnerships. For struggling teams like Mercedes, the season is a reminder of the cyclical nature of the sport and the financial penalties that can come with underperformance.

As the season progresses, the battles on the track will undoubtedly mirror those in the boardrooms, where contracts are negotiated, and careers are made. The dynamic between performance and financial health remains ever-entwined in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Formula 1 racing.

Below is the brief on the top 10 drivers tis season FI season;

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 9.5/10: Verstappen has maintained his dominant form with a near-perfect start, claiming all five pole positions and winning four out of five races, only missing out in Australia due to a mechanical failure. His performance has solidified his status as the frontrunner for another championship title.
2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – 9/10: Despite challenges, including appendicitis, Sainz has shown resilience and skill, securing podium finishes and proving himself as a top contender in the driver’s market, especially interesting given his impending replacement by Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
3. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 8/10: Norris has bounced back from a slow start to the season with two podiums in the last three races, demonstrating his ability to compete at the top levels and contend strongly against his team-mate and others on the grid.
4. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 8/10: At 45, Alonso continues to defy expectations, extracting maximum performance from his Aston Martin and consistently scoring points, despite facing some penalties.
5. George Russell (Mercedes) – 7.5/10: Russell has shown solid form and has notably outperformed his more experienced team-mate, Lewis Hamilton. He’s managed to navigate another challenging season for Mercedes with commendable performances.
6. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) – 7.5/10: Hulkenberg has impressed by scoring points in three races and showing competitiveness in qualifying, making him a notable driver in the midfield and an attractive option for teams like the new Audi works team.
7. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 7.5/10: Tsunoda had a rocky start but rebounded with a strong performance in Australia and consistent scoring thereafter, reaffirming his potential within the Red Bull team.
8. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – 7/10: Perez has had a solid but somewhat overshadowed season by his teammate’s stellar performances. He’s shown improvements in qualifying and remains a strong podium finisher.
9. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – 7/10: Despite Alpine’s struggles, Ocon has managed to outperform his teammate and consistently qualify well, though points have eluded him so far.
10. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 6.5/10: Leclerc has shown flashes of his qualifying brilliance but has struggled to convert these into strong race results, a situation he needs to reverse to justify Ferrari’s decision to retain him alongside Hamilton for 2025.

Source: Norvanreports