The F1 drivers’ championship may be decided, but the final two rounds of the 2024 season still hold significant intrigue, with crucial battles and unanswered questions yet to be resolved.
With Max Verstappen clinching the 2024 Formula 1 world drivers’ championship in Las Vegas, it might seem like the upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are mere formalities. However, the season is far from over, with crucial battles and storylines still unfolding in the final two rounds.
Mclaren leads the 3-way constructors’ battle
The attention now shifts to the constructor’s championship where Mclaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull. Heading into the penultimate round of the season, the trio are separated by just 53 points. With the Qatar Grand Prix featuring a Sprint weekend format, a total of 59 points is up for grabs, leaving all three teams in contention to take the lead by the end of Sunday’s action.
As the current leaders, only McLaren has a chance to clinch the title this weekend. To do so, they must extend their 24-point lead over Ferrari by an additional 21 points. This is because the final race in Abu Dhabi does not feature a Sprint, limiting the maximum points available there to 44.
Ferrari reduced the deficit by outperforming both McLarens in Las Vegas, but the high-speed characteristics of the Qatar track are anticipated to favor Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s car.
Who will claim the 2024 drivers’ championship runner-up spot?
Lando Norris currently holds second place behind Verstappen with 340 points, but Charles Leclerc has been gaining ground, narrowing the gap to just 21 points after outperforming Norris in the last four races. To overtake the Briton, Leclerc will need strong performances in the final two rounds, though the characteristics of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi circuits may favor McLaren’s chassis.
While Oscar Piastri is unlikely to challenge for second, he could snatch third if Leclerc falters. The Australian has prior success at the Losail circuit, where he claimed his first sprint victory last year.
Red Bull seat up for grabs for next season
The final two races of 2024 could play a pivotal role in determining who partners Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 season. However, Sergio Perez’s uncertain future is an equally significant factor. The Mexican driver’s underwhelming performances in the RB20, especially in comparison to his championship-winning teammate, have likely cost Red Bull the constructors’ title.
Speculation about Perez’s departure has grown, with both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson emerging as strong contenders for a promotion to the main team, bolstered by their recent impressive results.
Who holds the edge in midfield battle?
Haas, Alpine, and RB are separated by just four points in the tightly contested team standings. Alpine’s stunning performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where they earned a massive 35-point haul, briefly put them ahead of their rivals. However, a disastrous outing in Las Vegas for both Alpine drivers erased their hard-earned advantage.
The battle of midfield now enters the final two races. With a 36-point cushion over Haas, Aston Martin appears comfortably positioned in fifth place and likely out of reach.
Will Sauber break their duck?
Qatar proved to be a good venue for the two Saubers (formerly Alfa Romeos) last year, providing their most recent points finish. Although the 2024 cars differ significantly from those of 2023, any lingering performance advantage could present one last opportunity to score before the season ends. Both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu secured points in Losail in 2023, finishing eighth and ninth, respectively. However, Abu Dhabi brought less success, with the duo finishing 17th and 19th in the season finale.
Read More: Max Verstappen Has a Sly Dig at Lando Norris After Securing His Fourth F1 Championship
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
