Eyes wide open: What to watch out for in the remainder of the 2024 F1 season

The 2024 Formula 1 season has been a tale of two halves. The first, much like the previous season, was dominated by one man: Max Verstappen. When the Dutchman won seven of the opening 10 races, fans and paddock insiders alike were already conceding that the title race was over. That was, until the others caught up.

As early as the Miami Grand Prix back in May, it was becoming increasingly apparent that the pack weren’t just chasing any more, they had caught Red Bull. Since then, and more noticeably in the last eight races, the reigning champions have been fighting to survive with just three podiums and no wins for Max during that period.

Red Bull’s troubles compounded as they were out developed by the other teams, leaving the door open for six other drivers to take victory this season. In 2024, seven different drivers from four different teams have won a Grand Prix – the most F1 has seen since the infamous 2012 season.

With Max’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship being eroded race by race, and McLaren now topping the Constructors’, the race for both championships is on. If the final six races are as unpredictable and competitive as the six that preceded it, we’re in for a rollercoaster ride to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. Here are the storylines you’re going to want to keep an eye on.

Norris vs Verstappen 

At its largest, the points difference between Verstappen and Lando Norris was a whopping 84 after the British Grand Prix. Since that race, Lando has finished behind Max on one occasion and reduced that gap to just 52.

In a regular season, closing 32 points in six races would be a monumental achievement, but in 2024, it isn’t enough. With six races left to run, another 32 points gained would leave Lando short by 20, so he’s going to have to turn up the heat.

READ MORE: Can Norris win the F1 championship?

After a dominant win for the Brit in Singapore, and an equally impressive victory for Oscar Piastri in Azerbaijan, it’s clear that the McLaren is now the class of the field, so winning the final six rounds is well within his grasp.

Even if Norris were to win every race between now and Abu Dhabi, he’d still have to rely on other drivers stealing points from Verstappen to secure the title, so it’s a long shot and a tough call as to who will come out on top. What we do know is that neither driver is going to give up without a fight, so we’re in for a thrilling end to an already enthralling title race.

McLaren vs Red Bull vs Ferrari

With McLaren now at the top of the teams’ table, its car having ultimate pace over the rest of the field, and its drivers both on song, it looks likely the Woking-based squad will take the Teams’ title in 2024. But as always this season, nothing is certain and there could yet be a surprise in store at the top of the Constructors’ standings.

The battle you’re going to want to keep an eye on during this final stint is the one for second, that’s where there could be fireworks.

Ferrari is as competitive as they have been all year, and their latest upgrade package at Monza couldn’t have come at a better time. Now with just 34 points separating them, if Red Bull continues to hemorrhage points, there’s every possibility they could lose second to the Scuderia as well.

A chance to impress for the new kids on the block

Franco Colapinto has already made quite the impression during his short stint at Williams. Three races down, and he has an excellent eighth place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to show for his efforts.

The next six races could be pivotal for the young Argentine’s career. Although he’s already in the conversation for the 2025 Sauber seat, along with Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto, a giant-killing performance between now and Abu Dhabi could help to secure his fate.

Similarly, how Liam Lawson performs in the coming races could have profound implications for his future. If he lives up to expectations and helps RB to hold off Haas in the Constructors’, he’ll undoubtedly secure his seat for 2025.

But beyond that, there’s bigger prey for Liam should he exceed expectations. Questions were raised about Sergio Perez this year when he struggled for pace, and there’s no guarantee that won’t happen again in 2025. Delivering the right performances at the right time could mean a call-up to the big leagues for the 22-year-old.

Who will end the year fastest? 

Although McLaren has had the outright fastest package for the last four races, the 2024 season has taught us to expect the unexpected. Any of the top four teams could spring another surprise with a late-season update or a track that particularly suits the specific needs of their car.

Since its Monza upgrade package, Ferrari has been a credible threat on tracks with plenty of straights, notably at Monza and Baku. Tracks like those at Austin, Mexico City and Las Vegas will all play to those strengths, so Leclerc and Sainz will be eyeing more wins to round out the season – and the Spaniard’s Ferrari career – on a high.

Conversely, the Red Bulls seem to favour the tight and technical sections as seen at Zandvoort and Singapore, so the likes of Interlagos and Yas Marina could yield strong results as they attempt to defend their positions in both championships.

The outlier here is Mercedes. The Brackley team has been off the boil since its starring role in the British and Belgian Grand Prix, but Austin’s layout is of a similar ilk, so if George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are going to return to form it may well be in the Lone Star State.

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