The 2024 Formula 1 season is just around the corner, just days away from starting one that will have the largest number of Grand Prix in its history and that the preseason has already begun with three days of testing at the Bahrain circuit, the same one that will host next weekend, the first Grand Prix of the coming campaign.
At least on paper, in theory, it seems unlikely that anyone could take the reign from the Austrian team Red Bull Racing, although, on the other handThe truth is that several teams have made improvements to their cars and want to surprise this new campaign, among them especially the Italian Ferrari team, led by Charles Leclerc and the Spanish Carlos Sainz who will be in his last year behind the wheel of the team. red.
The same Spanish driver, Sainz, finished with the best time behind the wheel of Ferrari, even ahead of the team’s first driver, Leclerc.which gives some kind of hope and possibility that the Italian cars could have a better year in 2024 than what they experienced in 2023, which was positive, but also fell short of the true championship aspirations of the leaders in Maranello.
Even Mexican Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez recently commented that the competition for this new season would be quite close. so nothing should be taken for granted. The other Spanish driver on the grid, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, has been quite optimistic at Aston Martin. The Asturian considers that the AMR24 is going to take a great leap in level and quality, but without ensuring how much of an improvement could be with what the green team achieved in 2023.
“I know that my position is interesting and I am going to wait a couple of races, also see how I am and how I see such a long year. I hope to be in a very fast car in 2025.”
Red Bull Racing is going to win it all again
According to the information published by the official World Championship website, the RB20 driven by both Verstappen and Pérez has everything in its favor to take pole position next Friday.. After the Austrian cars, the Ferraris would be placed, two tenths of a second behind, which makes the competition quite close. After that there is the McLaren team, who finished the 2023 season in a great way and on paper they are clear contenders and on this occasion they appear three tenths behind. Mercedes follows, five and with Lewis Hamilton facing goodbye to the team to dress for Ferrari in 2025.
Surprisingly, the Red Bull Racing subsidiary, Visa Cash, reaches the Top 5 within one lap, seven tenths of a difference. Take Aston Martin out of there, therefore., sixth in qualifying pace, being eight tenths behind. The times become much more distant from the times of the Alpine and Sauber teams, at one second each. Williams remains at +1.11 and Haas occupies last place, scoring a +1.3.
What is said in the corridors of the paddock?
It is said that Ferrari “destroys decent days.” “At least, they are in the mix in the chasing group. And a solid foundation gives them the stability to add performance throughout the season if they manage to develop and update correctly,” can be seen on the official F1 website.
Then there is also talk of Aston Martin, because “it is not as strong as last year.” However: “They are about four tenths of a second per lap behind Red Bull according to the numbers our data team crunched on Friday., which places them in fourth position. So, although it is not as exciting as last year, they are still fighting hard.”
At Red Bull things seem like they have been for a few seasons and “the RB20 seems threatening”, there is also talk of a “solid start” from Mercedes. In their case, the prospects improved as the tests progressed: “They are in a close fight with Ferrari in terms of pace in long runs, according to their efforts on Friday, but a step behind when it comes to single-lap races. ”.
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