It’s that time of the year where the new Formula 1 season is just around the corner, and race fans are understandably excited for what’s ahead.
After dominating the opposition yet again last year, Max Verstappen and Red Bull have had another season to remember, and many see them as the heavy favourites to win it all again.
But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies in Milton Keynes, as Verstappen’s running mate, Sergio Perez, is under immense pressure to deliver because he is in the final year of his current contract.
So, can Checo mount a significant title challenge this upcoming season? Without further ado, SBOTOP tackles that and more, as we bring to you some of our predictions for the new campaign.
Checo will not be with Red Bull for the long-term
Maybe Sergio Perez is going to be replaced after all by Red Bull, and it feels like it’s just a matter of time.
Yes, Perez finished P2 behind Verstappen in the drivers’ championship last term, but the gap between the two teammates is substantial, especially with the Mexican notching two DNFs and only one podium finish in his last eight races (575 points for Verstappen, 285 points for Perez).
Perez’s lacklustre end to his 2023 campaign is such a shame considering he started off well, with four podiums (including two wins in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan) in his first five races. But since finishing P16 in Monaco, it has been a mixed bag for him.
In fact, prior to the Austrian Grand Prix, there were rumours that Daniel Ricciardo would take Perez’s place because the latter was sick at the time. In the end, Ricciardo went to AlphaTauri, but the murmurs didn’t go away.
With that said, Perez can ill-afford to have another year like 2023 if he will keep his Red Bull seat for a few more years, and he knows that it is going to be his to lose because it is arguably the most coveted position in the sport right now.
If Perez continues to underwhelm, a mid-season change might be on the horizon for the Milton Keynes outfit, although we won’t be surprised if Red Bull will let his contract run until its expiration instead.
Norris to get podium finish in the championship
Lando Norris still doesn’t have a Grand Prix victory under his CV, but there’s a feeling that he will get it soon after stepping up big for McLaren last year.
McLaren started 2023 without a point after their empty performances in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but something clicked for them after the summer break because they eventually finished P4 in the constructors’ championship.
A huge part of their turnaround is Norris’ upturn in form, which saw him record five podium finishes in his last nine races, including back-to-back P2s in Singapore and Japan.
Norris was one of only a few who challenged Max Verstappen for a Grand Prix based on pure power. And despite his miscues late, he still managed to outperform his teammate, Oscar Piastri, who has emerged as a star too.
Consistency is the key for McLaren in terms of developing their car, and they’ve shown glimpses in the second half of last season.
If the Papayas can maintain their upward trajectory, that will give Norris his best chance of getting the best Formula 1 2024 results and eventually finishing inside the top three of the drivers’ championship.
Albon can win a podium for Williams
Williams boss James Vowles is confident that Alex Albon will have a breakthrough campaign this year, especially after what the Thai-British driver did for them last season.
Albon put Williams on his back after a horrific start last term, hauling in 27 of their 28 total points to help the team finish P7 in the constructors’ championship.
What’s impressive about last year is that Williams weren’t able to upgrade their car after the Canadian Grand Prix, while the three teams below them did the opposite all the way to the end of the season.
After Sergio Perez took his Red Bull seat at the end of 2020, Alex Albon found himself at a crossroads in his Formula 1 career. Albon spent a year as a test and reserve driver before joining Williams, and now he has made the most of his new lease of life with the Wantage-based outfit. Compared to the start of last season, Williams enter 2024 with better Formula 1 2024 odds for winning a podium, and Albon is going to be at the forefront of their fight for relevancy.
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