Last year wasn't a great season for F1 fans, with only one team dominating throughout the 2023 season. Red Bull secured victory in 21 out of 22 races, painting a clear picture for the upcoming 2024 season.
The challenge now lies with teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, as they strive to catch up to the Bulls and reclaim some victories. While Aston Martin is expected to be a contender, they'll likely rank third or fourth at best. Fans should brace themselves for an intense season with surprises both at the top and bottom of the grid.
The F1 season is set to be record-breaking, featuring 24 races, with most of them taking place in Europe. Notable countries with multiple races include the USA (3) and Italy (2). The FIA has introduced new Sprint venues for the Chinese Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix. China will host its first-ever Sprint Race after a four-year hiatus.
This season will see the continuation of V6 Hybrid Turbo Power Units with a 1.6-liter engine. Despite no major rule changes, teams are gearing up to compete fiercely against powerhouses like Red Bull and McLaren. All 20 drivers from the previous season will be returning, except for Daniel Ricciardo, who was replaced by Nyck De Vries mid-season due to poor performance. With most drivers having only one year left on their contracts, the driver market is expected to witness significant changes next year.
Drivers such as Perez, Sargeant, Magnussen, Hulkenburg, and Bottas need to refine their skills to secure contract extensions. Max Verstappen enters the season as the reigning world champion, aiming to equal Sebastian Vettel's record of four championships, achieved with Red Bull as well. Title winners Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, representing Mercedes and Aston Martin, respectively, will be chasing after him, alongside 17 other rivals.
In a departure from 2023, the Japanese Grand Prix has shifted from its traditional autumn slot to become the fourth round in April, marking the earliest date in its history. The 2024 season will feature three Saturday races: the Bahrain Grand Prix, Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The 2024 Formula One season holds the promise of excitement and unpredictability, with several teams poised to deliver surprises. Here's hoping it lives up to our expectations and turns out to be a spectacular season.
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