Anticipation builds for a competitive 2024 F1 season as Verstappen aims for fourth title

Next year, Max Verstappen could aim to become the fifth F1 driver to secure four consecutive world championships, but the hope is for a more competitive season. The dominance of Red Bull and Verstappen in 2023 may not be easily replicated, creating anticipation for a more closely contested championship.

While Verstappen continues to elevate his performance, Red Bull acknowledges that the upcoming season might present a different kind of challenge with stronger opposition. Only Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton have achieved four successive titles since 1950, making Verstappen’s feat remarkable.

Verstappen’s extraordinary 19 wins in 22 races, along with Red Bull’s near-total dominance, have become part of F1 history. The 2024 season, featuring 24 races and six sprints, introduces new elements to the format, promising excitement. Despite the lack of title suspense in 2023, the races delivered close battles across the field.

Las Vegas, rejoining the calendar after nearly four decades, showcased thrilling racing, demonstrating the potential for excitement even after championships are decided. The ideal scenario for 2024 would involve a title decider in Las Vegas between veterans Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen, with the potential for other contenders like McLaren and Ferrari.

The anticipation for the upcoming season extends to the potential rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen, especially considering the addition of young talent like George Russell to Mercedes. McLaren expresses optimism about their prospects, with rising star Oscar Piastri gaining confidence after an impressive rookie season.

Formula One’s headquarters envisions a season where Ferrari is not just the best of the rest, and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin returns to the top step, more than a decade after his last win in the sport. The expectation is for a more competitive and unpredictable F1 season in 2024.