formula 1
The big question: Who can stop Max Verstappen?
Max Verstappen will also be the top favorite in Formula 1 in 2024. photo
© Kamran Jebreili/AP/dpa
The first race in just over a month. The first cars will be presented this Friday. Formula 1 is preparing for the season – and there is one pressing question above all.
The worst team of last season is starting this year at the presentations of the new company cars with the only German regular driver. Who at the end of the Formula 1 record season with 24 Grand Prix will be in the classification in the classification is the big question. Or maybe not?
“There is relatively little to say against Max Verstappen and Red Bull not continuing their dominance,” said Ralf Schumacher in an interview with the German Press Agency. The ex-pilot and current TV expert predicted before the presentation of the new Red Bull: “I believe that there will be something relatively big that will surprise some people.”
What are the biggest changes this year?
Technically, hardly anything has changed. This also means that the teams will continue to develop their cars instead of developing completely. Except Mercedes. According to the messed up concept, the German factory racing team wants to press the reset button without side boxes and the changes during the past season. “Mercedes has to get the curve as quickly as a question. If not, that would mean a continuous weakness,” said Ralf Schumacher: “It would mean that you obviously no longer understand to build a victorious car.” The car will be presented on February 14 and thus one day before the new Red Bull.
What speaks against the continued dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull?
There are some factors and evidence that speak for it. On the one hand, there are no reforms in the technical regulations. Above all, however, the fact that the World Championship team with the development of the RB19, with which Verstappen broke records last season, stopped rectangles early and concentrated on the RB20. For Verstappen himself, it also speaks that the 26 -year -old Dutch has now become a class of its own. He controls races and opponents, drives practically flawless. The waiting time until the first Grand Prix on March 2 in Bahrain should be far too long for the thoroughbred racer.
Which teams are considered the greatest and most likely challengers?
Mercedes wants the number one challenger with the seven -time champion of Lewis Hamilton. With the eighth title, he would be the sole record world champion in front of Michael Schumacher. But Ferrari also wants to control the World Cup title – as always. Before it starts, the Scuderia extended the contract with the Monegassian permanent hopeful Charles Leclerc. But McLaren also wants to get ahead even more than last year. And at the traditional British team, the contract with Lando Norris has also been extended. Planning security as a success factor? It also remains to be seen whether veteran Fernando Alonso can top his strong previous season in the Aston Martin.
How many German drivers are there?
As was the case last year, Nico Hülkenberg is the only German regular driver. The 36-year-old native of Emmericher is again in the car of the American Haas team, which opens up the performance rarely this Friday. Hülkenberg only finished 16th in the World Championship last year, and his racing team was last in the constructors’ championship. As a replacement and test driver, Mick Schumacher, whom Hülkenberg had replaced in the 2022 season, will be there again for Mercedes.
Michael Schumacher’s 24-year-old son will accelerate in parallel for Alpine in the long-distance world championship and, like his father, will also drive from Le Mans at the legendary 24 hours. “I think that on the one hand he will do very easily on the one hand due to the speed he is used to from Formula 1. to share and therefore also make compromises when it comes to the setup, for example. Everything he learned in Formula 1 will benefit him,” said his uncle Ralf Schumacher.
What are the chances of Mick Schumacher returning to Formula 1 as a regular driver?
Answer: While there were virtually no personnel changes in the teams’ cockpits after last season, that could change at the end of this year. Many contracts expire. “This could play in the cards that the driver market is already quite active and that will continue to increase in the coming months. A lot will happen,” said Mick Schumacher of the “Sport Bild”.
Is there a German race this year?
No. Germany still plays no role in Formula 1 planning. In the record calendar, which includes 24 Grand Prix, a German race is missing.
Who shows the races in Germany?
Sky is broadcast all Grand Prix again. In addition, the Pay TV broadcaster has agreed with RTL that the Cologne broadcaster can show seven races on free TV this year. This concerns the opening Grand Prix in Bahrain, the Grand Prize of Hungary in Budapest on July 21, the Grand Prize of Belgium in Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, the Grand Prize of the Netherlands in Zandvoort on August 25, Italian Grand Prix in Monza on September 1st, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku on September 15th and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 24th. RTL will present the qualification or the sprint either at RTL or on the paid streaming platform RTL+.