The Bahrain International Circuit’s roaring V6 engines herald the return of Formula One, embarking on its most extended season ever with 24 race weekends. As the 2024 F1 season commences, all eyes are on Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who aims for a third consecutive World Drivers’ Championship, and Lewis Hamilton, who embarks on his “last dance” with Mercedes before a historic move to Ferrari in 2025.
The season kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, both adjusted for Ramadan. Viewers in the US can follow the action on ESPN, with Bahrain’s race starting at 10 a.m. ET on March 2.
Hamilton’s announcement of leaving Mercedes for Ferrari has been described as the “single biggest driver transfer in the sport’s history” by F1 broadcaster Will Buxton. Hamilton aims to conclude his Mercedes tenure on a high note despite the team’s struggle to adapt to new technical regulations introduced in 2022, leading to Red Bull’s ascendancy.
Verstappen’s dominant 2023 season, winning 21 out of 22 races, raises the question of whether the redesigned RB20 can maintain this level of performance. Despite an investigation into team principal Christian Horner, the team’s unity remains strong, setting the stage for another potentially dominant season for Red Bull.
The unchanged driver lineup from the previous season to the start of 2024 marks a first in F1 history. However, the ‘silly season’ 2025 could see significant movements, with only six drivers confirmed to stay with their current teams beyond this year.
As teams like McLaren and Aston Martin aim to disrupt the ‘Big Three’ dominance of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari, the season promises intrigue both on and off the track. Hamilton’s quest for a memorable farewell season with Mercedes and Verstappen’s pursuit of continued dominance underscore a season of transition and potential upheaval in Formula 1.
The 2024 F1 season is a historic chapter in the sport’s history, marked by Lewis Hamilton’s impending departure from Mercedes, Max Verstappen’s quest for another title, and the potential for new challengers to emerge. As teams gear up for the most extended season, fans can expect thrilling races, strategic masterstrokes, and a glimpse into the future of F1.
