F1 2024: What to Expect After Max Verstappen’s Las Vegas Triumph

With Max Verstappen officially crowned the 2024 Formula 1 World Champion at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the season enters its final stretch. While Verstappen has already secured his fourth consecutive title, there’s still plenty of action left in the remaining races. Teams and drivers continue to fight for pride, podium finishes, and a head start for the 2025 season.

Here’s what fans can look forward to as the 2024 F1 season draws to a close.

The Battle for Second Place

While Verstappen’s dominance has left little room for competitors to challenge for the championship, the fight for second place is far from over.

Sergio Pérez vs. Lewis Hamilton

Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, has shown flashes of brilliance this season. However, consistent pressure from Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton keeps the race for the runner-up position intense. Hamilton, with his years of experience and unmatched record, is not one to back down.

With only a few races left, every point matters. Fans can expect thrilling wheel-to-wheel battles between the two as they aim to finish the season on a high note.

Constructors’ Standings

The fight for second in the Constructors’ Championship is just as riveting. Mercedes and Ferrari remain neck and neck, with McLaren also pushing hard to secure third. These battles will likely influence team strategies and car development heading into 2025.

Young Stars Stealing the Spotlight

As the championship title is no longer up for grabs, teams often use the remaining races to test young drivers and experiment with car setups. This provides an excellent opportunity for rising stars to make their mark.

Oscar Piastri – McLaren’s Prodigy

Oscar Piastri has impressed throughout the 2024 season, often challenging more seasoned drivers. With the pressure of championship contention lifted, he could focus on securing a maiden race win or additional podium finishes.

Theo Pourchaire – Alfa Romeo’s Rising Talent

Theo Pourchaire, racing for Alfa Romeo, has been a standout rookie. The final races will allow him to showcase his potential further, possibly setting the stage for a move to a top-tier team in the near future.

Lando Norris – McLaren’s Backbone

Lando Norris continues to be a consistent force for McLaren. He’ll be looking to close out the season strongly, especially with McLaren showing significant improvements in car performance.

Tracks That Will Test Teams to the Limit

The remaining races are set on iconic circuits that demand a mix of speed, precision, and endurance.

Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi

The season finale at Abu Dhabi is always a spectacle. The twilight race will feature dramatic shifts in temperature and track conditions, testing teams’ ability to adapt.

Sao Paulo Grand Prix – Brazil

The Interlagos circuit is known for its unpredictable weather and passionate crowd. This race often produces surprises, with mid-field teams sometimes taking unexpected podiums.

Qatar Grand Prix

Returning to the F1 calendar, the Qatar Grand Prix provides another night-race challenge. Its fast corners and unique layout promise exciting overtakes and strategic tire management.

The Impact of Verstappen’s Triumph

Max Verstappen’s victory in Las Vegas has undoubtedly shifted the dynamics for the remaining season. With the championship already decided, teams might shift their focus toward testing upgrades for 2025 or refining their cars’ reliability.

Red Bull’s Continued Dominance

Red Bull Racing, with Verstappen and Pérez, has already secured the Constructors’ Championship. However, their focus remains on extending their record-breaking streak and using the final races to fine-tune their car for the upcoming season.

Rival Teams Eyeing 2025

Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin are likely to use these races as testing grounds for 2025 innovations. Expect experimental setups and aggressive strategies as they aim to close the performance gap with Red Bull.

Why the Final Races Still Matter

Even though the championship is decided, there’s still much at stake:

1. Driver Lineup Confirmations: Strong performances in the final races could secure contracts for drivers on the bubble, such as Logan Sargeant at Williams or Zhou Guanyu at Alfa Romeo.
2. Team Pride: Teams like Haas and AlphaTauri will look to end the season positively, boosting morale for next year.
3. Fans’ Entertainment: The passion and energy of F1 fans ensure every race feels like a championship-deciding event.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the 2024 season concludes, fans are already speculating about the 2025 grid. Can Verstappen continue his dominance? Will Mercedes or Ferrari close the gap? Could McLaren or Aston Martin finally return to championship contention?

These questions will begin to take shape as the season wraps up and teams unveil their plans for the future.

Stay Updated

Formula 1 is a sport of constant evolution, and the storylines extend beyond the track. From driver transfers to technical innovations, there’s always something new to discover.

For the latest updates on F1, including in-depth analyses, race previews, and exclusive insights, visit JW8. Stay connected and show your support for your favorite teams and drivers as the season concludes and a new one begins!