P1racenews AI automatic summary:
2024 is here and with the first race of the season just 61 days away in Bahrain, Crash.net is taking a look at which team is best placed to rival Red Bull.
“In 2023, Red Bull had an exceptional season of dominance, winning 21 out of 22 races, and Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive drivers’ title. He set numerous records and solidified his place among the greatest drivers in F1 history. However, with stable technical regulations, it is expected that their closest competitors, such as Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin, will narrow the gap in the upcoming season. Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, believes that their dominance will not be replicated in 2024 due to the evolving competition. In the previous season, different teams took turns challenging Red Bull, and it varied from venue to venue. Mercedes, despite finishing second in the constructors’ championship in 2023, relied on consistency rather than having the second-fastest car. Ferrari and McLaren often showed stronger performance and were able to push Verstappen for race victories. While Mercedes has had recent success in the championship, their performance in the ground effect era has been lacking compared to Ferrari and McLaren. The 2024 season will be crucial for Mercedes, as another misstep could postpone their challenge until the new rules come into play in 2026. Ferrari, on the other hand, had another disappointing season, struggling with their decision to prioritize straight-line speed over high downforce. Their car was difficult to drive and suffered from excessive tire degradation, and Charles Leclerc initially struggled as a result.”
