P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A Formula 1 driver’s first rival has traditionally always been the person situated on the opposite side of the garage.
In 2023, Max Verstappen had a dominant campaign, winning the World Championship for the third time. There were seven drivers competing for seats in the following year, with three rookies joining the field. Verstappen’s team, Red Bull, had a strong car, and he broke multiple records on his way to the title. His teammate, Sergio Perez, struggled to match his performance but managed to retain his seat for 2024. Mercedes had a disappointing season, failing to win a race for the first time since 2011. Lewis Hamilton had a strong comeback year, finishing third in the championship standings. Despite some incidents and misfortunes, both Verstappen and Hamilton will be aiming for success in the upcoming season.