The F1 2023 has come to a close with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The season was quite clearly dominated by Red Bull Racing. More specifically Max Verstappen. However, the question remains if this domination will continue to hold strong through the upcoming 2024 season. So, moving to the new season here is what is happening before the next race.
After the Abu Dhabi race the cars remain in the marina circuit for final testing. The teams each must choose up-and-coming racers to test the car. This is to see what part of the car each team wants to keep and which parts they should scrap. This is a great time for Formula 2 drivers to showcase their skills and worthiness for F1. Many cars like McLaren and Red Bull did such a good job in the 2023 season they are simply looking to build off the car they already had. Constructors like Ferrari and Mercedes are interested in completely rebuilding a brand-new car from the ground up. This is understandable since both Ferrari and Mercedes largely underperformed this past season. Many people also have set out hopes for the success of the McLaren vehicle as the changes they have made recently have all been positive. It will be interesting to see how teams combat Red Bull dominance and maybe even try and mimic the revolutionary aspects of the vehicle.
After the initial construction of the car, the teams begin crash-testing their vehicles. This test has sparked some debates amongst the f1 community. Red Bull consistently fails their crash tests, and some have started connecting this to their speed. The argument is that the team can go into testing with the most lightweight speed possible fail it, and then continue to build off that model until it passes. This ensures that the speed of the car is not compromised in order to pass the test. The only person who failed the most recent test was Red Bull Racing. Pushing the envelope on designs has been fruitful for Red Bull so far so it makes sense that they stick to their logic. Their main accomplishment of this past season was the height of the car from the ground. Since other teams are now catching up and trying to get their cars as low as possible, it makes sense that Red Bull is attempting to cut the weight of the vehicle.
Now as February approaches people are eager to see each constructer reveal their cars. These are the dates for the upcoming launch events.
Williams February 5
Kick Sauber February 5
Aston Martin February 12
Ferrari February 13
Red Bull February 15
Mercedes February 14
McLaren February 14
Alpine February 7
AlphaTauri TBC
Haas February 11
Many of the teams also do shakedown laps with the vehicle to enhance the spectacle. The most anticipated car yet is probably the McLaren. Because they had made major effective changes in the past season, fans are anticipating a good season. At the end of 2023, they were the only other team that could compete with Red Bull.
There have also been changes to the teams themselves. One major one was the removal of eight eight-season team principal Guenther Steiner. This was a great upset as Steiner has been a notable member of the Haas team. Another change was within Alfa Romeo’s F1 team over the break. Alfa Romeo was partnered with Sauber but dropped out of F1 at the end of the 2023 season. Now Sauber is naming the team Stake and has announced a partnership coming in 2026 with Audi. Whether this will happen is up in the air, but many fans are excited to see a new constructor enter the sport. As for the drivers, unexpectedly there were no changes made to the driver lineups themselves. This is something very unusual for the sport, but I am excited to see what each driver can build upon from the last season.
I love this blog because I know nothing about cars and racing, so it was great to learn about this. I think it’s cool to hear the differences between McLaren and Red Bull because there are so many different aspects to look at when analyzing their races. I think it would be cool to watch one of these races and see the cars in action. Have you always been interested in these races and cars, and how did you start the interest?
I have never personally watched F1, but your analysis makes me want to try it out. I love how you explained the process of initial construction, crash-testing, and remodeling, because I never realized that there was so much that went into the development of an F1 car. I am also excited to hear your updates on on what Red Bull is planning on showcasing and whether or not Mercedes proves itself against its competitors. Can’t wait for your future blogs!