The “Four Horseman” of Formula 1 so far in 2024

As we are nine races down, the Formula 1 2024 season has witnessed four race winners take the chequered flag compared to only two within the first nine races in the 2023 season. Demonstrating that competitive spirit is running high for drivers at the top of standings is proving to be better than the rest. And each other. But who are these four drivers aiming to seek championship glory? Let’s find out…

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen – 194 Points

Three time championship winner, Max Verstappen is one of four drivers leading the charge to take championship glory, and feeling hungry for a fourth crown. With a 56-point advantage, the Dutch driver has shown under the pressure that he can deliver results. But with a car that is showing signs of weakness, team such as, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes have had opportunities to steal race wins from the Milton Keynes-based team.

But what is said weakness? Street circuits. As they have become the bane of Red Bull’s misery losing such races in Australia, Miami and Monaco. But what makes the Red Bull the advantageous team is their incredible racing speed which rivals teams cannot match on racing circuits. And at the next race of the Formula 1 calendar, will Red Bull’s might be renewed or bruised in Spain?

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc – 138 Points

Currently in second behind Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc has shown that the SF-24 is well-suited to street circuits. As his calibre is enough to reach closer to relinquishing the lead from his Dutch rival. And after breaking the curse, the young Monegasque has proven he can overcome the odds that have been made against him in recent years to win his home Grand Prix around the streets of Monaco.

But with the events of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari’s ambitions maybe sought with high difficulty. As their pace on the weekend was enough to only see qualify 11^th and 12^th on the grid. And to make Ferrari’s and Leclerc’s weekend more miserable, the Monegasque driver was forced to retire. So will this setback for Ferrari be a one-off? Or continue to hamper their championship aspirations?

McLaren’s Lando Norris – 131 Points

The young driver from Bristol, proved he is a race winning driver and solidified his talent by taking the chequered flag at the Miami International Autodrome. But how did this happen? On the same weekend, McLaren pulled the Ace out of the deck, arriving at Miami with upgrades, but not just one, nor two, nor three but 10! From the Front Wing all the way to the Beam Wing.

When these upgrades were integrated into the MCL38, we did not see the 24-year-old move any lower down the field from fourth. Second in Imola, Fourth in Monaco and second in Canada. As they were granted to Lando Norris first, his racing prowess has propelled him and McLaren to achieve their title aspirations to challenge the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull for race wins. So has Lando Norris got the bit between their teeth to challenge Verstappen as we continue through the season?

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz – 108 Points

The third and final driver so far to steal a win away from the Flying Dutchman. How? Red Bull’s reliability gremlin first presents itself at the Australian Grand Prix, Lap 3 and wiping away Verstappen’s chance of a third win after only one sector after smoke bloomed from the back RB19. Carlos Sainz took the lead with little difficulty and soon to realise that the left rear brake on Max’s car was jammed on. Exploding as he entered the pit lane. Opening the door for Carlos to take the chequered flag around the Albert Park Circuit. But as we’ve mentioned with Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque problems are also Carlos’s problems.

The SF-19 had no pace to challenge the front runners; instead, both cars had retired from the Canadian Grand Prix. But have proved themselves in the face of adversity that they can persevere. As both drivers have struck a blow to the might of Red Bull Racing by relieving them of two race wins. But can the team from Maranello put their Canadian woes behind them ahead of Carlos’s home Grand Prix? Around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya?

Find out this week as Formula 1 heads to Spain to host the Spanish Grand Prix.

If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Esteban Ocon: Where Will He Go For The 2025 Season?” or “Red Bull: Perez Extends! Tsunoda Stays at VCARB!”

Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool