A full four weeks after the last race in Singapore, it’s time to get back down to business as the final quarter of the 2024 season is ready to get underway. With an ever-closer championship battle and a returning face on the grid, here are a few topics that are the talking points as the battle starts in Austin during the United States Grand Prix 2024-
Resuming the title battle
When the summer break ended, Lando Norris had a 78-point deficit to try and close to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship, and the McLaren driver duly outscored the leader at each of the four races that followed. Dominant victories in Zandvoort and Singapore for Norris were well-managed by Verstappen. After a four-week hiatus since the Singapore Grand Prix, the final quarter of the 2024 Formula 1 season is set to kick off in Austin. With the championship race tightening and a familiar face returning to the grid, the championship run will get down to the wire. At the end of the summer break, Lando Norris faced a daunting 78-point gap to Max Verstappen in the drivers' standings. However, Norris has steadily chipped away at that lead, outscoring Verstappen in every race since then.
His dominant wins in Zandvoort and Singapore were complemented by Verstappen finishing as the runner-up, which helped limit the damage. In Monza, Norris gained eight points despite a third-place finish, while his points gain in Baku was minimal, at just three. The upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) could be pivotal, particularly since it’s a Sprint event that offers an additional eight points to the winner. This weekend could see a potential swing of up to 34 points, further intensifying the championship battle as the season nears its conclusion.
Lawson Takes the Wheel
Singapore also marked a significant moment for Daniel Ricciardo, likely making his final F1 appearance. He has been replaced by Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season. Lawson is eager to secure a full-time seat for 2025 following his impressive substitute performances last year.
This will be Lawson's first race at COTA, and he'll need to quickly adapt to the car after having raced it previously. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has emphasized that Lawson’s promotion is a strategic move for the future, as the team assesses its options for Sergio Perez, who may face pressure if his performance doesn’t improve.
Upgrades and the Driver Market
The Austin race marks the start of a hectic schedule with six races in eight weeks, including three Sprint events. Despite being late in the season, teams are eager to introduce upgrades to enhance their performance.
As for the driver market, Lawson’s return solidifies his spot for this season, but uncertainty remains regarding who will partner Yuki Tsunoda next year. If Sergio Perez continues to struggle, there could be changes at Red Bull. Additionally, Sauber still has an open seat for 2025, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu among the candidates, along with rising talent Gabriel Bortoleto from Formula 2.
A Major Event in Austin
Since 2012, Austin has hosted the United States Grand Prix, evolving into one of the most popular races on the calendar. Attendance numbers are expected to approach half a million this year, with performances by Sting and Eminem adding to the excitement, alongside a significant college football game on Saturday. The Sprint format will guarantee action for fans throughout the weekend, and with the championship race and midfield competition heating up, the stage is set for an exciting weekend of racing.
