6 more races and 8 teams to hope: million-dollar battles in the shadow of Red Bull

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Formula 1 is having a hard time towards the end of the season. Only two teams can take it easy in the last six races: world champion Red Bull Honda and the Alpine team in 6th place.

The remaining eight teams are still locked in multi-million dollar battles – across three different World Cup venues. There, rank improvements are worth more than $20 million. On the back end, the difference is about $15 million.

Lawson as Pérez’s replacement?

The one-man show of the soon-to-be 26-year-old Max Verstappen in the Red Bull Honda is unstoppable: 28 GP victories since 2022. There is no change in sight. And if Pérez does not improve his performance alongside the Dutchman in what is clearly the best car, the Mexican will still have to worry about second place in the World Cup: Lewis Hamilton (38) is only 33 points behind in the Mercedes.

If Pérez did not have a contract for 2024, he would have to be replaced immediately by New Zealander Liam Lawson. In his first four races in the Alpha Tauri-Honda he showed what a real talent is worth: once 13th, twice 11th and once 9th.

Will Ferrari still come second?

Ferrari has been dragging its way through the GP circus for 16 years without a title. The temporary chaos in Italy usually prevents the Reds from achieving great success. And the superstar is missing from the cockpit. Even if Leclerc and Sainz fight bravely.

In third place, Ferrari is only 20 points behind Mercedes, but they can field two real fighters in Hamilton and Russell. In Japan they hit each other three times in an internal duel that thrilled the audience. A year ago Russell had 35 points more than the old master. Now Sir Lewis hit back – 75 points ahead.

Will McLaren still be able to overtake Aston Martin?

Both teams fighting for fourth place rely on the strength of Mercedes. But the ‘Papaya drivers’ (see McLaren colours) Norris and Piastri are unstoppable. In a team with a calm team boss Andrea Stella and a CEO like media professional Zak Brown.

After 8 of the 16 races, Aston Martin still led McLaren with 154:17 points. In the next eight races, the Greens’ lead with the one-man performance (Alonso) shrank to 221:172.

Will Alfa-Sauber remain ninth?

Thanks to the ten points from the last four races, the last four teams are led by Williams-Mercedes (21 in total) in seventh place. In the same period, Haas-Ferrari (12 in total) and Alfa-Sauber (10) took just one point each, while Alpha Tauri-Honda (5) at the bottom took two.

It is very difficult to make a prediction here. An exploit can suddenly change the picture. In Hinwil, fans hope that the returning James Key as technical director can bring some life into the business (and the C43).

Source : Blick