The start of the test is getting closer: which team will be at the bottom of Formula 1 in 2024?

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>

It was probably a coincidence that the last five teams from last season were the first race teams to present their new cars or paint schemes for 2024. From Monday it will happen in quick succession: Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull on Thursday.

Even before the first day of testing in Bahrain on February 21, the question can be asked: which of the five teams behind will finish last? Alpine is virtually out of competition. Once again the French will be too slow for the top five and too fast for the quartet at the bottom. Esteban Ocon (27) also wants to recommend himself for the vacant Mercedes seat in 2025.

So there were only four left. The research at Blick will be interesting. How well does the bright green Kick-Sauber do in the battle for places 7 to 10? Will Haas-Ferrari stay at the bottom?

New leadership and a spirit of optimism

Last year, the ‘Hares’ with the comeback drivers Hülkenberg and Magnussen had only four points less than Alfa-Sauber. While the American team, with new leadership, mainly has to solve the tire problem (excessive wear), there is once again an optimistic atmosphere in Hinwil. Sauber must finally live up to last year without Audi.

The Germans want to expand the workforce in the Zurich Oberland from about 600 to more than 850 employees by 2026. It is clear that the Germans are already keeping a close eye on the performance of Bottas and Zhou in the C44. Has new technical director James Key hit the mark again? Otherwise it will be difficult for the fans this year too! As for Ferrari, it certainly does not like to see its two partner teams with the strength of Maranello in the last two World Cup places.

Albon: Red Bull offer!

Alex Albon once again has to take care of Williams, who is seventh in the World Cup. The Thai already has a Red Bull offer for 2025. With the American driver Logan Sargeant, Williams would be the ‘favourite’ for last place!

In terms of drivers, Visa Cash App RB is the best positioned of the last teams: with long-term favorite Ricciardo and the often underestimated Japanese Tsunoda. The team from Faenza near Imola moved the technical department to England and reorganized itself in all positions.

Big brother Red Bull’s B-team wants to drop from 8th place in the World Cup – with more help from the family. It goes without saying that the VCARB01, which was presented in Las Vegas, is a copy of technology guru Newey’s RB 19 from last season. Max Verstappen then won 19 of the 22 races. Most media have already agreed on the name of Visa Cash App RB. This team is now simply called Racing Bulls.

Source : Blick