Haas, bottom of the World Cup, took advantage of the opportunity: Stroll crash opened the points door!

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Unfortunately, it was predictable that the bottom five teams would have to eat hard bread in 2024. But who benefits when a head-on crash occurs or the defective witch strikes? There is still no favorite for sixth place at the World Cup. Yes, everyone can dream about it – because someone will make it!

Parties with barely 300 employees

The last World Cup point in Jeddah went to the team that was at the bottom of the 2023 World Cup and hardly had any chances after the change of team boss (Steiner had to leave): Haas-Ferrari.

The smallest Formula 1 team (less than 300 employees) showed world-class performance, especially in teamwork. And points collector Nico Hülkenberg (36) immediately knew who he owed this point to: Kevin Magnussen (31).

“Kevin gets everything back!”

Because the German, like Norris, Hamilton and Zhou, did not change tires on the 7th lap (safety car after Stroll accident), Hülkenberg was in the front. And he was lucky that his Danish teammate was able to keep six cars behind him. With all the tricks.

“Kevin gave me the breathing space I needed. I will thank him sometime this year,” said Hulkenberg. Magnussen crossed the finish line eleventh, but was classified twelfth because he received two 10-second time penalties. One because he bumped into Albon (11th) and one because he left the track to gain an advantage.

Where are Alpine and Racing Bulls?

The golden point is worth it. Alpine again caused a flop for the two desert stars (another 120 points in 2023). Ocon and Gasly are already desperate. Racing Bulls started the season with the highest ambitions of the backbenchers. Both drivers cannot yet use their potential (help from Red Bull), and both admit their own driving mistakes! Moreover, eight-time GP winner Ricciardo looks old against Tsunoda so far.

Pay drivers have had their day

At Williams-Mercedes they stumbled again over the voting. But Albon will probably take advantage of a scoring opportunity soon. Pay drivers like Sargeant (and Zhou at Kick-Sauber and the son of team owner Stroll) have somehow had their day. The sensational debut of Sainz replacement Oliver Bearman (18) in seventh place showed that the teams must finally rely on youth and not money.

Kick Clean? Optimistic notes are certainly out of place after the last two places. And just like in Bahrain, another wheel nut apparently got stuck during a pit stop! Fortunately, team representative Alunni Bravi removed the innocent mechanics from the line of fire.

Source : Blick