Formula 1 2024: Red Bull and Other Teams to Look Out for As Season Kicks Off With Bahrain GP

After 98 days of heightened anticipation, the lights will go green, signalling the commencement of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

The season kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. With all 10 teams on the grid striving to surpass their performances from the 2023 season, a wave of upgrades and innovations has already been observed during the initial track outings.

Nonetheless, amid the endless flurry of innovations and upgrades that have heralded the various cars of the 2024 F1 grid, Sports Brief highlights five teams worth keeping a close eye on throughout the upcoming season.

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Formula 1 teams to watch for 2024 season

Aston Martin

There were definite highs and lows for Aston Martin through 2023. The Silverstone team had themselves quite a 2023 season, with the team clinching their first podium in Bahrain.

However, they also faced a mid-season slump in form that significantly impacted their position in the Constructors' championship standings.

Nevertheless, Aston Martin can take pride in the substantial progress they made in 2023, finishing with 280 points compared to the 55 they achieved in 2022.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Team Principal, Mike Krack, is aiming for an even greater improvement, targeting a top-three finish in the Constructors' standings.

McLaren

Undoubtedly one of the most improved teams of 2023, McLaren turned heads with their impressive in-season turnaround, moving past their difficult start to the season to regularly being in contention for podium places.

The Woking-based team resurgence climaxed when Oscar Piastri clinched victory at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix Sprint race.

As they head into 2024, McLaren carries a renewed sense of confidence after their success last season. Team principal, Zak Brown, and his team are eager to secure their first F1 victory since winning the Italian Grand Prix in 2021.

Ferrari

The Marenello-based team surely knows how to throw a spanner in the works, and they did so with their victory at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2023.

The Italian team have had little to cheer in recent times, barring their hard-fought victory in Singapore. However, the 2024 season is shaping up to be a great pace and lap times recorded with the SF24 car.

Frederick Vasseur’s side might have themselves a championship-challenging car for the first time since the 2022 season.

For a team synonymous with Formula 1 and still without a drivers’ championship since 2007, anything below giving the Red Bulls a proper challenge for the title in 2024 will be dubbed as another disappointing season.

Mercedes

It's been a torrid adjustment for Mercedes since the rule change in 2022. The Brackley team have found it really difficult to adjust to the requirements of the ground effect era.

If the W13 car of 2022 was considered a disaster, the W14 (2023) was deemed as fit only for the scrap heap, as Lewis Hamilton put it.

However, the 2024 Silver Arrow brings a glimmer of hope for the German constructors. They have shown impressive pace during practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The team's goal mirrors that of Ferrari — to win races consistently and challenge Red Bull. It must be noted that Mercedes' thirst for victory is palpable, as they have not won a race in Formula 1 since the Brazilian Grand Prix of 2022.

Red Bull Racing

Any outcome less than perfection will undoubtedly be viewed as a setback for Red Bull in 2024. The Milton Keynes team completely dominated the sport in 2023, delivering what is arguably the most dominant season in the 72-year history of Formula 1.

Red Bull emerged victorious in every race except the Singapore Grand Prix and the Sprint Race in Qatar. With such an impressive record in 2023, it may be challenging to pinpoint areas for improvement in 2024.

However, the team will not be complacent and will be determined to maintain their edge over an increasingly competitive field in the upcoming year.

Verstappen influenced Hamilton’s Ferrari move?

In another report, Sports Brief highlighted Mercedes Chief, Toto Wolff, discussing how a past failure to sign Max Verstappen influenced Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.

The 52-year-old emphasised that Mercedes' desire to retain young talent like Kimi Antonelli led them to offer Hamilton a seemingly short contract, rather than the expected five-year deal.