It’s no secret that Max Verstappen has become the preeminent Formula 1 driver on the circuit. He’s been the world champion for three straight years and won 19 of 22 races in 2023. Despite Verstappen’s dominance, the F1 circuit is far from a one-man show. In anticipation of the upcoming season, here is a closer look at some of the drivers who are flying under the radar but worth watching closely in 2024.
Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez faces a pivotal juncture as he enters the 2024 season, with his contract with Red Bull Racing set to expire at year’s end. The challenge for Perez is amplified by the presence of Verstappen as his teammate, often relegating him to a secondary position within the team hierarchy. Despite a strong start in 2023, clinching victories in two of his first four races, Perez encountered a mid-season slump and endured a few non-finishes towards the end of the campaign.
While securing a distant second place overall behind Verstappen, Perez acknowledges the imperative of proving himself anew in 2024. Though undoubtedly capable of challenging his teammate, Perez must demonstrate heightened consistency to solidify his position within the Red Bull Racing outfit and assert his credentials as a genuine contender on the Formula 1 stage.
Lewis Hamilton
At the age of 39, faces the relentless march of time, yet his performance on the track speaks volumes. With 11 top-5 finishes in 2023 and a commendable third overall finish, Hamilton continues to defy the odds. Despite relinquishing the spotlight to Verstappen in recent seasons, Hamilton remains resolute, determined to reclaim his position at the pinnacle of Formula 1.
His camp harbors optimism, believing that Hamilton has addressed some of the issues with his vehicle in recent years. While Hamilton hasn’t tasted victory since his remarkable eight-win streak in 2021, his illustrious career and undeniable talent suggest that he’s more than capable of injecting a new level of competitiveness into the title chase in 2024, presenting Verstappen with a formidable challenge.
Lando Norris
The 2023 season started sluggishly for the young driver, culminating in a sixth-place finish in the final standings. However, the narrative could have been vastly different had a few races unfolded differently, with Norris poised to secure a higher standing. His resurgence was evident with six second-place finishes throughout the season, including an impressive streak of four runner-up positions in a span of seven races.
This marked a remarkable turnaround for Norris, who struggled to find his footing in the early stages of the season, finishing 17th in four of the initial seven races. Notably, Norris clinched more second-place finishes than any other driver on the circuit in the previous season, solidifying his status as a legitimate threat to Verstappen’s dominance in 2024. Should Norris sidestep another sluggish start to the season, his exceptional skills and tenacity could propel him to the upper echelons of Formula 1, positioning him as a contender for a top-3 finish and potentially influencing the championship chase.
In essence, both Hamilton and Norris represent compelling narratives within the realm of Formula 1, embodying resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence on the track. Their journeys serve as testaments to the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where talent, strategy, and sheer determination converge to shape the destiny of champions. As the 2024 season unfolds, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between these formidable competitors, promising fans exhilarating races and captivating storylines throughout the championship campaign.
Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz emerged as one of the few drivers, apart from Verstappen, to clinch victory in the F1 circuit last season, triumphing at the Singapore Grand Prix. Despite this notable achievement, Sainz’s 2023 campaign was characterized by sporadic performance, despite securing an impressive tally of 10 top-5 finishes.
Nevertheless, driving prowess runs deep in Sainz’s veins, with his father boasting a distinguished legacy as a two-time World Rally Championship victor. Sainz finds himself in a position where a slight shift in fortune could have propelled him to a higher standing in the overall rankings last year. Undoubtedly talented, as evidenced by his Singapore triumph, Sainz must strive for greater consistency to realize his full potential and establish himself as a formidable force on the Formula 1 stage.
Sainz’s journey through the ranks of motorsport has been marked by resilience and determination. From his early days in karting to his ascent to Formula 1, he has showcased remarkable adaptability and skill. His stint with McLaren showcased his ability to extract the maximum from a competitive car, earning him respect from both fans and fellow drivers alike.
Despite facing setbacks and challenges along the way, Sainz’s unwavering focus and commitment to improvement continue to drive him forward. As he enters the new season with renewed vigor, Sainz remains a force to be reckoned with on the grid, poised to seize every opportunity and challenge for
Lance Stroll
Lance Stroll navigates the Formula 1 circuit with added pressure, given his father’s ownership stake in the Aston Martin team. However, unlike other drivers, he doesn’t need to worry about securing his spot on the team.
In the current season’s standings, Stroll secured a commendable tenth place overall. At the young age of 25, his continued progress shows latent fitness, positioning him as a dark horse contender for the 2024 races. Platforms such as MyBetting Canada display bets and Stroll’s potential odds
Logan Sargeant
Other than Stroll, Sargeant is the only other driver from North America driving Formula 1 in 2024, so fans will be curious to watch the Florida native in his second season. His rookie campaign didn’t go as Sargeant would have liked, as he managed just one top-10 finish. Fittingly, that came in the United States Grand Prix.
Despite an underwhelming debut by the 23-year-old, Williams Racing re-signed him for the 2024 season, believing that last year was a learning experience for Sargeant and that he will start making strides this season.
