Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas for the second running of the event, and with only three races to go in 2024 plenty of stories are yet to be written before we close the season in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari’s last roll of the dice
Time is of the essence for Frédéric Vasseur’s Ferrari. Three races remain and the gap to McLaren sits at 36 points. Thus, Maranello cannot afford any mistakes.
The potential of a grid drop for Charles Leclerc surrounds a potential engine change outside the allocation. In spite of penalties, the Las Vegas track suits the Rosa Corsa outfit, which corresponds to the strength in Monza.
Ferrari’s superior low downforce setup should allow the gap to close to McLaren however time may prove the greatest obstacle for Ferrari.
Not since 2008 have they been crowned constructors’ champions, but they are far from the box seat.
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)
Lance Stroll needs to fight back
The criticism heaped on the Canadian in the aftermath of the Brazilian Grand Prix was seismic.
This was arguably deserved after Stroll drove through the gravel and beached himself during the formation lap prior to the Grand Prix proper.
Being 38 points behind his teammate in the fifth-fastest car is abysmal. Stroll must show more in these final races.
Realistically, nothing is on the line for Aston Martin in 2024 being between Mercedes and Alpine in the constructors.
Nonetheless, this team has a bright future, Stroll must pull his weight to take Aston Martin seriously in 2025.
Alex Albon must stamp his authority as a leader
The pressure index is rising on Albon significantly. Franco Colapinto’s substitution for Logan Sargent has seen a monumental change in the team dynamic at Williams.
Colapinto as the benefactor has put a shadow on Albon’s season to date. Unable to start the race in Brazil due to a shunt in qualifying and a clash with Tsunoda in Mexico has no doubt dented the Thai drivers’ confidence.
Las Vegas bodes an opportunity for Albon to be consistently quicker than his Argentine counterpart as Albon is more experienced at this track.
If the 28-year-old can better, his teammate before the season ends, he may be able to stamp his authority before Carlos Sainz enters the team next year.
Alexander Albon (Fred Murray / Red Bull Content Pool)
It’s a big weekend for Liam Lawson
The Red Bull merry-go-round continues to turn. In its latest edition, Sergio Perez is rumoured to stay in the main team for 2025.
If Red Bull does want stability for 2025 it’s up to Liam Lawson to be the disruptor. The Kiwi has been nothing sort of impressive since his takeover at VCARB.
Points in two of his three races show Lawson can survive at Formula 1 level. To displace Perez requires more, some luck could be required.
Visa Cash App RB F1 Team (VCARB) can score points at most events but in these final three races, a top-five placing could shift the tide one final time. If Lawson can become a beneficiary, he could partner with Verstappen next year.
The storylines in Formula 1 this year have been nothing short of surprising.
A shock decision or result is bound to occur. The fight for the constructors’ championship will headline these final events.
Yet, Colapinto’s fight for a seat alongside the battle for McLaren supremacy will shape how 2025 is defined.
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