Red Bull had a phenomenal run during the 2023 season with a Constructors’ Championship as well as the P1 and P2 spots in the Drivers’ Standings. As the campaign neared its conclusion, the team’s points hit the roof. There was nothing the rest of the teams could do to dethrone the Milton Keynes outfit from P1 and began the brutal competition for P2.
The reigning world champion has created a narrative and a strong one too. The primary goal of the remaining teams is to develop a car that can compete with the upgraded version of the RB19. For Mercedes and Ferrari, overcoming their technical and strategic issues respectively is the biggest concern. This season saw the comeback of Aston Martin and McLaren who have solidified their name among the top contenders.
Teams are gearing up to close the gap with Red Bull
As the Formula 1 winter break sets in, the teams pursuing the lead find themselves at a critical point in their quest to close the significant lead Red Bull has built up before the 2024 season begins in late February. The question looms large for former champions Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and the steadfast Aston Martin whether or not they will be able to do so before the upcoming campaign opens in Bahrain.
Who do you think will come out swinging in 2024? Will Red Bull stay on top or will the likes of McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes catch up enough?
PHOTO CREDIT: XPB Images #F1 pic.twitter.com/EhjzCuxvda
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 29, 2023
After a taxing period of lagging behind Red Bull, Mercedes is looking for a comeback with the debut of their W15 vehicle, offering a fresh potential to go for victory since their first losing season in more than ten years. Having finished on nine podiums, including seven in second position, a feat that has not occurred since 2012, McLaren is facing the challenge of continuously pushing Red Bull.
By the end of 2023, Aston Martin had dropped to fifth in the rankings, but their performance had improved significantly since the year prior, moving up two spots and earning four times as many points. As for Ferrari, with certain design flaws that will be fixed in the 2024 single-seater, developing a token for hybrid electronic control at Monza let them realize the promise of the SF23.
What strategies do the 2023 Champions have in store for the upcoming season?
The brains behind Red Bull’s success, Adrian Newey, is aware that rivals will be entering the race in 2024 with all guns blazing but is nevertheless optimistic about retaining a sizable margin for the RB20’s development. Ferrari faces a difficult road ahead, as do their competitors Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin; but, the 2024 season presents immense possibility.
Motorsport Italy – Adrian Newey has already said that he expects his opponents to be able to match the performance of the Red Bull RB19 next year, but the English genius is also certain that he has kept an important margin for growth in his pocket for the RB20.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 30, 2023
The technical regulations will remain unchanged, presenting a chance to study tire dynamics to enhance tactics using the well-known ones from the recent series.