The 2024 Formula 1 season is one-third complete and teams have made significant improvements to their cars in an attempt to address previous weaknesses. The development race in F1 always involves finding solutions without compromising existing strengths. Analyzing a team’s current car compared to the previous year can provide insights into their development direction. While some teams may be experiencing short-term setbacks, this is part of a process that will lead to significant gains in the future. Ultimately, performance is the most important factor in F1. Here is an analysis of who has succeeded and who has struggled in the 2024 development war so far.
McLaren has seen improvements in their performance this year compared to last year. They have accumulated 167 more points and their car has shown better results. The McLaren at the start of the 2023 season lacked downforce and pace, but updates throughout the season turned it into a consistent podium finisher. This year, McLaren has addressed the weaknesses and improved their performance, especially with the recent update introduced in Miami. The team is surprised by the positive changes and is eager to understand the reasons behind them. This progress is a step towards producing a strong car in all aspects.
Alpine, on the other hand, traded its modest strengths from last year for weaknesses. While there are signs of progress, the team is focused on recovering and limiting the damage. The A524 started the season overweight due to a failed crash test, but that issue has been resolved. The car also lacked downforce and traction, making it the slowest car on the grid initially. However, improvements have been made and Alpine is now the second slowest car on average. The team is entering the second phase of development and hopes that new ideas incorporated into the upgrade plan will accelerate its recovery.
Haas has transformed from a tire-consuming car last year to one that performs well in races. The aerodynamic characteristics of this year’s Haas VF-23 have greatly improved, providing more stability and consistent downforce. The car still needs some improvements in fast corners and front downforce, but has already shown promising results. Haas has reached Q3 four times and scored seven points in the 2024 season.
Aston Martin’s performance has decreased compared to last year. The car was strong at the beginning of the 2023 season, but updates introduced undesirable characteristics. The car is now struggling in slow corners and has slipped in the standings. Drivers have reported balance issues, oversteer on entry, understeer in the middle of the corner, and poor performance over the kerbs. Aston Martin is facing challenges in consistently adding performance to the car without negatively affecting its characteristics. The team is concerned about its development direction.
Williams is going through short-term setbacks, but expects to achieve long-term gains. Last year’s strength was its low-resistance design, which made it fast on the straights. However, this advantage was sacrificed this year in favor of increased downforce to compete in the midfield. The Williams FW46 is now a good car in all aspects, with better consistency. The team also solved the problem of front wheel locking when braking for slow corners. However, the car is still overweight and upgrades have been affected by problems in the construction of the car in the winter and accidents.
Ferrari has made significant improvements compared to last year. The car was aerodynamically inconsistent, causing rear instability and tire wear. These weaknesses have been resolved and Ferrari is now a consistent and predictable car that takes good care of its tires. It sacrificed some performance in qualifying in exchange for a better race pace, resulting in overall gains. Ferrari is still missing a final touch of speed to consistently challenge Red Bull, but has shown significant progress compared to the same stage in 2023.
Mercedes faced difficulties at the start of the season but has the potential to turn things around. Last year, the team had rear stability issues in fast corners, and this year the problem shifted to front grip in slow corners. The team is working to find a balance that works well in both scenarios. The challenge is to make the car perform consistently at different heights and driving attitudes. Mercedes is focused on constant development gains rather than seeking immediate performance improvements.
AlphaTauri has performed well in slower corners this year. The AT02 has been the leading car among the second group in F1, surpassing Aston Martin in recent races and scoring 24 points. The car has improved compared to the same phase last year. However, there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of the car’s performance at the start. This is more related to operation and preparation than to the car’s hardware.
Audi’s factory team had a promising start to the season, but recently has been the slowest in the last three events. Pitstop issues have been resolved through modifications, but the car’s performance in slow corners remains a weakness. The team needs significant improvements to progress.
This year’s Sauber car lacks aerodynamic load, which affects its performance in fast corners. Although there have been some improvements in balance, overall grip has been insufficient. Drivers have struggled for confidence, even in low-speed corners like Monaco. Significant improvements are needed to address these issues.
Despite winning five out of eight races and securing seven pole positions, Red Bull is considered a relative loser due to the competition’s improvement. The weaknesses of the new RB20 are similar to its predecessor’s, but now more exposed. The rear suspension lacks compliance in roll, while the car is compliant vertically. This creates bounce issues, especially on bumpy tracks or when passing over curbs. However, the car still performs well on most tracks and is on track to win more races.
In general, the 2024 development war in F1 saw teams making progress and facing challenges. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, and the competition is fierce. Performance improvements are crucial for success, and teams are constantly working to find the right balance in their cars.
© 2024
The sports world is in shock with the surprising news that has just arrived. One of the greatest football players of today, Cristiano Ronaldo, has announced his retirement. At 39 years old, the Portuguese star has decided to hang up his boots and end his brilliant career on the field.
Ronaldo, who has won numerous titles throughout his career, including five Ballon d’Or awards, will leave an undeniable legacy in the sport. His unmatched skill, impressive speed, and goal-scoring ability will be remembered by future generations.
The player, who had memorable stints with clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, was also a key player for the Portuguese national team, leading the team in various international competitions. His dedication and passion for the sport were always evident in every match.
The news of Ronaldo’s retirement has left fans and colleagues in the profession emotional. On social media, various sports personalities paid tribute to the player, highlighting his contribution to football and wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Although the football world will miss Cristiano Ronaldo on the field, it is certain that his legacy will remain alive. His influence on the sport and his ability to inspire young players will continue to be remembered for a long time.
Now, all that’s left is to wait to find out what the next steps of the Portuguese star will be. Meanwhile, football fans around the world bid farewell to one of the greatest players of all time, thanking him for all the emotions provided throughout his career.
