Over the past two seasons, Red Bull have been the dominant force in Formula 1 and Max Verstappen’s record-breaking performances have made the championship a foregone conclusion. But this year, there appears to be a genuine threat to Red Bull’s supremacy.
Throughout 2024, McLaren’s Lando Norris has enjoyed a number of podium finishes and also achieved his all-important, breakthrough win at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix in May 2024. Since his triumph at the Miami International Autodrome, the British racer has enjoyed a great run of form. Teammate Oscar Piastri also took his maiden win this season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, further contributing to McLarens points haul.
Moreover, the once all-conquering Mercedes have returned to the top step of the podium and appear to have a car that can also regularly challenge for victory. George Russell inherited the win in Austria when title-rivals Verstappen and Norris collided, while Lewis Hamilton delivered one of the drives of his career when he won his home race at Silverstone for a record ninth time, as well as taking victory at the Belgium Grand Prix following teammate Russell’s disqualification.
At the midway point of the season, Verstappen has a 78-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings over Norris. Contrastly, last year the Dutchman enjoyed a 125-point advantage after 12 races. In the teams’ standings, Red Bull earned a 42-point lead over McLaren, with Ferrari right behind. One year ago, the lead that Red Bull held mid-season was an incredible 229 points — which goes to prove how much the opposition have caught up.
Can McLaren, Mercedes — and even Ferrari — continue to take points off Verstappen as we go into the second half of the season?
