Ok, Ok, I failed, but hey F1 2024 is here!

Alright, I admit it. Life got the best of me towards the end of 2023, and my focus drifted away from this blog, and yes the 2023 season for Formula 1 pretty much played out as we all had thought. Red Bull wins the constructors, goes I and 2 in the drivers championship, yada yada yada.

But here we are, on the cusp on the 2024 season, and I'm refreshed and ready to go! Hopefully on a more consistent basis of course. So where oh where do we start???

The news of the season

Ok, well by now, everyone in the world has heard of the massive shift in our collective Formula 1 minds/lives. Hamilton will drive for Ferrari in 2025. Even I figured Hamilton to be the defacto number 1 driver for Mercedes until he decided to retire or couldn't come to terms over a new contract after the 2025 season. So splitting from the home where he won 6 of his world championships a year early, and to announce it before the 2024 season even starts, big news, big shock.

Of course how it plays out over the course of the season will be under everyone's spotlight. How does Mercedes new car design fair? How well will Hamilton perform with it? How much effort will Mercedes put behind Hamilton's push for an 8th title? From the outside looking in after all these years, I don't see Mercedes dropping the ball now when it comes to Hamilton. The relationship has just been too strong, and I think both parties would love to close this chapter with as much celebration as possible. I do however see at some point the shift to cater to George a lot sooner. Upgrades, race strategy, support, etc.. He is their man going forward......well at least for 2024. Anyone recall how Daniel faired when Red Bull brought in a new young buck named Max? While I don't see that scenario playing out for George next year with Mercedes, his future teammate will upset the apple cart a bit depending on who fills the massive vacancy left by Lewis.

How will Carlos and Ferrari get along is nearly as much under the spotlight as what will happen next door at Mercedes. A tough year ahead mentally for Carlos. He already had a challenging 2023 when it came to support in race strategy at Ferrari (even having to take control and shun the engineers and smooth operate his way to podiums). So this season will be a challenge for sure. Not a great feeling when you are as surprised as anyone about losing your job for 2025. Best thing for Carlos, there is a lot of muscial chairs going on for 2025, and it will be in his best interest to perform each and every race. He is a solid driver, and could be number 1 at any team if given the chance.

It will be a season to watch for sure, and not only at Mereceds and Ferrari. Get ready for my next post where I'll give my BOLD PREDICTIONS for the upcoming season!