Five reasons to be excited for the new season in F1

The 75th Formula 1 World Championship is set to be the longest season in history. There is not much time left till the season opening Bahrain GP, and we at Paddock Magazine collected five reasons why you should definitely follow Formula 1 in 2024.

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Lewis Hamilton’s last season at Mercedes

Drama, fascination, surprise – just a few words that came to our mind when Ferrari made this very short statement: „Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract.”

The seven-time world champion activated a release clause in his contract with Mercedes, which was due to expire at the end of 2025. Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 and won six of his seven world titles at the Silver Arrows. Hamilton and Mercedes achieved enormous success together but this partnership will end at the end of 2024.

Could anyone match Verstappen and Red Bull?

18 is the number. 18 records were either being set or equalled by Max Verstappen last year. The 26-year-old driver had an extraordinary year in 2023. Without any major changes in the regulations, the rivals have a pretty tough job against the Dutchman and Red Bull. However, both McLaren and Aston Martin proved that anything is possible. Let’s see if anyone can match Red Bull this year.

Tight battle in the midfield

The midfield has moved a lot closer together recently and the order is expected to exchange positions throughout the 2024 season. The fight for ‘best of the rest’ could be really intense as many midfield teams have exciting projects to get back on track. We also have two new team principals on the grid, Ayao Komatsu takes over the TP role from Günther Steiner at Haas F1 Team and Laurent Mekies replaces Franz Tost as Visa Cash App RB’s team principal.

F1’s longest season

24 races in 2024 – the season begins in Bahrain at the first weekend of March and finishes in Abu Dhabi on December 8. This is the longest calendar in the sport’s history. There is no new venue added to the calendar this time, however, after a four-year absence, China returns to the calendar.

Expiring contracts

Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Zhou Guanyu, Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Hülkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant – all these drivers have contracts until the end of 2024. Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes guarantees that the dirver market will get exciting in 2024. Let’s not forget that there are many young drivers in the junior categories waiting for an F1 seat as well.