Predicting the 2024 Grid – By Joe Murphy
It isn’t even 2023 yet but many eyes are looking forward at Formula 1’s medium term future. With notable names missing from the grid this year, there are scenarios being drawn up for their dramatic return, if it were to happen. With all things considered, how may the grid look in just over a year? Let’s have a think…
Mercedes – Russell and Hamilton
No changes here, other than the fact that Mick Schumacher is probably not going to be called up in this time frame. The British pairing is the perfect cocktail of experience and youth, plus a blend of quality. I wouldn’t expect it to change.
Ferrari – Leclerc and Sainz
Slightly less sure of this one as Carlos Sainz really needs to win more regularly than he has done so far in his Ferrari career. That being said, expect these two to line up again in 2024, whatever happens in 2023.
Red Bull – Verstappen and Ricciardo
The first controversial one. Daniel Riccardo could make the full-time move back to the team he arguably should never have left. The Australian is expensive and should relations break down with Checo, then he would be a suitable, ready-made replacement. We saw tension between Checo and Max towards the end of the 2022 season, is the the start of the breakdown. To be fair to the Mexican, he played a key role in the success of the year this season. But Formula 1 is a cut-throat business.
Alpha Tauri – de Vries and Vettel
The perfect combination. Fans couldn’t help but feel that the end to Sebastian Vettel’s F1 career was not quite right. Something was missing. Perhaps one last run beckons and de Vries could come on leaps and bounds with the German’s guidance. Yuki could be in trouble if he doesn’t outperform his new teammate.
McLaren – Norris and Piastri
Lando Norris isn’t going anywhere. Certainly in the eyes of McLaren. If the team are not competitive, then the driver may consider his options, but that won’t happen for another two or three years at least. He could even be the man to replace Lewis Hamilton a few years down the line. However, after all the fuss with Piastri, the team must see these two as their set pair for at least the next couple of years.
Haas – Drugovich and Magnussen
Perhaps the least predictable team in terms of long-term strategy, but Haas won’t see Nico Hulkenberg as the long term future of the constructor. Instead, that mantle will fall to a then 24 year old Felipe Drugovich, who won the F2 title this year. K-Mag is still only thirty years old, five years less than his new German teammate. Therefore, this makes him more likely to be the man to race alongside him in 2024.
Alfa Romeo – Bottas and Zhou
Like with other teams on this list, I cannot help think that these two are pretty set in their seats. The Finn will be the first choice driver over the next few years and Zhou is extremely promising and could take that mantle in 2025 or beyond.
Alpine – Gasly and Ocon
Again, I believe that Alpine have their perfect dream team. Two young and hungry drivers with points to prove. Both French for a native team and engine provider. If they can sort their rumoured relationship issues out, then this partnership could be a multi-year one.
Aston Martin – Alonso and Stroll
Alonso has been brought in on a three year deal, so he isn’t going anywhere. As for Lance, we have mentioned in previous articles here on wheel2wheelreports.com that he has the safest seat perhaps in the entire sport. Pressure may start to mount, but I cannot see this duo changing over the next 18 months.
Williams – Sargeant and Albon
Ricciardo obviously turned down a seat towards the back end of last year, leaving the team no choice but to go for the young driver who barely had a super license. Alex Albon should be safe in his seat and surely the team see some sort of long term future for his 21 year old American counterpart, meaning he will be given at least a couple of seasons to demonstrate what he can do.
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