Formula 1: Intra-Team Battles Heat Up as Season Reaches Critical Point
As the 2024 Formula 1 season reaches its climax, the intense battles between team-mates are proving to be just as crucial as the outer-team rivalries. Max Verstappen’s dominance at Red Bull Racing has left Sergio Perez in the shadows, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are locked in a tight struggle at McLaren. Here, we examine the key intra-team battles that will shape the remainder of the season.
Red Bull Racing – Max Verstappen vs Sergio Perez
Verstappen has utterly dominated his team-mate Perez in all areas, out-qualifying him at every race and holding a substantial lead in the championship standings. Despite Perez’s podium finishes, he has only outscored Verstappen once, at the Australian GP. Red Bull has confirmed Perez’s retention for the remainder of the year, but the Mexican driver needs to up his game to avoid being overshadowed by his team-mate.
McLaren – Lando Norris vs Oscar Piastri
The McLaren duo has been evenly matched, with both drivers scoring maiden wins and podium finishes. However, Norris has dominated in qualifying, outperforming Piastri at 12 races. The team’s upward trajectory has lifted them to second in the constructors’ championship, and they remain confident of challenging for the title.
Ferrari – Charles Leclerc vs Carlos Sainz
Leclerc has held the upper hand over Sainz, outqualifying and finishing ahead of him in most races. The Monegasque driver’s win in Monaco was a highlight, while Sainz’s appendicitis-enforced absence and subsequent return to form have added to the intrigue. Leclerc leads Sainz by 20 points in the championship.
The rest of the field is also witnessing intense intra-team battles, with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon all locked in close contests. As the season reaches its final stretch, these battles will play a significant role in shaping the Formula 1 standings.
“Formula 1 is not just about the cars and the drivers, it’s also about the fierce competition within the teams.”
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments as the season unfolds, including Formula 1 standings, Formula 1 qualifying, and Formula 1 race results.
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