21 races of this Formula 1 season have been completed, with the 22nd and final race taking place on Sunday (November 26th, 2023, live ticker at sportschau.de) at the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Very special: The race starts at dusk and ends under floodlights. Sportschau.de gives an overview of what can still be expected in the drivers’ and constructors’ rankings despite the World Cup decision being made a long time ago.
What decisions are still pending?
Max Verstappen ahead of Sergio Perez ahead of Lewis Hamilton – the first three places in the World Championship standings have been taken. Red Bull is also the defending champion among the constructors. Behind them, Mercedes and Ferrari are still fighting for second place – and with it many millions in bonuses from the world association FIA. The gap is minimal: with 392 points, Mercedes is four points ahead of Ferrari (388).
A lot is possible for the drivers from fourth place onwards: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) are currently tied with 200 points each, and Lando Norris (6th/McLaren/195) and Charles are also within striking distance Leclerc (7./Ferrari/188).
Can Verstappen collect more records?
With his 53rd Grand Prix victory at the race in Las Vegas, Max Verstappen drew level with Sebastian Vettel, and he can now outpace him. Only Lewis Hamilton (103) and Michael Schumacher (91) now have more Grand Prix victories than Verstappen – and he is just 26 years old. Other figures prove that the Dutchman is simply competing in a different league this year: He has collected more than twice as many points as runner-up world champion Perez; he alone would easily lead the team rankings. Incredible: Verstappen has won 18 of the 21 races so far, and he was only not on the podium once this season (Singapore). He also likes the track in Abu Dhabi – he has won there the last three years.
Will it be more exciting again next year?
Hardly likely. Okay, who can’t remember the heart-pounding finale in Abu Dhabi between Verstappen and Hamilton two years ago? But since then, Formula 1 has been a one-man show – and that is unlikely to change in 2024. Red Bull’s lead seems too huge. The brewery racing team even had to absorb a wind tunnel penalty for violating the budget cap. Major rule changes that may shake up the field again are not planned until the 2026 season – then the new engine regulations will take effect.
Which cockpits are still available for 2024?
Last race, last chance for the drivers to promote themselves. So far, however, it is clear: Mick Schumacher has not landed any of the coveted jobs, the 24-year-old remains a substitute at Mercedes – and also drives for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, including at the classic in Le Mans. In general, the driver market has remained surprisingly quiet this year. There were always rumors at Red Bull about Perez being kicked out, but ultimately the Mexican will probably continue to drive alongside Verstappen in 2024.
The other top teams such as Ferrari or the Silver Arrows around Hamilton are also entering the new season unchanged. Actually, there is only one place left at Williams. It is not yet known whether Logan Sargeant will be allowed to stay after his mixed debut season (exactly one championship point).