What’s left to play for in the final two F1 races in 2024?

Now that Formula 1’s 2024 world drivers’ championship has been secured by Max Verstappen after Las Vegas, it could be assumed that the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are little more than dead rubbers. In reality, the 2024 season is far from over as there’s still plenty to play for across the final two races.

Some of the honours left to lay claim are more valuable than others – both prestige and prize money are on the table. Here are the battles that remain to be concluded in this 2024 season.

Which team will be world champion in 2024?

Although the drivers’ championship is well and truly over, the constructors’ championship is still in full swing. In addition, the race between McLaren and Ferrari, first and second in the standings, is very close and could offer something of a spectacle.

McLaren currently leads the way with 608 points, while the Prancing Horse has 584. Ferrari managed to take 12 points out of McLaren’s advantage at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, reducing the gap to 24 points. The Nevada round seemed to be Ferrari’s last real opportunity to deliver a decisive blow to McLaren’s lead, as the last two rounds should be more favourable to the Woking outfit.

However, nothing is decided between the two teams, and it must not be forgotten that Red Bull is still in mathematical contention. The reigning world champion is more than 50 points behind McLaren and, although it is possible to close the gap, there’s a slim chance of that happening.

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko declared after the race last weekend that the constructors’ championship was no longer possible for Red Bull, admitting that Sergio Perez’s travails in the second car had delivered a significant hit to its chances. “Checo has over 200 points less than Max, and then it’s clear that the constructors’ title is no longer possible. If Sergio was anywhere near [Lewis] Hamilton and [George] Russell or Ferrari or even McLaren, then we would be well ahead again.”

The most realistic target for the Milton Keynes team seems to be second place in the championship, although it must overhaul Ferrari’s 29-point lead in the standings.

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team, 2nd position, and Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari, 3rd position, talk in Parc Ferme

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

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