Formula 1, 2024: McLaren aim to secure Constructors' Championship
The 2024 Formula 1 season is approaching its climax with Max Verstappen on the cusp of the drivers' title. However, the fight for the Constructors' Championship is still wide open with three races to go. Despite Verstappen's stunning win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix that all but ended Lando Norris's individual title hopes, his Red Bull Racing team is an underdog in the team battle against leaders McLaren and second-placed Scuderia Ferrari.
McLaren extend lead in Constructors' Championship
Despite a tough weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, McLaren were able to extend their lead in the Constructors' Championship over Ferrari. This was thanks to a one-two finish spearheaded by Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri in the Sprint and their respective sixth and eighth positions in the race. The duo's performance increased McLaren's advantage to 36 points over Ferrari. McLaren own 593 points with Ferrari having 557 points under their belt. Red Bull are placed next (544).
The final 3 races of the season
The last three races of the season will start in Las Vegas, head to a Sprint weekend in Qatar and end in Abu Dhabi. Notably, each team can earn a maximum tally of 44 points on a regular race weekend. But an extra 15 points are available for each constructor during the Sprint weekend in Qatar. These extra points could be pivotal in deciding the Constructors' Championship winner.
The significance of Constructors' Championship
As per Sky Sports, the Constructors' Championship is important as it decides the distribution of Formula 1's massive prize pot, which is 50% of F1's commercial rights revenue for every season. The champions get an estimated 14% of this, making the race for this title financially important. This year, both McLaren and Ferrari are looking to end their long championship droughts, adding more than just financial stakes to the race.
Red Bull's performance and future prospects
Despite Red Bull's eight race wins this season, all by Verstappen, they sit third in the Constructors' standings as mentioned above. Sergio Perez's struggles have played a part in this. His form has worsened of late with just two points finishes in the last five Grands Prix and three early qualifying exits in that streak. This puts pressure on Verstappen to deliver exceptionally in the remaining races of the season.
