Source – The Race
Here are some things to watch out for as the second half of the Formula One season approaches.
As Formula 1 gears up to resume after its mid-season break, the anticipation for what lies ahead is palpable. The first half of the season has set the stage for some intense battles, with McLaren emerging as a powerhouse with the fastest car on the grid. However, despite their performance, they have struggled to fully capitalize on their potential. Meanwhile, Red Bull, despite holding a significant lead in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, finds itself facing unexpected challenges.
With Mercedes now showing signs of resurgence, having claimed three victories in the last four races—two on pure merit—the second half of the season is set to be a thrilling contest. Here’s a look at the key storylines that will shape the remainder of the year.
Red Bull vs. McLaren: The Battle Intensifies
Source – F1
Max Verstappen currently enjoys a 78-point lead over Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship, and Red Bull holds a 42-point advantage over McLaren in the Constructors’ standings. However, McLaren has been steadily chipping away at Red Bull’s lead, making the battle for supremacy far from over. If McLaren continues its upward trajectory, the championship fight could go down to the wire, potentially being decided at the Abu Dhabi finale.
Red Bull’s recent struggles have been exacerbated by the dip in form of Sergio Perez, whose performance slump has allowed McLaren to close the gap. Despite this, Perez has been given another chance, particularly with upcoming races in Baku and Singapore—tracks where he has traditionally performed well. While Verstappen is likely to maintain his lead in the Drivers’ standings until at least Singapore, the Constructors’ Championship appears to be a more attainable goal for McLaren, especially if Perez’s form doesn’t improve.
The MCL38 has proven to be a well-rounded and reliable car, arguably more consistent than the RB20. While Red Bull might have the edge in outright pace under perfect conditions, McLaren must seize the moment and avoid any further operational mistakes, like those seen at the British Grand Prix. For Red Bull, the summer break has been a crucial period to address the issues that have made their car more challenging to drive.
Mercedes: A New Era or Another False Start?
Source – FormulaNerds.com
Just a few races ago in Monaco, Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025 seemed like a masterstroke. However, with Mercedes now finding its form, that move might appear premature. The Silver Arrows have finally cracked the code on optimizing their ground-effects car, and the results are beginning to show. Victories in Austria, Britain, and Belgium, along with pole positions in Canada and Britain, suggest that the team is on an upward trajectory.
While it’s too early to declare that Mercedes is fully “back,” the team’s recent performance indicates that they are moving in the right direction after several false starts. With the 2025 season effectively beginning now, Hamilton may start to be gradually excluded from technical meetings to prevent him from taking Mercedes’ secrets to Ferrari. Currently, Ferrari sits third in the Constructors’ Championship with 345 points, while Mercedes is fourth with 266 points, trailing by 79 points. If Mercedes manages to overtake Ferrari by the end of the season, it would be a significant achievement for Toto Wolff, especially given the context of losing his star driver.
Alpine’s Leadership Shake-Up and Sainz’s Williams Gamble
Source – Thejudge13
Alpine has experienced significant leadership turnover over the past year, with several senior figures, including the CEO, Team Principal, and Technical Director, among others, leaving the team. The task of stabilizing the ship now falls to the new boss, Oliver Oakes, who must lay the groundwork for a more stable future. Meanwhile, Renault is reportedly considering ending its works engine program and reverting to customer status, adding another layer of complexity to Oakes’ challenge. Together with his new technical leader, David Sanchez, Oakes needs time to implement his vision and turn things around at Enstone.
Carlos Sainz’s decision to join Williams will also be under the spotlight as the team strives to prove that they are on the right path. Williams had a tough start to the season, operating in survival mode with just two chassis, and even being forced to bench Logan Sargeant during the Australian GP weekend due to a lack of resources. However, with those challenges now behind them, Williams is refocusing on performance. Upgrades are expected before the season ends, and James Vowles and his team must now demonstrate why Sainz believed in their project.
Dutch GP: The Return of F1
As Formula 1 heads to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Max Verstappen as he aims to put an end to Lando Norris’ title hopes. The pressure is also mounting on Sergio Perez, while Daniel Ricciardo will be looking to make his mark. The upcoming race weekend will set the tone for the remainder of the season and could be a pivotal moment in determining the 2024 champions. With so much at stake, the second half of the season promises to be a rollercoaster ride, with plenty of twists and turns still to come.
