In search of the “antimax equation”

The Philosopher’s Stone and the Elixir of Eternal Life are just a few examples of how much humanity has fantasized about the idea of ​​finding an element or substance that could turn everything into gold or give someone the greatest power possible. It’s just that. And that will be the “anti-Max style” that is currently being transferred to F1. Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin have been on the road for months in search of what currently seems unachievable: their cars matching the level Max Verstappen can pull from Red Bull. continuing.

How long will Max’s overwhelming dominance last? As regulations are maintained over the years, the situation on the grid tends to level out. This trend began to emerge in 2023, the second year of the current rules. The year ended with all cars tightening up and anyone making a mistake potentially falling to Q1 or Q2, with performance varying greatly depending on each course. With the exception of Verstappen, everyone continued on on another planet.

Most worryingly for all his rivals, Max won the last event of the year by 17 seconds in a car that Red Bull had already warned was underdeveloped since mid-year. They gave themselves the luxury of focusing on the 2024 car, while the rest continued to put their energy and time into improving this year’s car. Hamilton’s reflection therefore makes a lot of sense. “Red Bull won by 17 seconds, but they haven’t touched the car since August or July, so you can guess where they will be next year.”

But his pursuers try. Alonso is confident Aston Martin can repeat the remarkable leap in performance it achieved last winter. And the green team also needs to improve its development during the course. Mercedes also believes they can grow after being away for two years. And Sainz has faith in Maranello, stressing that if McLaren takes a big step towards the second-to-last race midway through the season, Ferrari can turn things around this winter.Everyone dreams, but one thing is clear: Verstappen will be the clear favorite to win again.

Format changes for the 2024 sprint

Barring any changes to the current F1 driver grid, Logan Sargent’s continued stay at Williams has not been officially confirmed, but next year’s main changes will likely be related to the calendar. In 2023, 23 races were held, but due to the cancellation of Imola due to heavy flooding, 22 races were held. There will be 24 tests next year. I would like to keep an eye on what kind of sprint-style GP will be like.

The team is asking for changes in this regard. The idea of ​​flipping the starting grid in sprint races is gaining momentum. It is possible that the World Championship rankings will be used as a reference, but it remains to be seen whether the sprint race points will be added to the Drivers’ World Championship or to a new accompanying competition.