FLOYD ON F1: Verstappen’s Red Bull might be even better in 2024

Following the emphatic demonstration by the combination of RB19 and Max Verstappen in Japan, where Red Bull sealed the F1 Constructors title, this weekend could see the Dutchman take his third Drivers title.

His closest contender is team-mate Sergio Perez, who trails by 177 points and on current form is unlikely to prove a threat, as is third-placed Lewis Hamilton on 190 points.

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F1 title up for grabs

This weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix being a Sprint Race event means there are more points available. The winner of the GP can earn an additional point to the 25 for winning the race. There is another eight points on offer for winning the sprint race. So in total, one driver can earn a total of 34 points.

Verstappen needs to end the Qatar weekend with a lead of 146 points over Perez and the championship is his.

The last F1 winner in Qatar was Hamilton in 2021, with Verstappen second. No race was held in 2022 due to Qatar hosting the Fifa World Cup.

It’s set to be a very competitive weekend.

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Honda chief bullish

A recent interview with Dutch publication De Telegraaf does not bode well for those fighting to challenge Red Bull’s domination. We have already seen huge improvements from F1 teams such as McLaren and Ferrari, with the former creeping ever nearer to a win.

But Koji Watanabe, Honda Chief, was quoted as saying: “In terms of power and performance, we may not improve anything, but in other areas, we can make strides even with this engine.

“At Ferrari, for example, they have developed the engine considerably and Mercedes’ ERS system is also very strong.”

He continued: “We will also improve our engine for next year in terms of its longevity. So there is definitely something in the pipeline.”

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Durability key

It all comes down to the fact that despite an engine freeze preventing any gains in the power units performance, it does not prohibit the improvement in reliability. Such improvements are permitted and can result in efficiency and power gains. But it is the durability of the unit which plays the greatest role.

With only three power units allowed per F1 season, making them more durable results in a limitation of the initial power loss and subsequent losses over a season. Simply put, if the engine lasts longer with reduced wear it has to be beneficial to the team. Now that makes a lot of sense!

As it is a sprint weekend here is the timetable for the Qatar Grand Prix:
Friday: Free Practice: 3.30pm. Qualifying: 7pm.
Saturday: Sprint Shootout: 3pm. Sprint: 7.30pm.
Sunday: Grand Prix: 7pm.