Mercedes asserts itself as a key contender in the second F1 season; Red Bull tightening in every aspect
RB
They managed to gain a point due to Russell’s disqualification. However, it was a challenging weekend at Spa, particularly for Yuki Tsunoda, who struggled more with speed and pace.
This point is vital for the team, as the competition for the last points in the midfield is intense race after race. ESPN
Alpine
After two races without scoring, Alpine returned to the points with Esteban Ocon finishing in ninth place, marking his first points in three races. Unfortunately, Pierre Gasly ended up P13 and scored no points. Ocon’s ninth place is his highest position of the season thus far. Ricardo Cariño
“It wasn’t a good day today at Spa. It was hard to compete with the cars around us due to our lack of straight-line speed, and we also had to manage some temperature issues, among other factors. I feel we missed a strategic opportunity today, as did some other teams, with a one-stop strategy clearly being feasible,” –Pierre Gasly
Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were among those who opted for a one-stop strategy, which ultimately paid off, allowing Aston Martin to score 4 points. However, it’s evident that they are far from being a competitive team at this time and are unlikely to turn things around in the second half of the season. Erick Cervantes Roon
“The car doesn’t feel great; the tires wear out significantly during a stop, and the pace is slow.” — Fernando Alonso
Ferrari
A track known for its high speeds and demanding aerodynamic requirements raised questions about Ferrari’s performance in the second sector, but they had a commendable race.
It’s worth noting that Charles Leclerc’s podium finish was largely due to Russell’s disqualification and that he gained pole position because of Verstappen’s penalty. Nonetheless, they hadn’t been contending for top positions on Saturday or Sunday for some time, and Leclerc needed a strong weekend like this. Victor Macin
“It’s great. I definitely wasn’t expecting this this weekend,” Charles Leclerc said after qualifying (pole due to Verstappen’s penalty).
Haas
There was little to gain for the American team. Spa-Francorchamps revealed the weaknesses of the lower-budget and slower teams, leaving Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen with little to accomplish this weekend. Both were eliminated in Q1, and race results were similarly disappointing, with Kevin finishing fourteenth and Nico in last place. Ricardo Cariño
“We didn’t have the pace to compete higher up today. I can’t say we made any mistakes; we just weren’t quick enough. We thought this track would suit us, but we’ve been caught out before, and this was our worst race in a long time,” Kevin Magnussen.
Kick-Sauber
Once again, Stake returned home from the Belgian Grand Prix without any points. Valtteri Bottas started from 14th on the grid and finished P15, benefitting from George Russell’s disqualification. Zhou Guanyu was less fortunate, retiring from the race on lap six due to technical issues. Rafael Zamorano
“I hope Zandvoort, where I’ll be running the same upgraded car that Valtteri has been using in the last two races, will be a turning point for us as a team,” — Zhou Guanyu.
McLaren
Oscar Piastri delivered an impressive performance, moving up from third to second place after George Russell’s disqualification. With this finish, he not only secured second place but also surpassed Carlos Sainz in the drivers’ standings, placing himself fourth. The Australian narrowly missed out on another victory, but mistakes during his second pit stop hindered his race. Lando Norris, who started in fourth place ahead of Piastri, finished sixth in the race (fifth after Russell’s DQ). The papaya team is making steady progress, and Red Bull needs to be aware of the competition. Ricardo Cariño
“We need to work with the drivers to ensure that, even in the most stressful moments, they don’t overshoot the pit stop position, as it can be very costly. I believe something similar happened at Silverstone,” Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Sporting Director.
Mercedes
Rules prevented Mercedes from achieving a 1-2 finish, but an inexplicable strategy nearly cost the ‘Silver Arrows’ Lewis Hamilton’s win. Despite Hamilton being faster than George Russell, the team failed to instruct the driver lagging behind to allow the more competitive driver to pass. Fortunately for Mercedes, Oscar Piastri didn’t manage to take the lead and spoil their achievements. Erick Cervantes Roon
“There are no excuses. We clearly made a mistake, and we must ensure that we learn from it. For George, this is a huge blow,” Toto Wolff stated in comments reported by The Guardian following George Russell’s disqualification.
Red Bull
The team is currently in damage control mode. The current trend favors rivals like Mercedes and McLaren. However, the advantage Red Bull held in the first five races continues to weigh on both the drivers’ and teams’ standings.
A break is beneficial for them to assess their strengths and weaknesses and rethink their season, as we can confidently say that each victory and pole position will demand significant effort. ESPN
“Our biggest concern isn’t my teammate but the car. That’s where our focus needs to be,” Max Verstappen
Williams
A solid weekend for the team. Albon fought for Q3 and points, but the car still lags behind those with a better chance of reaching ninth or tenth position.
As for Logan Sargeant, it is crucial for him to finish his remaining F1 races strongly — for professionalism and to attract the attention of significant teams in other categories, as it seems unlikely he will secure a spot in the top series. Victor Macin
Mercedes Establishes Itself as a Major Player in F1’s Second Season; Red Bull Faces Increasing Pressure
Mercedes
Mercedes showcased its strength at the Belgian Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton achieving a significant victory. Although the team faced criticism for a confusing strategy that nearly cost them the race, the outcome solidified their position as a force in the 2024 season. Hamilton’s win underlined the team’s resilience and skill, even when strategic choices faltered.
“There are no excuses. We clearly made a mistake and we need to make sure we learn from that. For George it’s a massive blow,” said Toto Wolff, reflecting on the team’s operational challenges.
Red Bull
Facing mounting pressure, Red Bull Racing is in damage control mode. Although the team dominated early in the season, recent races have shown their vulnerabilities. Max Verstappen expressed concerns about their car’s performance, stating, “Our biggest concern is not my teammate, but the car.”
The team must address these issues urgently, as their rivals, especially Mercedes and McLaren, are rapidly closing the gap.
McLaren
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri delivered an impressive performance, moving from third to second place in the race. Piastri’s focus and skill demonstrated that McLaren is gradually reclaiming its competitive edge. However, Lando Norris struggled, finishing lower than expected despite starting in a strong position.
“We have to work with the drivers so that, even in the most tense moments, they don’t overshoot the pitstop position because it can be very costly,” noted Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Sporting Director, emphasizing the need for improved management during races.
Alpine
Alpine returned to form with a points finish for Esteban Ocon in ninth place, snapping a disappointing streak. Pierre Gasly struggled with his performance, ultimately finishing P13. Both drivers noted that missteps in strategy contributed to their struggles.
“It was difficult to fight with the cars around us when we lacked straight-line speed,” said Pierre Gasly, analyzing the team’s challenges in Spa.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin managed to score 4 points, but there remains a palpable gap in competitiveness. Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll attempted a one-stop strategy, which slightly improved their performance, yet Alonso’s comments about tire wear suggested ongoing struggles.
“The car doesn’t feel too good,” Alonso lamented, highlighting the need for further improvements before the season progresses.
Ferrari
Ferrari had a much-needed boost with Charles Leclerc securing a podium finish. While some luck played a role with Russell’s disqualification and Verstappen’s penalty, Leclerc’s performance was commendable. The team looks poised to regain some of its former glory.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting this this weekend,” Leclerc remarked, showing relief amid the challenges faced by the Scuderia.
Haas
Haas faced significant difficulties in Spa, with both drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, finishing far behind the points. The team’s lack of pace became evident, showcasing the disparity between higher and lower-budget teams.
“We didn’t have the pace to fight higher up today,” remarked Magnussen, encapsulating the struggles of the American team.
Kick-Sauber
Kick-Sauber once again left the Belgian Grand Prix without points, with Valtteri Bottas finishing P15 and Zhou Guanyu retiring due to technical issues early in the race. The team is eagerly looking ahead to the Zandvoort race, hoping for a turning point.
“I hope that Zandvoort will be the turning point for us,” Zhou Guanyu expressed, underscoring the team’s need for a fresh start.
Williams
Williams had a mixed weekend with Alexander Albon showing potential to contend for Q3. However, Logan Sargeant needs to finish strong to secure his future in F1 or elsewhere in motorsports. The team must enhance its car performance to compete effectively in the midfield.
“For professionalism, seriousness… it does not seem that he will have a place in the top series,” Victor Macin commented on Sargeant’s challenging position.
Performance Overview Table
| Team | Drivers | Race Finish | Points Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes | Lewis Hamilton, George Russell | 1st, DQ | 25 |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez | 5th, 6th | 6 |
| McLaren | Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris | 2nd, 5th | 18 |
| Alpine | Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly | 9th, 13th | 2 |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll | 8th, 12th | 4 |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz | 3rd, 4th | 15 |
| Haas | Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen | 16th, 14th | 0 |
| Kick-Sauber | Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu | 15th, DNF | 0 |
| Williams | Alexander Albon, Logan Sargeant | 10th, 13th | 1 |
Practical Tips for F1 Fans
- Stay Updated: Follow reliable F1 news platforms to keep up with the latest race results and team performance updates.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions on Twitter or Reddit to gain insights from other fans and analysts.
- Watch Replays: Check out race replays to analyze strategies, driver performance, and race dynamics that you may have missed during live broadcasts.
- Attend Races: If possible, attend F1 races for the live experience and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere.
- Decode Team Strategies: Learn about team strategies and driver communication to appreciate the intricacies of F1 racing.
