As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches its final stages, the battle for the Drivers’ Championship has been intensifying. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, currently sits third in the standings with 291 points, trailing leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who has amassed 362 points, and McLaren’s Lando Norris, who holds 315 points.
With only three races remaining, Ferrari fans can’t help but wonder, does Leclerc still have a realistic chance of clinching the 2024 championship?
What the sportsbooks think
For fans and bettors alike, the excitement of the championship race extends beyond the track. Offshore sportsbooks have become increasingly popular for wagering on a variety of sports, including Formula 1. According to sports betting expert Adam Haynes, these platforms often offer competitive odds, faster pay outs, and a broader range of betting markets compared to traditional bookmakers. Given the sport’s worldwide fan base, many of them are renowned for their extensive F1 betting options and prompt transaction processing (source: https://bestoffshoresportsbooks.org/).
As of November 1, 2024, the odds for the Drivers’ Championship reflect the current standings:
- Max Verstappen: 1/2 (-200)
- Lando Norris: 3/1 (+300)
- Charles Leclerc: 10/1 (+1000)
These odds indicate that while Verstappen remains the favourite, Leclerc is still in contention, albeit as an underdog. However, while this reflects the most likely outcome, for many of the Tifosi, the dream is still alive given that it’s at least still mathematically possible.
Leclerc’s season has been marked by consistent podium finishes and two race victories. However, a few missed opportunities and mechanical issues have hindered his ability to close the gap to Verstappen. The remaining races in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi present both challenges and opportunities.
Historically, Leclerc has performed well at circuits like Las Vegas and Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. To overtake Verstappen, Leclerc would need to secure multiple race wins and rely on his rivals encountering misfortunes. Given the current points deficit, even a flawless performance may not suffice without external factors influencing the outcomes.
Ferrari’s strategic decisions and car reliability will play crucial roles in Leclerc’s pursuit of the title. The team must ensure optimal performance and avoid errors that could cost valuable points. Additionally, team orders and support from teammate Carlos Sainz could be pivotal in challenging Red Bull’s dominance.
How things look for Sainz, Norris, and Hamilton
Carlos Sainz has shown impressive consistency throughout the 2024 season, becoming a valuable asset to Ferrari and, potentially, a key factor in Charles Leclerc’s championship ambitions. While Leclerc remains Ferrari’s primary contender for the title, Sainz has delivered podium finishes in several recent races, amassing crucial points for Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship.
Sainz’s strong performances in the last few races have underscored his ability to adapt to different track conditions and work with the team’s strategy, which could become essential as the season draws to a close. His recent win in Mexico not only bolstered his standing but also demonstrated Ferrari’s improved pace.
If Leclerc has any realistic shot at catching Verstappen, he’ll likely need support from his teammate, and Sainz seems willing to play a team role where needed. Although Sainz himself is mathematically out of contention for the Drivers’ Championship, his dedication to Ferrari’s objectives has shown he could assist Leclerc in gaining a competitive edge.
Lando Norris has been a standout performer this season, placing him as the closest challenger to Verstappen’s dominance. Norris’s consistency has been remarkable, with multiple podiums and three race wins in 2024, including his recent victory at the United States Grand Prix, which narrowed the points gap to Verstappen.
McLaren’s focus on car development has paid off, allowing Norris to extract maximum performance from each race weekend. His ability to qualify high and convert those starting positions into podium finishes has kept him firmly in the title race as he and Verstappen have had some epic duels on the track already.
Norris’s momentum positions him as a realistic threat to Verstappen’s title bid, especially given McLaren’s recent upgrades that have boosted performance on high-speed tracks. With just a few points between him and the top, he could feasibly secure the championship if Verstappen encountered any setbacks in the final races.
One of the most talked-about developments for the upcoming 2025 season is Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari. After an illustrious career with Mercedes, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari represents a new chapter. This marks a major opportunity for a rebound, not just for Hamilton but for Ferrari, which has struggled to reclaim championship glory since its last Constructors’ title in 2008.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has expressed his excitement about joining the legendary Italian team and hasn’t been shy this season to make his feelings about Max Verstappen known either. This high-profile move has sparked interest in Ferrari’s 2025 ambitions, as Hamilton’s experience and skill could help elevate the team’s competitiveness.
For Ferrari, Hamilton’s arrival brings invaluable expertise and an intense desire to add another title to his legacy. His insights into race strategy, car development, and leadership in the paddock will be essential for Ferrari, especially if they hope to contend with Red Bull and McLaren on a more consistent basis.
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