With an action-packed first half of the season behind us as F1 embarks on its traditional summer break, now feels like the ideal time to take stock of what has happened in the opening 14 races – and what could still be in store for the remaining 10. Will Buxton, Lawrence Barretto, Alex Jacques and David Tremayne reflect on the 2024 campaign so far and share their predictions for what could happen next.
What was the best race of the season so far?
Will Buxton (F1 Digital Presenter): We’ve been treated to some great races – Miami, Imola, Canada, Silverstone and Hungary all had me on the edge of my seat. But for me it’s Spa. It might not have had the most passes, or appeared the most out-and-out thrilling, but what stood out for me was that at the flag the top three were covered by a little over a second, and the top six in just under 10. And all this on the longest lap of the year and in a race uninterrupted by Safety Cars. It showed just how close the competition is this year and whetted my appetite for the second half of the season.
POLL: What has been the best Grand Prix of the 2024 F1 season so far?
Lawrence Barretto (F1 Correspondent & Presenter): We are fortunate that there are so many to choose from, but I’m going to choose Austria. Lando Norris and Max Verstappen’s fight for the lead was enthralling and set the tone in their rivalry. It was unfortunate they came together, but George Russell didn’t mind as he sailed to his first victory of the season, having driven brilliantly to run third and be in a position to take the opportunity.
Alex Jacques (F1 TV Commentator): Silverstone is at the top of the list for me. To have five drivers in with a shot of winning the Grand Prix is so unusual. The overtaking skill shown by so many in both the wet and dry was impressive and to have things conclude with such emotional scenes for Hamilton, as he ended his winless streak, made it a really special Grand Prix.
David Tremayne (Hall of Fame F1 Journalist): The British GP, without question, for me. Three of the top four teams – Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull – were in the fight in a race run in tricky weather conditions on one of the fastest and most demanding tracks on the calendar. And home hero Lewis Hamilton rose superbly to the occasion to drive his best race since Abu Dhabi ’21 in an on-form Mercedes, master the tricky tyre management in each disparate stage, remind the world of his enduring talent, and score a hugely emotional, record-breaking win that was exactly what so many of the crowd had come to see. Who doesn’t love a happy ending?
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