Final Thoughts about Formula 1 Top Cars in 2024

By: Olena

Posted: February 20, 2024

Updated: February 20, 2024

Here are the final Formula 1 top cars predictions for 2024
From Red Bull Honda RB20 to Ferrari SF-24, what are the odds?

What will be the Formula 1 top cars in 2024? Let’s dive into engineering marvels and strategic decisions behind the upcoming season and see what teams (and autos) are expected to dominate the track.

Red Bull Honda RB20 Can be the 2024 F1 Champion

Red Bull's latest RB20 model bears a striking resemblance to components of the Formula 1 car previously discarded by its fierce competitor Mercedes. The innovations on the RB20 signal a departure from the major trends initiated by Red Bull in this era of regulations, which other teams, including Mercedes, are only now beginning to adopt. This shift has not escaped Red Bull's notice. Christian Horner, the team principal, highlighted that several cars appear to share a similar design theme to their previous year's launch. However, Horner emphasised that Red Bull's approach has been notably bold in certain areas, with the car featuring intricate details and innovative solutions. Horner anticipates thorough scrutiny of the RB20 in the weeks ahead, acknowledging the team's strong creativity and non-conservative evolution in the car's design. World champion Max Verstappen was struck by the distinctiveness of the RB20 when he first saw its designs at the final race of 2023. Addressing comparisons to Mercedes, particularly regarding the engine cover, Verstappen maintained it still embodies Red Bull's style, albeit acknowledging the similarities. Teammate Sergio Perez echoed the sentiment of surprise at the Mercedes-inspired elements in the car while emphasizing the team's commitment to progress and boundary-pushing innovation. The RB20 marks a significant departure in design, notably with the incorporation of a prominent top inlet, contrasting with the previous 'underbite' style. Other noticeable features include the taller, vertical inlet positioned in front of the slimmer sidepod, alongside distinct design elements such as the cannons running back from the halo.

Formula 1 top cars in 2024 — Picture Source: Wikimedia Commons

Although the RB20 showcases drastic differences in certain visible surfaces, technical director Pierre Wache characterizes it as an evolutionary step, suggesting that it may incorporate ideas inspired by Mercedes' performance in the win-less 2023 season. Online sportsbooks in the UK give it good odds to be one of Formula 1 top cars in 2024.

Ferrari SF-24 Can be the Dominant One

Ferrari's 2024 Formula 1 car, the SF-24, has undergone significant changes, particularly in its aerodynamic focus, as noted by chassis technical director Enrico Cardile. However, unlike its competitors, Ferrari has opted to retain the pull-rod rear suspension configuration, making it a distinct outlier in this regard. While other teams, including Red Bull, McLaren, Alpine, and even Ferrari's customer Sauber, have embraced the pushrod rear suspension trend, Ferrari has consciously chosen to stick with the pullrod setup. This decision affects not only Ferrari's own team but also its customer team, Haas, which must follow suit due to shared components. The shift towards pushrod rear suspension among competitors stems from its perceived advantages in enhancing aerodynamics. By moving certain components out of the airflow path, it allows for cleaner airflow to the diffuser and rear wing area, potentially improving overall performance. Additionally, it offers packaging benefits, particularly at the lower front of the gearbox. Despite the industry trend, Ferrari remains steadfast in its approach, maintaining pushrod at the front and pullrod at the rear. This decision sets Ferrari apart from the rest of the field, as even Mercedes, through its collaboration with Aston Martin, has adopted the pushrod setup. Sauber's adherence to pushrod suspension, despite sourcing gearbox internals from Ferrari, highlights the significance of aerodynamics in this design choice.

Formula 1 Top Cars in 2024: Will it be Mercedes W15?

Mercedes have introduced a W15 model that has all the chances to dominate the season, according to online gambling sites in the UK. It differs significantly in appearance from its previous iterations, aiming to narrow the performance gap with Red Bull that has plagued them since the introduction of these regulations two years ago. The notable visual changes include a redesigned sidepod shape, a switch to a pushrod setup for the rear suspension instead of the previous pull-rod configuration, and the relocation of the cockpit further back, a modification advocated by Lewis Hamilton since he first drove the ’22 car. Additionally, alterations have been made to how the new front wing attaches to the nose and adjustments to the rear wing, with the goal of enhancing straight-line speed through the DRS. Behind the scenes, Mercedes has developed a completely new monocoque and gearbox casing to accommodate the targeted bodywork and floor adjustments. James Allison, the Technical Director, explains that the design process began last year, focusing on addressing issues such as the unpredictable behaviour of the rear axle from the previous model. Efforts were also directed towards refining the DRS effect and optimising pit stop performance. Despite the positive progress during the winter, Mercedes acknowledges that the true extent of their improvement will only be revealed with time. They are optimistic about the potential for ongoing development given the early stage of the regulations. The decision to move the cockpit back by approximately 10cm aims to enhance Hamilton's sensitivity to the car's rear behaviour and optimise airflow control around the front wheels by increasing the distance between the front axle and sidepods. The revised aerodynamic approach necessitated by the cockpit relocation includes a smoother undercut and a different use of the upper side impact bar to better energise airflow along the floor edges. The adoption of pushrod rear suspension, already seen in the Aston Martin car, allows for more space around the diffuser, benefiting aerodynamics. The front suspension remains pushrod-operated. Expectations are high for the W15, especially at Bet365, with the team acknowledging the significant role it could play in shaping the season ahead. Team boss Toto Wolff expresses confidence in the team's focus and determination to compete at the forefront of the field.