The Monza Grand Prix led to controversy about McLaren’s strategy calls in regards to Lando Norris’ championship challenge. With there all to play for between the Briton and his fellow drivers, how open is the 2024 F1 WDC?
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Last weekend, the Monza Grand Prix struck up an important conversation surrounding the strategy calls at McLaren. This is not the first time this has happened this season after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Lando Norris led from Pole at the first corner, but was soon overtaken by his teammate Oscar Piastri. This move ultimately took points from Norris’ Championship campaign when he finished P3 to the Australian’s P2.
It was likely that the pair would have held onto a 1-2 throughout the race, which would have not only decreased the gap to Verstappen but also to Red Bull in the Constructors’ title fight.
McLaren continue to close the gap to Red Bull 👀#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/hy9tDp9dDk
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 1, 2024
Debate has been sparked regarding McLaren’s lack of number one driver. The team is seemingly content to let their drivers race regardless of their grid position and standings in the Championship fight. Others believe that Norris should be prioritised to secure the championship win that he is close to.
However, now Ferrari and Charles Leclerc cannot be counted out, in what has become an open 2024 F1 WDC. Leclerc sits on 217 points, 24 points behind Norris on 241. Verstappen leads with 303.
How Open is the 2024 F1 WDC?
While all 20 drivers have a role to play in the 2024 F1 WDC, those at the top with the Dutchman and Briton will be essential in determining who takes the Championship in Abu Dhabi.
The state of play leaving Monza 📈#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/Cq0sU9VkAW
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 1, 2024
If Verstappen classifies P2 in every race from Baku to Abu Dhabi then he will finish with 469 points. For Norris to win his first Championship this year following this scenario, he must win every race. He should also look to achieve at least 5 out of the 8 fastest laps available to end on 470 points.
Leclerc would need 11 points over Verstappen per race while Piastri would need 14. Considering Ferrari’s pace in Monza, if Sainz was added into the competition, he would need 15 points per race.
The Norris Curse
Norris has not only fell victim to strategy mishaps. The McLaren driver has experienced a series of poor starts that he is at fault for.
He lost two positions in Spain after Turn 1 and went P1 to P3. When at the Hungaroring, he lost three positions after Turn 1 again from P1 to P4. In Belgium, he lost three positions after Turn 1 from P4 to P7. In China, he lost six places in the Sprint Race from P1 to P7 after Turn 1. The Miami International Autodrome Sprint Race saw him go from P9 to P20. He lost 11 places but was spun out by an Aston Martin.
In Monza he lost his P1 start to Piastri. His failure to capitalise on his qualifying performances could detrimentally effect his chances of winning his maiden Formula 1 title in what is an open race suited to McLaren’s advantages over the grid.
Image Credit: McLaren Racing Media Centre
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