Are There Three Drivers Outperforming Verstappen in 2024? A Look at the F1 Landscape
Max Verstappen has undoubtedly dominated Formula 1 in recent years, establishing himself as the benchmark for excellence with his raw talent, precise driving, and unparalleled consistency. However, the 2024 season has seen an interesting shift, sparking debates among fans and analysts about whether three drivers are currently outperforming the reigning champion. Let’s take a closer look at the factors driving this discussion and the contenders who have emerged as serious threats to Verstappen’s dominance.
Verstappen’s Recent Dominance: A Brief Recap
To understand why this debate holds significance, it’s important to reflect on Verstappen’s staggering success. Since his first World Championship in 2021, the Red Bull driver has gone on to dominate the F1 grid, breaking records and securing back-to-back titles. The Red Bull RB19 of 2023 further cemented his supremacy, as Verstappen cruised to victory with incredible ease in a season where his rivals often appeared powerless.
Heading into 2024, Verstappen was the clear favorite, expected to maintain his dominance. However, the season has unfolded differently, with a few key rivals stepping up and narrowing the gap. The question now arises: Are there three drivers on the grid who can rightfully claim to be performing better than Verstappen this season?
The New Challengers: Who Stands Out in 2024?
While Verstappen remains an elite driver, his challengers have made notable strides this season. Let’s evaluate the three drivers who have shown exceptional skill and consistency, putting them in the conversation as being better – at least temporarily – than the Dutch superstar.
1. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari’s Resurgence
Charles Leclerc has long been regarded as one of the most naturally gifted drivers on the grid. After a frustrating 2023 season marred by reliability issues and strategic errors, Ferrari has made significant progress with their 2024 car. The Scuderia has delivered a much more competitive package this year, allowing Leclerc to showcase his abilities to their fullest.
Leclerc’s performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. His raw pace, particularly in qualifying, has put him ahead of Verstappen on several occasions. The Monegasque driver’s ability to extract every ounce of performance from his Ferrari has impressed fans and experts alike, making him a constant contender for pole positions and race wins.
Moreover, Leclerc’s improved racecraft and consistency have addressed his previous weaknesses. Where he once struggled to manage tire wear and hold off rivals in wheel-to-wheel battles, Leclerc now looks more composed and confident. His victories this season have not only been well-deserved but have also come against fierce competition from Verstappen and others.
While Red Bull remains a force to be reckoned with, Leclerc’s performances have shown that he is capable of beating Verstappen when given a competitive car. If Ferrari continues to provide him with the tools he needs, Leclerc could very well dethrone Verstappen as the best driver of 2024.
2. Lando Norris – McLaren’s Rising Star
Lando Norris has been another standout performer this season, building on his impressive form from the second half of 2023. McLaren’s turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable, with their 2024 challenger emerging as one of the fastest and most consistent cars on the grid. Norris, in particular, has maximized the team’s potential, delivering strong performances week after week.
Norris’s strengths lie in his adaptability and race intelligence. Whether it’s wet-weather conditions, tire management, or strategic battles, the young Brit has proven that he can excel under pressure. His head-to-head battles with Verstappen this season have highlighted his growing maturity and confidence as a driver.
What makes Norris’s performances even more impressive is his ability to consistently challenge the frontrunners despite often starting from less favorable positions. McLaren’s occasional struggles in qualifying have not deterred Norris, as he has made up positions through brilliant overtakes and effective race strategies.
The Norris-Verstappen rivalry has been one of the highlights of the season, with fans witnessing thrilling on-track duels between the two drivers. While Verstappen remains a formidable opponent, Norris’s rapid rise suggests that he is not far behind – and in certain races, he has arguably been the better driver.
3. Lewis Hamilton – The Veteran Fighting Back
It would be unwise to count out Lewis Hamilton, even after Mercedes’ struggles in recent years. The seven-time World Champion has shown incredible resilience and determination in 2024, proving that he still has what it takes to compete with the very best.
Mercedes has made noticeable progress with their car this season, addressing the issues that plagued them in 2022 and 2023. While they may not yet be on Red Bull’s level in terms of outright pace, the improvements have allowed Hamilton to consistently fight at the sharp end of the grid.
Hamilton’s performances this season have been vintage in many ways – calculated, aggressive when necessary, and remarkably consistent. He has outperformed Verstappen on several occasions, showcasing his experience and racecraft in high-pressure situations. Hamilton’s ability to manage races, make strategic decisions, and execute clean overtakes remains unmatched, even as younger drivers like Leclerc and Norris rise to prominence.
One key factor that sets Hamilton apart is his ability to inspire and extract maximum performance from his team. Mercedes’ upward trajectory this season can, in part, be attributed to Hamilton’s feedback and leadership, highlighting his enduring influence both on and off the track.
Why Verstappen Isn’t Invincible in 2024
While Verstappen remains one of the most complete drivers in the sport, the 2024 season has shown that he is not invincible. A combination of factors has contributed to this perception, including:
Increased Competition: Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes have all made significant gains this season, closing the gap to Red Bull. This has resulted in Verstappen facing stronger opposition than in previous years.
Reliability Concerns: Red Bull has not been immune to technical issues in 2024, with occasional reliability problems affecting Verstappen’s performances. These setbacks have opened the door for rivals to capitalize.
Strategic Errors: While Red Bull’s strategy has often been a strength, they have made uncharacteristic errors this season that have cost Verstappen valuable points.
Combined, these challenges have created an environment where other drivers can legitimately claim to be outperforming Verstappen – at least in certain races.
The Verdict: A Season of Renewed Competition
The debate over whether three drivers are better than Verstappen in 2024 reflects the heightened competition in Formula 1 this season. While Verstappen remains a world-class talent, the performances of Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton have injected fresh excitement into the sport. Each driver brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Leclerc’s blistering pace, Norris’s adaptability, or Hamilton’s experience and consistency.
Ultimately, whether these drivers are “better” than Verstappen is subjective and depends on various factors, including car performance, team strategy, and individual brilliance. However, one thing is clear: Formula 1 in 2024 has become more competitive, unpredictable, and thrilling – and that can only be good news for fans of the sport.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Verstappen can reassert his dominance or if his rivals will continue to challenge his supremacy. Regardless of the outcome, the emergence of multiple contenders has ensured that the fight for the championship is more intense than ever.
