The race for the 2024 F1 championship is entering a thrilling climax, with only six races remaining in just eight weeks. Among these, the Sprint race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) presents a crucial opportunity for Lando Norris to close the gap in the standings.
Chance to Claim the Championship
After an impressive victory in Singapore, Norris is now just 52 points behind the leader, creating strong momentum for the McLaren driver. The Sprint in Austin offers a total of 34 points, making it an unmissable opportunity for him to continue his pursuit of the championship. Meanwhile, Red Bull must quickly address the issues with their RB20, or Norris may find the door to the title closing rapidly.
Intense Battle for Second Place
The fight for third place is also heating up, as Oscar Piastri trails Charles Leclerc by only eight points. With the power of the McLaren, Piastri is well-positioned to break into the overall top three. In contrast, Leclerc’s chances of winning the championship are a mere 2.7%, and everything could change quickly in the closing races.
Uncertainties from Red Bull Team
Liam Lawson returns to complete the 2024 season after a strong performance last season. With a vacant seat at Red Bull, the New Zealand driver has significant opportunities, especially following Daniel Ricciardo’s departure. However, the safety of Sergio Pérez is also in question, and one of the two Red Bull drivers could become Verstappen’s teammate in the near future.
Future at Sauber
In addition to Red Bull, the situation at Sauber is noteworthy. While Nico Hülkenberg has been confirmed to join the team, his teammate has yet to be announced. Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and rising star Gabriel Bortoleto are strong candidates for this position. The selection process for the lineup will be accelerated as drivers compete directly on the track.
The Sprint race at COTA is not just an opportunity for Norris, but also for several other drivers in the battle for high positions in the standings. With many unpredictable factors at play, the final stretch of the season promises to deliver intense emotions for F1 fans.
