The 2024 drivers’ championship is in its final stretch, with many Formula 1 drivers still having a point to prove. This article examines the performances and prospects of several drivers in the final three race weekends.
Unraveling the Fates of 2024 F1 Drivers in the Final Races
Lando Norris
Norris, a rising star in F1, is at a crossroads. One day, he might be a multiple world champion, but currently, he faces questions about his pace and racecraft compared to Max Verstappen. His partnership with less experienced teammate Oscar Piastri has also raised some eyebrows. However, he still has the fastest car on the grid and a chance to mount another title shot. Just like Nico Rosberg's 2015-2016 success, Norris could turn things around. His performance in the final races will be crucial in determining his future.There are indications that Norris can bounce back. He has the potential to boost himself and the team with a strong end to the year. If he can do that, he could be a force to be reckoned with in the future.Sergio Perez
Perez is no stranger to the edge of losing his Red Bull seat. He almost lost it during the summer break and now has just three races to convince the team to keep him. His home race in Mexico was a disaster, but there were signs of improvement in Brazil after getting a chassis change. He was quick in practice and made a recovery in the sprint, but Sunday was more of the same.Esteban Ocon has been outperforming Perez since the summer break, which adds to his pressure. Perez needs a repeat performance in Vegas this weekend to secure his seat. Otherwise, his only hope is for his potential replacements to falter.Liam Lawson
Lawson is the leading candidate for promotion to replace Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull. He has already had two points finishes and has shown his mettle in on-track duels with Perez. However, it's not a done deal yet. He needs to show consistency through this triple-header to prove that Red Bull is ready to have a driver with only 11 grand prix starts alongside Max Verstappen next year.Qatar will be a key test for Lawson's growth. He identified that race as his weakest last year when he replaced Ricciardo. If he can perform well in Qatar, it will be a good sign for his future.The Ejected 2025 Trio
Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen know they have lost their seats and have just three weekends left. All three could land reserve driver roles elsewhere, but there's no guarantee they'll race in F1 again. Magnussen has the best chance as he had a late-season breakthrough and will have the best machinery. A run of points finishes could make his return possible.Bottas and Zhou will struggle in the limited Sauber, but Las Vegas chaos could give them a chance. Even with the Interlagos chaos, 13th was the best they could do.Franco Colapinto
Colapinto has made a great impression since his F1 debut, but recent races have been tough. He has had some heavy crashes and has struggled in qualifying. Currently, he is set to spend 2025 on the sidelines.Red Bull has the power to change that. If Colapinto can get back to his early race form, it will be good for him. On the other hand, if he continues to struggle, it will be a sign that Alex Albon is in a good position.Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton's final three grand prix weekends with Mercedes won't overshadow their past achievements. He will be welcomed to Ferrari with excitement, regardless of how his Mercedes stint ends.Emotionally, he could use a final flourish for Mercedes. Their partnership has produced six world championships, and it deserves a better ending than more Q2 exits and non-event races. Ferrari also wants its new star signing to arrive without any doubts about his abilities.