Lights out and away we go! Formula 1 2024 season kicks-off tomorrow in Bahrain: Top 9 things to watch for

Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar

Record-Breaking Season

The Formula One 2024 season is set to feature 24 races spanning from February to December, making it the longest season in the sport's history. The first race weekend starts tomorrow in Bahrain with practise and qualifying on Thursday and Friday, followed by the race on Saturday.

Hamilton's Major Move

The most notable development is the announcement of Lewis Hamilton's shift from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season, marking one of the most significant driver-team transitions in Formula One history.

Hamilton's Career Milestones

With six world championships under his belt during his 12-year tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton aims to surpass Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles and secure an eighth championship, despite facing challenges with Mercedes' recent performance.

Verstappen's Dominance

Hamilton's chief rival, Max Verstappen, currently holds the title and is the favourite for a fourth consecutive championship win, posing a formidable challenge to Hamilton's aspirations.

Red Bull Boss Under Investigation

In a surprising turn of events, Red Bull boss Christian Horner is under investigation following allegations, adding an unexpected twist to the off-season proceedings. The final judgement on the investigation could be out today by lunch time.

Environmental Initiatives

The Formula One schedule reflects a shift towards sustainability, with 21 countries across five continents included. The sport aims to reduce emissions by implementing new engine regulations from 2026, with a focus on achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Team Rebranding

Sauber transitions to Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, while AlphaTauri rebrands as Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team, reflecting sponsorship-led changes in team titles.

Competitive Landscape

Ferrari's strong performance in the previous season suggests they are poised as contenders for the championship, alongside Mercedes and McLaren, who have demonstrated significant growth and improvement.

Exciting Racing Ahead

As the season approaches, anticipation builds for thrilling on-track action, with attention shifting back to the grid amidst off-track developments and controversies.