Sergio Perez is saving F1 2024 – Belgium: Going Up, Going Down

Just 1.5kg. That’s all that was in it. This is that part where you could list all the banal household items of an equivalent weight to ram the point home. But we won’t do that. Or will we? Read on…

McLaren and Mercedes are experts at this now, anyway.

After the orange army managed to take all the shine off what was its first 1-2 (proper 1-2, Monza 2021 doesn’t count) in over ten years by fluffing its strategy, the genius of George was transformed into a Petronas-branded pie in the face with an underweight car.

And in the middle of all this, Verstappen has extended his championship lead to 78. That’s the problem with an F1 season going all 1982 (11 different winners) midway through – no one can get a grip and properly challenge Mad Max’s healthy margin.

At least Red Bull is being reeled in constructors’-wise – something we can all get behind, helped by Sergio Perez sacrificing his season, and possibly F1 career, for the sake of our entertainment. What a guy, a real man of the people.

Goin’ Up

Constructive Criticism

Sergio has taken a lot of flak in these digital pages. But it’s time for a change. After all, where would be without him?

The 2024 drivers’ title fight is over. Un-helped by McLaren’s Hungary self-harm in not prioritising its lead driver. As Spa further demonstrated, Norris needs all the points he can get.

And so, for maybe the first time ever, everyone is more excited about the constructors’ battle. It’s plausible, for the first time in what feels like an eternity, that Red Bull might not walk it!

The gap it has to McLaren is 42 points – 1.68 race victories – and narrowing thanks to Sergio refusing to score meaningful points for a good while now.

The Milton Keynes kids are apparently having crunch talks to decide on the Mexican’s future today. Congratulate him! Give him an even longer new contract, complete with bumper pay rise! C’mon Red Bull, it’s the right thing to do.

Hammer time (again)

Hamilton waits over two years a for a win, then two arrive in the space of three races. F1 eh, bloody hell.

Ocon effect (last time we’ll use this, promise)

Despite never really being that fast – or even apparently that skilful at the wheel, owing to all his team-mate prangs – Ocon has now landed himself a multi-year (when is it not?) deal at Haas as the veteran influence.

Shows you how far the force of a personality can get you.

Comeback king

In light of its faltering F1 project, Mattia Binotto has been called in to get Audi back in order. He had the magic dust which made Ferrari frontrunners – can he reboot the Germans?

Goin’ Down

Scale fail

1.5kg. Decided against that list in the end. Ah well, you got this far.

Will to live

Williams team boss James Vowles has openly admitted that the team is sacrificing current performance to have a pukka 2026 package.

Did it mean to sacrifice this much though? Just four points scored this season, leaving it still in serious danger of winning the Aramco Heineken Crypto.com Wooden Spoon.

Both Grove and Hinwil have been desperate this year. Imagine if Andretti came in and did this badly? While the top half of the grid is so competitive, it’s a pretty sorry state of affairs further back for F1.

Tailspin

Another season, another new team boss for failing Alpine with Bruno Famin’s departure announced for the end of August. Where will it all finish for Enstone?

Spa treatment

Another Spa classic then – and yet it’s still in danger of losing its long-term place on the calendar.

Meanwhile more potential car parks are being lined up round the globe for F1’s World Championship of Suspect Dictatorships.

You can use all that cash to maintain the heritage venues Stefano!