Formula 1 is a gift that keeps on giving. Even if the Singapore Grand Prix concluded two weeks ago, we still get important news regarding our favorite drivers and constructors.
After a positive run of Formula 1 2024 results, McLaren suddenly took the top spot of the constructors’ standings, and according to the SBOTOP Formula 1 2024 odds, it feels like the Papayas are not going to give it back to Red Bull anytime soon.
Red Bull’s executives sent a warning to one of their underperforming members as a result, given the gloomy atmosphere around the Milton Keynes outfit.
Elsewhere, Charles Leclerc opened up about his title chances with six races left on the calendar, and former Ferrari superstar Michael Schumacher has reportedly made his first public appearance in more than a decade.
Perez’s position is still “under threat”
Earlier this year, there were murmurs about Sergio Perez being in danger of losing his seat, and Daniel Ricciardo was tipped as one of the candidates to potentially replace him in Red Bull.
However, Checo managed to secure a new contract extension in June to keep him in the team until the end of 2026, which ultimately led to Ricciardo saying goodbye to Formula 1 for good.
Giving Perez a new extension was a thoughtful gesture from Red Bull since it was a vote of confidence for the Mexican, but because his form hasn’t improved, this may be a false sense of security after all.
After agreeing to a new deal, Perez suffered a DNF in the Canadian Grand Prix and never finished above P6 in the next nine races, including two P17s in Silverstone and Baku. As a result, he has slipped to P8 in the drivers’ standings.
For Dr. Helmut Marko (and Christian Horner), such a trend is unacceptable since they’re on the verge of losing their constructors’ championship for the first time in three years.
“There is only a guarantee in Formula 1 if you perform accordingly. We all know that Checo has fluctuations. In terms of speed, he can do it. He just has fluctuations that are becoming more and more unpredictable,” Marko said about Perez.
If things continue to go awry for Perez, there’s a chance he’ll get sacked even before his current contract runs out, especially if Red Bull find a suitable replacement. This possibility may prompt the 34-year-old to retire from Formula 1 altogether.
Leclerc makes painful admission on Formula 1 title hopes
Charles Leclerc has claimed three podiums after the Dutch Grand Prix, including a win in Baku. Despite this, he admitted that winning the Formula 1 title this year is a long shot.
According to the Monegasque driver, the only way for Ferrari to have a chance is if the teams above them slip up badly and they are in the right place at the right time.
“I think if we keep being consistent and not having too many missed opportunities, we will do the count at the end, and hopefully we’ll be enough to get the constructors’ (title),” Leclerc said. “But on pure pace, I don’t think we are yet at the level to fight for the constructors.”
“I don’t see ourselves too much in the fight, but if they make mistakes, then we might end up in the fight like we are now,” he added.
To be fair for Leclerc, he is still in the title mix in third place with 245 points, 86 points adrift from drivers’ standings leader Max Verstappen (331 points).
The bigger long shot perhaps is the constructors’ title, since Ferrari trail by 75 points behind McLaren, following Carlos Sainz’s failure to secure a podium in the last seven Grands Prix.
Schumacher showing signs of life
Michael Schumacher was reportedly “seen in public” for the first time in 11 years when he attended his daughter’s wedding inside their luxury villa in Majorca. Unfortunately for Formula 1 fans, there are no photos or videos available due to the family’s strict privacy protocols.
Schumacher’s condition has been kept confidential by his family since his near-fatal skiing accident.
The last proper update was had about the seven-time Formula 1 champion was when it was reported in 2023 that Schumacher had been driven in a Mercedes AMG car, in hope that it “stimulates his brain” with familiar racing sounds.
Furthermore, previous reports also indicated that Schumacher is having a difficult time speaking, as it was revealed that he only communicates “through his eyes.”
Either way, Schumacher’s reported presence beyond the people inside his inner circle recently is a huge positive.
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