McLaren, Ferrari & Red Bull: Who Holds The Upper Hand Heading Into The Final Three Races?

After a sustained period of dominance by McLaren, two back-to-back Ferrari wins and an imperious driver by Max Verstappen under treacherous conditions in Brazil, the 2024 constructors’ championship race is finally heating up. 

So, let’s reset. With just three more Grands Prix, one sprint race, and one fastest lap point in each grand prix left to play for. There are 140 points left to dole out to teams. 

At the time of writing this, the top three in the constructors’ standings are:

1) McLaren: 593 Points

2) Ferrari: 557 Points 

3) Red Bull: 544 Points

McLaren certainly have the upper hand, but their margin for error is slim. A solid strategy focused on minimising risks and maintaining consistent scoring by both drivers until the end of the season should be enough to secure the championship. However, championships are seldom decided in such black & white. 

Luckily, the McLaren car has been one of the most track-versatile and reliable cars on the grid this season. The two McLaren drivers have managed to carve out five wins and 19 podium finishes between them throughout the 2024 season. Thus, aggression is only necessary if Ferrari or Red Bull Racing make significant gains. In this scenario, however, they might just have to do that now. 

According to several reliable reports, both Ferrari and Red Bull Racing are looking to bring in new upgraded parts for the final leg of the 2024 season. 

While McLaren have a faster and more drivable car than Red Bull Racing, soon-to-be four-time driver’s champion Max Verstappen has been driving the wheels of that unpredictable Red Bull car, and with both Las Vegas and season finale Abu Dhabi being tracks that suit the Red Bull cars better over race pace, Verstappen will be a constant thorn in McLarens’ side. 

However, the bigger problem for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri is the frightening pace at which Ferrari have closed the gap to both McLaren and Red Bull Racing. 

On paper, Ferrari have a better suited car for Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi. And the fact that reports coming from the paddock suggest that they’ll be bringing in a new frontwing, would give both McLaren and Red Bull sleepless nights until the cars hit the Losail International track in Qatar. 

For all of Ferrari’s good work in bringing this car to title challenging capabilities, this car has always lacked performance in high-speed corners. The Losail International track in Qatar is a high-speed circuit, which particularly aids McLaren. Thus, a new frontwing, which addresses this very issue will narrow the playing field a lot closer between the two old rivals. 

With just 36-points separating McLaren and Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing sitting a further 13-points behind, Ferrari looks the most well-placed team and will be ready to pounce should either McLaren or Red Bull Racing falter in these coming three races.