F1 2024: Top 5 bold predictions for the second half of the season

The 2024 F1 season will see its second half kick off at Zandvoort. The first half had 14 races and as many as 7 different race winners. With Max Verstappen already leading the championship with a comfortable margin, the focus is more on the constructors' championship.

The first half of the F1 season has been a surprise for many, as Red Bull's early season advantage has been wiped out. The second half of the season could potentially see 4 different teams competing for wins, which is a rarity in the sport.

So, what can we expect from the second half of the season? Let's take a look as we share our top 5 bold predictions for the rest of the year.

#1 Sergio Perez doesn't last the season with Red Bull

It was a major surprise for everyone when Sergio Perez was given a lifeline by Red Bull. It does appear to be a case of the team struggling to find a viable alternative and hence sticking with someone who is at the very least experienced in the RB20.

A statement from Christian Horner did claim that Red Bull would evaluate Perez over the next few tracks, where he has been good previously. These tracks include Zandvoort, Monza, Singapore, and Baku. The 34-year-old has been a winner at Baku and Singapore in the past but his current performance profile doesn't give you a trajectory where the driver can turn things around all of a sudden.

It's hard to see a reversal of fortunes for the Mexican at this point and it's highly likely he doesn't last the season.

#2 McLaren wins the F1 constructors' championship

McLaren has been cutting chunks into Red Bull's lead in the constructors' championship, with Sergio Perez not performing well. The Woking-based squad has been a breath of fresh air this season with how they have outdeveloped Red Bull and have the fastest car.

McLaren is yet to be the best in terms of operational efficiency, but with two excellent drivers, it's likely the team will take the lead and win the constructors' championship.

#3 Ferrari will win a couple of races in the second half of the 2024 F1 season

After starting the season impressively, it appears that Ferrari has dropped to 4th in the pecking order. Part of the reason behind it is the team struggling with bouncing after the introduction of some upgrades.

Ferrari has shown signs of resurgence before the F1 summer break, and once it is able to get on top of the upgrades problem, it will be able to close the gap to the front.

Tracks like Zandvoort, Monza, and Baku are the ones where Charles Leclerc has performed well in the past. It won't come as a surprise if he nails another such weekend in the second half of the season.

#4 George Russell beats Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings

If we look at the championship standings after 14 F1 races, then it might appear that Lewis Hamilton holds a handy advantage over his teammate George Russell. Well, in terms of points, that is the case, but one cannot deny that Russell has been very unlucky in the last few races, and that has contributed massively to the gap between the two drivers.

If we look at the overall stats, Russell still heads Hamilton comfortably in both qualifying and the races. We're backing the younger Mercedes driver to capitalize on what is a clear advantage over a single lap and use it to not only close the gap to his teammate but beat him as well.

#5 Max Verstappen wins the F1 title comfortably

Finally, this is not much of a surprise. Max Verstappen has a more than healthy lead in the championship, and if there's one thing that seems clear to everyone watching, it's that the Red Bull driver has maintained a very high level of performance even though the car's level has dropped off.

It's not going to be easy for Lando Norris or for that matter, anyone, to overhaul the advantage that Max has in the standings and the Dutch driver will end the year as a 4-time world champion.