F1 2024: Teammate Battles Heat Up - Who's Got the Edge?

In Formula 1, the competition between teammates is often the most intense, as drivers strive to prove their worth within the team. While some teams have clear hierarchies, others allow their drivers to compete on equal footing. This internal rivalry is crucial for securing favorable contract terms and gaining priority access to car updates. Let's examine how the intra-team battles have unfolded across the grid in the 2024 season.

Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen vs Sergio Perez

Red Bull's dominance has continued into 2024, with Max Verstappen maintaining his impressive form from the previous year. The Dutch driver has outperformed his teammate Sergio Perez in every aspect, including qualifying for all races this season. Despite Perez's strong start with four podium finishes in the first five races, his performance has since declined, failing to finish higher than sixth in the last nine races. This slump includes two retirements and a 17th place finish at Silverstone following a Q1 crash.

McLaren: Lando Norris vs Oscar Piastri

McLaren has made significant progress in 2024, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri securing their maiden wins. The team has risen to second in the constructors' championship, with a real chance of challenging Red Bull. Norris has dominated in qualifying, outperforming Piastri in 12 races. However, the two drivers have been fairly evenly matched in terms of race results, with Piastri showing impressive form, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Emilia Romagna, and Monaco.

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc vs Carlos Sainz

Ferrari's 2024 season has been a mixed bag, with strong performances early on followed by a dip in form. Charles Leclerc leads Carlos Sainz by 20 points in the championship, sitting in third place. Sainz, despite missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to appendicitis, managed to secure a win in Australia upon his return. Both drivers have achieved multiple podium finishes, but the team's overall performance has been inconsistent compared to their rivals.

Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton vs George Russell

Mercedes faced a challenging start to the season, with neither driver reaching the podium in the first eight rounds. George Russell initially outperformed Lewis Hamilton, particularly in qualifying. However, both drivers have seen improved results since the Canadian Grand Prix, with Hamilton securing four podium finishes and Russell taking a win at the Red Bull Ring. The team's performance has notably improved in the latter part of the season.

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso vs Lance Stroll

After a strong 2023 season, Aston Martin has struggled to maintain its form in 2024. Fernando Alonso has generally outperformed Lance Stroll, but the gap between the two drivers has narrowed compared to the previous year. The team's overall performance has declined, with Alonso achieving only one top-five finish and Stroll managing six top-ten finishes in the first 15 races.

RB: Daniel Ricciardo vs Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda has consistently outperformed Daniel Ricciardo in the early part of the 2024 season, solidifying his position within the team. Ricciardo has faced pressure to improve his performance, with speculation about his future in the team. Despite this, both drivers have remained with RB following the summer break.

Haas: Nico Hulkenberg vs Kevin Magnussen

Nico Hulkenberg has been the dominant driver at Haas, outscoring Kevin Magnussen significantly. Hulkenberg has achieved five top-ten finishes compared to Magnussen's two. Both drivers are set to leave Haas at the end of the season, with Hulkenberg moving to Sauber and Magnussen being replaced.

Alpine: Pierre Gasly vs Esteban Ocon

Alpine has faced significant challenges in 2024, with both drivers struggling for performance. The team has undergone management changes and announced that Ocon will be replaced by Jack Doohan for the next season. Both Gasly and Ocon have managed to score points on only a few occasions throughout the season.

Williams: Alex Albon vs Logan Sargeant

Alex Albon has consistently outperformed Logan Sargeant at Williams. Sargeant's poor performance led to his replacement by Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season. Albon has managed to secure points in two races, while the team has struggled with an overweight car early in the year.

Sauber: Valtteri Bottas vs Zhou Guanyu

Sauber is the only team yet to score points in the 2024 season. Valtteri Bottas has generally outqualified Zhou Guanyu, but Zhou has finished higher in five races. Both drivers' contracts expire at the end of the season, with the team already announcing Nico Hulkenberg for 2025. The future of the current drivers remains uncertain as Sauber prepares to become Audi's factory team in 2026.