F1 2024: The Intra-Team Battles - Who's Outperforming Their Teammate?

In Formula 1, the battle between teammates is often the most intense competition on the grid. While some teams have clear hierarchies, others allow their drivers to compete on equal terms. This internal rivalry not only affects contract negotiations but also determines who receives crucial car updates first. Let's examine which drivers have dominated their teammates and where the closest intra-team battles can be found.

Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen vs Sergio Perez

Red Bull's dominance continued into 2024, with Max Verstappen maintaining his superiority over teammate Sergio Perez. The Dutch driver has outperformed Perez in all areas, including qualifying at every race this season. Despite Perez's strong start with four podium finishes in the first five races, his performance has declined significantly in recent months. Red Bull has confirmed Perez's position for the remainder of the year, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.

McLaren: Lando Norris vs Oscar Piastri

McLaren's upward trajectory has continued in 2024, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri securing their maiden wins. The team has climbed to second in the constructors' championship, with a real chance of challenging Red Bull. While Norris has dominated in qualifying, Piastri has shown impressive race pace. The team's use of controversial team orders has raised questions about their approach to the drivers' championship battle.

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc vs Carlos Sainz

Ferrari has experienced mixed results in 2024, with both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz securing wins and podium finishes. Leclerc currently leads Sainz in the drivers' championship, but the gap between them remains relatively small. The team's performance has been inconsistent, with strong showings at some tracks offset by struggles at others.

Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton vs George Russell

Mercedes faced a challenging start to the season, but both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have shown improved form since the Canadian Grand Prix. Russell has generally outperformed Hamilton in qualifying, while race results have been more evenly matched. Both drivers have secured wins and podium finishes, keeping Mercedes in the fight for second place in the constructors' championship.

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso vs Lance Stroll

After a strong 2023 season, Aston Martin has struggled to maintain its competitiveness in 2024. Fernando Alonso has generally outperformed Lance Stroll, but the gap between them has narrowed compared to last year. The team's focus on car development has affected their overall performance, leaving them fifth in the constructors' standings.

RB: Daniel Ricciardo vs Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda has consistently outperformed Daniel Ricciardo at RB, solidifying his position within the team. Ricciardo has faced mounting pressure to improve his performance, while Tsunoda remains in contention for a potential promotion to Red Bull in the future.

Conclusion

As the 2024 Formula 1 season progresses, the intra-team battles continue to shape the championship fight and influence team strategies. While some drivers have clearly established dominance over their teammates, others face intense competition within their own garage. These rivalries not only determine individual success but also play a crucial role in the overall performance of each team in the constructors' championship.