In Formula 1, off-track action frequently surpasses on-track action on race day, but the 2024 season has raised the stakes. 

Superstar Lewis Hamilton of Formula One will join Ferrari at the end of the current season, while other drivers are switching teams at an accelerated rate. 

The reigning world champion Max Verstappen recently put an end to rumors that he was moving from Red Bull, where he has spent his whole career, to Mercedes, where he would find better opportunities.

Verstappen said, “I mean, we’re already also working on next year’s car,” in response to inquiries regarding his future plans during a press conference held prior to the Austrian Grand Prix. I believe that when you’re totally focused on it, you’re also leading the squad.

As word leaked out that Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s chief technical officer, was leaving, speculations and speculation began to circulate. Although Verstappen’s manager at Mercedes-AMG, Toto Wolff, has expressed his desire to have Verstappen in one of his seats, it has never been evident which other team would provide Max the authority and support Red Bull has given him.

Red Bull and Verstappen continue to be the two leading teams on the Formula One grid, even if other teams have performed better as the 2024 season has gone on. The Dutchman is leading the driver’s championship by about 70 points over the next closest driver, McLaren’s Lando Norris, having won seven of the last 10 races.