As Formula 1 heads to Canada for round nine of the 2024 season, is riding high after converting pole position into a win at his home race in Monaco. Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, BBC Sport F1 correspondent Andrew Benson answers some pressing questions from fans.
Why aren’t the drivers’ names on the cars like in BTCC? – Anonymous
Drivers’ names are indeed on the cars, as mandated by sporting regulations. Clause 9.1(e) states: “The name of the driver must appear on the external bodywork of the car and be clearly legible.” Typically, teams place the names near the cockpit, but they are often kept minimal to maximize space for sponsors. Despite this, the best way to differentiate drivers is by the camera mounts above the cockpit—one black and one yellow for each team, aiding broadcast commentators.
Is Fernando Alonso’s recent performance dip due to car problems or age? – Nishchay
Alonso has experienced three challenging weekends, but there’s no consistent evidence of a performance dip. His usual pace advantage over teammate Lance Stroll remains. Alonso cited personal errors in Miami and Imola, noting that sometimes he uses such weekends to test setups rather than chase modest results. Monaco was simply bad luck, with traffic affecting his qualifying. Alonso maintains that he should have qualified around seventh or eighth.
Should George Russell feel worried with Toto Wolff’s interest in Verstappen and Antonelli? – Tom
Russell has no reason to worry. Mercedes sees him as a key driver for the future, and his performances validate this confidence. The qualifying margins between him and Lewis Hamilton have been minimal. Wolff’s interest in Verstappen and Antonelli is about long-term strategy. If Verstappen joins in 2026, Russell will likely face Antonelli in 2025, a challenge he is well-prepared for given his experience since 2020.
Who are the current drivers likely to be future F1 world champions? – Stephen
Predicting future world champions depends heavily on team dynamics and rule adaptations. However, among the elite drivers yet to win a championship, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri stand out.
Should Antonelli and Bearman stay in F2 next year given their current performances? – Anonymous
Despite not dominating in F2—Antonelli is sixth and Bearman 13th—both are poised for F1 seats next year, with Antonelli likely joining Mercedes and Bearman Haas. Context matters: F2’s new chassis and engine package has challenged teams, including Prema. Moreover, both drivers are part of leading F1 teams’ young driver programs, providing extensive testing and simulation opportunities. Mercedes is preparing Antonelli for a potential F1 debut with tests in their previous cars.
As the 2024 season progresses, the dynamics within teams and the performances of these promising drivers will shape the future landscape of Formula 1.
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