Every position in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship carries substantial financial rewards, and at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday, a pivotal move by a midfield team may secure a lucrative $10 million payout.
Haas Climbs to Sixth in the Standings
Haas made a significant leap in the standings, overtaking Alpine to claim sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Each position is worth approximately $10 million, making Haas’s one-point lead over Alpine a crucial advantage with two races remaining in the 2024 season.
Haas started the race trailing Alpine by three points but managed to capitalize on misfortunes for their rivals.
Alpine’s Struggles
Alpine faced a major setback in Las Vegas when Pierre Gasly, running in third place, suffered an unexpected engine failure on Lap 15, forcing him to retire early. This incident eliminated a critical opportunity for Alpine to earn valuable points.
Esteban Ocon, Gasly’s teammate, also struggled, finishing in 17th place. As a result, Alpine ended the race weekend without any points, allowing Haas to surge ahead.
Haas’s Performance
Nico Hulkenberg continued to shine as one of the standout drivers of the season, finishing eighth and securing crucial points for Haas. His strong performance could potentially lock in a $10 million bonus for the team. Meanwhile, Kevin Magnussen, Hulkenberg’s teammate, contributed with a respectable 12th-place finish.
A Remarkable Turnaround
Haas’s current standing marks a dramatic improvement compared to last year when the team finished at the bottom of the Constructors‘ Championship. Now, they find themselves competing fiercely not just with Alpine but also with other midfield rivals such as Williams, Sauber, and Red Bull Racing’s second-tier teams.
What’s at Stake
With two races left in the season, Haas must maintain their position to secure the financial rewards tied to sixth place. The pressure will be on both drivers and the team as they aim to fend off any counterattacks from Alpine and continue their remarkable ascent in the competitive midfield battle.
The outcome of this fight could significantly impact Haas’s 2025 budget, providing them with resources to further develop their car and challenge higher positions in future seasons.
