F1 News

F1 Constructors world championship: Renault could lose millions

18 November 2019 at 11:40
Last update 18 November 2019 at 12:27
4
  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

The F1 constructors' championship seemed to be decided with two races remaining on the calendar. That was until the Brazilian Grand Prix provided one of the most mixed results F1 has seen in the current era which has shaken up the 2019 championship. With just the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix left on the schedule, let's have a look at what the teams have left to fight for. 

The top is fixed

While the race in Brazil did everything it could to shake up the world championship, it couldn't touch the top three teams. Mercedes won their sixth consecutive world championship way in advance of the closing chapters. Ferrari have sealed second while Aston Martin Red Bull Racing are fixed in third. That's the way it's been since Red Bull Racing and Ferrari swapped order in 2016. 

Racing Point biggest loser

Going into the race weekend, Racing Point were one point ahead of Toro Rosso and had their sights set on finishing ahead of them after the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. However, Pierre Gasly's surprise P2 finish provided their rivals with a mountain of points which will see them challenge Renault next time out. Neither Sergio Perez or Lance Stroll were able to cash in on their own surprise result with Stroll picking a DNF and Perez scooping just two points. 

As well as teams moving ahead of them, Racing Point need to look in their mirrors now as well. Alfa Romeo were the second biggest scorers from the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend which saw Antionio Giovinazzi get a 5th place and Kimi Raikkonen securing 4th. Alfa Romeo close to the gap to just 10 points on Racing Point who could see a drop from sixth to eighth in two races if they're not careful. 

Pressure on Renault

With McLaren doing what they needed to do and some in Brazil to secure fourth, Renault will drop at least one place in the constructors' championship in comparison to where they finished 12 months ago. That, of course, comes with a drop in prize money. And that drop could get stepper if Toro Rosso manages to outscore their rivals by eight points in Abu Dhabi.

Standings