Formula One talking points ahead of the 2024 season

Formula One has plenty to talk about as it heads into a record 24-race season that starts in Bahrain on March 2 and ends in Abu Dhabi on Dec 8.

Haas boss Guenther Steiner's exit provided a surprise in January, followed by the shock announcement of Lewis Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari for 2025 and Red Bull's investigation of team principal Christian Horner's conduct.

Charles Leclerc has extended his contract with Ferrari while McLaren have secured Lando Norris for years to come.

The following looks at what are likely to be the main talking points of the year ahead.

RED BULL DOMINATION

The champions enjoyed the most dominant season ever last year, with 21 wins in 22 races and triple world champion Max Verstappen winning 19 of them. How far ahead will Red Bull be this year and when will rivals close the gap, if at all?

HORNER INVESTIGATION

Horner has denied allegations against him, which have not been revealed, but will he stay or go? The departure of the longest serving team boss and one of the most successful would be seismic and have serious implications for the champions.

HAMILTON'S MERCEDES FAREWELL

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton is starting his last season with Mercedes before donning the red overalls of Ferrari for at least two years. Has the 39-year-old made the right call, can he win again with Mercedes? Have Mercedes finally got it right after two years of struggling?

SILLY SEASON

This one is likely to run and run, with more than half the grid out of contract at the end of 2024 and some top seats available. Who replaces Hamilton? Where will Ferrari's Carlos Sainz end up? Will Daniel Ricciardo take Sergio Perez's place at Red Bull Racing? Is Williams' Alex Albon set for a move? Who is going to end up