2024 Formula One liveries, predictions: Mercedes, Ferrari

While Mercedes' vehicle looked much improved, its driver lineup is taking a massive hit. Hamilton has confirmed that 2024 will be his last season with Mercedes. While Hamilton is a consummate professional and will give his all this season, the team is already thinking about who might replace him in 2025. Could it be Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin's wily F1 legend? Or maybe Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes' 17-year-old youth prospect? 

No one knows for sure, and that uncertainty will color Mercedes' season as it pushes to close the gap to first place.

After years of F1 dominance, we think it's time for a change at Mercedes and are optimistic about the team's trajectory with new personnel. It may lose some ground in 2024 but only because of the gains made by its close competitors. A second- or third-place finish feels about right.

Team: Ferrari

Drivers: Charles Leclerc (Monaco) and Carlos Sainz Jr. (Spain)

Last season's placement: third of 10

Speaking of competitors making gains, what an offseason it has been for Ferrari.

The Italian team revamped its technical team, signed Leclerc to an extended contract and pried  Hamilton from Mercedes for 2025. Under the steady leadership of team principal Fred Vasseur, Ferrari has morphed from the laughing stock of the sport to its most interesting prospect in one year flat.

"The longest ever F1 season awaits us," Vasseur said, per formulaone.com. "We must be more clinical and effective in how we manage the races, making bold choices, in order to get the best possible result at every Grand Prix."

Ferrari's bold choices begin with its 2024 car. Where other teams copied Red Bull's successful 2023 designs, Ferrari went in a new direction, creating a vehicle that looks quite different from the others on the grid. It altered its front wing, sidepods and rear wing in the hopes of gaining more straight-line speed.

Ferrari doesn't have the same driver uncertainty that Mercedes does; it knows that Leclerc and  Hamilton will be in their cars in 2025. But it does have to shoulder the risk of jilted Sainz, who must drive the 2024 Ferrari with intention despite knowing he's out of a seat next season. Will Sainz drive for his career and put in strong performances for Ferrari? Or will his disappointment cloud his judgment and lead to subpar results?

While we're not sure if Ferrari's big swings will pay off, it's thrilling that it is taking them. A second- or third-place finish probably awaits Ferrari, which will challenge Mercedes all the way.