The fifth round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship got underway on Sunday with the Chinese Grand Prix, which made its return to the calendar after a pandemic-related hiatus lasting five years.

For many drivers it was their first time racing at the Shanghai International Circuit, including local hero Zhou Guanyu who currently drives for Sauber. Guanyu only managed to finish 14th in the race, which was won by reigning champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.

The Dutch youngster already appears set to take home his fourth straight title this year. He may also set some new records. He set two last season: the most wins in a single season with 19, and the most consecutive wins in a season at 10. With the 2024 season set to host a record 24 races, more records could certainly fall if Verstappen's domination continues. Fellow Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has performed strongly in recent rounds, though he remains well off the pace of his teammate.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have so far delivered the strongest competition for Red Bull this season. Both drivers have consistently fought for podium finishes and Sainz even took the win in the Australian Grand Prix, though that race saw Verstappen retire due to car troubles. McLaren is close behind Ferrari in terms of performance. Both drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have also battled for podium finishes.

Mercedes-Benz AMG in contrast has failed to deliver. The team, made up of drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, has struggled with the car so far this season, particularly in the high-speed corners.

Fortunately, there's still plenty of time for teams to make changes and for drivers to catch up with current leader Verstappen, as there are still 19 races to go in this season.

Below are the 2024 F1 Drivers' Championship standings:

1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing – 110 points
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing – 85 points
3) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 76 points
4) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 69 points
5) Lando Norris, McLaren – 58 points
6) Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 38 points
7) George Russell, Mercedes-Benz AMG – 33 points
8) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin – 31 points
9) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-Benz AMG – 19 points
10) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin – 9 points
11) Yuki Tsunoda, RB – 7 points
12) Oliver Bearman, Ferrari – 6 points
13) Nico Hulkenberg, Haas – 4 points
14) Kevin Magnussen, Haas – 1 point
15) Alexander Albon, Williams – 0 points
16) Zhou Guanyu, Sauber – 0 points
17) Daniel Ricciardo, RB – 0 points
18) Esteban Ocon, Alpine – 0 points
19) Logan Sargeant, Williams – 0 points
20) Valtteri Bottas, Sauber – 0 points
21) Pierre Gasly, Alpine – 0 points

Below are the 2024 F1 Constructors' Championship standings:

1) Red Bull Racing – 195 points
2) Ferrari - 151 points
3) McLaren – 96 points
4) Mercedes-Benz AMG – 52 points
5) Aston Martin – 40 points
6) RB – 7 points
7) Haas – 5 points
8) Sauber – 0 points
9) Williams – 0 points
10) Alpine – 0 points

Below are the 2024 F1 season race winners:

Bahrain Grand Prix – Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Australian Grand Prix – Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
Japanese Grand Prix – Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Chinese Grand Prix – Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Miami Grand Prix – TBA
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – TBA
Monaco Grand Prix – TBA
Canadian Grand Prix – TBA
Spanish Grand Prix – TBA
Austrian Grand Prix – TBA
British Grand Prix – TBA
Hungarian Grand Prix – TBA
Belgian Grand Prix – TBA
Dutch Grand Prix – TBA
Italian Grand Prix – TBA
Azerbaijan Grand Prix – TBA
Singapore Grand Prix – TBA
United States Grand Prix (Austin) – TBA
Mexican Grand Prix – TBA
Brazilian Grand Prix – TBA
Las Vegas Grand Prix – TBA
Qatar Grand Prix – TBA
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – TBA