Max Verstappen’s fourth consecutive world championship solidified his place among Formula 1’s all-time greats. This season, however, stood apart as his most challenging title campaign to date. The Red Bull driver began the season with dominance, winning four of the first five races despite the turmoil surrounding team principal Christian Horner. However, McLaren’s upgrades at Miami triggered a fierce mid-season challenge, with Lando Norris emerging as Verstappen’s primary rival. Facing a car he described as an “undriveable monster” after the Spanish GP, Verstappen’s resilience and strategic racing came to the fore, reminiscent of legends like Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher. While his performance showcased grit and determination, moments of aggressive on-track behavior, penalties, and spats with competitors like George Russell marred his image.
Verstappen’s defining moment came in São Paulo, where the title fight could have swung towards Norris. Starting 17th on a wet, treacherous track, Verstappen delivered a masterclass in wet-weather driving. By the end of the first lap, he had climbed to 11th, and through a series of brilliant overtakes, he reached sixth by lap 11. Despite benefiting from a timely red flag, Verstappen’s restart move on Esteban Ocon exemplified his mastery of challenging conditions. Norris, meanwhile, faltered under pressure, highlighting the critical difference between the two drivers this season. Verstappen’s 20-second lead at the finish not only sealed the title but also marked one of the finest drives of his career.
McLaren emerged as the team of the year, clinching their first constructors’ championship in 26 years. From being 115 points behind Red Bull after Miami, McLaren’s resurgence, led by Norris and Oscar Piastri, was remarkable. While occasional strategic missteps and the decision not to prioritize Norris’s title bid earlier raised questions, the team’s overall performance was exemplary. Key to this success was the leadership of team principal Andrea Stella and the long-term vision of CEO Zak Brown. If McLaren maintains this momentum, they will undoubtedly be strong contenders in the upcoming season.
One of the sweetest moments of the year was Lewis Hamilton’s triumphant return to the top step of the podium at the British Grand Prix. Ending a 945-day winless streak, the seven-time world champion delivered a vintage performance under challenging conditions. Hamilton’s race showcased his unparalleled skill, from managing wet weather to executing a perfectly timed switch to slicks, which outmaneuvered McLaren. His emotional victory lap, draped in the Union Jack, was a poignant reminder of his enduring talent and the deep bond he shares with the Silverstone crowd.
In a season filled with intense battles, one of the most memorable overtakes came from Alex Albon in Canada. Driving for Williams, Albon capitalized on the team’s improved straight-line speed. On lap 30, he executed a stunning move, passing Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon in one breathtaking maneuver. His clean and calculated pass contrasted starkly with some of the reckless racing antics witnessed at the front of the grid, earning admiration from fans and competitors alike.
Despite these high points, Mercedes endured another season of disappointment. Although they secured four wins and showed flashes of brilliance, the team struggled to achieve the consistency needed to challenge for championships. Persistent issues with their car’s performance window remained unresolved, and mid-season upgrades proved counterproductive. While George Russell’s stellar performance in Las Vegas and Hamilton’s heroics at Silverstone showcased the car’s potential, these moments were too infrequent. With only one season left under the current regulations, Mercedes faces mounting pressure to return to the top.
As the 2024 season closes, the stage is set for an even more competitive 2025. McLaren’s resurgence, Red Bull’s continued dominance, and the potential for Mercedes and Ferrari to join the fray promise an exciting year ahead.
