A Thrilling Twist: The 2024 F1 Season Defies Expectations
Photo source: formula1.com and Red Bull
For Formula 1 fans, the “Verstappen hate train” has been a recurring narrative since Red Bull Racing’s era of domination began. While many predicted the 2024 season would be yet another snooze fest with one team monopolizing the top spot, it has turned out to be anything but boring. The season has delivered surprises, with multiple winners from different teams and, shockingly, no wins for Red Bull in certain stretches.
How Did Max Do It?
The 2024 F1 season kicked off in March with the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen claimed an early lead, earning 25 points and an extra point for the fastest lap. The Dutchman followed this with another P1 finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
By this point, many suspected Verstappen would dominate the season, leaving no room for competition. But the narrative shifted when Carlos Sainz, just weeks after appendix removal surgery, won the Australian Grand Prix. Verstappen was forced to retire his car due to excessive smoke, marking his first DNF of the season. While Sainz’s win was undoubtedly well-earned, many fans were still skeptical about whether the season could escape the “boring” label.
Verstappen rebounded with a win at the Japanese Grand Prix, securing both P1 and the fastest lap. A week later at the Chinese Grand Prix, he extended his lead, winning both the race and the sprint for a total of 33 points. However, veteran Fernando Alonso denied him the fastest lap late in the race.
The Miami Grand Prix brought a surprise as McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his first-ever Grand Prix win, with teammate Oscar Piastri setting the fastest lap. Although Verstappen finished second in the race and first in the sprint, the focus was on Norris. By now, the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris was brewing, with fans starting to foresee a battle for the World Drivers’ Championship (WDC).
Mid-Season Drama
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix showcased how much McLaren had improved. The final 10 laps saw a nail-biting duel between Verstappen and Norris, with Verstappen ultimately clinching P1. But Monaco delivered one of the season’s most emotional moments as Charles Leclerc finally won his home race. Verstappen finished a modest P6 but still added points to his tally.
The Dutchman then claimed back-to-back victories at the Canadian and Spanish Grands Prix. However, these wins marked the start of a lengthy drought. For the next 10 races, Verstappen couldn’t claim the top step of the podium.
The streak of new winners continued: George Russell triumphed in Austria, Lewis Hamilton claimed victory at Silverstone, and Oscar Piastri secured his maiden win in Hungary. Hamilton won again in Belgium, while Lando Norris thrilled fans by winning Verstappen’s home race in the Netherlands.
Ferrari and McLaren kept the momentum going. Charles Leclerc took wins in Italy and the U.S., while Sainz and Norris added to their tallies in Mexico and Singapore, respectively. Throughout this stretch, Verstappen consistently finished in the Top 6, keeping himself in contention even as other drivers stole the spotlight.
Verstappen’s Resurgence
After nearly five months without a win, Verstappen finally broke his drought with a commanding victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The race also saw Alpine celebrate a double podium finish, adding to the excitement.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated races of the season, became the decider in the WDC battle between Verstappen and Norris. Although Verstappen didn’t win the race, his higher finish than Norris secured his fourth World Championship.
Constructors’ Championship Showdown
With 403 of Red Bull’s 555 total points coming from Verstappen, his role in carrying the team has been undeniable. Despite his individual brilliance, Red Bull sits third in the Constructors’ Championship standings. The battle for the top spot between McLaren and Ferrari remains fierce, with just two races left in the season.
What’s Next?
While Verstappen has already sealed the WDC, the final races will determine whether McLaren or Ferrari takes the Constructors’ Championship. The season has defied expectations, proving that Formula 1 can still deliver surprises even when dominated by a generational talent like Max Verstappen.
Whether you’re rooting for the papaya or the prancing horse, the 2024 F1 season has been one for the books.
