The 2023 Formula One season culminated in a near-sweep for Red Bull Racing, who dominated the tracks, winning all but one race. Their star driver, Max Verstappen, took the top spot in nearly every event, finishing first in all but three races—twice to his teammate and once to Carlos Sainz of Ferrari. Expectations were high for 2024, with many anticipating a continuation of Red Bull’s supremacy. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that while Verstappen remained a formidable contender, Red Bull’s standing in the championship had slipped to third place.
Don’t Mess With the Dutch: The 2024 season kicked-off with the expected fanfare as Red Bull drivers secured first and second-place finishes in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with Verstappen triumphing by margins exceeding ten seconds. Amidst this predictable dominance, racing enthusiasts found a refreshing narrative in the debut of rookie driver Oliver Bearman. Due to Carlos Sainz’s unexpected appendicitis, Ferrari called upon Bearman, who impressively finished seventh in his maiden race. Following Sainz’s swift recovery and return, he claimed victory in the next race, capitalizing on Verstappen’s engine issues and his teammate’s struggles. Red Bull quickly regained their winning momentum, although Lando Norris of McLaren secured his first victory thanks to a significant car upgrade that put McLaren in contention.
The Bull is Slain: The Monaco Grand Prix marked a pivotal moment in the season. Charles Leclerc, long yearning for a win at his home race, finally achieved it in 2024, with Sainz finishing third and Verstappen lagging behind in fifth. Although Ferrari seemed poised to challenge Red Bull, it was Lando Norris who emerged as a fierce competitor, engaging in a thrilling battle with Verstappen across the European circuits. While Verstappen secured two wins to Norris’s one, Red Bull’s second driver, Sergio Perez, struggled significantly, leaving the team vulnerable as McLaren and Mercedes posed increasing threat, with Oscar Piastri notching a win in Hungary.
The Rise of Ferrari: After a disappointing performance in Europe and falling behind McLaren in the standings, Ferrari needed a turnaround to stay competitive for the Constructors’ Championship. Following Norris’s victory at Verstappen’s home track in Zandvoort, Ferrari found renewed hope. The Monza race, known for its speed and significance as Ferrari’s home event, proved magical as Leclerc clinched victory despite starting from fourth. McLaren bounced back with wins in Azerbaijan and Singapore before the fall break. However, Ferrari continued to build momentum, achieving a one-two finish in Texas and a one-three finish in Mexico, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Max Verstappen: A dramatic “red flag” incident during qualifying saw Verstappen start from 17th, while Norris qualified fourth. Remarkably, Verstappen managed to clinch victory, finishing ahead of Norris, who placed fourth. With the Las Vegas race on the horizon, Norris needed a strong finish but fell short. Mercedes wrapped up the race in a one-two finish, capping off a season filled with ups and downs for the team. Ferrari finished with a respectable third and fourth, while Verstappen secured fifth, comfortably ahead of Norris’s sixth, solidifying his drivers’ championship.
Papaya On Top: As the season drew to a close, Ferrari faced the daunting task of overtaking McLaren in the points standings. Despite a setback during the sprint, a solid finish in Qatar left them just 21 points behind McLaren ahead of the final race. Leclerc faced a qualifying penalty, starting 19th, while his teammate qualified third. As the race unfolded, a puncture for McLaren’s Oscar Piastri opened the door for Ferrari, who found themselves in second and third positions behind Norris. However, they were unable to overtake him, and Norris crossed the finish line first, securing the 2024 World Constructors’ Championship for McLaren.
Final Goodbyes: The 2024 season has seen monumental shifts in team lineups. The iconic Lewis Hamilton will depart from Mercedes to join Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz, who will move to Williams. Esteban Ocon from Alpine will join Haas, while Jack Doohan will take his place at Alpine. Ocon will replace Hulkenberg with his transition, who is stepping in for Bottas at Sauber, and Oliver Bearman will take over for Kevin Magnussen at Haas. This whirlwind season featured seven different winners across two grand prix events, marking a significant turning point as Red Bull was dethroned after their dominant run in 2022.
With the stage set for an exhilarating 2025 season, fans are left to ponder the implications of these changes and the potential for new rivalries and surprising outcomes in the ever-evolving world of Formula One racing.
