The RaceFans Definitive Guide to the 2024 F1 Season

As the curtains close on another exhilarating Formula 1 season, we invite you to embark on a comprehensive journey through the most impactful moments, the most compelling narratives, and every thrilling race from a truly unforgettable year. From shocking driver transfers to intense on-track rivalries and significant regulatory shifts, 2024 delivered drama, excitement, and a relentless pursuit of glory. Dive into our curated collection of favorite articles, most popular features, and a detailed recap of every Grand Prix and Sprint event below, offering an unparalleled look back at the season that was.

The Defining Narratives: Unpacking 2024’s Biggest F1 Stories

The 2024 Formula 1 season was a tapestry woven with unexpected twists and turns, shaping not just the championship fight but the very fabric of the sport for years to come. Here, we delve into the most significant developments that captivated fans and ignited passionate discussions, complete with insights into how our dedicated readers reacted as these stories unfolded.

Hamilton’s Seismic Shift: From Mercedes to Ferrari

It’s a rare occurrence for the biggest story of a Formula 1 season to break before the cars even hit the track, yet 2024 proved to be precisely that exception. The motorsport world was rocked out of its winter slumber when Lewis Hamilton, arguably the sport’s most successful driver of all time, confirmed his departure from Mercedes after an astonishingly dominant 12-year tenure. His destination? The legendary Scuderia Ferrari, the most successful team in F1 history. This blockbuster announcement sent shockwaves through the paddock, instantly becoming the most talked-about topic and raising profound questions about the future of both teams and the wider driver market.

The implications of this move were immediate and far-reaching. While the initial speculation hinted at a chaotic ripple effect across the grid for 2025, the reality proved subtly different. Despite Carlos Sainz delivering another stellar performance alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, and both Red Bull and Mercedes holding coveted vacancies, neither team opted for the Spanish driver. After months of intense conjecture and numerous paddock whispers, Sainz ultimately confirmed his surprising move to Williams, securing a new chapter in his F1 career. Mercedes, meanwhile, chose to invest in its future by promoting promising young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, signaling a new era for the Silver Arrows.

When Hamilton left McLaren for Mercedes everyone thought he was making a big mistake. Lewis knows what he’s doing.
@Flyinglapp

This sentiment resonated with many, underscoring Hamilton’s strategic foresight demonstrated throughout his illustrious career. His previous switch, deemed controversial at the time, led to an unprecedented era of success. Only time will tell if his bold move to Ferrari will yield similar triumphs, but it undeniably set the tone for a season defined by unexpected changes.

• Official: Hamilton to leave Mercedes at end of 2024 and join Ferrari
• Mercedes confirm Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement on day after practice crash
• Sainz to join Albon at Williams in 2025 after Ferrari exit

Red Bull’s Driver Dilemma: The Perez Paradox and Lawson’s Ascent

After a challenging 2023 season, Sergio Perez initially seemed to recapture his elusive form at the start of 2024. This early resurgence led Red Bull to announce a surprising two-year contract extension, a decision that would soon be scrutinized as Perez’s performance began to slide once more, failing to recover its early-season promise. The dip in form presented Red Bull with a significant dilemma, particularly given their championship aspirations.

Following the British Grand Prix, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner publicly admitted that the team could not afford a repeat of Perez’s failure to score points, sparking widespread speculation about his immediate future. Many anticipated a driver change during the summer break. Despite contributing only 13 points over the subsequent two races, Perez was granted a stay of execution, though the pressure remained immense. The situation grew increasingly critical as the season progressed, with Perez managing a meager nine points from the final eight rounds. This alarming decline made his position within the championship-contending team appear untenable.

However, Red Bull faced an additional layer of complexity: their preferred replacement, Daniel Ricciardo, had struggled to impress during his return with sister team RB. This lack of clear alternative options forced Red Bull to reassess. Ultimately, Ricciardo was shown the door after the Singapore Grand Prix, paving the way for the promising Liam Lawson. Lawson quickly adapted, matching the pace of his teammate Yuki Tsunoda and delivering an outstanding drive at the United States Grand Prix. Horner soon faced persistent questions about whether Perez would be replaced before the season concluded. The decisive blow finally fell the week after, confirming Perez’s departure and Lawson’s promotion, cementing a significant shift in Red Bull’s driver lineup.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free

I’m not surprised by this news but I still reckon it’s the wrong choice at this point in time. The last two rookies almost ended up out of the sport in no time after being paired with Max. Any decent driver with experience would be a better choice. Yuki, Bottas and Sainz were all options. I want to see Lawson have a long and successful career. Sending him to be Max’s teammate this early in his career may well compromise that…
@Tommy-C

This thoughtful commentary reflected widespread concerns among fans regarding the intense pressure of partnering with Max Verstappen, a situation that has historically proven challenging for young talents. The decision to promote Lawson, while exciting, came with inherent risks that fans debated vigorously.

• Official: Red Bull give Perez two more years
• Perez will stay at Red Bull for the rest of the year, Horner tells team staff
• Lawson: RB told me two weeks ago I would replace Ricciardo
• Highly unlikely Lawson will replace Perez before end of season – Horner
• Official: Perez will not drive for Red Bull in 2025
• Official: Lawson confirmed as Verstappen’s new team mate for 2025

FOM’s Tumultuous U-turn: The Andretti Saga’s Unlikely Resolution

As 2024 commenced, the motorsport world watched keenly as the FIA had already given its stamp of approval to Andretti’s ambitious application to join Formula 1. The ball was then in Formula One Management’s (FOM) court, and their verdict, delivered emphatically in January, was a resounding dismissal. FOM’s rationale was stark: they asserted that the team, bearing the revered name of the 1978 world champion’s family, lacked sufficient recognition, was unlikely to be competitive, and moreover, Formula 1 simply didn’t need an eleventh team. This refusal ignited a protracted and increasingly personal dispute that simmered throughout the year.

The controversy escalated with Mario Andretti himself claiming that Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei had explicitly told his son, Michael, that their team would “never” be allowed into the pinnacle of motorsport. Yet, undeterred and fortified by the FIA’s support, coupled with the formidable backing of General Motors’ Cadillac brand, Andretti diligently fought their corner. They engaged US lawmakers, urging them to investigate the matter and apply political pressure. Gradually, the balance of power began to shift. In October, a full 299 days after their initial categorical rejection, FOM confirmed its capitulation. Intriguingly, even in their reversal, FOM refrained from explicitly naming the Andrettis as the successful applicants, a subtle nod to the contentious nature of the entire process.

Great, now let Hitech in as well for a proper 24-car grid!
Joao

This reader comment captured the prevailing sentiment among many fans who, having witnessed the long-drawn-out saga, were eager to see an expansion of the grid and greater competition, believing more teams would only enrich the sport.

• Formula 1 refuses to allow Andretti-Cadillac to enter team after FIA approval
• Cadillac has agreement in principle to join F1 as 11th team in 2026
• Not just a win for Cadillac: Why FOM dropped its opposition to an 11th F1 team

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free

Championship Clashes: Verstappen vs. Norris Ignites the Title Battle

After two largely one-sided seasons dominated by Max Verstappen, Formula 1 finally delivered the championship fight fans had yearned for. The 2024 season saw Lando Norris emerge as a formidable challenger, though he found himself battling uphill, having conceded significant ground to Verstappen during the early stages of the year. When these two exceptional talents met on track, fireworks were practically guaranteed, their rivalry becoming a focal point of the season.

One of the most intense confrontations occurred in Austria, where Norris was visibly infuriated by Verstappen’s aggressive defending. The incident culminated in a collision, a penalty for Verstappen, and a subsequent admission from the FIA that their disciplinary action against the Red Bull driver was too slow. The rivalry intensified in Austin, where Verstappen once again got the better of an exchange, leading to a penalty for Norris, despite many observers feeling Verstappen had deliberately forced him off track without consequence. McLaren, convinced of an injustice, lodged a fruitless attempt to appeal the decision, highlighting the contentious nature of on-track officiating.

Their clashes continued in Mexico, where, despite Norris ultimately finishing ahead, Verstappen successfully thwarted his challenge for victory in a race Norris could arguably have won, costing him crucial championship points. These repeated skirmishes were not just isolated incidents; they were pivotal moments that influenced the trajectory of the title race. If both drivers and their respective teams can start the next season on a more even footing, the prospect of an even more explosive and sustained championship battle looms large, promising fans an electrifying spectacle.

If you can take the penalty and gain an advantage… it’s not actually a penalty. It’s just a reduction in advantage. What needs to happen is that the penalties are harsh enough that drivers will desperately want to avoid them, and will learn to instinctively leave space for their opponents. Until that happens, the penalties aren’t severe enough.
Seppo (@Helava)

This astute observation from a reader captured the essence of the debate surrounding penalty effectiveness, suggesting that current sanctions might not be a sufficient deterrent against aggressive driving tactics if the advantage gained still outweighs the punishment.

• McLaren ‘complain a lot lately’, says Verstappen as rivals criticise Norris penalty
• McLaren insist stewards made ‘provable error’ after losing bid for review of Norris penalty
• Why Verstappen’s ‘divebomb’ moves on Norris paid off despite his penalties
• Leclerc hopes Verstappen ‘is as aggressive to Lando as possible because it helps me’
• Verstappen dismisses ‘biased critics’ and says F1 has ‘over-regulated’ racing

A Return to Sanity: F1 Finally Tackles Track Limits Head-On

For far too many years, track limits infringements have been a persistent headache and a source of considerable frustration in Formula 1 racing, often leading to endless penalties and confusing outcomes. However, 2024 marked a crucial turning point as the series finally adopted a serious and proactive approach to address the issue. The key to this newfound “sanity” lay in a fundamental shift: the reinstatement of physical limits to tracks, a common-sense measure that, arguably, should never have been removed or absent in the first place.

The impact of these changes was most prominently observed at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, a circuit historically notorious for track limits violations. Following the implementation of revised run-offs and physical deterrents, the number of infringements during the race plummeted dramatically, transforming it from a penalty hotspot into a model of compliant racing. Other circuits, including Silverstone, Shanghai, and the Hungaroring, also reaped the benefits from the addition of new gravel traps and narrower kerbs. These physical barriers effectively prevented drivers from gaining an unfair advantage by running wide, forcing them to respect the circuit boundaries and fostering cleaner, more straightforward competition.

Despite these widespread successes, one conspicuous exception remained: the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin. Unsurprisingly, both the Grand Prix and Sprint races during the United States Grand Prix weekend were plagued by multiple controversies and penalties stemming from drivers exploiting track limits. The consistent issues at COTA underscored the importance of universal implementation of physical deterrents. Hopes are high that reports indicating COTA will finally fix its run-offs for the upcoming season prove accurate, ensuring that the progress made in 2024 extends to all venues.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free

It’s amazing how those hundreds of track limit issues we had last year have suddenly stopped. It’s amazing what a sliver of gravel can do. Turns out these drivers can stay on track with relative ease even when pushing.

Who knew.
BLS (@BrightLampShade)

This sarcastic yet pointed comment perfectly encapsulated the relief and validation felt by fans who had long advocated for simpler, physical solutions to a persistent problem, proving that drivers, despite their immense skill, respond best to clear and tangible boundaries.

• Who are F1’s biggest track limits offenders and where are the top trouble spots?
• Despite Piastri’s frustration, Red Bull Ring’s track limits solution is working
• Drivers welcome narrow kerb track limits fix used at Silverstone and Red Bull Ring
• Austin hasn’t solved its track limits problem despite improvements to circuit

Further Major Developments: A Season of Change and Intrigue

Beyond the headline-grabbing sagas, the 2024 season was rich with other significant developments that shaped the competitive landscape and personnel dynamics of Formula 1. These stories, though perhaps less dramatic than a driver megatransfer or an organizational U-turn, nonetheless underscored a period of profound transition and strategic maneuvering across the grid.

One notable shift occurred at Haas, where the team parted ways with its charismatic principal, Guenther Steiner, appointing Ayao Komatsu as his replacement. This change in leadership aimed to revitalize the team’s performance. Haas also pulled off a significant coup by successfully luring Toyota back to F1 as a new technical partner, a move that promised enhanced engineering capabilities and future prospects.

While personnel changes are routine in F1, Alpine’s decision to replace yet another team principal, with Oliver Oakes stepping in for Bruno Famin, was a familiar sight. More surprising, however, was team owner Renault’s strategic pivot to axe its F1 engine program, opting instead to become a customer of Mercedes, a move with long-term implications for their independence and performance.

Arguably the most significant personnel change of the year was the departure of Adrian Newey from Red Bull, an engineering legend whose influence on multiple championship-winning cars is unparalleled. Aston Martin expertly orchestrated a remarkable coup, beating several rivals to secure his highly sought-after signature for 2025, signaling their serious intent to challenge at the very front.

On the driver front, before Daniel Ricciardo’s departure, Logan Sargeant became the most high-profile mid-season sacking, his tenure at Williams cut short after a series of costly crashes. Ricciardo’s final act in F1 was a moment of intrigue: denying Lando Norris the bonus point for fastest lap in Singapore, a move that directly aided his former team, Red Bull. This incident, which highlighted the complexities of multi-team ownership, was likely a factor in the FIA’s swift announcement that the fastest lap bonus point rule would be dropped for next year.

Drama also struck McLaren in Spain, where their hospitality unit tragically caught fire, causing significant disruption. Remarkably, the motorhome suffered even more damage in Hungary due to an unexpected storm, adding to the team’s challenges off-track. The title contenders engaged in plenty of tit-for-tat exchanges throughout the year. Norris “grassed up” Verstappen in Baku, though to no effect, while the Red Bull driver exacted a punishing revenge in Losail, triggering a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for his rival. Other fiery radio comments attracted the attention of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who urged drivers to temper their language and cut out the swearing, emphasizing sportsmanship.

Finally, in a historic moment, Kevin Magnussen became the first F1 driver to receive an automatic one-race ban for accumulating 12 penalty points on his licence, underscoring the FIA’s stricter enforcement of driving standards.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free

• Steiner leaves Haas, Komatsu team principal
• Renault confirms it will stop building its own F1 engines in 2026
• It was not needed: Most drivers won’t miss fastest lap bonus point
• Ricciardo taking point from Norris illustrates the issue around B-teams – Brown
• Colapinto handed surprise F1 debut as Williams loses patience with Sargeant
• Toyota returns to Formula 1 in new technical collaboration with Haas
• Official: Aston Martin wins race to sign Newey for 2025
• “Don’t broadcast it”: Verstappen bemused by Ben Sulayem’s swearing complaints
• “Max is overtaking everyone”: Norris alerted FIA to Verstappen’s VSC infringement
• Sky’s nationalistic F1 coverage caused demonisation of Verstappen – Newey
• “If I get a ban, I get a ban”: Magnussen changing nothing in what may be final season
• McLaren team members safe after fire in motorhome at Spanish GP

Our Most-Read Features: Deeper Dives into the 2024 F1 Season

Beyond the race reports and breaking news, our in-depth features provided unique perspectives and analyses that resonated deeply with our readers. These articles sparked the most interest, generated spirited comments, and garnered significant attention across social media platforms, offering a deeper understanding of the narratives shaping the 2024 Formula 1 season. Explore the stories that captivated our audience and provided fresh insights into the world of F1.

• At the very outset of the season, two teams underwent significant rebrands, prompting us to examine the intricate timeline showcasing the 33 historic identities of Formula 1’s 10 teams, revealing the sport’s rich and ever-evolving heritage.
• Soon after the bombshell announcement of Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, the new season of Drive to Survive unveiled his candid claim that the team told him he was wrong about their car problems in 2022, shedding light on internal team dynamics and past frustrations.
• The return of Flavio Briatore to F1, joining Alpine, was a controversial move that was not welcomed by many, reigniting debates about his past controversies and impact on the sport.
• Max Verstappen made a surprising and personal revelation about how his heavy crash at Silverstone in 2021 with Hamilton affected his eyesight, offering a rare glimpse into the physical toll of high-speed impacts.
• Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko disclosed that the team had to urge Verstappen not to stay up until the early hours simracing before Grand Prix weekends, highlighting the driver’s intense competitive drive even outside the cockpit.
• During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lando Norris spent lap after agonizing lap debating whether to let his teammate pass for a potential victory. He ultimately complied with McLaren’s instruction, but our feature explored which other drivers in similar positions have obeyed or defied their team orders throughout F1 history.
• Adrian Newey’s decision to leave Red Bull was momentous, but not before he designed a monstrous track car, the RB17, which produces more downforce than its tyres can cope with in corners, showcasing his continued engineering genius.
• Newey also vocalized his complaints about Sky’s F1 coverage, asserting it was overly nationalistic and contributed to the “demonization” of Max Verstappen, sparking a significant discussion about media bias.
• Into the third year of F1’s ground effect regulations, drivers remained heavily reliant on DRS for overtaking, demonstrating that the much-hyped post-2022 rules failed to significantly make passing easier, a key objective of the new technical regulations.
• FIA President Ben Sulayem’s call for less swearing on driver radios came despite the fact that these communications are already censored – twice! – raising questions about the practicality and necessity of such requests.
• Lando Norris fell victim to an unfortunately-timed yellow flag during qualifying in Baku, a cruel stroke of bad luck that severely hampered his potential for a strong grid position.
• While Max Verstappen’s latest ‘divebomb defence’ in Austin drew widespread criticism, our analysis revealed an F1 rule change several years prior had, in fact, rendered it a legal maneuver, sparking debate about the spirit versus the letter of the law.
• As Verstappen pulled clear in the championship fight, Norris was left to count the cost of 12 critical errors throughout the season, which, upon review, cost him far more points than his final deficit to Verstappen, highlighting the fine margins in a title battle.
• An unusual piece of driving by Carlos Sainz during the Las Vegas Grand Prix pit entry left many expecting a penalty, but our detailed breakdown of F1’s rules explained why he was, in fact, in the clear, demystifying a confusing incident.
• Lewis Hamilton delivered an emotional and heartfelt farewell to his Mercedes team over the radio in Abu Dhabi, a poignant moment marking the end of an era and reflecting on his incredible journey with the Silver Arrows.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free

Every Turn, Every Triumph: All 30 F1 Race Reports of 2024

The 2024 Formula 1 season was packed with unparalleled racing action, featuring a record-breaking 30 events across Grand Prix weekends and the thrilling addition of six Sprint races. Our comprehensive reports captured every strategic move, every dramatic overtake, and every pivotal moment that defined the championship. Relive the excitement of each main event and the high-stakes intensity of the Sprint showdowns with our detailed recaps below.

The Main Events: Grand Prix Reports

Our in-depth reports provided detailed analysis of all 24 Grand Prix races in 2024, capturing the essence of each battle, triumph, and setback:

• 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix report: Amid accusations, Red Bull resumed “business as usual” with a crushing one-two finish, setting an ominous tone for the season.
• 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix report: Virtually unbeatable, Verstappen momentarily put simracing aside to collect a dominant Jeddah win, further cementing his early season form.
• 2024 Australian Grand Prix report: Carlos Sainz showcased surgical precision, seizing victory as Verstappen’s hopes dramatically melted in Melbourne due to mechanical failure.
• 2024 Japanese Grand Prix report: Verstappen swiftly sprang Red Bull back to winning ways at an unexpectedly warm Suzuka, underlining their return to dominance.
• 2024 Chinese Grand Prix report: Shanghai witnessed both sides of Verstappen, culminating in a dominant victory that highlighted his formidable control.
• 2024 Miami Grand Prix report: ‘Lando No-Wins’ finally exorcized his demons with a maiden, emotionally charged win in Miami, a career-defining moment.
• 2024 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix report: Verstappen defeated Norris with a drive worthy of Senna on a poignant weekend of remembrance at Imola.
• 2024 Monaco Grand Prix report: Charles Leclerc channeled past tragedy into triumph, securing an emotional home victory in Monaco, fulfilling a long-held dream.
• 2024 Canadian Grand Prix report: Norris and Russell’s missed chances for a second win inadvertently handed Verstappen his 60th career victory in a chaotic race.
• 2024 Spanish Grand Prix report: Verstappen was victorious again as Norris frustratingly let another chance for victory slip away, showcasing the McLaren driver’s ongoing challenge to convert pole positions.
• 2024 Austrian Grand Prix report: George Russell broke Mercedes’ losing streak as the trust between Verstappen and Norris dramatically broke down on track.
• 2024 British Grand Prix report: Hamilton and Bonnington rolled back the clock, delivering one last Silverstone success together in an emotional home race for Lewis.
• 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix report: Norris’s strategic sacrifice made Oscar Piastri a deserving winner as McLaren put Red Bull firmly on notice for the title fight.
• 2024 Belgian Grand Prix report: Fate handed Hamilton his lost Spa win back, though at his teammate’s cost, in a dramatic and controversial post-race decision.
• 2024 Dutch Grand Prix report: Norris inflicted Verstappen’s first home defeat, kicking off his determined title chase with a spectacular performance.
• 2024 Italian Grand Prix report: Leclerc’s ‘Italian Job’ thrilled the passionate Tifosi, even as McLaren frustratingly let another win slip away at Monza.
• 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix report: Piastri defeated Leclerc with a little help from Norris as roles dramatically reversed at McLaren in a strategic masterpiece.
• 2024 Singapore Grand Prix report: Norris couldn’t claim his full reward despite delivering his most dominant display this season, highlighting the unforgiving nature of F1.
• 2024 United States Grand Prix report: Ferrari’s dominant Austin GP one-two was overshadowed as title rivals clashed yet again, adding another layer to their intense rivalry.
• 2024 Mexican Grand Prix report: Sainz seized a memorable swansong Ferrari win as Perez endured a nightmare home race horror show, a stark contrast in fortunes.
• 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix report: Verstappen countered his critics with a champion’s drive in soaking Sao Paulo, showcasing his prowess in challenging wet conditions.
• 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix report: George Russell struck gold in Vegas, securing a spectacular victory as Verstappen’s title came at a canter, though not in the manner he might have expected.
• 2024 Qatar Grand Prix report: Verstappen mastered both the race track and the rule book with a satisfying Qatar victory, demonstrating his strategic acumen.
• 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix report: Norris achieved a feat which eluded even Hamilton, taking McLaren to a constructors’ title in a stunning season finale.

The Sideshows: Sprint Race Reports

The 2024 season featured six exciting sprint events, each adding a layer of unpredictable action and crucial points to the championship narrative. These shorter, intense races provided thrilling appetizers to the main Grand Prix events:

• 2024 China sprint race report: Verstappen hunted down Hamilton for a straightforward Shanghai sprint race win, demonstrating his superior pace.
• 2024 Miami sprint race report: Verstappen collected another sprint race win from pole as Norris crashed out dramatically at the start, a costly early exit.
• 2024 Austria sprint race report: Verstappen expertly repelled the McLarens to clinch victory in the Austria sprint race, showcasing his defensive skills.
• 2024 COTA sprint race report: Verstappen maintained his unbeaten run in sprint races as Norris lost second place on the very last lap, a heartbreaker for the Briton.
• 2024 Brazil sprint race report: Piastri, demonstrating excellent teamwork, handed Norris victory in the Interlagos sprint race, a strategic play by McLaren.
• 2024 Qatar sprint race report: Norris controversially overruled McLaren team orders, ultimately handing sprint race victory to Piastri, stirring internal team discussions.

Unheard Conversations: Unveiling 2024’s Team Radio Highlights

Formula 1 team radio often provides a captivating window into the intensity, strategy, and raw emotion of the sport. RaceFans’ exclusive team radio transcripts went beyond the televised snippets, offering full context and uncovering surprising, often overlooked, details about how the races truly unfolded. These highlights reveal the hidden conversations and crucial decisions that shaped the 2024 season.

• In Jeddah, Haas controversially used Kevin Magnussen to strategically help Nico Hulkenberg score points, with radio calls revealing “You need to go more slowly” tactics.
• After Lando Norris’s breakthrough win in Miami, McLaren showed threatening pace again in Imola. “Lando’s found some pace” – unheard radio from the intense Verstappen-Norris Imola duel captured the moment the championship fight truly ignited.
• Max Verstappen won in Canada but narrowly avoided a costly switch to the wrong tire compound, as Red Bull overruled him to prevent a race-losing error.
• Lewis Hamilton almost pulled off a brilliant early switch to slick tires in Canada, but had the misfortune to encounter a very slow Sauber, leading to his frustrated radio message: “I lost so much time” – how Hamilton’s unseen hold-up with Zhou hurt his race.
• Coincidence or cunning strategy? Max Verstappen caught Lando Norris at an inconvenient moment twice during qualifying at the Hungaroring, prompting discussions on whether Norris was using mind games to pile more pressure on Verstappen.
• Verstappen raged on his radio as he endured a frustrating race in Hungary, leading to his race engineer having to intervene to put a stop to what he called “childish radio fights”.
• It took many laps of cajoling and negotiation for Norris to concede to McLaren team mate Piastri for the win in Hungary. The radio exchanges, including “Are we swapping?”, revealed how McLaren placated Piastri and persuaded Norris.
• George Russell initially ‘won’ the Belgian GP on track before disqualification, after a brave one-stop strategy. Hamilton was initially frustrated not to have followed suit, with unheard radio showing why Hamilton missed Russell’s almost race-winning strategy.
• Franco Colapinto made a strong and impressive start to his F1 career at short notice during the Italian Grand Prix. His raw honesty was clear on the radio: “Never had so much pain in a car” – how Colapinto impressed Williams on his debut.
• Norris magnificently caught and beat Verstappen from 15th on the grid in Baku. Verstappen’s radio exclaimed, “The car is just jumping” – revealing why Verstappen couldn’t keep Norris from catching him.
• Hulkenberg impressively beat Sergio Perez in Austria and then again in Singapore. His radio comment, “Perez is only quicker when he has DRS,” highlighted how his Haas outsmarted a Red Bull yet again.
• Liam Lawson gave as good as he got in his first race back in F1 at the Circuit of the Americas, famously quipping on the radio: “I guess they prefer us to crash” – unheard team radio from the US GP.

Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free
• Was this the most optimistic radio message of the year? Norris’s race engineer, Will Joseph, bravely coached him in his efforts to fight a particularly belligerent Verstappen in Mexico: “If you can pass Max safely, take it” – unheard radio from the title rivals’ latest fight.
• The extremely wet conditions at Interlagos shocked many drivers, notably Ollie Bearman on his return as a substitute. His radio message conveyed raw fear: “I’m trying not to die” – Bearman urged his team to warn the FIA over the perilous Brazilian GP conditions.
• Charles Leclerc was unhappy to finish behind his teammate in Las Vegas, but the full transcript revealed Sainz was not being as uncooperative as the world feed indicated. ‘Being nice f***s me over’ – Leclerc’s radio anger and Sainz’s criticism explained.
• Lewis Hamilton’s penultimate appearance for Mercedes was one of his worst Sundays of the year, evident from his disheartened radio message: “Am I dead last now?” – unheard radio from Hamilton’s disastrous Qatar GP.
• Verstappen picked up his fifth penalty in as many rounds at the season finale, and it was clear that Red Bull left it as late as possible to tell Verstappen about his latest penalty, a recurring theme towards the end of the year.
• Hamilton said farewell to Mercedes in style with a superb recovery drive, but he wasn’t the only driver saying goodbye at the final round. Tributes and cheeky doughnuts – how departing F1 drivers signed off on their radios, marking an emotional close to careers or chapters.

Social Media Snapshots: Our Most-Shared Moments of 2024

The F1 world isn’t just about on-track action; it’s also a vibrant online community. Here’s a final selection of our most-shared and engaging posts from across social media this year, capturing everything from breathtaking visuals to witty commentary and breaking news that resonated with fans worldwide. These moments illustrate the diverse conversations and exciting developments that captured the public’s imagination throughout 2024.

Video: @redbullracing used the world’s fastest drone to film @Max33Verstappen lapping a wet Silverstone in their new RB20.#F1 pic.twitter.com/453o1q2mTT

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) February 27, 2024

Most expensive ticket for the 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix: £30,000

Estimated sale price of the 1964 Formula 1 world drivers’ championship trophy won by John Surtees: £15,000#F1 pic.twitter.com/CmuVgSION0

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) March 29, 2024

NEW: Other drivers wouldn’t work as hard as Sainz did to return after surgery – Norris

Read more: https://t.co/f7hxIvKUVq

By Keith Collantine

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) March 26, 2024

A bizarre moment in today’s IndyCar race at Barber Motorsport Park when a mannequin installed underneath a bridge as a trackside feature fell onto the track and surprisingly did not trigger a caution period despite being hit by a car.#IndyCar pic.twitter.com/P1R97e6meD

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) April 28, 2024

With @Carlossainz55 and @alex_albon in their cars next year, @WilliamsRacing won’t have to worry about either of their drivers missing races to have their appendixes out.#F1 #RaceFans pic.twitter.com/7wIQCD5JPT

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) July 29, 2024

Ferrari has announced it will split from sponsor Santander at the end of the year, concluding their three-year deal. They were previously sponsored by the bank from 2010 to 2017 as well.#F1 #ItalianGP #RaceFans pic.twitter.com/MvHoFNMIz7

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) August 30, 2024

RB have already updated their home page with Riccairdo’s replacement.#F1 #RaceFans pic.twitter.com/LiIBz0ccJ2

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) September 26, 2024

NEW: Hamilton would be an eight-time champion if Whiting was still alive – Steiner

Read more: https://t.co/8OrUZv6txV

By Keith Collantine

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) September 29, 2024

Sauber have hired former Ferrari strategist Inaki Rueda as sporting director and Giampaolo Dall’Ara as head of race engineering. Beat Zehnder will become director of signature programs and operations next year. #F1 pic.twitter.com/RPd6ka9HhT

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) October 30, 2024

Sergio Perez’s “I’m not leaving” tweet from September now has a community note beneath it.#F1 pic.twitter.com/DtalrXA1M6

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) December 18, 2024

Two-times world rally champion Carlos Sainz joined his son, four-times grand prix winner Carlos Sainz Jnr, to say farewell to Ferrari at Fiorano.

The 62-year-old joined his son in driving a 2022-specification F1-75 around the team’s test track.#F1 pic.twitter.com/LHLKwCZDAC

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) December 17, 2024

Over to You: Share Your 2024 F1 Memories!

The 2024 Formula 1 season was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring unforgettable highs, dramatic lows, and countless moments of pure racing brilliance. We’ve revisited the biggest stories, analyzed the most impactful developments, and relived every thrilling race. Now, we want to hear from you!

What were your absolute favourite moments from the 2024 F1 season? Which story captivated you the most? Did a particular race stand out, or a specific driver’s performance leave a lasting impression? Share your thoughts, memories, and reflections on a truly memorable year in the comments section below. We look forward to reading your insights!

Go Ad-Free for Just £1 Per Month!>> Find out more and sign up

Explore More Formula 1 Content

• F1 returning to India soon after 2027 sounds like wishful thinking
• Verstappen loathes F1’s new generation of cars – but what do his rivals reckon?
• The ‘throwback weekend’ is back in fashion. But it’s a flawed concept – especially for F1
• Is Formula 1’s double race cancellation a blessing in disguise?
• Todt admits Schumacher crashed on purpose – but did it really cost him two titles?

Browse all Formula 1 articles