The 2019 Formula 1 season delivered an exhilarating spectacle of speed, strategy, and drama across 21 unforgettable race weekends. From the innovative car launches to the final tire-smoking doughnuts, every moment was captured, creating a rich tapestry of motorsport history. RaceFans diligently covered every twist and turn, amassing over 20,000 vivid photographs that chronicle the action on and off the track. Now, we’ve meticulously curated this extensive collection to present a select few – our absolute favorites – that encapsulate the essence and excitement of the 2019 F1 championship.
This visual journey will transport you back through a season that saw Mercedes secure yet another double championship, Ferrari battle for supremacy, and Red Bull emerge as a consistent threat. We’ll revisit the pivotal moments, the intense rivalries, the iconic celebrations, and the sheer beauty of Formula 1 machinery pushed to its limits. Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating world of F1 2019, race by race, through the lens of our dedicated photographers. Each image tells a story, contributing to the grand narrative of a remarkable year in Formula 1 history.
Pre-season Anticipation: Unveiling the Challengers
The pre-season period is always charged with anticipation, as teams unveil their latest challengers and ambitious liveries. It’s a time of fresh hopes and predictions, with fans eager to see the first glimpses of the cars that will contest the upcoming championship. The 2019 season kicked off with significant buzz, including the much-anticipated return of Robert Kubica to Formula 1, a moment celebrated by many across the motorsport world. Team launches, such as Haas’s striking new livery reveal at the Royal Automobile Club, set the tone for the aesthetic battles to come. Williams also showcased their new colors, albeit on a previous year’s car, building excitement for their new season.
Testing: First Laps and Performance Hints
Pre-season testing is the critical first real test for the new cars, where teams collect vital data and drivers get acquainted with their machines. It’s a period of intense development and a tantalizing glimpse into the pecking order for the upcoming season. Iconic tracks like Silverstone and Circuit de Catalunya became the proving grounds for the 2019 contenders. Fans and media alike scrutinize every detail, from aero packages to tire wear, seeking hints of who might dominate or surprise. These early laps, though not competitive, are foundational to a team’s championship aspirations, showcasing the blend of engineering prowess and driving talent.
Round 1: Australia – Kicking Off the Season
The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park always brings the excitement of a new Formula 1 season to life. With its challenging street circuit characteristics and unpredictable weather, it’s the perfect opener. The 2019 race saw the teams unleash their full potential for the first time, with drivers eager to make an early statement. From the intense grid formation to the checkered flag, Albert Park delivered its usual blend of high-speed action and strategic battles, setting the stage for what would be an incredible year of racing.
Round 2: Bahrain – Desert Nights and Close Battles
The Bahrain Grand Prix, with its unique desert setting and challenging floodlit conditions, often produces some of the most thrilling races of the season. In 2019, Sakhir lived up to its reputation, delivering intense wheel-to-wheel action and unpredictable outcomes. From fierce qualifying duels between the Ferrari drivers to dramatic race finishes, the Bahrain International Circuit was a stage for memorable performances. The contrast of the brightly lit track against the darkening desert sky provided a stunning backdrop for the high-octane drama of Formula 1.
Round 3: China – A Milestone 1000th Grand Prix
The 2019 Chinese Grand Prix held special significance as Formula 1 celebrated its historic 1000th championship race. Shanghai International Circuit, with its distinctive track layout, provided a fitting venue for this milestone event. Drivers pushed their machines to the limit, navigating the demanding corners and long straights in pursuit of victory. The grandstands were packed with passionate fans, adding to the electrifying atmosphere of this landmark occasion in motorsport. Every lap was a testament to the sport’s rich heritage and enduring appeal.
Round 4: Azerbaijan – Street Circuit Thrills in Baku
The Baku City Circuit has quickly earned a reputation for delivering unpredictable and thrilling races, and 2019 was no exception. Its unique blend of narrow old-city sections and incredibly long straights creates opportunities for both dramatic overtakes and unexpected incidents. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix showcased the bravery of the drivers as they pushed their high-performance machines to the absolute limit around the demanding street circuit. The stunning architecture of Baku provided a captivating backdrop to the high-stakes F1 action.
Round 5: Spain – European Season Kicks Off
The Spanish Grand Prix traditionally marks the start of the European leg of the Formula 1 season. Held at the Circuit de Catalunya, a familiar testing ground for all teams, it offers a crucial benchmark for car development. The 2019 edition saw teams introduce significant upgrades, hoping to gain an edge. The race in Barcelona is known for its demanding combination of high-speed and technical sections, challenging both drivers and engineers. The enthusiastic Spanish crowd always adds a vibrant atmosphere to this technical and strategic battle.
Round 6: Monaco – The Jewel in the Crown
No circuit on the Formula 1 calendar captures the glamour and challenge quite like Monaco. The principality’s narrow, winding streets demand absolute precision and courage from every driver. The 2019 Monaco Grand Prix was a poignant event, marked by heartfelt tributes to the late Niki Lauda, adding an emotional layer to an already iconic race. Every lap around Monte Carlo is a breathtaking spectacle, a testament to driver skill and engineering brilliance. The atmosphere is always electric, with yachts lining the harbor and celebrities gracing the paddock, making it a truly unique occasion.
Round 7: Canada – High Speeds on Gilles Villeneuve
The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is renowned for its high-speed layout and the infamous “Wall of Champions.” This race always delivers exciting on-track action and strategic challenges due to its unique track characteristics and the potential for safety car periods. In 2019, the race in Montreal provided plenty of thrills, from intense qualifying sessions to gripping wheel-to-wheel battles. The passionate Canadian fans, known for their enthusiastic support, created a vibrant and memorable atmosphere throughout the race weekend.
Round 8: France – Return to Paul Ricard
The French Grand Prix, hosted at the distinctive Paul Ricard circuit, returned to the Formula 1 calendar, offering a unique challenge with its expansive run-off areas and variety of track configurations. The 2019 event provided a chance for teams to fine-tune their setups and for drivers to master the complex layout. The combination of long straights and technical corners made for an intriguing strategic battle. Against the vibrant blue and red safety markings, the F1 cars created striking visual spectacles as they navigated the classic French track.
Round 9: Austria – The Red Bull Ring’s Thrills
The Austrian Grand Prix at the picturesque Red Bull Ring is a fan favorite, set amidst the stunning Styrian mountains. Its short, high-speed layout often leads to extremely close racing and dramatic finishes, with elevation changes adding to the excitement. The 2019 event was no different, delivering spectacular overtakes and strategic gambles. The vibrant atmosphere, fueled by the enthusiastic “Orange Army” supporting Max Verstappen, made it a truly special race weekend, capturing the essence of modern Formula 1.
Round 10: Britain – Home of Motorsport
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is a cornerstone of the Formula 1 calendar, revered for its rich history and thrilling high-speed layout. This iconic circuit, often considered the home of motorsport, always draws an enormous and passionate crowd. The 2019 race was a classic, featuring intense battles and showcasing the incredible speed of modern F1 cars through legendary corners like Copse and Stowe. The unpredictable British weather also often adds an extra layer of excitement and strategic complexity to the weekend.
Round 11: Germany – Hockenheim’s Wet Weather Chaos
The German Grand Prix at Hockenheimring is a circuit steeped in history, known for its thrilling stadium section and fast straights. In 2019, this race delivered an absolutely unforgettable spectacle, becoming a chaotic wet-weather classic. The challenging conditions tested every driver’s skill and nerve, leading to numerous incidents, changing fortunes, and dramatic strategic calls. Mick Schumacher’s demonstration run in his father’s iconic Ferrari F2004 added a touching historical element to a truly remarkable weekend that will be remembered for years to come.
Round 12: Hungary – The Summer Break Decider
The Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring, often dubbed “Monaco without the walls,” is a challenging, twisty circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult. The 2019 race served as the final event before the traditional summer break, adding extra pressure for teams to secure a strong result. This highly technical track demands peak performance from drivers and perfect strategy from their teams. The close-quarter racing and strategic nuances made the Hungarian Grand Prix a compelling spectacle, leaving fans eager for the second half of the season.
Round 13: Belgium – Spa’s Tragic Yet Thrilling Race
The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps is a highlight of the F1 calendar, revered for its legendary high-speed sections and challenging elevation changes, including the iconic Eau Rouge. The 2019 event, however, was tinged with profound sadness following the tragic passing of Anthoine Hubert during the F2 support race. The motorsport community united in grief, paying tribute to a promising young talent. Despite the somber mood, the race itself delivered intense competition on one of the most demanding circuits, a testament to the enduring spirit of racing. The natural beauty of the Ardennes provided a stunning, if bittersweet, backdrop.
Round 14: Italy – The Temple of Speed and Tifosi
Monza, the “Temple of Speed,” is synonymous with Formula 1 history and the passionate “Tifosi” of Ferrari. The Italian Grand Prix is always a high-octane affair, characterized by long straights and fast chicanes, pushing engines to their limits. In 2019, Monza delivered another thrilling race, with the passionate Italian crowd creating an unparalleled atmosphere. The raw speed and slipstreaming battles are unique to this legendary circuit, making it a must-see event for any motorsport enthusiast and a challenging proving ground for drivers and cars alike.
Round 15: Singapore – Night Race Extravaganza
The Singapore Grand Prix is arguably the most spectacular event on the Formula 1 calendar, with its challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit lit up against the stunning city skyline. As a full night race, it provides unique visual opportunities and tests drivers’ endurance in hot, humid conditions. The 2019 edition delivered another memorable spectacle, with high-intensity racing under the dazzling floodlights. From the intricate turns to the dramatic cityscapes, Singapore offers a sensory overload, perfectly blending high-speed motorsport with urban grandeur.
Round 16: Russia – Sochi’s Olympic Legacy
The Russian Grand Prix, held at the Sochi Autodrom within the Olympic Park, offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure and challenging track sections. This circuit, with its long straights and 90-degree corners, often leads to strategic races influenced by tire management and slipstreaming opportunities. The 2019 event delivered its own set of dramas and intense battles, showcasing the beautiful scenery of the Black Sea resort. The grand prix is a modern fixture on the F1 calendar, always providing a glimpse into the evolving landscape of global motorsport.
Round 17: Japan – Suzuka’s Ultimate Challenge
The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka is a beloved fixture on the Formula 1 calendar, famous for its unique figure-eight layout and iconic, high-speed S-curves. It’s a true drivers’ circuit that demands precision, commitment, and bravery, often playing a crucial role in championship battles. The 2019 event delivered thrilling qualifying laps and intense race action, set against the backdrop of passionate Japanese fans. Suzuka consistently provides some of the most spectacular on-track photography, capturing the raw speed and beauty of F1 cars navigating its legendary corners.
Round 18: Mexico – Altitude, Fandom, and Ferrari
The Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is unique for its high-altitude location, which significantly impacts car performance and driver endurance. The stadium section, with its electrifying atmosphere and passionate local fans, creates one of the most memorable sights and sounds on the F1 calendar. In 2019, Mexico City delivered a race full of strategic intrigue and fierce battles, as teams grappled with the thin air and demanding circuit. The vibrant Mexican culture and unparalleled fan energy make this grand prix a spectacular event year after year.
Round 19: United States – COTA’s Unique Layout
The United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, is celebrated for its unique track design, including the steep uphill run to Turn 1 and a blend of high-speed and technical sections inspired by iconic F1 circuits. COTA consistently provides exciting racing and a festive atmosphere, attracting a growing American fanbase. The 2019 event showcased intense battles and strategic plays, with drivers pushing their limits around this challenging and popular circuit. It was a true celebration of motorsport on American soil.
Round 20: Brazil – Interlagos Drama and Sensations
The Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos is a classic F1 race, known for its passionate crowds, unpredictable weather, and undulating circuit that often leads to thrilling and dramatic events. As one of the penultimate races of the season, it frequently plays a pivotal role in championship outcomes. The 2019 event delivered an absolute spectacle, with intense wheel-to-wheel action, safety car periods, and a sensational podium. Tributes to local legend Ayrton Senna added a poignant touch to a race that was truly unforgettable, showcasing the raw excitement and emotion of Formula 1.
Round 21: Abu Dhabi – Season Finale Under the Lights
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina provides a spectacular conclusion to every Formula 1 season, with its unique track design, stunning marina views, and twilight race format. The 2019 finale offered a final chance for drivers and teams to shine, bringing the championship to a close under the dazzling floodlights. From the strategic challenges of the circuit to the vibrant celebrations, Abu Dhabi always delivers a memorable event. The end-of-season photograph of all drivers symbolizes the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defines Formula 1.
2019 F1 Season Review: Reflecting on a Champion Year
The 2019 Formula 1 season was a truly captivating journey, showcasing incredible talent, technological marvels, and nail-biting finishes. From Mercedes’ dominant performance to the emergence of young stars and the ongoing battles throughout the midfield, it was a year that will be remembered for its intensity and excitement. This visual compilation serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of Formula 1, capturing the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, and the enduring passion that fuels this global sport. We hope this photo gallery has allowed you to relive some of the most iconic moments and appreciate the artistry and athleticism that define Grand Prix racing.
For a deeper dive into the events and storylines of this remarkable year, explore our comprehensive 2019 F1 season review articles:
- ‘I should have done a better job. There’s things that I know I can do better’
- ‘I am definitely not a rookie anymore – but I’m still getting better’
- ‘I didn’t believe in myself much. But after Australia and Bahrain and I gained a lot of confidence’
- ‘It was my best season for sure so far in terms of pure results and speed’
- ‘There’s been plenty of good performances – but there’s also other years I’ve performed at my best’
Browse all 2019 F1 season review articles