The 2024 Formula 1 season has been full of twists and turns. Max Verstappen had to fight hard to win his 4th world title while McLaren returned to the forefront. But Alpine has experienced a real journey of the cross…
The 2024 Formula 1 season will go down in history as one of the most competitive in history. At the end of a fierce fight, it was finally Max Verstappen who won his 4th world title at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, two races from the end. A victory all the more meritorious for the Dutchman as the competition had strengthened considerably this year.
Verstappen, a challenged but unbeatable world champion
If we exclude the 2021 title won at the last minute against Lewis Hamilton, this 2024 coronation is undoubtedly the most beautiful and most difficult of Max Verstappen's career. The Red Bull driver had to raise his level of play in the face of the comeback of Mercedes but especially the rise of McLaren and Ferrari.
However, in hot moments, the Dutchman was able to use his talent and his steely mentality to make the difference. His victory at the incredible Monaco GP where he started last, or his incredible comeback in Brazil will be remembered. With 11 victories and 17 podiums, Verstappen flew through the season while giving the impression of scaring himself.
It is an immense pleasure to win this 4th title. It wasn't easy every day in the face of tough competition. I am proud of my team and our work.
Max Verstappen, after his coronation
McLaren, the beautiful return to the forefront
The sensation of the season came from McLaren. After years of scarcity, the British team has returned to the top thanks in particular to the emergence of its driver duo Lando Norris – Oscar Piastri. The Oranges scored 4 victories and 11 podiums, finishing a solid 3rd in the constructors' standings.
This renewal owes a lot to the Mercedes engine but especially to the new team director Andrea Stella who was able to remobilize her troops. McLaren seems to have regained the momentum and ambition of the great years and will undoubtedly be a serious contender for world titles from 2025.
Alpine, the nightmare season
For Alpine, on the other hand, the year 2024 will have been a long journey of the cross. Despite two podiums for Pierre Gasly at the start of the season, the French team quickly sank to the depths of the rankings, paying a high price for a poorly designed car and a glaring lack of reliability.
The internal dissensions and the resounding declarations of Esteban Ocon in the press have not helped the situation. Alpine even almost lost its 6th place among the manufacturers to Alfa Romeo during a disastrous end to the season. The team finds itself at a crossroads for 2025.
The FIA goes to war against swearing
In addition to the sporting results, this 2024 season will also have been marked by the FIA's desire to banish swearing from the radios. Several drivers including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen received penalties for “inappropriate comments” during races.
A decision appreciated differently in the paddock, with some believing that it is part of the show and the emotions inherent to F1. However, pilots will have to watch their language in 2025 or face sanctions!
Transfers and retirements, the transfer window is getting carried away
Finally, this 2024 vintage will have been driven by a particularly hectic transfer window. The soap opera of the year was the surprise departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, ending an 11-year history with Mercedes. The Briton will have his work cut out to relaunch the Scuderia in 2025.
At the same time, Sergio Pérez left Red Bull through the back door, replaced by the promising Liam Lawson. The Mexican returns to Aston Martin where he will team up with Lance Stroll. At Mercedes, Mick Schumacher was chosen to support George Russell.
The 2025 grid will also welcome a newcomer in the person of Isack Hadjar. Protected by Red Bull, the Frenchman will drive for AlphaTauri, now Racing Bulls. At 19, he embodies the French hopes in F1 after a promising career in promotional formulas.
See you next March for a new season which already promises to be exciting with this tough line-up and a few surprises in sight! F1 still has a bright future ahead of it.
A decision appreciated differently in the paddock, with some believing that it is part of the show and the emotions inherent to F1. However, pilots will have to watch their language in 2025 or face sanctions!
Transfers and retirements, the transfer window is getting carried away
Finally, this 2024 vintage will have been driven by a particularly hectic transfer window. The soap opera of the year was the surprise departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, ending an 11-year history with Mercedes. The Briton will have a lot to do to relaunch the Scuderia in 2025.
At the same time, Sergio Pérez left Red Bull through the back door, replaced by the promising Liam Lawson. The Mexican returns to Aston Martin where he will team up with Lance Stroll. At Mercedes, Mick Schumacher was chosen to support George Russell.
The 2025 grid will also welcome a newcomer in the person of Isack Hadjar. Protected by Red Bull, the Frenchman will drive for AlphaTauri, now Racing Bulls. At 19, he embodies the French hopes in F1 after a promising career in promotional formulas.
See you next March for a new season which already promises to be exciting with this tough line-up and a few surprises in sight! F1 still has a bright future ahead of it.
