Inaugurated in 2016, the trophy Driver of the Day rewards the pilot who has achieved the best racing performancedesignated by a vote of Internet users on the official Formula 1 website.
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In 2024, it is Lando Norris, Max Verstappen’s main rival in the race, which was the most popular with fans. The Briton has won this distinction seven times, including twice for his victories.
For his part, Max Verstappen is experiencing a situation similar to that experienced by Lewis Hamilton at the height of his domination: less recognition in terms of Driver of the Day trophies, despite his numerous victories. The Dutchman was nevertheless praised for his performance during the São Paulo Grand Prix, in difficult conditions. In total, these are nine pilots who were rewarded this season.
1. Lando Norris
Already last year, he established himself as the voters’ favorite with five trophies. Bis repeated this season, with seven trophies. The McLaren driver was voted Driver of the Day in China, Miami, Imola, Canada, Spain, Austria and the Netherlands. The Briton is very popular for his personality but also for his driving which has been solid this season. He finishes second in the World Drivers’ Championshipnot far from Max Verstappen.
2. Charles Leclerc
In second position, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc, author of three wins this season (Monaco, Monza, Austin), was named Driver of the Day at five times. It was in Japan, Monaco, Monza, Austin and Abu Dhabi. He surpasses his teammate, who is in third position.
3. Carlos Sainz
For his last season at Ferrari, the Spaniard distinguished himself at three times this seasonwith two races won. It was in Bahrain, Australia and Mexico. His victory in Australia was impressive, having had appendicitis surgery only two weeks before. He declared after the race: “Life is crazy sometimes. »
4. Lewis Hamilton
The seven-time world champion had a complicated season in his last with Mercedes. However, he was able to show that he was still far from retirement. He is tied with Carlos Sainz, whom he will replace at Ferrari, with three trophies. It was in Great Britain for his home victory, in Belgium and in Las Vegas.
5. Oscar Piastri
Two victories this season for Oscar Piastri, a solid teammate of Lando Norris, were in Hungary then in Azerbaijan. He was able to show that he was capable of winning and fighting alongside the Briton.
6. Ollie Bearman
For his incredible weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he scored his first points in F1 after replacing the ill Carlos Sainz at short notice at Ferrari. The young Briton will ride for Haas in 2025 as a rookie.
7. Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo was voted Driver of the Day at the Singapore Grand Prix. A symbolic title since the Australian was living his last moments in F1, after more than ten years in the premier category.
8. Max Verstappen
The crazy comeback from Max Verstappenwho started 15th on the starting grid, was rewarded by the public, who named him Driver of the Day for the one and only time of the year. The weekend was marked by rain and tricky racing conditions.
9. Zhou Guanyu
Zhou Guanyu allowed the Sauber team to score its first points of the season after a spectacular race in Qatar. Patient and strategist, the Chinese driver, long in the fight at the gates of the top 10, was able to take advantage of a series of favorable events to climb to eighth place, which he kept until the finish.
Of the seven Grand Prix winning drivers in 2024, only George Russell (who won in Austria and Las Vegas) was not elected “Driver of the Day”.
