The Formula 1 2024 Season had F1 fans on the edge of their seats. Delivering the most thrilling races, full of drama, controversy, brilliant drives and lets not forget historic wins. Each Grand Prix seemingly had its own unique story, something many F1 fans were not used to after 2 seasons of Red Bull domination.
With 2025 fast approaching, here’s one last look at the top 5 best moments of season 2024!
5: Charles Leclerc’s brilliant Monaco victory
Since his Formula 1 debut in 2017, Charles Leclerc has not had the home town luck around Monaco. With many Formula 1 fans deeming it to be the ‘Monaco Curse’ on the Monegasque driver. However, 2024 was different in all the best ways for Charles Leclerc.
Coming into the Monaco weekend, Ferrari were the favourites behind Red Bull lead by Max Verstappen and McLaren who had found pace to challenge for a win. Ferrari and Leclerc were optimistic about their chances around the infamous street track, hoping for at least a podium for the hometown hero. Little did they know what was in store for them.
After a chaotic qualifying session, the young Monegasque driver found himself on pole position for his home race, however, the focus still remained on following through to the win. After a chaotic start featuring a red flag and 3 cars out, Leclerc managed to hold off the McLaren of Oscar Piastri for the entire race. Leading him to be crowned the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix winner.
This brilliant moment was one for Formula 1 fans everywhere to enjoy! I mean who doesn’t love seeing a home race win?
4: Lando Norris takes his maiden win
The 2024 Miami Grand Prix was a “Landmark day for Lando Norris.” A day that was 110 Grand Prix’s and 5 very long and hard-working years in the making. This race saw Lando Norris finally retire the “Lando Nowins” meme, changing it to “Lando Nowwins.”
When on the alternative strategy, seeing a late safety car makes it pay off. That is exactly what happened to Norris and McLaren in Miami. Starting fifth, the Brit was aiming to score his first points at the new Miami track. His previous years of bad luck at this track were suddenly changed when a collision between Logan Sargeant and Kevin Magnussen brought out a Safety Car with the McLaren driver ahead of those who had pitted by ten seconds.
The strategy played perfectly into the hands of McLaren that day, allowing Lando to have his best opportunity to win a race since the 2021 Russian Grand Prix. However, unlike Sochi, Norris was able to control the race from out front, coming home almost eight seconds in front of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen.
What made this moment one of the greatest of the 2024 season, was the journey to Miami. The two have been in partnership since 2017, so to finally execute a well-deserved win after the hard work and effort, it was a full-circle moment for everyone involved.
Whilst this moment was significant to Lando Norris, it also marked the beginning of McLaren’s rise back to the top of the Sport.
3: McLaren win the constructors championship
In 2024, Formula 1 saw a new World Constructors Champion crowned. None other than the Woking-based McLaren outfit. Clinching the title in Abu Dhabi after an intense fight with Red Bull and Ferrari was the cherry on top of an amazing season for the British team.
At the beginning of 2023, McLaren were in dead last. After experiencing several issues with their car, McLaren were taking it week by week. Trying to solve several issues with their 2023 challenger before the season slipped out of their grasp. In stark contract, 2024 saw them win several Grand Prix’s, consistently score points, and even being in a title fight with reigning World Champion Max Verstappen.
McLaren did have their moments throughout the season, which made many question their ability to be a top team, this was seen through races such as the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, everyone at McLaren including the two drivers, were firmly for the team. Thus, demonstrating the years of hard work and effort finally paying off.
Winning the Championship in Abu Dhabi was one of the greatest moments, as it highlighted the progression of McLaren in the short span of 2 seasons. Starting 2023 dead last, unsure if they would score points consistently. To winning the Constructors championship the following year is an insane feat that McLaren will treasure for years to come.
The only question left is what will they achieve in 2025?
2: Lewis Hamilton claims a final British GP win with Mercedes
With the 7-time world champion announcing his departure from the team, it was a year of lasts for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. Nothing more special than the last British Grand Prix as a Mercedes driver. A race that exceeded all expectations from both parties.
The 2024 British Grand Prix at was the scene of an unforgettable moment in F1 history. The changeable weather conditions throughout the Grand Prix, which saw the lead change between Hamiltons teammate George Russell and himself. To then the suddenly in form McLaren boys of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. However, Hamilton knows what it takes to win in Silverstone and was able to put his knowledge to good use and come out on top.
Staying ahead of Norris after the compound change solidified his historic ninth British Grand Prix victory. Not only did this bring up a historical achievement, this race victory ended a 56-race winless streak that went all the way back to Saudi Arabia in 2021.
It was an emotional rollercoaster as the weight of what he had achieved set in. The Veteran Driver was reduced to tears in Parc Fermé, upon hearing the cheers for him from his home crowd. Hamilton grew up dreaming to win one British Grand Prix, and he ended his time at Mercedes with nine wins.
This historic moment was once again one of the greatest moments witnessed in the 2024 season. It’s not everyday you witness history being made.
1: Max Verstappen Interlagos masterclass
Max Verstappen’s 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix was the fan voted best moment of 2024. This moment solidified why the Dutchman is now a four-time World Drivers Champion.
After a chaotic qualifying session, Verstappen’s championship rival Lando Norris qualified on pole position for the grand Prix. With Verstappen staring in P17 after a grid penalty and premature qualifying exit in Q2. However, no matter where Verstappen starts on the grid, he will fight his way to the top and try his hardest to claim P1.
Verstappen drove a rain soaked masterclass around Interlagos, pulling out the most impressive overtakes in the wet to find himself in P1 almost 20 seconds ahead of his competition. This entire race once again showcased the talent that the Red Bull driver has, and ultimately showed F1 fans who were doubtful before, why he deserves his four consecutive titles.
The 2024 season exceeded all expectations set for it by F1 fans and pundit. With all these insane moments happening in one year, it sets the stage for an even more interesting year of Formula 1 in 2025.
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
