Ranked: The 24 Most Shocking Motorsport News Stories of 2024
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Explore the top 24 most shocking motorsport news stories in 2024, from Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari to dramatic developments across IndyCar, F1, NASCAR, and beyond.
As we close out 2024, it's clear that this year in motorsport delivered a host of jaw-dropping moments across various racing series. From unexpected team changes to groundbreaking decisions, let's revisit the most shocking news stories in motorsport that reshaped the sport in 2024.
24. FBI Raids Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
In a stunning development within IndyCar, the FBI raided the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) garages in September. This investigation stems from a former Andretti Global employee allegedly taking RLL's intellectual property to their new role. Details remain limited, but this investigation continues to unfold.
23. IMSA’s Arcane Penalties
The 2024 IMSA season saw confusion surrounding unexpected and delayed penalties. After the Rolex 24, BMW and Ferrari lost manufacturer points, while Porsche Penske and Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti received similar penalties after an Indianapolis event. These moves left fans and teams alike perplexed by the obscure rules.
22. Ferrari Wins at Le Mans
Ferrari secured a historic victory at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the return of the legendary brand's prototype efforts after a 50-year hiatus. This win, aided by unpredictable rain, was just one of many successful moments for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc also taking victories at the Monaco and Italian Grands Prix.
21. NHRA Introduces Pregnancy Healthcare Policy
The NHRA made history with a new healthcare policy specifically designed for pregnant competitors. This groundbreaking policy allows drivers to pause their season and assign a substitute to maintain their championship standings, marking a major step forward in gender inclusivity in motorsport.
20. Rolex 24 Ends Early
The 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona ended in controversy as the checkered flag waved 90 seconds early. While the race featured a thrilling battle between Porsche Penske and Whelen Cadillac, IMSA organizers admitted fault, casting a shadow over the season's start. This event was followed by allegations of cheating within Penske’s IndyCar team.
19. IndyCar (Finally) Goes Hybrid
IndyCar’s long-awaited hybrid power units were introduced in 2024, but the rollout wasn’t smooth. With multiple drivers encountering issues, the hybrid debut was delayed until after the Indianapolis 500, disrupting the start of the season and creating technical challenges throughout the championship.
18. The Monaco GP Date Swap
In an unexpected move, Formula 1 announced that the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix would be moved to June, swapping dates with the Canadian Grand Prix. This adjustment raised concerns about the scheduling conflict with the Indianapolis 500, a blow to North American fans.
17. Liam Lawson Moves Up to Red Bull
In a shocking shift, Red Bull promoted Liam Lawson to a full-time seat for the 2025 F1 season after evaluating several candidates. Lawson’s rise came after a season filled with uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez’s performances, culminating in a mid-season reshuffle that ended with Lawson’s promotion.
16. Katherine Legge’s e.l.f. Sponsorship
At the 2024 Indianapolis 500, Katherine Legge secured a sponsorship with e.l.f. Cosmetics, making her the only woman in the field. The collaboration went beyond traditional branding, with e.l.f. engaging fans through on-site activations, creating a unique and interactive experience for racegoers.
15. Austin Dillon Tries to Wreck Into the Playoffs
NASCAR’s Austin Dillon stirred controversy by intentionally wrecking Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin at Richmond Raceway in a bid to secure a playoff spot. Although NASCAR allowed the win to stand, Dillon was disqualified from playoff eligibility, sparking intense debate about the sport's boundaries.
14. Kyle Larson Attempts The Double
In a daring move, Kyle Larson set out to complete "The Double" by racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. However, due to weather delays, Larson was unable to complete the feat, though he’s expected to try again in 2025.
13. IndyCar Cheating Scandal
IndyCar was rocked by a cheating scandal involving Josef Newgarden, who had his season-opening win at St. Pete stripped after using the "Push to Pass" overtake button illegally. This controversy further fueled suspicions regarding rule manipulation by team owner Roger Penske.
12. Ralf Schumacher Comes Out
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher made a groundbreaking announcement in July, revealing that he was in a relationship with a man. His decision to come out highlighted the ongoing evolution of motorsport as it becomes more inclusive and supportive of diverse communities.
11. IndyCar Implements Charter System
IndyCar introduced a new charter system in 2024, ensuring that long-standing teams have guaranteed entry into races. This move, similar to NASCAR’s approach, aims to provide financial stability for teams and encourage further investment in the sport.
10. Max Verstappen Wins His Fourth Title
Despite a tumultuous season with challenges from rival teams, Max Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula 1 World Championship in 2024. Verstappen’s victory capped off a year of dramatic highs and lows, with his consistency securing the title even as Red Bull grappled with internal issues.
9. Lewis Hamilton Wins the British GP
After years of dominance, Lewis Hamilton secured a memorable victory at the 2024 British Grand Prix, proving that he could still win despite Mercedes’ struggles. The cold conditions suited his car, and the victory marked a symbolic moment in Hamilton’s illustrious career.
8. NASCAR Goes to Mexico
NASCAR made history by announcing its first international points-paying event in Mexico for the 2025 season. The move signals NASCAR's growing global ambitions, particularly after IndyCar’s failed attempt to secure a race outside North America.
7. McLaren’s F1 Resurgence
McLaren made a stunning return to the top of Formula 1 in 2024, with Lando Norris winning the Miami Grand Prix and securing multiple podiums. The team’s success, fueled by a key upgrade package, culminated in a World Constructors’ Championship win for the first time in 25 years.
6. Adrian Newey Moves to Aston Martin
In a surprising move, Red Bull’s legendary designer Adrian Newey announced his departure from the team to join Aston Martin. This shift raises questions about Aston Martin’s future prospects and signals a new chapter for the renowned engineer.
5. Liberty Media Buys MotoGP
Liberty Media, the parent company of Formula 1, acquired an 86% stake in MotoGP for $3.8 billion in April 2024. The deal sparked concerns about a potential monopoly, particularly following the EU and US antitrust investigations into the acquisition.
4. GM Gets the Green Light to Join F1
General Motors received approval to enter Formula 1 as a power unit supplier for the 2026 season. The decision marks a significant shift in F1’s power structure, following the rejection of Andretti Global’s petition to join the sport.
3. NASCAR Teams Sue NASCAR
In a major legal battle, two NASCAR teams — 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports — filed an antitrust lawsuit against the series, alleging that the charter system has allowed NASCAR to operate as a monopoly, depriving teams of a fair share of revenue.
2. Christian Horner Investigation
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, faced an investigation in early 2024 following allegations of inappropriate conduct towards a female employee. Although cleared of wrongdoing, the scandal cast a shadow over Red Bull's season and highlighted internal conflicts.
1. Lewis Hamilton Moves to Ferrari
The most shocking motorsport news of 2024 came early in the year, with Lewis Hamilton announcing his move to Ferrari after years with Mercedes. This surprise decision caused a massive shakeup on the Formula 1 grid, setting the stage for a dramatic season of changes and rivalries.
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