F1 End-of-season awards: Highlights and lows of 2024
As the dust settles on the 2024 Formula 1 season and the FIA's awards ceremony concludes, let’s look back at a year of high drama, stunning performances, and unexpected twists with our end-of-season awards.
Best Driver: Max Verstappen
No surprises here—Max Verstappen's phenomenal consistency, even during a mid-season drought, earned him this accolade. Though Red Bull's car became a handful, Verstappen's mastery shone through. His tenacity and skill set the standard for F1 again, exemplified by his refusal to finish lower than sixth during a challenging ten-race stretch.
Best Moment: Charles Leclerc at Monaco & Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone
In a tie that redefined feel-good moments, Charles Leclerc breaking his Monaco curse was a spine-tingling affair, accentuated by the commentary of Alex Jacques and Carlo Vanzini. Equally stirring was Lewis Hamilton's triumphant return to the top step at Silverstone, his voice revealing emotions long constrained.
Standout Race: British Grand Prix
One of the standout races of the season was the British Grand Prix, which saw Lewis Hamilton end a 945-day win drought, making it one of the most emotional victories of his career.
Best Drive: Verstappen at the Brazilian Grand Prix
In a masterclass at Interlagos, Verstappen showcased his prowess, securing a win from 17th on the grid in challenging conditions—a performance pivotal in clinching his fourth world championship.
Best Team: McLaren
Finishing strong, McLaren emerged as a formidable force. From afterthoughts to champions, McLaren's resurgence in 2024 was astounding. With six wins and a constructors' championship, their season turned on a pivotal upgrade in Miami, signaling their intentions for 2025 dominance.
Breakout Star: Oscar Piastri
One of the most talked-about breakout stars of the 2024 Formula 1 season was Oscar Piastri. Piastri, who drives for McLaren, made significant strides in his performance throughout the year.
Worst Driver: Logan Sergeant
Enduring a turbulent season, Logan Sergeant's series of unforced errors, notably at Suzuka, placed a heavy toll on Williams. Despite initial promise, the Floridian failed to reverse his fortunes.
Heartbreaking farewell: Carlos Sainz leaves Ferrari
Carlos Sainz's departure from Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season marked an emotional and bittersweet chapter in his career. The announcement of his departure came as a massive surprise for Sainz, who admitted that it deeply affected him, describing the split as a "massive shock”.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloUnexpected farewell: Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull Racing
Sergio Perez has indeed announced his departure from Red Bull Racing, marking an unexpected farewell from the team. This announcement was made on December 18, 2024. Perez had a challenging season in 2024, which may have contributed to this decision.
Impressive performance: Franco Colapinto
Franco Colapinto captivated Argentina and the F1 world with his impressive performances at Williams. Despite lacking a 2025 seat, his star potential sees him poised for a future return.
Impressive rise: Nico Hülkenberg
Nico Hülkenberg's remarkable season ensured Haas' rise in the constructors' standings. Amassing a significant share of the team's points, his quiet determination provided a backbone to their campaign.
One of the top teams: Ferrari
Finishing strong, Ferrari emerged as a formidable force, challenging for the constructors' title with five wins and consistent performances. Under Frédéric Vasseur's leadership, they enter 2025 with verve, especially with Hamilton now in their ranks.
Shocking move: Hamilton to Ferrari
Before engines roared, the paddock buzzed with the announcement of Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025. The switch will undoubtedly be one of the key stories to follow next season.
With these highlights and reflections, we bid farewell to 2024, teetering on excitement and anticipation as we edge closer to the unveiling of another thrilling F1 season.
