15 Highlights of the 2024 F1 Season

The 2024 Formula 1 season has been a whirlwind of excitement and unpredictability. After a relatively predictable 2023, the sport has seen a resurgence of competitive racing and dramatic moments like never before. Here are 15 moments that have glued watchers to their seats this season.

Early Red Bull Dominance

Red Bull began the season by showing unmatched dominance, with Max Verstappen claiming victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix by over 20 seconds. The team continued their impressive form with another 1-2 finish in Jeddah. Their initial performance set a high bar for the rest of the grid.

Alpine’s Tough Start

The season opener was grim for Alpine, as Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly crashed out in Q1, locking out the back row. Gasly cited a compromised final out-lap and expected difficulties after a lackluster pre-season. Both drivers were unsurprised by the team’s poor pace, anticipating a tough start.

The Season of Setbacks

Fernando Alonso’s season took a hit with a controversial 20-second penalty in Australia for “potentially dangerous” driving, dropping him from P6 to P8. Adding to his woes, a costly collision in Shanghai and Austria led to another penalty. Alonso became four points away from a race ban, leaving Aston Martin struggling.

Thrilling Turnaround at the Australian GP

With Carlos Sainz’s surprising victory, Red Bull’s stronghold was broken at the Australian Grand Prix. Amid Red Bull’s rare mechanical woes with Checo Pérez and Verstappen’s DNF, Sainz seized the moment on the challenging track. Just weeks after surgery, Sainz’s incredible win and the drama made this race unforgettable.

Albon’s Controversial Swap

Still, at the Australian Grand Prix, Logan Sargeant was controversially benched in favor of Alex Albon after Albon’s heavy crash rendered his chassis unusable. With no spare chassis available, Sargeant watched from the garage as Albon raced to P11. Team Principal James Vowles called it “the hardest decision” for the team. 

Norris’s Breakthrough Victory

The Miami GP marked a turning point as Lando Norris secured his first-ever F1 win. McLaren’s strategic upgrades and Verstappen’s rare mistakes allowed Norris to seize the top spot. This victory boosted McLaren’s profile and signaled a shift in the competitive landscape.

Red Bull’s Internal Drama

A reality TV series spotlighted behind-the-scenes tensions within Red Bull, adding a layer of intrigue. The Series publicized the rift between team principal Christian Horner and Max Verstappen’s father, Jos. The drama spilled onto the track, exposing the cracks in the team’s unity and affecting Red Bull’s dynamics and performance.

Verstappen’s Masterclass at Imola

At Imola, Max Verstappen dazzled with a masterful win, fending off a fierce challenge from Norris. Verstappen’s strategic brilliance and tire wizardry clinched the victory. Meanwhile, McLaren’s surge and Ferrari’s prowess in tight corners highlighted the thrilling shifts among the top contenders, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Leclerc Triumphs at Monaco

Charles Leclerc finally broke his Monaco curse with a thrilling win that brought tears and triumph for both him and Ferrari. After countless near-misses, this emotional victory was a game-changer. It showcased Ferrari’s resurgence and fierce challenge to Red Bull’s supremacy on a unique circuit.

Mercedes Joins the Fray

The Canadian Grand Prix marked Mercedes’ return to form, with Lewis Hamilton becoming a strong contender. Although Lewis Hamilton struggled in qualifying and wasn’t impressed, the team’s upgrades allowed them to challenge for podiums. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s shocking fall to fourth completely shifted the season’s competitive order and heightened the competition. 

Austrian GP Showdown

A dramatic clash between Verstappen and Norris generated buzz at the Austrian GP. Emotions ran high after their Turn 3 collision, and tears and sharp words were exchanged post-race. George Russell took full advantage of the chaos, seizing the win, while Hamilton’s frustrating winless streak dragged on, adding to the tension. 

The Historic Win at Silverstone

Hamilton finally ended his winless streak with a spectacular victory at the British Grand Prix, his first since 2021. Mastering the unpredictable weather, he claimed a record ninth win at Silverstone. While others faltered on tire strategy, Hamilton’s decision to switch to softs proved decisive in this thrilling race.

Piastri’s Hungarian Victory

Capturing his first F1 victory at the Hungarian GP, Oscar Piastri showcased exceptional talent and resilience. Amidst controversies over team orders and a fierce battle with Verstappen and teammate Norris, who briefly led after a pit-stop shuffle, Piastri emerged victorious. His win highlighted his potential in Formula 1.

Belgian GP’s Bold Strategies

Russell’s daring one-stop strategy at the Belgian GP initially seemed triumphant, with his boss praising his skill. However, a post-race technical report revealed irregularities with the car’s fuel levels, leading to Russell’s disqualification. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s start-to-finish victory was a testament to his exceptional driving and strategy.

Dutch GP Pressure 

Sergio Pérez is under intense pressure for the upcoming Zandvoort race. Since the Emilia-Romagna GP, he has collected just 28 points, compared to Max Verstappen’s 137. With Richard Wood, a new race engineer, replacing Hugh Bird on paternity leave, Pérez must deliver strong results to secure his Red Bull seat.