Gasly's Late Surge and Hamilton's Historic Dip
Pierre Gasly closed out the 2024 season on a remarkable upswing, bagging four points finishes in the final five races. Among these impressive performances was a standout third-place qualifying session in Las Vegas, underscoring Gasly's return to form in the season's closing stages.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton claimed victory at the British Grand Prix, delighting his home crowd. However, the seven-time world champion experienced a challenging season overall. Despite his win on home soil, Hamilton ended a difficult year seventh in the standings, marking his lowest-ever finish and sparking whispers about the potential twilight of his illustrious career. Reflecting on a tough weekend in Qatar, Hamilton candidly remarked, he’s "still got it," a testament to his unyielding spirit amidst adversity.
Hülkenberg's Consistency Shines
Nico Hülkenberg showcased remarkable consistency throughout the 2024 season by securing points in half of the 24 races and qualifying in the top 10 in eleven instances. His performance demonstrated the reliability and skill the German driver has long been known for, making him a dependable asset on the grid.
Alonso's Leadership Elevates Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso's leadership was pivotal for Aston Martin, guiding them to fifth place in the constructors' standings. His efforts, which ultimately secured Aston Martin a comfortable position, are worth recognition. The veteran Spaniard made an impressive 16 Q3 appearances, demonstrating his continued sharpness and competitiveness in Formula 1.
Piastri's Breakthrough Year
Oscar Piastri emerged as the season's revelation with an impressive six front-row starts and two victories, marking his arrival as a formidable force. The young talent also enjoyed eight podium finishes, underscoring a breakthrough year that sets him up as one to watch in future seasons.
Sainz and Leclerc's Winning Ways
Carlos Sainz captured victories in Australia and Mexico City, showcasing his capability in diverse conditions. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, also had a stellar season, triumphing in Monaco, Monza, and Austin. Leclerc's consistent performance saw him finishing within the top four in 19 of the 24 races, highlighting his ability to challenge at the front continuously.
Verstappen's Championship Dominance
Max Verstappen's supremacy remained evident as he sailed to his fourth world championship title, winning nine races throughout the season. Verstappen's ability to perform at the highest level underlined his status as the driver to beat and reaffirmed his status among the sport's greats.
Pérez's Struggles
Sergio Pérez endured a torrid season, failing to finish in the top six on 17 occasions. His struggles contributed to a challenging campaign for his team, raising questions about the future direction and expectations for the Mexican driver.
Norris and the Opportunity That Slipped Away
Lando Norris, another promising young talent, faced his own set of challenges in 2024. "Not all of those lost positions and points can be blamed on Norris, but there's enough there to wonder if the 2024 season was a big opportunity missed," mused analysts, reflecting on what could have been a defining season for the British driver. Despite glimpses of his undoubted potential, Norris's season was marred by inconsistency and missed opportunities, leaving fans yearning for more.
As the curtains close on the 2024 Formula 1 season, fans and teams alike are already looking ahead to the next chapter in this ever-unfolding motorsport saga, no doubt filled with the promise of new triumphs and stories yet to be written.