The roar of engines has faded, but the echoes of the 2024 Formula One season linger, resonating with tales of triumph, records shattered, and a sport redefined. From the resurgence of McLaren to individual feats of brilliance, the season delivered a masterclass in unpredictability and excellence.

It was a year when McLaren, after a decade of languishing in the shadows of midfield mediocrity, roared back to the top, clinching the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 1998. The fans, clad in papaya orange, held on to hope through years of frustration, and their faith was rewarded in spectacular fashion. Their remarkable turnaround was led by Lando Norris and his electrifying performances throughout the season.

After a grueling 110-race wait, Norris’ first-ever victory at the Miami Grand Prix set the tone for McLaren’s year. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a masterclass in precision, strategy and resilience. Norris’ triumph ignited a winning streak, with additional victories in the Netherlands, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. While he fell short of claiming the Drivers’ Championship, Norris established himself as a bona fide contender, solidifying McLaren’s return to glory.

Though McLaren’s resurgence stole headlines, Max Verstappen continued to redefine greatness. The Dutch sensation claimed his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, joining an elite club of drivers with four or more titles. Alongside Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton — each with seven championships — and Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, Verstappen’s name now stands as a hallmark of excellence. His 2024 campaign was not just dominant but historic, shattering records that seemed untouchable.

Records just couldn’t keep up with the speed at which they were being shattered in the Formula One 2024 season

Verstappen’s relentless streak saw him hold the #1 and #2 spots in consecutive race wins, extending his 2023 record of 10 wins in a row, with a nine-race streak ending at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this year. He also set a new benchmark for consecutive points finishes, with 1,055 points amassed from the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Verstappen’s name now appears at the pinnacle of numerous all-time rankings. He occupies the top three spots for most points gained in a season, with 437 points in 2024 securing him third place behind his own 2023 and 2022 performances. The records continued to tumble: he added eight pole-positions in a row record, tying Ayrton Senna.

In a spectacular feat at the Bahrain Grand Prix, he claimed his fifth grand slam — pole position, fastest lap, and leading every lap of the race — joining an exclusive club with Jim Clark and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen also recorded two additional hat-tricks (pole, fastest lap, and race win), bringing his total to 13 and cementing his position at #3 in that category. With each milestone, Verstappen proved there is seemingly no limit to his dominance.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, proved in 2024 that age is no barrier to greatness. At 39, he continued to rewrite the record books, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Hamilton extended his record for career wins to an astonishing 105, with victories at Silverstone and Spa.

The home crowd roared as he secured his ninth British Grand Prix win, setting a new record for the most victories at a single Grand Prix and achieving the longest span between a driver’s first and most recent wins — 17 years apart. His unassailable career points total reached 4,862.5, further solidifying his legacy.

Hamilton also broke records for consecutive points finishes, podiums and fastest laps, with 15 seasons of at least one fastest lap achieved. His unmatched consistency saw him notch his 202nd podium finish, a testament to his endurance in a sport that thrives on youth.

Amid the dominance of Verstappen and Hamilton’s enduring brilliance, the 2024 season welcomed the emergence of new talent and surprising milestones. Ferrari’s 19-year-old prodigy Oliver Bearman became the third-youngest driver to start a Formula One race, showcasing poise and potential in his debut season. Meanwhile, the grid’s veterans, including Fernando Alonso, continued to defy the passage of time.

Alonso extended his records for career starts, laps driven and races finished, demonstrating resilience in his 21st season. Nico Hülkenberg, though yet to win a Grand Prix, broke Andrea de Cesaris’ long-standing record for most races without a victory, ending 2024 with 227 starts. And Kevin Magnussen set a curious mark of his own: the most races without leading a lap, now at 185.

The season wasn’t short of surprises. Esteban Ocon claimed his first fastest lap after 151 races, while Lando Norris, long overdue for victory, finally stepped on to the top step of the podium. His Miami win ended a 110-race drought, making his the ninth longest wait in history for a maiden victory. Yet Norris didn’t stop there; three more wins followed, confirming his transformation into a race-winning force.

Ahead of the 2024 season, a huge shock came not from the track but from the paddock. Lewis Hamilton announced a move to Ferrari for 2025, a decision that sent tremors through the F1 world. Would this be the swan song of a legendary career, or could he, like Michael Schumacher before him, bring the Scuderia back to championship glory?

Speculation abounded about his partnership with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s current star, and whether their rivalry might ignite fireworks within the team. The move marked the dawn of a tantalising new chapter in Hamilton’s illustrious story.

But the 2024 season wasn’t just about victories and records; it was a celebration of Formula One’s capacity to inspire and surprise. It was a year where seven drivers won two or more races, highlighting the intense competition on the grid.

McLaren’s resurgence from midfield obscurity to title winners reminded fans that perseverance pays off. Verstappen’s dominance and Hamilton’s enduring brilliance showcased the sport’s ability to produce legends. And new talents like Bearman hinted at a bright future, ensuring the grid remains competitive for years to come.

As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, fans are left with intriguing questions. Will McLaren sustain their momentum? Can Verstappen’s supremacy be challenged? How will Hamilton’s Ferrari move reshape the sport? And what role will the new generation of drivers play in shaking up the order?

One thing is certain: the world of Formula One stands on the brink of another thrilling chapter. If 2024 was anything to go by, the coming season promises an exhilarating ride.

The writer is a marketing and communications professional.
X: @adaffan

Published in Dawn, EOS, December 29th, 2024