Formula 1 experienced a year of unforgettable milestones and iconic moments that will forever be etched in the history of motorsport. From individual achievements to collective feats, 2024 was a season that redefined the boundaries of competition.
FERNANDO ALONSO: THE KING OF GRAND PRIX
Spanish veteran Fernando Alonso reached an incredible 400 Grand Prix starts, solidifying his place as the driver with the most participations in history. This milestone was celebrated during the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, with his 400th start officially marked in Qatar. With over 20 years on the track, Alonso remains a beacon in Formula 1, while rival Lewis Hamilton, with over 350 races, is the only active driver who could come close to this record.
A UNPRECEDENTED EVENT: THE FIRST SUSPENSION
Danish driver Kevin Magnussen made history as the first driver suspended after accumulating 12 penalty points on his super license. The incident occurred following a collision with Pierre Gasly in Italy, costing Magnussen his participation in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he was replaced by young talent Oliver Bearman. This event serves as a reminder of the sport’s stringent regulations.
THE RETURN OF THE BLACK FLAG
For the first time in 17 years, the black flag, a symbol of disqualification, was waved during the Brazilian Grand Prix. Nico Hülkenberg was penalized after receiving external assistance to rejoin the track—an action prohibited by the rules. This rare occurrence highlighted the strictness of the regulations in the pinnacle of motorsport.
FERRARI’S DOMINANCE ON THE PODIUM
Ferrari, the most iconic team in Formula 1, achieved two new 1-2 finishes in the Australian and Austin Grands Prix. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc extended the Italian team’s historic leadership with 87 double podiums, further distancing themselves from Mercedes, which secured its 60th 1-2 in Las Vegas.
SEVEN WINNERS IN A COMPETITIVE SEASON
Unlike 2023, the 2024 championship saw seven different drivers claim victory at the top of the podium: Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Oscar Piastri. Each driver secured multiple wins, representing four different teams.
HAMILTON SETS NEW PERSONAL RECORDS
Lewis Hamilton not only extended his victory record to 105 wins but also established himself as the driver with the most wins at a single Grand Prix, with nine victories at Silverstone.
BROTHERS MAKE HISTORY
For the first time, two brothers, Charles and Arthur Leclerc, competed for the same team, Ferrari, during an official session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This unique occurrence marked a historic milestone in Formula 1’s 74 seasons.
VERSTAPPEN: LEGENDARY FOUR-TIME CHAMPION
Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive title in Las Vegas, joining the ranks of legends like Fangio, Prost, Schumacher, Vettel, and Hamilton. This achievement cements his status as a pivotal figure in Formula 1 history.
The 2024 season not only broke records but also proved that the excitement and competition in Formula 1 are more alive than ever.
