The 2024 Formula One season will go down in history as one of the most competitive and eventful years in motorsport. With an unprecedented level of competition, unexpected victories, and over 30 records broken, the season proved to be a turning point in Formula 1 history. Here’s a look at the milestones and records that defined this spectacular season.
Formula 1 2024 – The End of Red Bull’s Dominance
For years, Red Bull Racing had been the dominant force in Formula 1, but 2024 marked a significant shift. Seven different drivers won multiple races, highlighting the fierce competition among the teams and drivers. This diversity in race winners brought excitement to fans worldwide and signaled a new era for the sport.
Max Verstappen: Continuing His Legacy
Max Verstappen further solidified his place among the all-time greats.
- Fourth World Championship: Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world championship, joining legends like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Alain Prost, and Sebastian Vettel as drivers with four or more titles.
- Consecutive Wins: Verstappen set a new benchmark with the top two records for consecutive wins in a season—10 in 2023 and 9 in 2024.
- Most Points in a Season: Verstappen now occupies the top three spots for the most championship points in a single season, with his 2024 haul of 437 points taking third place.
- Longevity and Consistency: With 209 consecutive race starts, he moved to third place on the all-time list. He also equaled Ayrton Senna’s record of eight consecutive pole positions and achieved 43 consecutive race finishes, placing him second in this category.
Lewis Hamilton: A Season of Mixed Fortunes
While Lewis Hamilton had a challenging season overall, he still managed to break and extend several records:
- Silverstone Milestone: Hamilton won the British Grand Prix for a record ninth time, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s record for most wins at a single circuit.
- Podium Streak: He extended his record for most consecutive seasons with a podium finish to 18, dating back to his rookie year.
- Career Longevity: Hamilton now holds the record for the most race appearances (356) with a single-engine manufacturer (Mercedes).
- All-Time Leader: He increased his records for most wins (105) and podiums (202), further cementing his legacy.
Fernando Alonso: The Veteran Continues to Shine
Fernando Alonso, in his 21st season, proved that age is just a number:
- Longevity Records: Alonso extended his records for the most seasons in Formula 1, most career entries (404), and most starts (401).
- Distance Dominance: He also leads in kilometers covered (109,237) and laps completed (21,827).
- Career Gap: Alonso set a new record for the longest time between his first and most recent race starts—23 years, 9 months, and 4 days.
Lando Norris and McLaren’s Resurgence
Lando Norris achieved his long-awaited first Grand Prix win at Miami after 109 races, ranking ninth in the list of drivers with the most races before their first victory. McLaren’s resurgence as a competitive team further added to the season’s excitement.
Record-Breaking 2024 Formula 1 – Other Noteworthy Achievements
- Esteban Ocon: Secured his first fastest lap after 151 races.
- Kevin Magnussen: Extended his record for most races without leading a lap to 185.
- Lance Stroll: Broke the record for most race starts (166) without a fastest lap.
- Seven Double-Winning Drivers: For the first time in F1 history, seven drivers won two or more races, highlighting the season’s unpredictability and balance.
Record-Breaking 2024 Formula 1 – A Season to Remember
The 2024 Formula 1 season was a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the sport. With its blend of thrilling races, intense rivalries, and broken records, it marked the end of one era and the dawn of another. As teams and drivers prepare for 2025, fans can look forward to even more spectacular moments in the seasons to come.