Max Verstappen clinched his fourth straight Formula One World Drivers’ Championship, however the 2024 season defied expectations with thrilling unpredictability.
What started in Bahrain in March culminated in an electrifying twenty fourth race in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Verstappen dominance amid RB turmoil
Verstappen’s path to a fourth consecutive title appeared inevitable after profitable seven of the primary 10 races, reinforcing his unshakable drive to close out off-track distractions.
Despite the turbulence surrounding his staff – most notably the scandal involving staff principal Christian Horner and the departure of technical maestro Adrian Newey to Aston Martin – Verstappen remained a drive to be reckoned with.
His win in Spain in June could be his final for some time, as a shocking 11-race dry spell adopted.
However, a dominant victory in Brazil ended the drought, and Verstappen quashed any hopes of a late problem by Lando Norris, securing the title with two races to spare.
With a watch on a fifth consecutive championship, he now joins an elite group, with Michael Schumacher being the one different driver to realize such dominance in F1.
Hamilton’s gamble
In a surprising pre-season transfer, Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes after six world titles and joined Ferrari, hoping the Scuderia will ship his record-breaking eighth crown.
Hamilton’s gamble remembers his 2012 change from McLaren to Mercedes, a transfer that paid off with six championships.
Ferrari’s resurgence beneath staff principal Fred Vasseur provides Hamilton a promising probability to finish his profession on a excessive, as he chases that elusive eighth title.
McLaren’s resurgence
McLaren’s revival was one of many season’s most compelling tales.
The British staff clinched their first constructors’ title since 1998, edging out Ferrari within the standings.
While the constructors’ crown might not seize the headlines, its significance can’t be overstated.
For McLaren, the title marks a serious monetary boon, with thousands and thousands in prize cash boosting the staff’s prospects for 2025.
This win, their twenty first world title, guarantees to additional gasoline McLaren’s ambitions as they intention to problem Red Bull’s dominance.
Driver strikes
The driver carousel spun sooner than typical this season.
Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile transfer to Ferrari triggered a collection of adjustments, together with Carlos Sainz’s change to Williams. Daniel Ricciardo, beloved by followers however let go by Red Bull’s sister staff AlphaTauri, made his exit in favor of Kiwi Liam Lawson.
Several different acquainted faces departed the grid: Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu from Sauber, and Kevin Magnussen from Haas.
Despite a disappointing season, Sergio Perez stays Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull – for now.
Meanwhile, promising new abilities like Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), and Jack Doohan (Haas) be part of the ranks, signaling the arrival of recent vitality.
Source: www.dailysabah.com