The Formula 1 season just gone was filled with unforgettable moments that kept us on the edge of our seats. From breathtaking races to surprising twists, let’s take a closer look at some of the noteworthy awards and moments that defined the season:
Driver of the year: Max Verstappen truly dominated the year, delivering an extraordinary campaign alongside Red Bull. His skill, determination, and consistent performances made him the undeniable standout of the season.
Chaos of the year: The Dutch Grand Prix takes home this award for not one, but two chaotic moments. First, we witnessed the opening laps when rain poured down, leading to some drivers opting for intermediates and gaining a massive undercut. Then, just when we thought things couldn’t get any crazier, a sudden downpour with 10 laps to go resulted in Zhou Guanyu crashing into the barriers, causing a red flag. The unpredictability of these moments truly added to the excitement of the race.
Weather of the year: A storm in Sao Paulo during the end of Friday Qualifying provided a stunning spectacle. The heavy rain brought such darkness that Fernando Alonso amusingly exclaimed, “It’s night time!” It was a reminder of the sheer power and unpredictability of nature.
Race of the year: The Singapore Grand Prix stands out as the ultimate thriller. In the closing stages, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a intense four-way battle for the lead. The excitement reached its peak when Russell, pushing a little too hard, ultimately crashed on the final lap, shaping a nail-biting finish.
Grid walk moment of the year: Who would have thought we’d witness a request for an air guitar performance? Machine Gun Kelly approached Martin Brundle with the idea of a collaboration on the grid in Sao Paulo, but the legendary commentator politely declined, leaving Machine Gun Kelly to offer the camera a disappointed thumbs down. Quite a memorable moment!
Dramatic finish of the year: Age proved to be just a number for Fernando Alonso in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. In an awe-inspiring display of skill and determination, he brilliantly seized third place by re-passing Sergio Perez on the final lap and successfully holding off his rival at the finish line by a mere 0.053 seconds. It was a remarkable showcase of Alonso’s unrivaled racing instinct.
Achievement of the year: Max Verstappen’s ten consecutive wins from the Miami Grand Prix to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza is a remarkable feat. His unbeatable form during this period showcased his dominance and firmly established him at the pinnacle of Formula 1.
It’s really not AI image of the year: Toto and Christian had a priceless moment captured on camera. This genuine interaction between them reminded us that even high-profile figures can share lighthearted, friendly exchanges in the world of motorsport.
Calendar of the year: Valtteri Bottas’ calendar creation certainly turned heads. The cheeky 2024 offering raised an impressive £119,000 for Movember, highlighting the power of using creativity for a good cause.
Yodeling of the year: Craig Slater, our very own yodeling enthusiast, stole the show in Austria. Embracing the country’s tradition, he impressed us with his yodeling skills, creating a delightful and unexpected moment.
Toughest race of the year: The flat-out race in Qatar proved to be a grueling challenge for the drivers. With limits on tire stints and the high-speed track, the demanding conditions led to even the seasoned drivers facing immense difficulties. Esteban Ocon even found himself throwing up in his helmet, while Logan Sargeant unfortunately couldn’t finish the race. Thankfully, next year’s edition of the race will take place in December, providing slightly cooler conditions.
Fashion of the year: Ted Kravitz’s choice of shorts and sandals wasn’t the only standout fashion moment. Martin Brundle made heads turn when he sported an unbuttoned orange shirt and leather trousers during his meeting with Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu in London. A bold fashion statement indeed!
Rookie of the year: Both Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri showcased immense talent throughout the season. While Lawson had his moments, it was Piastri who truly stood out, particularly given his McLaren teammate Lando Norris’ reputation as one of the most highly rated F1 drivers on the grid. Piastri’s Sprint win in Qatar served as a highlight, making us eagerly anticipate his performance in the upcoming season.
Rumour of the year: While the rumor mill is always buzzing in the world of Formula 1, the talks surrounding Fernando Alonso’s supposed romance with Taylor Swift really took center stage in Baku. Never before has a back catalogue of songs been quoted so frequently in such a short span of time. Rumors aside, it’s safe to say that both Alonso and Swift remain focused on their respective careers.
Qualifying of the year: Monaco provided us with a qualifying session that truly stood out. In a breathtaking moment, Max Verstappen scraped the barriers in the final sector to snatch pole position from Alonso. It was an astonishing display of skill and determination that left spectators in awe.
Surprise of the year: The Hungaroring witnessed the end of Lewis Hamilton’s pole-less streak as he pipped Verstappen to pole position by a mere 0.003 seconds. Despite a slight wide moment at the final corner, Hamilton delivered a brilliant lap that caught everyone by surprise.
Opener of the year: Richard Ashcroft’s iconic performance of ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ set the perfect tone for the British Grand Prix. With Norris and Hamilton also gracing the podium, it was a truly memorable moment that showcased the spirit and passion of British motorsport.
Photographer of the year: Who would have thought that Martin Brundle would extend his talent beyond commentary? At the Monaco Grand Prix, he approached an 89-year-old photographer for an interview, leaving a lasting impression. Their engaging conversation ended with the photographer requesting Martin’s contact information. Truly a heartwarming and unexpected moment.
Big number of the year: The Austrian Grand Prix captured our attention for more than just the thrilling on-track action. Stewards had their hands full with reviewing and addressing over 1,200 track limit breaches during the intense 71-lap race. That’s an astonishing average of 17 breaches per lap, emphasizing the importance of respecting the track limits.
Not taking no for an answer of the year: Stewart, Federer, security, and Martin’s Miami GP Grid Walk. This intriguing combination left us curious about the behind-the-scenes interactions and events that unfolded. While the details remain mysterious, it’s evident that Martin Brundle’s determination and charisma played a significant role.
Overtake of the year: Charles Leclerc provided us with one of the most spectacular overtakes in Vegas. In a daring move on the last lap, Leclerc caught Sergio Perez by surprise, squeezing past him into the final braking zone. From a considerable distance back, Leclerc skillfully controlled his Ferrari, executing the maneuver flawlessly and securing second place.
Saga of the year: The ongoing saga of Andretti’s bid to enter Formula 1 created waves throughout the season. As fans eagerly anticipated the outcome, the situation remained unresolved, leaving us all on the edge of our seats. We can only hope for a satisfying conclusion in the near future.
Trophy smash of the year: Lando Norris’ iconic celebration of slamming the champagne bottle on the ground during the Hungarian Grand Prix didn’t go as planned. In an unfortunate mishap, he accidentally knocked over Max Verstappen’s winning trophy. Thankfully, a replacement for the $45,000 trophy was arranged, and Norris exercised more caution during future podium celebrations.
Verstappen and GP moment of the year: The intriguing relationship between Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase, his race engineer, provided several captivating moments throughout the season. One particularly memorable exchange occurred during Belgium qualifying when Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with his preparation laps, describing them in less-than-diplomatic terms. Lambiase fired back, creating a tense moment, but Verstappen swiftly apologized and proceeded to top the final stage. A prime example of the high-pressure dynamic between a driver and their engineer.
National anthem of the year: Antoine Delie delivered a unique and alternative performance of the Belgian national anthem that left us amused. Alonso and Russell, trying their best to maintain composure, did their best to suppress their laughter, resulting in a lighthearted moment that further highlighted the camaraderie among the drivers.
Podium of the year: The Canadian Grand Prix brought together a truly legendary podium. Multiple champions Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton stood side by side, accompanied by multiple-title-winning designer Adrian Newey. The combined number of world titles among these esteemed individuals required a calculator to comprehend, demonstrating the immense talent and experience present on that memorable podium.
Mistaken weather forecast of the year: George Russell’s misjudgment during the Spanish Grand Prix provided a rather humorous moment. Believing that rain was falling, Russell discovered that it was, in fact, just sweat on the inside of his visor. A small mix-up that added a touch of lightheartedness to the race weekend.
Announcement of the year: While not a piece of news, an actual announcement captured our attention. Renowned sports announcer Bruce Buffer enthusiastically shouted “Sergio Checo Perez” right in the driver’s face ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. To make matters more amusing, Perez seemed to believe he was about to be interviewed, resulting in an awkward 20 seconds as he stood next to Buffer. Sometimes, unexpected moments like these bring a dose of laughter to the often intense world of Formula 1.
Shock exits of the year: The Friday of the Belgian Grand Prix brought triple departures announced by Alpine. Team boss Otmar Szafnauer and long-serving sporting director Alan Permane bid farewell at the end of the weekend, while Pat Fry embarked on a new venture at Williams. These unforeseen changes in the team structure left fans and insiders speculating about the future implications and dynamics within the Alpine team.
The Formula 1 season just gone was filled with thrills, surprises, and moments that will be forever etched in the memories of fans and drivers alike. From championship battles to unexpected podiums, every twist and turn of the season added to the rich tapestry of Formula 1 history. As we eagerly await the next season, we can only hope for more unforgettable moments and intense rivalries that make this sport truly exceptional.
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