With the 2024 Formula 1 season taking its final lap under the shimmering lights of Yas Marina, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix delivered pure adrenaline, strategic mastery, and a sprinkle of chaos. From McLaren’s revival to Ferrari’s fiery chase, here are the seven biggest takeaways from the final showdown.
1. McLaren’s 26-Year Comeback
McLaren’s comeback was nothing short of cinematic. The iconic team clinched its first Constructors' Championship since 1998—an era when neither Lando Norris nor Oscar Piastri were born. Norris was untouchable on the track, and despite Piastri's early setbacks, his late point was the cherry on top. Zak Brown’s vision and McLaren’s quiet resilience finally paid off, making this victory a tale of redemption.
2. Ferrari’s Chase Falls Short
The Prancing Horse gave it everything but fell short of unseating Team Papaya. Ferrari closed the season strong, reducing McLaren’s lead to just 21 points, but couldn’t quite tip the scales. Despite strategic mind games—like pitstop bluffing—it was Norris’ dominance that sealed the deal. Maranello will go back to the drawing board, but their strides this season mark them as 2025 contenders.
3. Verstappen & Russell Drama Unfolds
Max Verstappen’s announcement of impending fatherhood was a rare heartwarming moment before tensions flared. A heated exchange with George Russell post-Qatar sparked whispers of stewards’ room theatrics, swearing, and veiled threats. Cue Toto Wolff vs. Christian Horner—Wolff’s “yapping terrier” jab only added fuel to the rivalry. The paddock drama was as gripping as the racing itself.
4. Sergio Perez: A Contract in Question
“Next year? I have a contract,” insisted Sergio Perez—again. But his unconvincing post-race tone, coupled with diminishing results, hinted at cracks. Red Bull's decision looms, with young guns like Liam Lawson eyeing the seat. If this was Perez’s swan song, it lacked fanfare.
5. Hamilton’s Last Waltz with Mercedes
Twelve years, six titles, and countless iconic moments later, Lewis Hamilton took his final bow with Mercedes. A stellar fourth-place drive from P16 highlighted his resilience, even in a lackluster W15. The low-key sendoff marked the end of an era, with Ferrari beckoning Hamilton for his next (and likely final) chapter.
6. Farewell to Zhou, Bottas & Magnussen
As F1’s game of musical chairs concludes, Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, and Kevin Magnussen are left seatless—for now. Magnussen eyes a future with BMW’s LMDh program, while Zhou and Bottas hope for reserve roles. For these drivers, the door remains ajar for a comeback in 2026 and beyond.
F1 2024: The Legacy
The season might be over, but Yas Marina will buzz with young blood during the end-of-year tests. Carlos Sainz joins Williams early, while rookies like Gabriel Bortoleto and Andrea Kimi Antonelli get their first tastes of 2025 machinery. Could a future F1 star emerge from these laps? Keep your eyes peeled.This season gave us rivalries, redemption arcs, and shocking goodbyes—setting the stage for a gripping 2025. McLaren is back, Ferrari is hungry, and the driver market remains electric.
For all the lessons we learned on and off the track, one thing is certain—Formula 1 never fails to deliver a spectacular finale.
By Sanya Mangal for Luxpresso Magazine
Comentarios