Unforgettable Moments And Intriguing Questions: A Mid-Season Reflection On The 2024 F1 Season

Before we get back from summer break and what is sure to be an exciting remainder of the 2024 Formula One season, let’s reflect on some of the most memorable moments we’ve witnessed so far. With 14 races in the books, Max Verstappen has claimed victory in half of them, while six other drivers have also taken the top spot. 

One of the standout stories is Lando Norris, who secured his first Formula One victory with McLaren at the Miami Grand Prix. This win was a long time coming, as Norris made his F1 debut back in 2019. On the flip side of McLaren’s success is Oscar Piastri, who also claimed his first win this year at the Hungarian Grand Prix during his sophomore season on his 35th race start. However, this victory came with a cloud of controversy. Despite Norris starting on pole in Hungary, Piastri took the lead off the line, with Norris eventually finding himself behind his teammate after an intense battle with Verstappen. On lap 46, McLaren decided to pit Norris, reportedly “to cover Hamilton,” and two laps later, Piastri was also pitted, rejoining the track behind Norris. Race Engineer Will Joseph, then asked Norris to let Piastri pass, “at his convenience.”

For the next 20 laps, we heard a tense exchange between Norris and Joseph. At one point, Joseph even performed a radio check due to Norris’s lack of response, to which Norris replied that he could hear him loud and clear. As the laps ticked by, Norris refused to give up the lead, with Joseph becoming increasingly vocal. Norris later quipped, “Well, you should have boxed him first then, surely.” Norris even told Joseph to “tell him to catch up” as he extended his lead to over five seconds, making his point clear. Joseph continued to plea for Norris to yield to Piastri, but it wasn’t until lap 68 of 70 that Norris finally slowed down, allowing Piastri to pass and claim his first F1 win. This decision raises questions about whether McLaren’s strategy was sound or if they inadvertently sparked the beginnings of a team rivalry. Was Oscar Piastri’s first F1 victory tainted by these decisions? Should Norris have given up his spot? Did McLaren mishandle the situation, potentially affecting both drivers and the team as a whole?

Another significant winner this season is Charles Leclerc, who finally triumphed at his home race in Monaco, instantly becoming a Monegasque hero. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, also celebrated a victory, standing on the top step in Australia with Leclerc right behind him, securing a Ferrari one-two. Lewis Hamilton, notably, has made a triumphant return to the podium, securing two wins this season. His first win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix took place at his home track of Silverstone, an emotional moment as he crossed the finish line. However, more team controversy unfolded at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, one of the most historic tracks on the calendar, this time involving Mercedes. It initially appeared to be a George Russell victory due to a strategy decision to have Russell make only one stop. Hamilton, unaware of this plan, pitted twice, which kept him behind Russell for a second-place finish. That is until Russell was later disqualified for having an underweight car, promoting Hamilton to first place. Russell did secure one win this year at the Austrian Grand Prix after being in the right place at the right time following a collision between Verstappen and Norris.

Perhaps the biggest driver news in Formula One this year was leaked back in February, revealing that Lewis Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes at the end of this season to join Ferrari in 2025. This announcement sparked a flurry of driver changes up and down the grid, with seats still available at Mercedes, Alpine, RB Visa Cash App, and Sauber for the 2025 season, leaving several unanswered questions about who will be in and who will be out. It’s also important to note that several drivers have clauses in their contracts that could allow them to be released from their current teams, if either driver or team deem necessary.

Another major development came in early May, just before the Miami Grand Prix, when it was announced that Adrian Newey would be leaving Red Bull in the first quarter of 2025 after 19 years with the team. Rumors are swirling about whether Newey will take a well-deserved break or be snapped up by another team, with Ferrari and Aston Martin reportedly vying for his expertise. The question of where Newey will go—and whether Max Verstappen will follow him—is generating significant buzz, especially given McLaren’s strong performance this year. Just before the summer break, it was also announced that Andrea Seidl is out, and Mattia Binotto will be back on the grid with Audi, which took full ownership of the Sauber team earlier this year.

As we prepare for the next 10 races, starting with the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23-25, what surprises lie ahead? Will Max Verstappen secure his fourth Drivers’ Championship title? Can Red Bull maintain their lead in the Constructors’ Championship, or will teams like McLaren or Ferrari catch up? How many more drivers will reach the top step of the podium? And what changes, if any, will Red Bull or RB Visa Cash App make within their teams? What burning questions do you have as we enter the thrilling final stretch of the 2024 Formula One season?