Top 10 moments of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

The Formula 1 season just ended with Max Verstappen conquering his fourth consecutive championship. Even with many ups and downs, this season will go down in history as a memorable one.

There were many moments that will stay in our minds until the 2025 season takes off in March for the Australian Grand Prix.

Let’s take a look at some of my, and hopefully yours, favorite moments of this season.

No 10. Special Liveries and Helmets

Starting off strong with some of the most expected things from each year: Liveries and Helmets. These season’s were not short of luxury and creativity.

Coming from a dark red mixed with black in 2023, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber went for a completely different route this year. The team brought the vibrant green – that looked almost like slime – making it impossible to not recognize it in the pit lane.

In relation to helmets, many could be highlighted in this article. However, Fernando Alonso’s Japanese Grand Prix stands out. It is truly a work of art.

Some others that stood out as well were Alex Albon’s China Grand Prix panda themed and Esteban Ocon’s Hungary Grand Prix helmets.

No 9. New season, new grid

This season, with many contracts ending, drivers were racing to prove to teams that they deserved a seat in 2025. As the scouting began, the lineup to next year’s grid was like a puzzle to be constructed.

Only three teams had their drivers set: Redbull, Aston Martin and McLaren. This opened many possibilities and changes were made.

The new grid will count with four “new faces” – Gabriel Bortoleto (current F2 champion), Jack Doohan, Ollie Bearman and Kimi Antonelli. Adding to that, Lewis Hamilton (Will be talked more further into the article), Ocon, Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg all switched teams.

The only seat that remains open is Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate. However, the rumors say that Liam Lawson will be the probable driver to fill that position.

No 8. Daniel Ricciardo out

Ricciardo went back to F1 after filling out for the Visa Cash App RB F1 team seat, still Alpha Tauri at the time, in 2023. He stayed with the team until the 2024 mid-season when he was dropped.

Even with the excitement of his fans after a not-so-great departure from McLaren, that was not enough to keep the Australian in the grid for long.

No 7. Alpine Podium

When I think of something unexpected in this season, this has to be number one. Alpine, a team that is not very known for impressive results, shocked all F1 fans by getting their two drivers together on a podium.

In Interlagos, following the lead of Verstappen, Ocon got the second position while Pierre Gasly went third. This showcased an extreme technical drive by both pilots that allowed them to take both trophies home.

No 6. Hamilton Drives Senna’s Car

One of the most emotional moments of the season was Hamilton driving Ayrton Senna’s car. The British driver has shown since the beginning of his career his appreciation for Senna’s legacy.

Hamilton could take a lap around the São Paulo track with tears in his eyes.

No 5. Home Sweet Home: Monaco

Charles Leclerc finally did it. The Monegasque won his home race after years and years of not performing well or being prejudiced by his team.

In an extremely difficult city track, Leclerc was able to handle the difficulties the best he potentially could. The Ferrari driver won in front of family and friends.

No 4. Drama!

F1 truly does not exist without the drama, which has been like that since its start. From Lando Norris and Verstappen, we ended the season just like it began.

The last one that boiled up after the Qatar Grand Prix was between George Rusell and Verstappen. This one seems like it will continue over to the next season. Many harsh claims were made on both sides, and it is definitely not looking good.

I will be waiting anxiously for the next season of Drive to Survive to see the behind-the-scenes on this.

No 3. McLaren’s Ascendance

With one of the youngest duos in the grid, McLaren turned around from the years of not-performing well to being contenders.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both got their maiden wins this season in Miami and Hungary, respectively.

After his win, Norris would go on to actually fight for the Drivers Championship against the back-to-back champion and friend Verstappen. The British driver got near his dream but wasn’t able to overcome the Dutch.

However, McLaren did ruin Red Bull’s plans on another sweep and won a well-deserved Constructors Championship. This was the first time since 1998 that the team was able to achieve it.

No 2. Hamilton’s Farewell from Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton made his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari. The driver signed a multi-year contract with the Italian team and will leave British soil.

Last week, with the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton got multiple celebrations and farewells. It almost felt like the seven-time world champion was retiring, as we haven’t seen any so emotional goodbyes even though he’s only moving to the next garage.

Hamilton spent 12 years of his career with the team, and it’ll be hard to get used to seeing him in red instead of the usual black or white Mercedes’ overalls.

No 1. Domination is over

Even though Verstappen did win the Driver’s Championship, it does look like the Red Bull domination might have ended. Unlike 2023, in which only three drivers won a GP, this season, this number went up by four. Sergio Perez's bad performances also did not help the team get back up the grid.

It was nice to see a race and not have to listen to the Dutch anthem every single time. Hopefully, the next season will bring even more excitement for the races and closer competition between the drivers.

Sofia Miranda is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email szc6483@psu.edu.