The 2024 season was completely different compared with the previous two years. We have seen many dramas and controversies this year, from McLaren’s rear wing to Verstappen-Russell verbal smacks. Let's check out the biggest news that shook the F1 world this year.
Top 10 Biggest news in F1 2024
10. Christian Horner Scandal
The Red Bull team principal was accused of a sexual allegation by a Red Bull female employee for inappropriate behaviour. After the news came out,, everyone threw knives at him. Though the nature of the allegation is completely unknown, the British boss was cleared after an independent investigation concluded. Horner thanked his wife for her support and criticised his rivals for negatively framing him during the time of the investigation.
9. GM and Audi Enter Formula 1
The world’s biggest automakers, General Motors and Audi, have officially announced entering the Pinnacle sport in 2024. The German automaker announced buying the Sauber F1 team. Sauber will be renamed as Audi F1.
Another big giant entering the sport as the 11th team was General Motors. The team will join with Andretti Global and compete as the Cadillac F1 Team.
8. Max vs Media
2024 was the toughest year for Max Verstappen in many years. The British media and former F1 racers went on him, slamming the driver for his aggressive driving style, pushing other drivers to risk, rogue behaviour, and many more.
Max Verstappen accused the British media of being biased and were always against non-British drivers in Formula 1. After winning the historic race in Brazil, Verstappen took a dig at British media for running away to the airport because of his win. Sky Sports fired many journalists after his accusations.
7. McLaren Mini DRS
Formula 1 teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin raised an issue with the Formula 1 and FIA that McLaren used a Mini DRS during the race. The rear wing of the McLaren car was caught opening slightly during an onboard video of Oscar Piastri’s car at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The rear wing was bending slightly, opening a small gap, helping him defend his pole position against incoming Charles Leclerc without opening any DRS. The FIA took action against McLaren, telling them to change the rear wing design so that it doesn't bend on the straights.
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6. Swearing over the radio
FIA introduced new rules for fining F1 drivers for swearing over the radio or anywhere inside the F1 paddock. F1 drivers vent their frustration over the radio during the heat of the moment. Stopping from swearing made it a Driver vs. FIA battle.
Max Verstappen was slammed with community service for swearing at the Singapore GP press conference. To protest this, he gave single answers during the F1 press conference and even conducted his own press conference outside the room.
5. Daniel Ricciardo Sacking
Veteran Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo was fired midway through the season after the Singapore Grand prix for his poor form and was replaced by Liam Lawson. The Australian driver wasn't happy about that and were his fans. Many slammed Red Bull Management for mistreating one of the best drivers in Formula 1. Daniel Ricciardo did one final fastest lap in Singapore, helping his former teammate Max Verstappen, and left Formula 1.
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4. Max Verstappen vs George Russell
The biggest driver fight this year was between Max Verstappen and George Russell. The two drivers fired at each other during the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying, where Russell accused Verstappen of allegedly blocking his way by running slowly.
Max was given a one-place grid penalty after the two came out of the steward's room. But the biggest fight happened after that when Max slammed Russell for framing him negatively in the steward's room. Russell accused Max of threatening to crash deliberately during the race. The fight even continued in Abu Dhabi, where the British driver refused to sit beside the Dutchman.
3. Adrian Newey out of Red Bull
Formula 1's greatest car designer, Adrian Newey, announced that he will exit Red Bull and join Aston Martin in the 2025 season. The man behind many iconic Formula 1 cars and championships will now work for Alonso and Lance Stroll. The deal was very big and will join the team as a managing technical partner with some shares in the Aston Martin brand. Losing Adrian Newey was the biggest loss for Red Bull in many years.
ALSO WATCH: Oscar Piastri takes a dig at Virat Kohli for shoulder bumping Sam Konstas at MCG
2. McLaren win after 26 years
The iconic British racing team won the constructors championship after 26 years. Since the 1998 season, McLaren hasn't won the constructors title despite winning the drivers championship with Lewis Hamilton in 2008. It all ended this year as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri gave them their long-awaited triumph in Formula 1.
1. Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari
2024’s biggest news was the 7-time world champion announcement of joining the Ferrari team from the 2025 season. The legendary driver parted ways with Mercedes after winning 6 world titles and 8 constructors championships for them.
The move was the biggest deal in F1 history, as Ferrari shares skyrocketed up to 6% in a single day, bringing them a billion dollars. Next year will be the most exciting season in F1 as we will see Hamilton in a red racing suit for the first time in his career.
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