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Debate | Which was the F1 'moment of the year' in the 2024 season?
The 2024 season was one that did not disappoint in F1. There were many battles on and off the track, a championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, and seven different drivers could win more than once this year. Which of the events below was the 'Moment of the Year' in F1? Vote below, and share your opinion in the comments section!
The contenders
Verstappen's statement win in Brazil:
With Lando Norris getting closer and closer in the standings, the Dutchman began Sunday with getting knocked out already in Q2 in the delayed qualifying session. Moreover, he also had to deal with a five-place engine penalty. Still, starting from P17 on the grid, Verstappen dominated during the day, and even after the red flag that did give him a free pit stop, he continued to set fastest laps. That victory all but mathematically secured the Red Bull driver's fourth title.
Hamilton breaks streak of no F1 victories:
Since the 2021 Saudi Arabia GP, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was winless in F1. The Briton's first victory with the current generation of cars came at Silverstone this season. In changeable conditions, Hamilton was always close to the front, and after the final pit stops, he could keep Verstappen behind, earning his 104th career victory in the competition. His next win came sooner, at Spa-Francorchamps.
Leclerc completes dream in Monaco:
The Monegasque driver's luck at his home Grand Prix was not the best to say the least. After many unfortunate weekends with crashes and bad strategies, Leclerc was ready to finally win on his streets for the first time, without even stepping on the podium before. The Ferrari driver was confident on the Saturday, and did not look back on the Sunday either. Making no mistakes at the two starts, Leclerc could keep Oscar Piastri behind. Later in 2024, he could also repeat just that in Monza, at Ferrari's home weekend as well.
Norris and Verstappen lock horns in Austria:
At the beginning of the season, it was still hard to imagine someone challenging Red Bull for the titles in the '24 season. Yet, in Miami, McLaren could show their great pace for the first time, and in Monaco, Ferrari also did the same. Still, coming off a victory in Spain and topping the Sprint in Austria, Max Verstappen was leading comfortably in Spielberg on the Sunday. That was the case until a slower pit stop and a lock-up by the Dutchman, and like that, Norris was right behind him. After many attempts, the two made contact, causing both to have punctures. Norris had to retire, while Verstappen received a penalty, but still earned important points finishing in P5.
The Russell-Verstappen 'war of words' in Qatar and Abu Dhabi:
During Qualifying for the Qatar GP, on a slow lap, Verstappen slowed down in front of Russell to leave space behind Fernando Alonso. Fans could hardly imagine that such moment could cause an avalanche in the paddock. Verstappen received a one-place grid penalty, and after winning in Qatar, he said he has lost respect for Russell. The Briton then responded in Abu Dhabi, and also did not sit next to him during the drivers' special dinner. This controversy dominated the headlines during the final weekends of the competition, together with the fight for the constructors' title.
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