Poll | What was the best off-track Formula 1 moment of 2024?
Red Bull Content Pool
F1 News
- Savannah Lenz
It's December 31st and the last day of 2024. After a crazy year, here at GPBlog, we would like to know what off-track moment you felt had the most impact on Formula 1?
Lewis Hamilton shocks the world with switch to Ferrari
Before the season even started, Hamilton shocked the world as a whole with his surprise announcement that he would be moving to Ferrari. This was a surprise as he had been racing with Mercedes for 11 years. Many F1 fans and drivers alike dream of driving for Scuderia Ferrari but Hamilton is making it happen. From 2025 onward, we will be seeing him in red.
Red Bull Racing lose key personnel: Newey, Wheatley leave
Red Bull had an eventful start to the year to say the least. As Christian Horner was first accused then later cleared of transgressive behaviour, there was a reported power struggle within the team. Jos Verstappen also frequently criticised the British team principal, and Helmut Marko was also on the edge of leaving, however, Verstappen underlined that he would also leave if the Austrian advisor was let go. Later, the departures of key figures were announced: Adrian Newey joins Aston Martin, while Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley will join Sauber.
Verstappen gets community service, Leclerc gets a fine
This year, the FIA tried to crack down on inappropriate language during press conferences. Verstappen was the first victim to receive community service to complete, after he said the word 'f*****' in Singapore. Later, Leclerc got a €10,000 fine in Mexico City, €5,000 of which could be waived if Leclerc did not break the rules again. Verstappen ended up completing his community service requirement in Rwanda before the FIA gala.
Russell and Verstappen at each other's throats
After a visit to the stewards, things heated up between the two drivers, with both taking to the media. Russell proclaimed Verstappen as a bully, and Verstappen called Russell two-faced. It eventually fizzled out, but not before providing entertainment for some of the other drives and the media. The other drivers were even in on a joke with the two as they orchestrated the seating plan for Russell to sit next to Verstappen during their end-of-the-season dinner. Russell refused to do that and instead ended up making himself a place elsewhere.
Vote for your favourite off-track moment below!
This article was written in collaboration with Jeroen Immink
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!