Max Verstappen wins F1 title again as Lewis Hamitlon says goodbye to Mercedes

After nine months of thrilling racing action, the Formula One season finally came to a close at the weekend. Despite not being quite at the races compared to previous seasons, Max Verstappen fought off the rest of the grid to claim his fourth consecutive title.

But he faced stiff competition, with the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc running him close. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has driven his final race for Mercedes after 12 years – the British icon will be making the switch to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season.

F1 final standings 2024

Verstappen races to glory yet again

After winning 19 of the 22 races in the 2023 season, few could see anybody toppling Verstappen this year. But while the Red Bull driver ultimately secured a fourth title on the trot, it wasn’t as plain sailing as he’d have hoped.

This time around, Verstappen won just nine races and finished 63 points clear of his nearest challenger, compared to the 290-point triumph he recorded in the season prior. A combination of poor form, uncharacteristic mistakes and a much stronger field made the season a lot more competitive this time around.

Yet ultimately, Verstappen’s class prevailed and it goes to show just how formidable he is that he was able to go 10 races in a row without a win and still maintain top spot. The 27-year-old won two of the final four races – in Sau Paolo and Qatar – and sadly for his competitors, it’s likely he’ll learn from his mistakes and be even stronger when the new season gets underway in the spring.

Norris and Leclerc run Verstappen close

Having previously achieved a best-ever finish of sixth, Norris was the surprise package of the season and looked like he could be set for a shock win at one stage. Ultimately he finished as runner-up to Verstappen with four wins, including the final race in Abu Dhabi, and a phenomenal 13 podium finishes.

Leclerc also excelled, finishing 18 points shy of Norris, claiming three wins and 13 podium finishes as well. It wasn’t quite the Ferrari star’s best showing, after he finished second two years ago, but alongside Norris he provided strong competition for Verstappen.

It remains to be seen how Ferrari will prioritise their drivers next season, with Hamilton set to join as Leclerc’s teammate. Yet the experience of Hamilton alongside should only benefit his performances and he’ll be a contender to go all the way, as will Norris.

Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes

By the time the 2025 Formula One season gets underway, Hamilton will be 40 years old. Yet he’s always maintained that he’ll continue driving until he claims a record eighth title and his switch to Ferrari may give him a new lease of life.

He achieved six of his seven titles at Mercedes and will hold fond memories of his time with them – but it’s clear a change is needed following a stagnant few years. In fact, the 2024 season saw him achieve his lowest ever final position of seventh.

Hamilton did enjoy a mid-season resurgence this year, claiming top spot in the British Grand Prix and the Belgian Grand Prix. But his season ultimately fizzled out and he achieved just one podium finish in the final 10 races of the season.

Looking ahead to the 2025 F1 season

The 2024 Formula One season has barely ended but we’ve already got one eye on next year. The 2025 season gets underway in March, with Australia hosting the opening race for the first time since 2019.

All eyes will be on Melbourne on 16th March for the Australian Grand Prix, where Verstappen will be looking to win the race for the second time. As ever, the British Grand Prix coincides with the midway point of the season, with the 12th race of the year taking place on 6th July.

Meanwhile, the final race of the season takes place in 12 months’ time, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 7th December. At Engage, we offer hospitality at every single race on the calendar and you can join us in the best seats in the house for any race of your choice.

Whether you fancy a trip to Miami, Japan or Brazil, or you’d prefer to stay closer to home at Silverstone, enquire today to discuss the best package to suit your needs.

Alternatively, why not take advantage of our exclusive ROAM packages? As well as watching the racing action, you can make a weekend of it and enjoy luxury accommodation, food packages and plenty more at both the Italian Grand Prix and the Spanish Grand Prix.

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