F1 2024 Season Review: McLaren’s Return to Glory and the Season That Changed Everything

In a sport known for domination and predictability, 2024 delivered a Formula 1 season that was anything but. From the opening lap in Bahrain to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi, this was a year of resurgence, redemption, and reshuffled expectations. It saw the continuation of Max Verstappen’s winning ways, but also the long-awaited revival of McLaren as a Constructors’ Championship force. A season of 24 races brought drama in every time zone — and when the dust finally settled, 2024 was already being called one of the most compelling seasons in modern F1 history.

 

Verstappen Claims a Fourth — But Not Without a Fight

Max Verstappen entered 2024 as the three-time reigning World Champion, and for the first third of the year, it looked as though he would coast to a fourth. Dominant wins in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, Imola, Canada, and Spain gave the impression of business as usual. The Red Bull RB20 was fast, reliable, and still exceptionally well-balanced in Verstappen’s hands.

But this time, there was a genuine threat brewing behind him.

 

McLaren’s Ascent from Contenders to Champions

McLaren’s MCL38 proved to be the story of the season. Visually stunning and aerodynamically efficient, it carried Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to a level of performance that hadn’t been seen from the Woking team in over two decades. The team built its campaign on consistency, clever tyre management, and a car that performed across all types of circuits.

Norris broke through for his maiden win in Miami, unleashing the celebrations of a fanbase that had waited too long. He followed that with a commanding drive in Abu Dhabi to close the season, bookending McLaren’s rise to the top. But it wasn’t just Norris — Oscar Piastri played a vital role, taking his first career win in Hungary and backing it up with regular podium finishes, clean defensive drives, and minimal errors.

By season’s end, McLaren had clinched the Constructors’ Championship — their first since 1998 — and established themselves as the team to beat heading into 2025.

 

Charles Leclerc Finally Conquers Monaco

For years, Monaco had teased Charles Leclerc. The Monégasque driver had always been fast around the Principality, but bad luck, mechanical issues, and strategic missteps had robbed him of a home win. In 2024, that finally changed.

In a commanding performance from pole, Leclerc converted his qualifying pace into a flawless win, keeping the likes of Norris and Verstappen at bay through every twist and turn of the iconic street circuit. The celebrations in Monte Carlo were emotional — not just for Leclerc, but for a Ferrari team that desperately needed a victory with their 2024 campaign floundering in the midfield.

 

George Russell and Mercedes Return to the Top Step

After a season of rebuilding in 2023, Mercedes came back stronger in 2024, and it was George Russell who led the charge. His standout performance came in Austria, where he controlled the race from start to finish, resisting late pressure from Verstappen and Piastri.

With the team betting big on young talent, Mercedes made the bold decision to promote Kimi Antonelli to a full-time race seat, and while his rookie year was a mix of highs and growing pains, the team’s long-term vision was beginning to take shape.

The season also marked the end of an era, as Lewis Hamilton completed his final season in silver before making the high-profile move to Ferrari for 2025. His victory at Silverstone — a record-extending ninth British Grand Prix win — was a poignant reminder of his enduring class.

 

Breakout Performances and Rookie Headlines

The 2024 season introduced a wave of fresh talent, none more impressive than Oliver Bearman. The young Brit filled in for Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia and delivered a stunning seventh-place finish on debut. His maturity under pressure and raw pace made him an instant fan favourite, and discussions of a permanent seat in 2025 quickly followed.

Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, experienced a true learning year. While his outright results didn’t always reflect his potential, there were flashes of brilliance — particularly in wet qualifying sessions and tight midfield battles. His composure improved race by race, and his fastest lap in Suzuka turned heads.

 

A Year of Redemption for Hamilton

After nearly two full seasons without a win, Lewis Hamilton returned to the top step at Silverstone. In front of a record-breaking home crowd, he put in a masterclass in race management and tyre preservation, holding off younger challengers with the kind of composure that has defined his career.

The win marked a high point in what was otherwise a season of transition. His farewell from Mercedes was emotional, but it also paved the way for a fresh chapter with Ferrari in 2025. That switch — already confirmed mid-season — became one of the most talked-about storylines in the paddock.

 

Red Bull Stumbles, But Remains Potent

Red Bull still ended the year with nine wins, and Verstappen was rarely outside the top three. But cracks did begin to show — both within the team and in their race-day execution. Sergio Pérez’s form was inconsistent, leading to speculation about his seat. Meanwhile, Verstappen often found himself in defensive mode rather than in control of races.

The team’s development appeared to stall midway through the season, while McLaren surged forward. By the time the championship moved to Las Vegas, Red Bull were no longer guaranteed favourites, and Verstappen’s title — although ultimately secured — came with more resistance than many expected.

 

Ferrari’s In-Between Year

Despite having arguably the strongest qualifying car in terms of raw pace, Ferrari’s race-day performance lagged behind their rivals. Charles Leclerc’s Monaco victory and several strong Saturday showings highlighted the car’s potential, but tyre wear and strategic misjudgements repeatedly cost the team points.

Carlos Sainz’s early-season win in Australia was a highlight — particularly given his recent surgery at the time — but by season’s end, Ferrari were locked in a tight battle for third in the Constructors’ standings. Leclerc showed his best form since 2022, but the team’s inconsistency remained a familiar frustration.

 

The Final Stretch: Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi Deliver the Drama

The penultimate race in Las Vegas saw a huge weekend for Mercedes. George Russell took victory ahead of Hamilton in a rare double podium that reasserted the team’s presence. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s quiet fifth place was enough to seal his fourth consecutive Drivers’ title, underlining just how consistent his season had been — even without always dominating.

In Abu Dhabi, all eyes turned to McLaren. With the Constructors’ title on the line, Norris delivered a perfect performance, taking the win and confirming McLaren as team champions for the first time since Mika Häkkinen’s era. Piastri struggled with contact and damage but managed to bring the car home, securing the final points needed. It was a fairytale ending to a season that few could have predicted.

 

2024 Final Standings: A Year That Redefined the Grid

Drivers’ Champion: Max Verstappen

Constructors’ Champion: McLaren

 

The final championship table reflected a major shift. McLaren outscored Red Bull, with Norris and Piastri both consistently on the podium. Verstappen remained an individual force, but the sport has clearly entered a more competitive phase. Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Aston Martin on occasion all played supporting roles in a season that reminded fans why they fell in love with F1 in the first place.

 

Looking Ahead to 2025

With new driver pairings, continued development of these aerodynamic platforms, and momentum swinging in new directions, the 2025 season promises to be even more closely fought. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Antonelli’s sophomore year, Red Bull’s response to McLaren’s rise, and Verstappen’s quest for a fifth crown — all the ingredients are in place for another unforgettable year.

But for now, 2024 stands as the season that brought McLaren back, challenged Red Bull’s grip on dominance, and lit the fuse for a new era in Formula 1.